[Locke]

I've seen the first three episodes before, but about all I remember is I didn't like them, haha. But as I've been out for the last one and a half LWW I'm willing to at least give these first three a chance. I never know, I may love them this time.

Firsly TVNs encodes are terrible. What aspect ratio is this in? I tried my best to tweak with the picture but it was a choice between squashed or stretched with no in between.

Anyway, Stage 1 - That was fucking terrible, I miss Mystic Force.

This is so awkwardly paced, it's like it was written by a small child. The villains seem cool, but the copious amounts of Engrish and terribly greenscreened slapstick don't do a whole lot for me.

I also really don't like the core Ranger concept at all. I hate how regularly Sentai uses mobile phones for Rangers, it's always in the worst possible context. Ancient samurai, evolved heavenly machinery etc and now a bunch of magicians. Also their catchphrase is awful.

The suits themselves however, are really cool. I love the way they transform in the energy of a great creature, before a magic symbol floats behind them. And I just love how original the suits feel, with the solid colour, and heavy trim - and of course the capes. The only real complaint from me is the lack of patterns or decals, I think a symbol on the chest goes a long way to break up the suit and really makes it a lot more visually appealing.

Actionwise, there was some good stuff and some bad stuff. MagiGreen is pretty cool, and I've always been a huge fan of Lightning powers. But MagiBlue's introductory fight was pathetic, but not quite as abysmal as pinks. I guess they ran out of money. Kai is cool while fighting, but annoying in all other contexts.