[Androzani84]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fish Sandwich

~Fish's Zenkai Tour!~

Space.41 ? Uchuu Sentai Kyuranger

Alright, Lucky! We?re back on track to continue with this.

Androzani?s Tsukai Space Squad Detour

And this week, we?re covering?

Uchuu Sentai Kyuranger vs Space Squad



Now I?ve spent the last two weeks over in the other Toku series watch thread, doing my two cents on Space Squad, so I wouldn?t have to explain it here. So let?s get down to discussing Kyuranger.

"When people shed tears after the galaxy falls into the hands of the heartless, nine saviors chosen by the Kyutama, the Kyurangers, will save the galaxy."

Kyuranger:
Lucky/Shishi Red: An extra-terrestrial human from Planet Luth (惑星ルース Wakusei Rūsu) in the Shishi System. Chronologically, he was the fifth Kyuranger to be awakened. He is later revealed to be a distant descendant of the legendary warrior Orion, and gains an alternate white coloured form, Shishi Red Orion. He is also the heir to the throne of his real homeworld Kaien, becoming the king of said planet and succeeding his father Aslan, who was thought to be murdered by Jark Matter Vice Shogun Kukuruga, but is revealed to have been turned into one of Don Armage?s possessed servants until he sacrifices himself to save the universe and Lucky. Two years after defeating Don Armage, Lucky decided to fulfill his dream of seeing the entire universe with Garu at his side. Aged 24, Lucky was born on July 7th. Lucky is naive, optimistic, determined, and hyperactive. He has a habit of saying "Yossha lucky!" whenever something good happens, which is often due to his amazing luck. Lucky is incredibly strong-willed, both in his ideals and his goals: he has a tendency to make decisions with barely any evidence and believe in their plausibility no matter how much the facts suggest otherwise. This, combined with his naivety, makes him come across as immature and stupid. However, he has solid instincts and a logic to his actions, paying attention to things that others do not. He is overdependent on his luck, and quickly became insecure and even panic when his luck ran out, this becoming apparent when he was defeated by Ikargen. In truth, this all stems from his traumatic childhood in the past, leading him to believe that he was born unlucky. In turn, his frequent shouts of "Yossha lucky!" serve as a form of encouragement to himself as he tries his best to stay positive and uphold his unwavering belief in good fortune. He later manages to regain his confidence, which helps him in defeating Ikargen. Over time, Lucky would mature throughout his battles as a Kyuranger, especially with the revelation of his royal heritage, both as a descendant of the legendary warrior Orion as well as the prince (later king) of his home planet Kaien in the Shishi System. While transformed as Shishi Red Orion, he would carry himself with an air of grandeur. He would turn out to be a competent leader of his team with his unwavering optimism and resilience, while his belief in his amazing luck would continue to persist even after his duties as a Kyuranger ended.
Stinger/Sasori Orange: the Orange Warrior of the Kyurangers and a spy for Shou Ronpo who joined Jark Matter to find his brother Scorpio. A Scorpionman from the Sasori System, he is a witness to Doctor Anton's murder and pretended to be an enemy to the Kyurangers before revealing his true motives as Shou Ronpo's spy and the first Kyuranger to be awakened, and the one who murdered Doctor Anton and framed Stinger was actually his brother Scorpio. Two years after the permanent defeat of Don Armage, he succeeded Shou Ronpo as the new commander of the remaining Kyurangers as peacekeepers of the universe. Aged 28, Stinger was born on November 11th. Stinger is a quiet and serious man who follows the path he believes is right. While short-tempered and a brutal fighter, he has a code of honor: he will not kill children or allow anyone to interrupt his battle for him. Stinger started out searching for his elder brother Scorpio, who betrayed him and his people for Jark Matter. He was collected when he became a Kyuranger but when Champ was destroyed by Scorpio, he started loses his cool, even wanting to go after his own brother to avenge Champ. Of course, he is willing to sacrifice himself just to prevent others from getting caught in his matter with Scorpio. Eventually, when he noticed the revived Champ, he also started calling him 'aibo' (literally 'partner') without realizing it and began getting along with the robot wrestler. Despite his cold looking attitude, he has a soft side to him. For example, he makes plush versions of his teammates to accompany Champ when he was being repaired at the Rebellion base.
