The problem here is that the PR version not only greatly reduces the conflict (there is a huge difference between the leader's younger brother and the servant's substitute son), but also misses the very essence of the show. Shinkeger follows the spirit of the 1962 film "Harakiri": admiring the samurai spirit, he shows how the rigidity of tradition breaks human destinies. In Samurai, everything comes down to friendship, albeit initially imposed. And in general, where Shinkenger showed the characters wandering in search of their path, Samurai constantly turns to the trope. The connection between Decker and Naiyu is an example of this.
Plus, many did not like how Jason cut the grown final boss with a sword.

Cultural differences probably would've had to affect the adaption. Ryunosuke used to be a kabuki, which of course doesn't exist in America or benefit from pop culture relevance like a samurai or ninja. I presume this is the same reason for the simplification of the Shibas' hierarchy, as a shadow samurai is another unfamiliar term. But yeah, for those who want an authentic modern Jidaigeki experience, I can see how Shinkenger would have an edge over Samurai. Although the plot with Deker, Dayu and Serrator seems to be received more favorably than other parts of Samurai. It'll be interesting to remember how Shinkenger handled that.

I have finished my Gekiranger rewatch last night and I love this show even more than I already do from the first time I saw it a few years ago and for funsies, I even revisited the crossover movie between Go-Onger and Gekiranger not long after and said crossover film is still pretty solid even more so under far better English subtitles than the ones I was unfortunately stuck with the first time I watched it. Sentai-wise, I am planning to rewatch Fiveman next via my copy of the series on DVD as released by Shout Factory and then Abaranger through the same way and eventually GoGo Five, Dairanger, Zyuranger, and Kakuranger also through that. I am also planning to rewatch ToQger and then Kiramager before finally jumping into Zenkaiger for the first time. May or may not do an updated overall Sentai rankings list soon.

Ah, Zenkaiger. I have nothing but respect for the people who worked on that show because it was the 45th anniversary show that was made and aired during the pandemic and they tried to work around their situation by having one human ranger and the rest being humanoid robots modeled after previous Sentai robots, specifically Daizyujin, Gaoking, Magiking, and Daibouken.
I also think it was a subtle celebration of the first Super Sentai Dream Team from the Gaoranger VS Super Sentai movie through the palette they had for the team. This is because the first dream team had Big One pretty much leading Red Falcon, Mega Pink, Ginga Blue, and Go Yellow.
The show turned out decent, I think, given their circumstances.

It's always nice to see others glazing Gekiranger. It's such a great show that just floundered in Japan.

As for Zenkaiger, it's okay. It's definitely a lot of fun, but there's a certain point where you get the feeling that the plot should be advancing, but it just...Isn't, and instead it insists on just keeping the gears turning, cramming way too much into the final few episodes.

In fact, despite the pandemic, Zenkaiger somehow manages to look like a fairly large-scale and massive show. Although, perhaps this is because in subsequent seasons, Toei began to economize on extras.

I suppose if you wanted to, you could also consider this a tribute to pre-Zyu Sentai, where the last episodes would pop up with unexpected twists and the situation would suddenly take on an apocalyptic character, but would be resolved in literally 10 minutes. In any case, deciding the fate of the multiverse via Rock-Paper-Scissors is definitely bold and unexpected.

That's a lot of rewatches. Good luck. My rankings for Heisei Red, Blue and Pink will also need updating at some point, probably after Shinkenger.

And yet you put it at the bottom of your Reiwa Ranking. What do you think it could've done better? For me, I wanted to see all the Gears used in the Geartlinger at least once, like Gekiranger and Go-Onger which were only used in the Geardalinger.

For sure, Gekiranger is a wonderful show about self-refinement. Now if only we can get some glaze for other underrated shows like Goseiger and Zyuohger.

I see what you did there.

The name translates to Full Force Ranger after all, so they can't do anything halfheartedly. I think them celebrating the 45th anniversary worked out for the best, since Kiramager trying to do it in 2020 would've been doomed from the start by the problem of real life.

Yeah, I guess the reason I put it at the bottom of my list is because it has more to do with the other shows just seemed to have excelled more in comparison as I was putting the list together.

