A. R. Pulver (@arpulver.bsky.social)

Digimon Beatbreak #11 Quick Reaction In this episode, Tomoro and Gekkomon’s dysfunction resurfaces at the worst possible moment- right after their last teammate got their big evolution. If you’re wondering why it’s episode eleven and the protagonist Digimon hasn’t evolved yet, here’s a good reminder. After Makoto and Chiropmon made their big breakthrough last time, there’s something delightfully meta about turning the spotlight back to Tomoro and Gekkomon and asking “so what’s the holdup here?” They’ve formed an effective partnership over the last few episodes with only minor annoyances between them, but they haven’t yet hit the highs Makoto described during Chiropmon’s turn. It comes at a time when the show delivers a few things that were due to happen, but the absence of one of the most anticipated events adds interesting wrinkles to what could have felt obligatory. At the same time, putting up with Tomoro and Gekkomon arguing again is annoying. Tomoro is especially sensitive to Gekkomon’s usual nonsense—eating his pay, not sitting still, general property damage—and Gekkomon making himself the center of attention after a few relatively quiet episodes seems sudden and aggravating. Tomoro has an excuse: with Asuka’s birthday coming up he’d appreciate some quiet reflection time and he’s still clearly a little raw about the link between Gekkomon’s appearance and his brother’s fall. It’s harder to tolerate Gekkomon’s behavior. While he wants to be involved in Tomoro processing his grief, that’s such a big ask and his refusal to take a hint, and subsequent tantrum, doesn’t garner much sympathy. As they respond to Raremon’s attack, including a triple evolution sequence from Reina, Makoto, and Kyo that feels like rubbing salt in a wound, the animosity bubbles over and escalates, leading to Tomoro saying some terrible things and driving Gekkomon feral. Well, feral-er. Turns out Gekkomon losing his mind was exactly what the rest of the story developments needed. It’s about time some of these Five Star members started introducing themselves, but big violent guy with big violent Digimon isn’t all that compelling on its own. Kaito and his solution to the Raremon problem are exactly what you’d expect from this group. And given Kyo’s connections, his status as a former Five Star isn’t too surprising (granted, it’s hard to envision any twist involving Kyo that could be considered shocking). But Gekkomon bursting in when the grown-ups were talking provides the kind of explosive resolution that scene needed. Kaito was about to disappoint everyone and walk away from a fight with Kyo that he started. As much as we struggle with Gekkomon this episode, him re-igniting that powder keg earned him a serious dose of Finding Out and turned a tepid rivalry story into something with actual consequences. Initial Grade: B+ https://firstagent.tumblr.com/post/802949171191627776/digimon-beatbreak-11-quick-reaction