[Sh Ranger]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sunred

I wonder if it's a subtle nod to Zyuohger since both shows have a power-up for the red ranger in a whale motif.

Technically, an orca is a type of dolphin, not a whale. The name killer whale refers to the fact that orcas kill whales by ambushing them in large numbers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sunred

And I guess the reason we have an orca is because in some parts of the world they are described as wolves of the sea and there's also the akhlut, which is a mythical beast that is depicted as an orca-wolf hybrid or a shape-shifting creature that is an orca in the waters and a wolf on land, iirc. In short, it makes sense to give Hoeru/Gozyu Wolf an orca-themed weapon as a power-up item.

Intriguing observation! Furthermore, the Gozyugers are all based on apex predators, so orca makes sense.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sunred

Regardless, I have a feeling it could have something to do with Hoeru's character growth that has yet to make it to the show. Akatsuki means daybreak or dawn, so maybe this will appear after he has a dramatic battle with Kuon or Fire Candle and he finally realizes what he wants, etc.

Houtarou also had a big development associated with the word Akatsuki, so you might be on to something there.