[Sh Ranger]

I always found dark mecha like Gao Hunter and Killer Oh intimidating for their ability to steal and brainwash mecha from the heroes to fight against them. The first time we see God Kuwagata Zero, they're already part of King-Ohger Kabuto Zero like it's no big deal, which makes it a pretty big deal! That's a strong debut for sure, on a totally different level from the recent Black Don Onitaijin and Black Zenkai Oh.

By extension, this makes Racles more dangerous as well. Other than having a lot of hidden assets, he's a skilled manipulator as well. He warmly welcomed Gira back to Shugoddam as a prince to show there were no hard feelings for him taking two Shugods, his Ohger Calibur and his cool poncho. So when Gira, in public and in his King of Evil persona, spits on the title of prince, takes Sasorinne's soul and threatens a coup, Racles has no problem convincing the citizens he's the victim in this scenario.

Kaguragi clearly hasn't taken any of Gira's speech to heart and continues to do Racles' bidding, even after the latter tried to extort the rulers to relinquish their sovereignty to him. I really hope that guy finds his spine at some point and remembers that he's supposed to a proud and powerful lord, not a weak-willed conformist.

However, I wonder if Racles is also being manipulated somehow, by Bugnarok. I've seen other people point out how Kamejim evaded Kamakiri-Ohger, but carelessly lost Sasorinne's soul to Hachi-Ohger, almost like he knew Kaguragi would deliver it to Racles. It's definitely suspicious and suggests that there's more to the prophecy than a clear-cut war between good and evil. Bugnarok's advantage isn't only in their raw power, but in their unity, which ironically is a serious problem for this Sentai that can't get along.

Oh and Himeno's new hair was nice.