The first noteworthy thing about this episode is how the situation is beginning to highlight the group dynamics. There's been some sporadic tension, most notably between Tai and Matt in "Garurumon", but for the most part the show has been sticking to a routine instead of having these kids deal with their predicament in a thoughtful manner. This episode, until the end, isn't preoccupied with some danger of the week, instead opting to have the kids simply try to adapt to their circumstances.
The campfire dinner scene has a refreshing feeling of safety and relief, and unlike in, say, "Garurumon" or "The Birth of Greymon", there's an actual sense that they are trying to make the best of everything. That being said, I kind of wish more effort was devoted to emphasizing that these guys are aware that they are lost in a strange land with only each other to depend on. Take Sora, for instance. She tries to lighten the mood when everyone becomes homesick and breaks up the argument between Tai, Matt and Joe. This role, as the emotional center of the group, shows up occasionally but is never fully capitalized on, which is a shame because it would have brought much needed momentum to the group dynamics.
The best material concerns Joe and Gomamon. Up until now, it would be easy to construe the former as the awkward bookworm that simply lacks the grit of the stronger characters, but this episode brings a different perspective. His concern for everyone's safety and sense of responsibility steadily grow more apparent (as does his irritation with the fact that no one seems to take him seriously), and it's hard not to root for him as he goes to great lengths to live up to these. In one swift stroke, Joe has gone from being the nuisance in the background complaining about everything to the most fleshed out and promising character in the group. His relationship with Gomamon is, in my opinion, developed better than the other human/digimon ones, with the two of them initially being at odds and Gomamon making excuses to cover up his concern for Joe's safety. I was happy to see them establish a rapport at the end. This double act will remain successful (and funny) for the rest of the series.
The end fight between Unimon and the champion digimon is great, with lots of swift maneuvers and cool moments. Maybe it's because she doesn't get much opportunity to be useful, but I really like when Birdramon slams the flying horse against the cliff side. Unimon doesn't seem too intimidating at first, but that vicious toothed maw and his flying speed change that quickly. As for Ikakkumon himself...he's a large, white-furred walrus with a replicating horn that houses missiles. You won't find anything like that in other cartoons.
The campfire dinner scene has a refreshing feeling of safety and relief, and unlike in, say, "Garurumon" or "The Birth of Greymon", there's an actual sense that they are trying to make the best of everything. That being said, I kind of wish more effort was devoted to emphasizing that these guys are aware that they are lost in a strange land with only each other to depend on. Take Sora, for instance. She tries to lighten the mood when everyone becomes homesick and breaks up the argument between Tai, Matt and Joe. This role, as the emotional center of the group, shows up occasionally but is never fully capitalized on, which is a shame because it would have brought much needed momentum to the group dynamics.
The best material concerns Joe and Gomamon. Up until now, it would be easy to construe the former as the awkward bookworm that simply lacks the grit of the stronger characters, but this episode brings a different perspective. His concern for everyone's safety and sense of responsibility steadily grow more apparent (as does his irritation with the fact that no one seems to take him seriously), and it's hard not to root for him as he goes to great lengths to live up to these. In one swift stroke, Joe has gone from being the nuisance in the background complaining about everything to the most fleshed out and promising character in the group. His relationship with Gomamon is, in my opinion, developed better than the other human/digimon ones, with the two of them initially being at odds and Gomamon making excuses to cover up his concern for Joe's safety. I was happy to see them establish a rapport at the end. This double act will remain successful (and funny) for the rest of the series.
The end fight between Unimon and the champion digimon is great, with lots of swift maneuvers and cool moments. Maybe it's because she doesn't get much opportunity to be useful, but I really like when Birdramon slams the flying horse against the cliff side. Unimon doesn't seem too intimidating at first, but that vicious toothed maw and his flying speed change that quickly. As for Ikakkumon himself...he's a large, white-furred walrus with a replicating horn that houses missiles. You won't find anything like that in other cartoons.