Garu/Ookami Blue: the Blue Warrior of the Kyurangers. He is the last of his Wolfman clan and was found on the planet Jagjag with a Kyutama around his neck. He is the sixth Kyuranger to be awakened. He usually ends some sentences with his name or "~ki". After the permanent defeat of Don Armage, Garu traveled around the universe with Lucky. Aged 37, Garu was born on September 6th. Garu is short-tempered and impulsive, like a wild beast. The trauma of losing his people caused Garu to lose the will to fight until he saw the efforts of Lucky and the Kyurangers, after which he renewed his desire to fight back the evil shogunate and avenge his tribe. Garu is also one of the least-intelligent members of the team, as he fully believed Champ's story as "Yagyuu Juubee" while the other Kyurangers saw right through it. After being inspired by Lucky, Garu has become essentially his follower as he vividly follows Lucky's lead and fuels almost everything he does with this same vigor. Even when Lucky is down he comes back to this inspiration and is quick to help him, as well as his allies when they need him. He also has taken the leadership position of the team when Lucky is incapacitated.*
Balance/Tenbin Gold: the Gold Warrior of the Kyurangers. He is a techno-organic mechanical organism, a thief and partner to Naga Ray. He is the seventh Kyuranger to be awakened. After the permanent defeat of Don Armage, he and Naga began to retrieve every stolen treasures which Jark Matter left behind. "Born" 304 years ago, an incident "aged" Balance by an additional century. Balance was born on April 7th. At first he seems to be greedy and only cares about treasure, but he is a good person at heart (although he has his treasure-raptured moments). He is flashy, energetic and fast-talking. His flamboyant attitude balances the more neutral demeanor of his partner Naga. In lieu of his title the Trick-Star, he is not shy of being cheeky to both ally and enemy alike. He has a habit of saying "Goisu!" (Radical!) and "Agepoyo wei!" (I'm so pumped!) whenever he has an interesting idea or whe he is feeling very excited. Despite his very outward personality, Balance is still quite emotional. When he becomes sad, he often tries to put on a positive demeanor to hide his sorrow. Examples include when he had his birthday temporarily stolen and when Naga had been brainwashed to Jark Mater's side.
Champ/Oushi Black: the Black Warrior of the Kyurangers. He is an antrophomorphic bull-like android. He is one of the first three Kyurangers, after Stinger, to be awakened. For a period of time, he disguised himself as a wrestling champion known as Yagyuu Juubee (ヤギュウジュウベエ Yagyuu Juubee). After the permanent defeat of Don Armage, Champ return to his wrestling career, winning 99 streaks and regaining his championship title belt. Aged 44 (chronologically 344 since episode 34), Champ was born on January 23rd. Champ is generally happy-go-lucky in demeanor, believing firmly in the power of justice and fiercely protective of the ones he cares about. However, Champ can be hot-blooded and impulsive when provoked, especially when his friends are endangered or hurt. When he encountered Stinger, the man who the wrestler thought killed his creator Dr. Anton, he fell into a fit of rage and had to be restrained by his teammates, unintentionally causing his team to be poisoned. When not fighting, Champ will usually be lifting weights, despite the fact exercise gives him no physical benefit due to being a robot. Despite his animosity towards Stinger until he realizes that Stinger's traitorous brother Scorpio was the one who murdered Dr. Anton, Champ eventually warms up to him as a teammate and friend (calling him 'partner' too as if they were already closed best buddies), to the point where he takes a finishing move meant for Stinger and is destroyed. After being revived they got along well and support each other as needed.
