Thinking about this, nearly every Rider show Shirakura produced (if it wasn't Amazons, basically) either starred some kind of dysfunctional protagonist who didn't fit the traditional idea of a hero, or gave the traditional hero a sidekick whose dysfunctional nature was a critical part of the show's narrative arc, so, yeah, I can definitely imagine his influence playing a big part here!

Yep, this is certainly going to be an entertaining show. I really liked this episode, probably not as much as last week's episode, but still fun. It's interesting they decided to have the Zenkaigers basically have all of the Sentai Gears, or I'm just overlooking it and the Tojitendo have the rest, whilst the Heroes have some of them.

I'm actually really liking the W-esque Mechs this season, and the Kikainoids themselves. They're just so darn likable, it's hard for me to dislike any of them, even the Villains with their goofy life lessons they spout out when they're beaten. And having this Sentai start from the ground up is a lot of fun to watch. And I just gotta say, I love the Tojitendo Goons little march.

Of course, I can see they're really going at it with the green screens, but Saber's been doing about the same with it's early episodes, so I'm not really complaining.

So next week, the gang's all here... In the Boxing Ring!!! *Ding, ding*

It also guest stars the leading lady from Tasaki’s independent martial arts film from a few years back, “Salvage Mice” (who also made a cameo in Akibaranger as the character) as a bride

I quite like this tanky guy, you know, this Barashitara. As a support main, I always value a good tank. :p

ああ~ I don't really have anything against this show being on the background, I think it's quite lovingly realised, but I'm also feeling that maybe this isn't my cup of tea. I know I bring up Girls x Heroine whenever I get the chance, but I feel Phantomirage had a similar tone as a children's show and was kind of more my speed.