Boonboomger: I don't know, I just love the suit designs and feels like the most Super Sentai show for me since Kiramager from the Reiwa era shows so far. Mighty Revvin' Tire Rangers FTW. :rock: :lolol
King-Ohger: An epic show which feels more like a Shonen Jump epic than a typical Super Sentai show chock full of innovations but felt like it lacked the classic Super Sentai-ness for a lack of better words.
Kiramager: My golden standard for the Reiwa era due to how standard it was.
Donbrothers: It feels more like a live-action adaptation of a fun and zany manga that happens to have Super Sentai elements than a Super Sentai show. Still, a good show, no doubt about that, and Inoue's best show so far in his career, I think.

Now, how could've Zenkaiger been better? Bring back FREAKIN' Burai! :lolol
Just kidding. Real talk, I think had it been able to provide more of that anniversary show flair under better circumstances? Given how low-key Zyuohger was, I anticipated Gokaiger levels of a flashier show, but like we all know, they had limitations, and it's sad Zenkaiger wasn't able to do more than it could've probably is my answer. But like I stated, being at the bottom doesn't mean it's burning-canine-feces-in-a-paper-bag levels of crappiness, just that the other shows excelled more as I was placing them. :lolol
Regardless of where it stands the show gets my respect for keeping the gears going. Just that I love the WRC uniform-wearing car sentai team and the F1 ranger more out of personal preference, even if their helmet visors are tires. And let's not forget that Boonboomger has tons of car-related puns and tributes, including Vin Diesel. :lolol

He would look pretty good standing next to Super Zenkaizer. May as well bring back Time Fire for Super Twokaizer as well.

*gasp* Sign me up, coach. :rock:

Started my rewatch of Fiveman last night via my copy of the series on DVD as released by Shout Factory.

This is a funny series. I also want to rewatch it sometime.

Im gonna start Shinkenger

Has one of the best first episodes, I'll say that much.

For my rewatch, I accidentally ended up watching Director's Cut for the first 2 episodes, so it's cool how I'm still getting new content I didn't know existed. It's also with Over-Time subs and their overly intelligible translation of "chanchanbara chanbara" has me confused.

To be perfectly honest, I thought Shinkenger is definitely more enjoyable in my second go-around with the series because of Over-Time’s work with the Fansubs. Even gave me a better appreciation for the show too.

Pretty sure I have TV-NIHON subs of Shinkenger

This is a good show.

Not having such a profound effect on me so far, but I'll admit that Scriptomancy is a pretty cool word.

A totally valid choice as well.

Just started watching Gekiranger! On episode 5 now

A show that starts with the main character fighting a panda is definitely worth watching.

Nice, hope you enjoy the rest of the show. It's a nice ode to kung-fu movies. :rock:

Ah, yes. :lolol

I actually rewatched Gekiranger in its entirety not too long ago, funnily enough. Anyway, I am now down to the final 12 episodes of my Fiveman rewatch via my copy of Shout Factory's DVD series set.

Finished up Kyoryuger! Simple, but quite fun.

This is a very cartoony show, like, the kind of show that doesn't hesitate to throw in a comedic spring sound effect into a dramatic scene. Add Sakamoto's wild choreography into the mix and it certainly made for a high energy experience that doesn't care about realism one bit. I think this extends to the characters too, the cast doesn't get particularly complex arcs or anything, but generally make for a fun team. Utchy ended up becoming my favorite, just because he tended to have more detailed interactions with the other team members and some strong character moments. That, and he was adorable. The episodes were generally fun, and I think the show did particularly well when it leaned into the comedic side of things, like the episode with the monster that kept putting everyone into different movie genres. I'm not sure Riku Sanjo really took advantage of writing every single episode in this one. It was consistent and felt like it wrapped up the various narrative threads nicely, but it probably could have done more, you know? Um, besides that, I think Carnival is a fun powerup form (how have I not seen a Sentai show let one of the Rangers get customized like their mecha before?!) and honestly the grand finale was an absolute blast. I'm thinking it was a low B grade for me.

For me, Kyoryuger is my least favorite Heisei Sentai out of the 30 that I finished and my second least favorite overall. I don't like how the concept of teamwork is depicted here, with King doing everything by himself and nobody really getting along in a healthy way, either as friends or teammates. Ian is cool though, I liked his rivalry with Aigaron.

I can see why you feel that way, but for me the show so blatantly didn't want to engage in any deep characterization that I was willing to just go along with it I suppose? Typing that out just makes it sound kind of bad, but to me the show wanted to be Looney Tunes combined with a Shounen anime, which I think it succeeded at even if it resulted in something more fun than compelling.

All I'm going to say about Kyoryuger is Nossan and his dad jokes were great, Ramirez (RIP Robert Baldwin) and Tessai were my favorite, Dino Charge turned out okay, and that 10-ranger role call prior to Kyuranger's twelve was awesome.