Naga Ray/Hebitsukai Silver: the Silver Warrior of the Kyurangers. From the Hebitsukai System, Naga Ray's people eschewed emotions, but he is on a mission to have emotions, unlike his people. He is a thief, a partner to Balance. He is the eighth Kyuranger to be awakened. Naga is later compromised and corrupted into becoming Dark Naga (ダークナーガ Dāku Nāga) by a vice shogun named Akyanba. His betrayal also leads to the corruption of his Seiza Blaster and his Kyutama, allowing him to transform into Hebitsukai Metal (ヘビツカイメタル Hebitsukai Metaru). He retains this power after being freed from Akyanba's control. After the permanent defeat of Don Armage, he and Balance began to retrieve every stolen treasures which Jark Matter left behind. Aged 25, Naga was born on February 10th. A stoic yet highly curious man, Naga desires to learn about and experience emotion, something that his people discarded long ago. He mostly carries himself in a neutral demeanor, speaking in a monotonous voice. Due to his inexperience with feelings, Naga will often use the wrong emotion when he tries expressing feeling (such as amusement when he should feel anger, or rage instead of excitement). However, he has shown the ability to become angry when provoked. He also sometimes takes words spoken to him seriously. When Hammie told him to think for himself, he took those words to heart and willingly sided with Akyanba to have his emotions unleashed. Among the Kyurangers, he always doubt Shou because their commander seems to lie at times.
Hammie/Chameleon Green: the Green Warrior of the Kyurangers. An extra-terrestrial human from the Chameleon System, she is one of the first three Kyurangers to be awakened after Stinger. After the permanent defeat of Don Armage, Hammie decided to study to became a university teacher.
Aged 22, Hammie was born on September 1st. Hammie is a curious, hyperactive, and incredibly skilled ninja. She is incredibly self-motivated but unable to control her emotions due to her youth. Hammie is easily amused. As a child, she was an introverted girl until she grew into her teens, where she became more extroverted and outspoken. She is also sometimes the one who scolds Lucky when he makes a mistake and was sometimes jealous that she has to work hard while Lucky relied on luck.
Raptor 283/Washi Pink: Raptor is a Type 283 (タイプ２８３ Taipu Ni-Hachi-San) general purpose android and the initial commander of the Orion, who later becomes Washi Pink (ワシピンク Washi Pinku, Eagle Pink), the Pink Ranger of the Kyurangers. She was the last member of Kyuranger to awaken, but the eighth to join the team. After Don Armage was defeated for the final time, she chose to stay on the Battle Orion Ship as its pilot. Aged 29, Raptor was born on February 8th. Raptor is serious and short-tempered, as shown as when she hit Shou Ronpo because of him thinking about new reply words instead of Kyuranger safety. She can also be brave, as she delivered the Futago Kyutama to Lucky while in the battlefield. However, despite her seriousness, she tends to daydream and write in her tablet about her fighting alongside the Kyurangers. She can also be air headed at times, when no one is around. Her dream became reality, when her wish created the Washi Kyutama. She sees the Orion as her Uncle, due to an incident where both she and Spada were trapped in a magnetic storm during a warp drive test, where she believed that the ship saved them both. It is hinted that she might have a crush on Spada.
Spada/Kajiki Yellow: the Yellow Warrior of the Kyurangers. An extra-terrestrial human from the Kajiki System, he is one of the first three Kyurangers, after Stinger, to be awakened. Two years after the permanent defeat of Don Armage, Spada finally fulfilled his dream to open a restaurant. Aged 32, Spada was born on May 9th. Spada is a man who aspires to become the greatest chef in the universe. He often uses food-related metaphors and snippets of Italian when he speaks. Spada is arguably the most mature of the Kyurangers: he rarely loses his patience or poise, and acts like a father figure to his teammates (particularly Hammie). This father figure idea is especially apparent with Raptor, when it came out that her dream was to fight alongside the Kyurangers. However, Spada was against the idea of her doing so, out of the sake of her own safety. However, he finally realized what he was doing was no different to Jark Matter, after Lucky got him to come to his senses.
