[Kamen Rider Lucha]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EpsilonX

Y'know, I've thought about Boukenger. I remember my brother being into Operation Overdrive when he was a kid, and I really like the designs. Plus, I've heard it has a bit of an adventure feel? Which I love.

On the other hand, I've heard it's kind of mediocre overall (not bad, just nothing special) and very episodic, so I've been hesitant to start it. But if that one comes recommended, I wouldn't mind watching it. What do you think?

I was similarly hesitant to watch Boukenger because of its reputation in the fandom, but...

I recently started it, I'm about 20 eps in, and I love it so far. It's easily one of the better '00s Sentai I've seen. I think because it comes between two fan favorite series (Magiranger and Gekiranger), it tends to get overlooked. But its reputation is totally outdated and due for revision.

As for how episodic it is, the arc I'm currently on has been going for about six episodes and still hasn't resolved, so... it definitely doesn't shy away from telling continuing stories. Obviously, this could change as the series progresses, but so far I'd say it's moderately serialized. It's no Dairanger in terms of serialization, but it's way more ongoing-story-focused at this point than the vast majority of the '10s/'20s shows. I'd say the serialization is more-or-less in line with Go-Busters, Kyoryuger, and Kyuranger. And when it does tell episodic one-and-dones, the stories aren't cookie cutter copy-and-paste jobs like some of the lesser Sentai series.

The tone, I think, it where the show really sets itself apart. It's less goofy and comedy-centric, with a bit more of a dour vibe, than a lot of Sentai (sort of akin to GoGo V). Maybe this lack of spice and over-the-top strangeness is what turns some people off? I could get on board with that criticism, but that said, I am grateful it doesn't have any screaming-idiots on the cast (looking at you, Kai and Jan and Ban and, well, most '00s reds). And I think the writing is good enough to compensate for the lack of gonzo bizarreness.

I'd say it would be a good choice for '00s Sentai if you like a more grounded, adventurous tone and don't mind the dialed-down levels of weirdness. Also, the mechs are some of the best the show has ever turned out, so if you like the miniature work in tokusatsu, you'll be very pleased with Boukenger.

BUT -- if you're just trying to narrow it down to Gekiranger or Dekaranger -- I definitely steer you more toward Gekiranger, especially since you seem to prefer more serialized stories. I'd argue that Dekaranger is one of, if not the most, episodic Sentai shows ever made.