I finished Zyuranger last night. Here's the short version of my reactions:

- Bandora is a great villain that was consistently entertaining the whole series.
- the fantasy elements of Zyuranger's plot are solid and a net positive.
- rescuing children every week feels retro, but ultimately I don't like it as much as more generalized tokusatsu evil plots.
- the Zyuranger cast are decent actors, but their characters were written too blandly and ultimately are just okay.
- I think the suits and mecha look fabulous, but that might be informed by some of my MMPR nostalgia.
- the opening theme song is pretty great, but the ending theme song is goofy and the video with it doesn't make any goddamn sense.

After this I'm going to watch some more Kamen Rider (finished OOO, around episode 30 in Fourze and episode 15 in Gaim) and maybe pick up Gingaman or Abaranger again (around episode 35 for Gingaman and episode 18-20 in Abaranger). And I need to write some more toku reviews on my blog, which hasn't had an update in almost two months (eep!).

Most of the Sentai I've seen kind of lets one or two with the less focus, but for a three member team initially, I felt they definitely could've done more with them. Sure, the villain focus kind of compromises that and it goes for something different, and I absolutely loved how the villains were growing along side the heroes, but still, Sentai's a franchise all about the heroes still; it's categorized as a superhero show, it was just kind of annoying for me for Ran and Retsu to just be basically "dedicated" students and get development which basically just already shows the qualities that they have.

Their likable personalities really did help however, even Gou and Ken with their opposite dynamic help make it a well rounded team.

Also, I dunno about the proving "Yes, Sentai can actually be good." part lol. There's been better Sentai in the 2000's and before.

I disagree. I think it was more after Gokaiger that it happened. Shinkenger was so different culturally, aesthetically and thematically, and it took risks like the infamous ending arc. It's more when Asahi and Toei decided that the gimmicks should more so dictate the show when it happend.

It's problematic, and it does kind of suck that they didn't get the development they should have.
I guess I'm not impartial, since I found Gekiranger sticking a lot closer to the story from the 2nd quarter onward a lot more interesting than a series of vignettes with a final dramatic story during the last 10 episodes, so I'm willing to forgive Retsu and Ran's lesser impact.

I really haven't been able to find any. The big hitters of Jetman and Liveman were only average (Livemen being so average I didn't care to finish it), while the other 2000s Sentai I've been graced to watch were Shinkenger, Goseiger, Dekaranger, Boukenger, and Magiranger, because I make good choices like that (Since I apparently danced around the good ones :lol)

Gekiranger proved to me that Sentai wasn't a waste of time. Where things happen that's worth listening to because the plot was actually more important than the fight scenes, and even early on you could see the characters growing from their initial one note traits.
You don't have to agree with me or even like Gekiranger, but after suffering through Shinkenger and about half of Boukenger (I dare someone to find a blander team), Gekiranger set a mile marker that no series has yet reached for me~

Well it really just comes down to an opinion on this part lol. We all find that one series that sticks to our hearts better than any show, and for you that seems like Gekiranger. I just think there are better shows that have done more for me in that decade.

Also, I found the Gekiranger cast to be quite blander than the Boukenger cast personally :p

If you found Geki's cast to be bland, then I think our best option is medically induced coma. One day we can save you! :p

Shinkenger was definitely part of the safe zone. They were getting new mechs like every 2-3 episodes. Dokoku did absolutely nothing for 40 episodes and he didn't build as a character at all. Yes, they did something with Dayuu, but it was like 4 episodes worth of the entire show. Juuzo even got nerfed into generic goon when the eel dude showed up.

The rangers never felt like they were in any true danger because there was always a mech around the corner to save them.

They weren't bland, but I wouldn't say they were among the best either.

I liked Gekiranger's cast for most of the run of the show, but they were rendered useless for the final arc. Gou's special attack that he learned just to take down Rio ends up not even denting him. Ultimately I think Gekiranger's cast is average other than Jan, who's an interesting take on a Red, even if the show gives a little too much shine to Red.

Rio and Mele, though, are two of the best Sentai villains ever and I love both of them. Long is a good final boss, but really the key bad guys of the show are Rio and Mele. Absolutely top-notch.

It doesn't? I thought it was about the Zyurangers trying way too hard to fit into modern society.

I buy that to a point, with Boi's dagger-influenced batting stance and Goushi learning to ride a bicycle, but the video is totally bizarre. Geki and Dan's facial expressions, Mei in a wedding dress being chased around, and the goofy lyrics - I think the video is bonkers.

