[Locke]

Gokaiger 12. I'm really confused by the mecha rules, why'd the Shinkenger mecha use GaoLion? It looked terrible anyway.

A rare episode where Gokai Blue and Joe almost feel like they're meant to be the same character! I loved how as Joe is a dual wielder, he was given the Double Disc to split his swords. I wish that scene was longer because it was a great character moment, for a suit actor who so far has done a pretty poor job of portraying Joe. Sadly considering Luka is supposed to be an eagle eyed Robin Hood, her flashy swordswoman persona as Gokai Yellow is still completely unbelievable. And detracts a little from the achievements of Gokai Blue in the episode.

It seems almost ironic perhaps to complain about strong and well defined characterisation, but it's just frustrating that Gokaiger provides so much that I've always wanted from sentai yet undermines itself by not paying attention to the smaller details. Luckily they went crazy with the gimmick this episode, distracting us with some rapid changes. Oh yeah Liveman. You didn't distract me from the continuity errors with the cuts in Marvelous' jacket though!

It's a shame the flashbacks weren't longer, they were pretty epic but also felt rushed. It's amazing that this show can even feel rushed during two parters which perhaps makes sense of why other sentai don't bother to flesh their characters nearly as much. Although I don't ever remember Goseiger feeling this squashed and that had some pretty heavy character focus too.