Just finished Epsiode 1 of King-Ohger and I think it's great so far

There's more to come! It's a great show, and with a ton of extra content, so I personally still don't feel like King Ohger is end.

I'm watching Dai Sentai Goggle V. I've stayed away from this show until now because it was only mentioned in the context of rhythmic gymnastics. And yes, considering how often the statement "Super Sentai is designed for boys" comes up, it's strange that they used the theme of a traditionally female sport so early on. They would have chosen a ballet theme instead. But even though Goggle V found itself sandwiched between the innovative Dynaman and the bizarrely unusual Sun Vulcan, I still find the show worth watching beyond its franchise roots. While it doesn't do anything spectacular, it's still watchable and does a good job of entertaining viewers. Moreover, Ohranger was clearly inspired by Google V and took a lot from it. And details like the Computer Boys and Girls, the undercover work at the amusement park, the hangar under the stadium, cool individual powers (moreover, each character has several) are just incredibly cool. I think I was absolutely thrilled as a kid. So, although it's undoubtedly a product of its time, it's undoubtedly a gem.
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/...qcGc@._V1_.jpg
P.S. I feel a little sorry for Goggle Blue. While the others can transform their gymnastics equipment into personal weapons, his hoop transforms into... a flaming hoop. Somehow, I feel like he's been shortchanged.
P.P.S. When I'm done with it, all I'll have left is Goranger. It's time to stop being afraid of a significant number of episodes.

You will not regret watching Goranger. Despite of its unnecessarily high episode count, it is a very fun show from beginning to end complete with an extremely likable cast of characters. I watched it several months ago myself considering that this year is the 50th anniversary for both Goranger and Super Sentai as a whole.

I did the same earlier this year and had a ton of fun with it! Like you said, it had a great team and was legitimately laugh out loud funny (and occasionally even serious). Probably my 3rd or 4th favorite Showa era tokusatsu!

King-Ohger sweeps! Hope you enjoy it.

I think Goggle V is underrated. I've heard some people claim it's boring, but I'd say it was a significant transitional show in turning the formula towards more character-focused stories. By modern standards, it is average, but not in a bad way at all. Bioman is basically the refined version of innovative concepts introduced by Goggle V.

I see what you did there.

Take it in small doses. Goranger isn't even the longest show.

(looks anxiously at OG Kamen Rider)

Not sure about favorite Tokusatsu in general, but it's certainly my 4th favorite Showa Sentai and favorite Uehara Sentai.

I think this idea is quite reasonable. After Sun Vulcan, it became clear that the franchise wouldn't be abandoned, and the search began for ways to make it long-lasting, interesting, and relevant. And speaking specifically about character-focused stories (though not only), I can easily draw a rising line from Goggle V to Liveman.

;)

Sometime, definitely.

I do have some pretty big gaps in what I have seen from the Showa era still, so I'm sure my opinions on the best shows from that period will shift a lot in the future. Like, I haven't seen Metalder (which seems VERY popular) and Goranger is actually the only Showa Sentai I have seen. Somehow my Sentai viewing just fell way behind Rider and Ultra, so I've been trying to get back to it this year.

If anyone is curious by the way, I'd probably say my top 5 Showa tokusatsu shows are:

1. Kaiketsu Zubat (I don't think this one is getting dethroned, perfection)
2. Return of Ultraman
3. Message from Space: Galactic Wars
4. Goranger
5. Kikaider

For sure. They had to get a new writer anyway, since Uehara would move on to Uchuu Keiji, so then there were 2 concurrent franchises with different flavors. The scientific experiments of Goggle V and Dynaman proved the formula was a success and starting with Bioman, Sentai became marketed more dramatically the way we're familiar with.

There are some high quality Showa Sentai for sure. For me, it's Rider I've fell behind on, SkyRider being the last non-airing show I watched in 2022. I've also been putting off Metalder, but that's mostly due to my general aversion to overly asymmetrical designs. Build is my 2nd favorite Heisei Rider though (totally need to rewatch that sometime), so it's entirely likely I will enjoy Metalder when I get to it. And I keep hearing great things about Zubat, even from Gozyuger, so I have to watch that at some point.

Top5 Showa Sentai shows at the moment for me with Liveman being no.1 and the rest simultaneous no.2s. :lolol
Liveman
Bioman
Flashman
Denziman
JAKQ