So after classes today I decided to head out onto the interwebs and find Zyuohger subbed and boy did I search but since then Ive watched the first couple episodes. (Watching Episode 3 while writing this) And I've noticed a few things.

-First: Theres a very big Protect the animals because were all connected type of element so far
-Second: Those suits are Rad as all get out and the Mecha while it took a second to grow that combination footage sold me.
-Third: The morpher/Changer is both a phone and not a phone...not sure how i feel about a Rubix Phone
-Finally Am I the only one that noticed that the only human on the team has a weapon that doubles as a bladed whip almost as if hes an animal tamer?

Just some things I've noticed I figured I would give as ideas to talk about.

It's not really heavy handed in any sort of environmentalism theme, so don't worry.
Their changer is something that's just...There. I'm not a fan of it, but I've adjusted to it.

The first 11 episodes to Zyuohger were pretty solid. After that, the series has fallen into the hole of mediocrity because it has just become another Sentai show.

I thought the last few episodes have been better than average, because Zyuoh The World's introduction has mostly been a fun infusion of action and comedy. I'm also *mostly* optimistic about the show going forward, because I think there's gonna be a villain shakeup soon. Genis's recent behavior feels like foreshadowing to me.

But I agree that the episodes in the teens were a little on the weak side. Not much terribly interesting as far as Sentai plots go, even though I'm still enjoying the characters. Yamato is the least-obnoxious Red since Captain Marvelous, and I really like Amu (she's the cute one AND the sensible one!).

Aside from Zyuohger I've been watching a bit of Abaranger. Last night I finished episode 29, and, uh... Abarekiller is still evil. I know he's eventually the group's sixth ranger (or, fifth ranger?) thanks to Gokaiger, but he's staying evil a REMARKABLY long time. Definitely enjoying the show; its tone is alternately serious and silly. It goes more absurd places than Dekaranger or Gekiranger, that's for sure.

I disagree, since The World's switch, he brings something different to the table that not many Sentai 6ths tend to.

Things have gotten better in the last two episodes with The World's comedy antics, but I'm bored with the Deathgaliens. It's time to actually develop them or replace Genius with someone that has a personality. Azald is the only one who has actually done anything. I'm not even sure why Naria is there other than them needing a female villain because she is as generic as they get.

Well, it's almost time for the Annual "New General for the Villains" debut.

I'm agree and... not agree at the same time XD

While i enjoyed pretty much every episodes so far, it's true that episode 11 was the last time the show had a plot. Now it's just *instert one of the Zyuohger name* fight against the MOTD and learn something. Even The World's arc added nothing to the story. I mean, he is just a random human brainwashed by Genis so it have nothing to do with the 6th Cube, or with Zyuland. But still, most of the episodes were pretty good IMO.

Heaven forbid Dobustsu Sentai Zyuohger resemble a Sentai show! What a stunning offence. ;)

I actually find Zyuohger's classic take on Sentai refreshing. After half a decade of installments based on genre subversion and/or nostalgic pastiche, it's nice to have a straight-forward series this year.

I'm hoping we get some interesting twists as the show goes on, but I'm fine with the show playing it safe right now. Anyway, it's pretty standard for the pace to feel a little sluggish around this time of year.

I'd say that's why the Yumajuu arc of Goseiger was the most chastised. Since it was a complete villain team shift with only Buredoran sticking by in the "Post-6th Lull" it was more noticeable than other years where there was only 1 team of baddies the whole year.

I didn't say I don't want it to resemble a Sentai show, but I want some actual plot and development for the villains. Right now, the villains could just be Lego blocks hopping around and it wouldn't make any difference to the story of the show.

I do think it is the best series since Gokaiger, the ranger cast is likable, the music is great, but like I said, the villains are so damn boooooooooooooring.

I'm tired of safe though. They have been playing it safe for years now. It's time Toei get our from underneath the desk and actually do something entirely new. Shake up the status quo. Start with a five man team and have two of them either die or lose their abilities halfway through the show and the rest of the series has the rangers struggling due to the loss of two team members. Have the villains win in the first half and then the second half is spent on the rangers having to win back. Have a series where there is no extra ranger.

Nevertheless, there is no excuse for the show to feel sluggish at this point. If they could keep the show constantly fresh with the likes of Dairanger and Kakuranger, there is no reason for it to not do so now.

But that's Dairanger and Kakuranger. The style and writing of Sentai has changed from that era to this one, and isn't each series different too?

I disagree. It shouldn't matter what era it is from, they can still keep things fresh.

