Ep 5. Ladies and Gentlemen: The Beetlemon

In Digimon Frontier season 4 episode 5 titled Ladies and Gentlemen: The Beetlemon, the group of human children who can transform into Digimon navigate a new challenge. After gaining new abilities in the previous episode, a mysterious force is drawing them towards a new threat. A foggy area makes it difficult to traverse the terrain and, after a hair-raising ride on a cable car, the gang meets a group of Beetlemon who are on guard, claiming to be protecting something.

The Beetlemon hail from an ancient civilization deep underground who once thrived in peace. These Beetlemon, however, are tasked with protecting the artifact that once granted prosperity to their people. The group learn that the beetle Digimon are not only tough but intelligent and sophisticated creatures. The children are quick to see that these Digimons are not their enemies and wish to help these honorable creatures protect their treasure.

But, before they could get to understand one another, a swarm of Flymon appears. Flymon are bird-like insects that like to climb atop the trees and attack their targets from above. Beetlemon and Human Digimon band together to fend off the offenders, revealing the power and strength these beetle creatures possess. Eventually, the Flymon are defeated, and a mutual respect is formed amongst both sides, opening the way for a friendship.

The artifact they're guarding indeed proves to be a vital tool. It's capable of not only producing the energy that revives another old city but also has the potential to drive the Digimon transformation to a new level. The kids need the energy to maintain their new power, and the Beetlemon offers their help.

With the artifact, the team heads to the ancient city, which is in ruins, to recharge their Digimon powers. They quickly find that all is not well in the city. Once they arrive, they see that it seems the media has been taken over by the virus to expand its empire. The kids re-engage in the fight, knowing that the good-hearted Digimon needs their help.

The virus has set up a system where itself observes and scrutinizes every move of the good-hearted Digimon, using its powers to control and manipulate the Digimon. It turns creatures against each other, and in some cases, even causing some Digimon to be destroyed. The media creates a new monster each day to defeat the Digimon as they destroy each monster to protect themselves. The media seems endless, setting ever more daunting challenges for the Dignom. The kids and Digimon must come to terms with these challenges and overcome them.

This episode of Digimon Frontier season 4 delivers solid character development and a strong plot that keeps the viewer engaged. Encountering the Beetlemon is like meeting old friends. Their integrity, strength, and wisdom are values that inspire the Digimon squad to value their friendship. Emblematic of a strong season, this episode provides a healthy mix of battling and commentary on themes like friendship and the value of inner strength.