Supreme Commander Shou Ronpo/Ryu Commander: a Rebellion leader and the commander of the Kyurangers from the Ryu System. He becomes the tenth member of the team, Ryu Violet (リュウバイオレット Ryū Baioretto, lit. Dragon Violet), later evolving into Ryu Commander (リュウコマンダー Ryū Komandā, lit. Dragon Commander). He is also the second-in-command to Shishi Red. Two years after the permanent defeat of Don Armage, Shou remains in the Rebellion as Supreme Commander, while Stinger takes over him as commander of the Kyurangers. Aged 44,*Shou was born on September 9th. He tries to give off the persona of being the "Strongest Ever", but his real character is like an old man. Even in the worst of times, he keeps a proper tone. Shou has a habit of missing the point in front of him to figure out how to word things right. For example, when most of the team was affected by Stinger's toxin, Shou wanted to know what to use to respond to the Kyurangers instead of "Roger." However, Shou does have a serious side, showing his leadership figure when he warned the Kyurangers not to engage some of Jark Matter's assassins, both of whom had defeated him before. It is shown he had been guilt-ridden due to the death of his predecessor Big Bear and didn?t want to see his group die in front of his eyes like that, until Lucky and the other eight Kyurangers reminded Shou to move on and carry the late-Big Bear's will in his honor, no matter what sacrifice Shou and the other Kyurangers must make. Another downside of his personality is that he's a compulsive deceiver, making his team members question his decisions, especially Naga.
Kotaro Sakuma/Koguma SkyBlue: a young boy who defied Jark Matter's occupation of Earth with his younger brother, Jiro Sakuma. Inspired by Stinger, Kotaro decide to join the Rebellion. He later gains his own personal Kyutama from Shou Ronbou's predecessor, Big Bear to become Koguma Skyblue (コグマスカイブルー Koguma Sukaiburū, lit. Little Bear Skyblue), the eleventh member of the Kyurangers. He can turn into a giant version of himself, which is known as Ooguma Skyblue (オオグマスカイブルー Ooguma Sukaiburū, lit. Great Bear Skyblue). Aged 17, Kotaro was born on May 5th. Kotaro has a high sense of bravery, not being afraid of defying Jark Matter. He is also protective of his younger brother and the people dear to him. After seeing the Kyurangers being able to bring hope to others, Kotaro went all the way to follow them, even intending to join the Kyurangers. His wish became true after gaining the trust of Big Bear and creation of the Koguma Kyutama to become Koguma Skyblue. He calls Hammy 'Old Lady', much to her annoyance. Despite being the youngest member of the team, he has a mature personality, able to make correct decisions and helping the older members to reconsider their thoughts and reasons. He also has a strong determination to save Earth as the shining star of hope. However, due to his inexperience in battle, childish methods and tendency to butt into things without a strategy, he was sometimes a hindrance to the team. Despite that, Kotaro improves himself in fighting against the evil space empire. He also has a brotherly relationship with Stinger.
Tsurugi Ohtori/Houou Soldier: a mysterious immortal warrior, an astronaut and a head scientist of a now abandoned Tsurugi Ohtori Science Laboratory who became the first President of the Space Federation (宇宙連邦大統領 Uchū Renpō Daitōryō). He fought alongside Orion to free space from Jark Matter as Houou Soldier (ホウオウソルジャー Hōō Sorujā, lit. Phoenix Soldier), and had slept inside the Argo for about 300 years.
Born on October 31st of an unidentified year, Tsurugi's true age is unknown, estimated at least 134 years, without counting 300 years of his cryosleep. Possessing a huge level of pride in himself, Tsurugi regards himself as "the legendary savior", claiming all of his feats to be part of his so-called "legend". He also has a habit of saying "My Word" (なんてこと Nante koto) as well as using "Ore-sama" (俺様) as his first person pronoun. Despite his arrogant personality, he was quite intelligent and was able to take in details quickly. He tends to identify the individual Kyurangers based by their professions instead of their names. Tsurugi held a deep resentment towards Jark Matter and Don Armage, as they were the ones who wounded him and killed some of his comrades. He was even willing to dedicate his life to destroy Jark Matter. He has a kind heart, as he fixes Raptor in certain situations. However, later, it is revealed his disapproval of the Kyurangers' fighting stems from the fact that his friend Quervo died acting as his living shield, and as a way to honor Quervo, he decided to stop using anyone else as shield, as he believed when people fight*with him, they will also become a shield to him. Even with his arrogance, he still understands the importance of friendship and comradery, as seen by his close moments with Quervo. When he found out that he didn't understand his old partner's feelings, he was clearly guilty and remorseful, making it up to him be still calling him his friend.*This extends towards willingly sacrificing himself for his teammates, though some of his cocky nature remains.

