[Matrixbeast]

Was initially planning on watching Flashman, but eh. The upcoming SMP has me interested in Gaoranger, so we're rolling with that

Alrighty! So I just started Hyuakujuu Sentai Gaoranger!

This is gonna sting, but honestly, based on the first episode, my opinion could be summed up as:

This was probably one of the worst first episodes I've seen in Super Sentai. So, let's begin!
The series kicks off with the first 4 rangers fighting an Org before it teams up with a second Org, apparently something that's never happened before. They get beaten, and in the ensuing chaos, an elephant at a nearby carnival ends up getting frightened. The police decide to kill it before a bystander steps in the way and calms it down, saving it's life.

This convinces some magical woman that he's the one to be the fifth Gaoranger, and he's recruited by force, with the other 4 literally grabbing him, sucker punching him, then abducting him to the Animarium, where he meets 4 of the 5 Power Animals. Despite being surrounded by 4 kaijus, a giant lion appearing on cliffside is apparently more interesting than the other 4.

He runs to meet it, trying and failing to climb the cliff, but the lion saves him, signifying he's been chosen by the jewel that is formed in his hand.
In the meantime, the other Gaorangers and magic woman are watching via viewing globe (Or pond, I guess), as she declares he's going to be the leader. Despite being the newest member with no combat training, due to arbitrary circumstance. Aside from a brief moment of "WTF WHY!?" they all roll with it and the newest member is whisked away to their hideout.

Then an Orgs attack again, a fight happens, and he proves to be the most competent lead by virtue of because. The day is saved, and wow was I completely underwhelmed.

The decision to include narration helps to move the pace along, but it also kills flow since there's no time devoted to much anything. Shit just happens. No one is introduced beyond Red, who is a vet who can apparently understand animals or something? I honestly had little clue what was going on, which is a problem because the show straight up explained everything that was happening.

I do desperately hope the show improves quickly, because my god, this first episode was tough.