[DreamSword]

FINAL THOUGHTS

Tokusatsu GaGaGa is a very unique beast.

It sounds like a cliche coming from someone with a small amount of media intake, but I can honestly say that I've never seen a show quite like this one before.

Sure, I've seen Tokusatsu. Sure, I've seen slice of life shows. Heck, I've even seen postmodern shows discussing the impact superheroes and their stories have on various people.

But never have I seen a show that is not only a slice of life about those who grew up with passion for keen interests that would get them mocked by most "normal" people, but one that did so in both a sympathetic and rather realistic light. And from so many different angles and perspectives at that.

Note the "keen interests" there. Yes, the title has the word Tokusatsu in it and all, and the main character is a woman obsessed with it as a medium, but the writing is smart enough to note all of the overlap that comes with such a territory. From those into boy bands, to men into typical "girly" media such as Pretty Cure, to, heck, fans of anime and foreign music in general.

This show is a love letter to nerds everywhere. Whether they grew up an outcast, had a supportive family, or those who found themselves enthralled in geeky hobbies later on in life. Tokusatsu GaGaGa does a great job at showcasing both the inherent good and bad that comes with these aspects of life, not just one or the other like most other examinations of a specific nerd culture have done(or even worse, mocked them horribly).

Is that to say that the show is perfect? No, there are a few things here and there that I'd've preferred to see done a little different, and certain background characters I would've liked to have seen more of, but the writing did such a great job at most its small cast and the world they inhabit feel so alive that I really can't find myself being at all upset over it. And no, I don't just say that because I found alot of the situations relatable. Yeah, that helps, but all that means is that it would've hurt even more if I felt it were written poorly.

Despite the great writing though, I would not say this show is for everyone though. Not even for the entirety of the culture that it seems focused in on. But for those that find something to latch onto, it's a wonderful ride, and showcases why exactly many of us not only love the mediums we do, but why we seek out others who do. Yeah, nerdy interests are slowly becoming more and more accepted as time goes on, but that in no way discounts the experiences that people have had and will likely continue to have. All we can do is keep moving forward, holding onto the stories that impact us.

In the end, Tokusatsu GaGaGa, while I could see people contesting its status as a tokusatsu specifically despite the title, is a show that I'm so glad that I added to the list, and I think probably made for the best show to close the year out with. It helped to reinforce why shows such as Power Rangers have remained strong with me throughout my entire life, as well as made me appreciate the friends I've made and friendships I've reinforced through my niche interests. Even if I found Cosmic Fury to be a disappoint, and even if Hasbro is determined to kill the franchise off, my love for the franchise, and toku as a medium, will remain strong, and I have GaGaGa to thank for reminding me of that.

In the end, I give Tokusatsu GaGaGa a 5/6. It's a wonderful time, and I can't recommend it enough.