Pyrith

I am frustrated about certain parts of gozyuger’s story but Rikuo has always acted realistically when it comes to Rei. It becomes so obvious how little people understand abuse when they watch a story about it.

Rikuo still loving Rei, Rikuo feeling like it’s his fault, Rikuo taking the blame for Rei’s actions, Rikuo not telling Sumino, Rikuo wanting to save Rei, and Rikuo not wanting to kill him; now you won’t believe this but these are normal feelings for abuse victims to have.

I admit I’ve had a hard time with his story because of how it handles Sumino. That’s a part of my overall frustration with women getting sidelined in toei toku. It’s critique not against Rikuo’s story or Rei’s character but a bigger issue spanning beyond those two.

Rikuo is well-written and well-acted. As is Rei. Comments like “REI NEEDS TO DIE” are fine. But comments that keep insisting that Rikuo should kill him are completely missing the mark.

This is a show aimed at kids and I feel that Rikuo’s and Rei’s situation is portrayed in a way that kids can understand. But apparently I’m wrong about that since adult fans can’t stop being mad that Rei lived.