Space Squad:
Shuu Karasuma/Uchuu Keiji Shaider II: the new Space Sheriff Shaider, Dai Sawamura's successor. He is something of a womaniser, despite being in a dedicated relationship with his partner Tammy. Shuu will do anything for a pretty face, regardless of that person?s intentions.

What do I think of Kyuranger? Well the fact that I wrote a fanfiction turning it into a Power Rangers series (which predates Bennett?s comments), and went out of my way to get an SG Sentai Gear set that included a Kyuranger gear (alongside Bioman, Hurricaneger, Go-Onger, Ninninger and Ryusoulger gears) should speak up for my opinion. Sure some of the characters are out of focus, but they?re well characterised enough that it doesn?t matter (and besides, the show is more plot-driven than character-driven).

As for the staff, while Sakamoto is still in the director?s chair after the previous Space Squad instalments, the writer and producer chairs are filled by Nobuhiro Mouri (who you can find out more about by clicking on the link in my signature and scrolling through the posts) and Takumi Mochizuki (who more recently produced Kamen Rider Revice, which shares Subaru Kimura as its main VA, and Ten Gokaiger due to Gokaiger?s main producer having been demoted to advertising after one too many under performances), who fill those positions for Kyuranger proper. With all of that said, on with the review.

We open with UchuuNin Demost (having recuperated from his plot to conquer Earth being thwarted by three Sentai heroines from different home series, opening a portal to another universe (though since the word used can also mean ?galaxy?, the subs go back on forth on the matter).



Though as he opens the portal, he gets confronted by Space Squad members Jiraiya (voiced by impressionist Kenji Akabane, impersonating original Jiraiya actor Takumi Tsutsui)(The narration explains that his isn?t the original, Toha Yamaji, but a new holder, Touma Amagi)?



And Shaider (played by Hiroaki Iwanaga, who started his career as Eiji/R5 in Tomica Hero Rescue Force. I think that?s it for him. No wait, there?s something else? oh, it?s gone).



But Demost escapes through the portal he opened, with Shaider giving chase in his ship, Vavillos.



Back at Galaxy Federation Police headquarters on Planet Bird, Jiraiya informs Captain Geki (yes, he?s a captain now. Like his predecessor was in his Sharivan guest appearances and Space Sheriff Spirits) of the situation. Geki thinks about parallel universe and hopes it?s the one Lucky came from (the two having met in episode 18 of Kyuranger).

Geki: Alright, Lucky!

We then cut to said other universe, where Tsurugi, having been elected to President of the reformed Space Federation, informs us that 4 years have passed since Kyuranger?s ending (and an additional two years from the final scene of that show).



He then hands over to his aides Kimiko (played by Yuko Takayama, previously Miku in Kamen Rider Chou Den-O Episode Blue, Rinko and her other dimensional counterparts in Kamen Rider Wizard and Jey/Kamen Rider Dark Necrom Y in Kamen Rider Ghost?s movie) and Roy (played by Masayuki Deai, previously Eiji in Boukenger, the Trigger Dopant in Kamen Rider W?s movie and Tessai in Kyoryuger) to present the Neo-Kyutama.





As Roy explains that they?re currently under development in an impenetrable factory on the planet Dakao of the Taurus System, someone penetrates the factory and steals 4 of them.



But unfortunately for the robber (or fortunately, depending on how much faith you have in his abilities. Seriously, someone said he made early series Lucky look mature by comparison), they have Shou Ronpo on security.



But then the assailant turns out to be Hammie in a rather revealing outfit? who gets away due to Shou?s back giving out.



Meanwhile, across the galaxy on planet Daguu of the Hercules System, Lucky reunites with Champ, who is about to go for his 999th championship match, while on his interplanetary travels (he says that Jiyaa, his guardian, wants him to come home more often).



Lucky explains that Garu eventually settled down with a woman and had children (and the shippers promptly forgot about him).



But the conversation get interrupted by a news report about Shou being attacked? and identifying Hammie as his attacker. (Some loyalty he showed) A report also being shown at Spada?s restaurant on Earth.



And at Balance and Nagas? latest job.



And in Tsurugi?s office, Roy admonishes Rebellion?s current upper brass, Stinger, Kotaro and Raptor, for allowing this to happen.



While Roy is all for punishing Hammie without hesitation, Kimiko thinks she should at least explain herself. Meanwhile, Hammie delivers the Neo-Kyutamas to her employer - Demost.



Using his Hijutsu: Genma Tensei, Demost imprints the 4 Neo-Kyutamas with the souls of those who died with unfinished business, before activating them to revive Mele of the RinJuuDen (played by Yuka Hirata, who was also in Ghost?s movie as Himiko), Juzo Fuwa of the Gedoushuu(played by Mitsuru Karahashi, who also played Naoya Kaido in Kamen Rider Faiz, Musashi in Kamen Rider Ghost and Hayato Fukamiya/Kamen Rider Calibur I in Kamen Rider Saber, as well as being an art designer for Kyuranger proper), Basco te Jolaika of the Zangyack (played by Kei Hosogai, currently playing Ignis/Trigger Dark in Ultraman Trigger: New Generation Tiga) and Escape of the Vaglass (played by Ayame Misaki, who was previously Sister Miki in Cutie Honey: The Live).



While the other three go about their business readily, Mele refuses to do anything without Rio (girl, you?ve been dead for 15-ish years, let it go), so Demost brainwashes her into obedience.



Stinger?s group gets ambushed by Basco at the scene of the crime, sparking a fight.



And Escape appears in Spada?s restaurant to shoot up the place.



Escape: (kisses right hand gun) This is Gog. (kisses left hand gun) And this is Magog. And I am Escape. I?m pretty good.