I dunno. Dairanger had it's moments where things seemed to drag (Basically, the episodes after Kou's introduction, but before Kou's story line started, where he didn't appear at all, seemed to be like filler)

That's also subjective, I know people who still enjoy and think Zyuohger's pretty fresh and creative, and people who find Dai and Kaku flat and boring.

So, after eight long years, I've decided to finally watch Go-Onger in full.

What an underrated show, wow I'm enjoying the hell out of it. Comedy's fun, the action and suit acting is entertaining, the characters are "likable" and it just keeps me interested through out.

Dai added more mythology to the Kujaku arc, Jin was introduced, there weren't any Monsters of the Week at all for the Kiba Ranger arc, etc.

Kaku had the episode where Sasuke was being chased by the Flower Konoichi Group and there was no MotW in that episode. Then we had the rangers having to split up to find their upgrades.

Whether or not someone likes those shows is irrelevant, the point is they were breaking the formula at this point.

Just watch Zyuohger episode 11.

Why on Earth didn't they take Kaixabird's cube before going to help Yamato? It would have taken an extra 5 seconds at most. Run over, grab it, then run to help Yamato. It's not like they're in a rush, since they moseyed on over to him when they arrived.

The rest of the episode was cool, though Yamato trying to take on GIFT alone was kind of dumb.

You'd think that a modern show would drag LESS than an older show.

Stupid plan, but Yamato has a lot of heart~

And yeah, that was kind of a point that was head tilting. I have no idea why they didn't grab it...

They could have at least made it so that it was harder to grab. Like, in a tree or something. Or a lot closer to Mr bird

Ohranger; how I've been meaning to start you for a while now. With the DVD set coming out later this year I thought it was time I gave the show a viewing. Why not wait? Because while I will gladly support most Sentai releases SHOUT! does, it is hard to decide if I want to buy a set when I haven't seen the show. So here we are.

Episode one is honestly one of the best first episodes I've ever seen in any Sentai. It's action packed and thus is an episode that you not only want to keep watching, but makes you energized to watch the next. Baranoia is introduced pretty well and I really enjoyed their clear cut demands of the UA/Earth. It was a bit humorous that they sent so many footsoldiers, aircraft, walkers, and a tank after Shohei, Momo, Yuji, and Juri. At the same time though it was rather interesting seeing them throw so much of their forces into trying to conquer, or at least defeat this small set of humans before they become Ohrangers. Goro was plain great to watch and was pretty boss like once he transformed and started fighting. If I had any complaint it would be that the episode needed more of Miyauchi.

Overall I thought it was a really good opening episode. How much am I going to watch? My usual rule is watch the first five to see if a Sentai can hold my attention to keep watching. If Ohranger does then I think I'll watch (at that point) 6-10 before calling it a break for the time being.

Watch the first 8 episodes and then skip to 44. :lol Oh, but watch episode 32 because it is the best episode of the series.

Giant robot basketball episode? Because I have to see that in full an not just in GIFs :lol

No, episode 32 has nothing to do with basketball. Episode 32 is like a horror movie in the Ohranger universe.

If Giant Robot Basketball is appealing to you, you may yet enjoy the whole series! :lol

I think Ohranger gets a lot of undue hate, likely because it's sandwiched between two uber-classic seasons (Kakuranger and Carranger).

Are a lot of the most common criticisms correct? Sure. The post-episode 8 retool brings with it a lot of obnoxious juvenalia, the characters are mostly cardboard cutouts throughout, and the villains are only intermittently threatening. But the first 8 episodes and the finale arc (and pretty much any episode written by Sugimura, including the fabled episode 32) are among my favorite episodes of the whole franchise, and even the goofiest filler episodes have some inspired moments of outright surrealism.

Ohranger is absolutely worth your time, if you liked episode one and aren't totally turned off by surreal sentai goofiness. I would recommend you support the official release, though.

Sentai goofiness isn't a bad thing. Soccer Sentai Tokyo Kiryoku Bombers happened (I think that was the name :lol)

My only problem is when the show itself is too absorbed in it's own goofiness (It's why I had a hard time really getting into Go-Onger).
I haven't seen Ohranger, so I can't really comment on it, though.

Finally watched Ninninger Returns.

It got off to a slow (and often bizarre) start, but it actually wasn't that bad. One of the more memorable Returns movies if you ask me.

There was a Ninninger Returns movie too? Man, why don't they start doing those for the good Sentai shows?

Because they've been pretty much an annual thing for the last six years? It isn't like they jumped back to do it specifically.

I only remember there being ones for Kyoryuger, Dekaranger, and Hurricanger.