[barnstenchfartface]

Yeah, pretty much all of Showa is like that from what I've seen (44 episodes of the original, 6 of X, Amazon, Stronger and 31 of Skyrider). I haven't seen Black, so I can't really compare, but most of the shows don't have much that can be called a plot. They're just not that kind of show. Abridging any of them would probably not leave you with much. Less than 14, probably.

Amazon may interest you, though. It's very short, and while it does use the same monster of the week format, the main character is in fact developing throughout the entire first part of the show. The second part is more generic, but by that point the supporting cast is decent enough to help lighten the burden. If you get to like the Mole Beastman, you'll probably be alright. I'd tell you to skip episode 19 (which has literally the exact same plot as episode 15. though it does feature some great mole moments so i dunno) but otherwise I think it's a worthwhile watch.

Stronger is also very good, but it takes longer to get there. Drawing up an abridged number of episodes for it would probably be feasible, but I don't remember it well enough to do so.