[Matrixbeast]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AkibaSilver

Is this an actually true story or is it one of those "totally true" fandom rumours, because I have literally never seen "Abaranger almost got Sentai killed!" before today.

It's somewhat rooted in truth, but not as dramatic as people make it out to be.
The producers wanted Abare Killer to be a villain to the very end. Mikoto's actor also felt that would be the best case, due to how horrible he was as a person.
Due to the poor sales of Abare Killer themed merch, Bandai pressured them to change things up, giving him a last second redemption arc and turn him good, along with a heroic sacrifice.

While it's rather clear now, Abare Killer made it very apparent that villain toys really don't sell well in Japan.

Abaranger was also somewhat poorly received. Staff members have acknowledged that it wasn't as popular with kids.

So Abaranger had a negative impact on Sentai (Which apparently the 20th anniversary special will lampoon), but as for it "Killing Sentai?" Nawh. It's immediate predecessor and successor, Hurricanger and Dekaranger, did gangbusters.