[Xtreme RX]

Pacing issues aside, this was a great first episode. The cast is very likeable so far, even the supporting cast, and the world-building seems to have potential this season (so I hope they don't just gloss over it). The Master's were cool for the brief screentime they got, though I think they were killed off far too soon. That being said, their death will ultimately become pivotal for the young Ryusoulger's motivation to defeat the Druidon so it makes sense for it to happen at the start. Limiting the intro focus to only three members seemed like the right thing to do given the pacing, and we know Black and Green have their own motives so I am excited to see how they'll play into the overall plot.

So, it ticks all the boxes for a Sentai premiere, and though it felt rushed, it also felt kind of fresh. I think most of it has to do with the editing and visuals. The direction and cinematography is dynamic and creative and the action is high-energy. The choreography is fantastic but the usage of visual effects and interesting camera angles enhances the action incredibly. Even the repetitiveness of closing the mouth on the RyuSoul-ken that had me worried during last week's early debut was remedied by the how the camerawork and editing presents it. And of course, that mech fight.

Holy crap this was the best mech fight in YEARS! Even last year's awesome LupinKaiser debut can't hold a candle. That was very much an obvious one-off due to the usage of high quality CG, but this instead brings me hope that KishiryuOh's action scenes will remain dynamic year round. That thing can move! It's been a while since we saw a mecha that could run and jump, let alone KICK. And not only that - the exploding setpiece, the exciting camera work and limited use of CGI really made this a stand-out mecha fight and proves that practical effects can not only look great, but can feel way more authentic than CG, even by modern standards. And it had like three or more configurations too, with more to come! This is an actual Sentai mech that I would feel compelled to buy - it looks great, moves great, and so I can only image it plays great. So much to like during this sequence, from the gorgeous mountain and temple miniatures to the impressive pyrotechnics. The shot of KishiryuOh walking with the explosion behind it is just so badass. The only thing that I'm not sold on is that it seems only red needs to be there to pilot it, but I guess there could be more to it. It was also obviously cut up for time, so I hope they release a director's cut of this episode, not only to remedy the pacing issues, but to get an uncut version of this phenomenal mech fight.

And this is before talking about the opening theme. The song is triumphant and the visuals are equally majestic. I think it's flat-out one of Sentai's best openings. The ending theme is good fun too.

This is probably the fastest that I've gone from impartial to a series to absolutely ecstatic for it. Though my initial reactions were of disappointment and worry of it being a Kyoryuger clone and Toei playing it way too safe, the actual episode has completely caught me by surprise. It's so strange that something so familiar can seem so fresh, but this series is doing things for me that even Lupin vs Pat couldn't in their debut. Everything in the show seems to fly in the face of the "safe" merchandising - the awesome celtic-inspired soundtrack against the samba SFX, the dramatic and serious tone clashing with the dancing Ryusoul's - and it's beautiful to see. The new Sentai era is off to a great start.