[Sh Ranger]

Sparkling Rewatch of Machine Sentai Kiramager Episode 0-22 & Hiatus Specials

I joined TN just before Kiramager started airing and while looking back at those threads, I was disappointed to remember that my opinions on this show were sparsely documented. That's not even the reason for this rewatch, but the reason is probably connected to that and also why I'd ranked it lower than it deserved and have since promoted it. Rewatching it in 2025 is certainly a much better experience than watching it live in 2020, the mental health bomb that year was. I could enjoy Kiramager passively, but I couldn't afford it the space in my mind to actually process it efficiently. Well, now I can!

Firstly, I will give a pre-emptive reminder that Hirameking starts with a H, not a K. Unlike other "Screaming Reds", Juru does not spam his catchphrase and the show always politely warns you when he's about to say it, with the zoom-in on his face followed by the visual and audible sparkle effect. When this happens, it means Juru is about to draw something extremely helpful. I think this gives his catchphrase a clear purpose which prevents it from becoming annoying. The show draws attention to the fact that the non-Red members are all leaders in their celebrity fields and physically skilled, even the esports gamer somehow knows how to handle a gun like an expert. Juru on the other hand is a weird high school student, he's not a natural leader and his physical attributes are unremarkable. And yet, his Kiramentality is the strongest and his focus on helping his comrades to shine at their brightest is what makes him the leader.

Juru's special qualities are cleverly paralleled in Garza and Oradin. Garza shares his sparkling mind, while Oradin shares his sparkling heart. Juru having both is the reason why his Kiramentality is so strong, while Garza's sparkling mind is expressed through his dark heart as Calamentality instead. This is where it becomes clear to me that Kiramager shares a producer with Gekiranger, reminding me of the feuding schools of Jyuken. Calamentality even looks exactly like Dorinki. I'm a big Gekiranger fan, so I'm totally cool with this thematically compelling rivalry between Juru who believes in sparkling together and Garza who believes in sparkling alone.

After watching Gozyuger's 50th anniversary episode about the meaning of teamwork, I remembered how Kiramager's 45th anniversary episode was about the meaning of leadership, with Shovellow wondering why Juru is the de jure leader when Tame is the de facto leader. The instigating conflict between Garza and Oradin was due to a dispute in the leadership of Crystalia. Even a small detail like Mach (who's third in the ED lyrics) appearing second after Fire on the Kirama Changer gains new meaning when you watch the Machine Kira Talk specials and learn that Mach also makes a good leader, for a talk show anyway. Kiramager has deep insight on such questions of leadership qualities, similar to King-Ohger.

For the climax of the first half though, while Juru does play an important part, the plot is focused on Mabusheena, who was cursed to die in 7 days. Man, I remember the anxiety of watching it the first time, not knowing if the Kiramagers could save her, not wanting anything bad to happen to her. That part's obviously not the same for me on a rewatch, but still, I can totally call it the most intense period of the show for how it puts one of the most lovable yet expendable characters under the guillotine. If you hadn't already fallen for Takamichi's wonder charisma, then his reveal of why he's treasure hunting should make you warm up to him quickly. Everything he does is for his little sister Mabusheena's sake, but Mabusheena refuses to be put above others and wants him to be a hero for everybody. Their sibling dynamic is peak emotional and that makes the Numajo arc my favorite.

The individual character focus episodes are often pretty good as well. Episode 9, 10 and 11 are a particularly great stretch, focusing on each of the non-Red members and they don't qualify for the dreaded filler label either, as Garza does some important stuff in the background. Actually, I'd say these episodes are important anyway to emphasize the current strength of the team before their Sixth Ranger shows up, followed by more focus episodes with Takamichi gradually learning to respect each member of the core team. The only episode I can call lame is 20 (same as Boonboomger's worst), which features the first return of Kakihara. She's useful in 0 as a viewer perspective to introduce us to Juru, but I don't like her sticking around as an annoying satellite character who adds nothing else to the show.

Even the hiatus specials are more interesting than the Recap City of Zero One. Other than the boring first one where the Kiramagers discuss the first 2/9ths of the show, we get the Episode 1-2 Director's Cut, the Kira Talk duology mentioned above and finally the Calamental Institute, which I never actually watched before. The Director's Cut is the only way to see the true ending of Episode 2, which is amazing and makes me annoyed that it got cut! Kira Talk makes the best use of recycled footage, since Machines don't require lip syncing and it's a rare opportunity to learn more about them. Calamental Institute teaches the 3 requirements to obtain Calamentality, which is terrible advice for kids but hey, it's educational.

I have more to talk about, as I haven't even mentioned my favorite character yet, but I'll save it for the second half.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Talisman

I am 15 episodes from being done with Fiveman. I cannot wait until mid-August.

However I can very definitely say that E.32 is, without a doubt, someone working through some stuff.

Regardless of Inoue's intentions, Kazumi's play was impressive and shocking! Honestly, the weird stuff was tame compared to Inoue's infamous Ohranger episode.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mesnick

Watched Hikonin Sentai Akibaranger. Maybe a bit late, but I wanted to get to know most of the original before I started parodying it. Well, I should point out that the show isn't nearly as much of a cringe and meta-commentary show as the internet tends to think. Well, it's all there, but I wouldn't say that's the point. In fact, Akibarenger is one of those rare cases where the jokes taken out of context are funnier than the show itself. It's also worth noting that the first season and "Tsuu" are very different from each other in tone and structure. They are so different that I even have a hard time naming which is better. Based on my feelings, I liked the first one more, but at the same time, "Tsuu" entertained me more.

While Akibaranger didn't become official in the end, it's cool how Komura used the PG-friendly parts to make Zenkaiger, like the Jetman Gear scene. I also strongly preferred Season 1, however, I think Luna is underrated. Like, she had that awesome moment where she triggered the death flag on purpose. But people always compare her unfavorably to Mitsuki, which seems unfair. All the Akibarangers were enjoyable characters to me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mesnick

P.S. Also, I think the PR portrayal in this show might upset some people.

I'm a PR fan and I think PR fans should be grateful that it was acknowledged at all. Of course Akibaranger was going to exaggerate for comedy, that's what it does. Complaining about it just makes us look like we can't take a joke.

Belated Congrats on your 2600th post!

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoldenXtreme

*checks the wiki*
It's Toshiki Inoue of course! I don't think there has ever been a time where he is NOT working through some stuff.

As a general rule, any episode titled, "[insert character] Dies", is probably written by Inoue Toshiki.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuardianAngel87

I managed to finish JAKQ as of today and, with it, I have finally completed all of the Sentai seasons from the Showa era. The following is my updated ranking list for said seasons from that era.

1. Liveman
2. Dynaman
3. Flashman
4. Goranger
5. Bioman
6. Battle Fever J
7. Changeman
8. Maskman
9. Denziman
10. Goggle V
11. Sun Vulcan
12. JAKQ

Sucks that your last Showa Sentai is also your least favorite. Anything you liked about it?

Anyway, now you can complete your own Green Ranger Ranking. We'll see how it compares to mine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Talisman

(I am only familiar with Inoue's reputation, I've never actually seen any of the series he led on and I do not worship him as most do. That honor is reserved for Kobayashi.)

Ryuki, Gobusters and Gingaman have great points for sure. However, I think some of her shows have serious problems, so I personally wouldn't "worship" her.