As another fight breaks out between the two, we cut to Lucky and Champ returning to Earth, where they observe Shuu making first contact with the local inhabitants.



But he gets interrupted as Mele shows up to attack the Kyurangers, only for the three heroes to chase her off by mentioning love.



Meanwhile, Balance and Naga chase down Hammie, only to be deflected by Juzo, still hunting for a worthy opponent.



They also briefly interact with Demost, with Naga being briefly manhandled, before the villains all flee to their base (which, while I didn?t mention it before, is a damaged Moraimarz Robo left over from Jark Matter?s reign). Meanwhile, Shuu formerly introduces himself to his new allies as Space Sheriff Shaider, which causes Lucky to realise that he knows Gavan and demonstrate that he also knows Gavan.



At his base, Demost explains to Hammie that he?s merely getting rid of the Kyurangers so the can get more Neo-Kyutamas, before promising a big score for all of his new compatriots (except Mele, who storms out). Meanwhile, all the heroic parties then meet up at Tsurugi?s office to swap notes.



After Shuu gets a whiff of Kimiko?s perfume.



Shuu explains that Demost is one of the Genmakuu Society's 12 Apostles, and he head of the Ankoku Ninja Clan, hence why Space Squad is after him after discovering evidence against him (what was he posing as before they got that evidence?). While Roy still advocates executing Hammie for her crimes, Kimiko instead advocates covering them up.



With all the parties failing to come to an agreement, everyone goes their separate ways, but not before Shuu takes a whiff of Naga?s perfume.



Shou gets informed of this in the hospital and tries to join in, only for his back to give out.



At their base, Demost sends Hammie to her next target, while tasking Mele with killing her if something goes wrong. At Spada?s restaurant, Lucky, Champ, Spada and Kotaro discuss how they think they should listen to what Hammie has to say, a viewpoint supported by a miraculously healed Shou. Shou then points out that the enemy is likely going after Neo-Kyutamas to revive more enemies And in his office, Tsurugi?s group (Stinger, Balance, Naga and Raptor) receives a note from Hammie informing her that she intends to go after the Neo-Kyutama production factory that just opened.



On the planet where the production line is, Hammie gets cornered by Tsurugi?s group, who have come to arrest her.



But Lucky?s group shows up to protect her, sparking both groups to transform.

As a fight breaks out, Garu appears, having decided to abandon his family to help out Lucky in his time of need (I sense a divorce coming), and fights with Tsurugi, before Balance and Naga pull him into a separate battle.



As Stinger faces Champ and Kotaro, while Spada duels with Raptor, Lucky faces Tsurugi, bursting out his Taiyo and Pegasus Modes.



But that doesn?t do much to end the fight, neither does Shou accidentally blundering into the way of the fight.



Meanwhile, Hammie gets stopped from escaping by Mele, who tries to get her to step away from the path of darkness, knowing fully well where that ends up.



And then Shuu appears, trying the ?you remind me of a girl I know? seduction technique.



When Shou appears, Mele transforms into her monster form and attacks him, before the two withdraw.



Back with the fight, the conflict gets broken by Geki arriving in DolGiran and beating everyone into submission.





Back at the abandoned Moraimarz, Demost reveals to us the hold he has over a now reluctant to help him Hammie.



A flashback reveals that while Hammie was undergoing her teacher training, Demost appeared and passed himself off as a member of her Chameleon Ninja Clan by using Chameleon Ninpo: Fake Saibo before revealing that he had found their master (played by Satomi Hirose of Yuugen Sisters Shushutorian and Ninja Sentai Kakuranger fame), who had seemingly died in the battle with Jark Matter and held her life in his hand.





Mele then compares that to her own desire to do anything to Rio (Uh, it?s kinda different) and reveals that she died for him, once more advising Hammie not to end up like her.





Back with Lucky?s group (which now includes the two Space Sheriffs), Geki explains that he was able to travel to this universe by having Jiraiya perform Demost?s Ninpo.



Geki then states that he?s so disappointed in Lucky that he?s not going to scout him for Space Squad, since his group are making excuses to do things and has lost his admirable qualities.



Back in the President?s office, Shuu gives Tsurugi some advice that he should take the short route to defeating evil. As Hammie decides she?s had enough of being Demost?s flunky, he has Juzo bring in her master, alive and well.





Demost then reveals his deception: He lied about being a fellow student of the Chameleon Style so that Hammie would follow him and he could use her to tear the Kyurangers apart so they couldn?t stop his conquest of this galaxy for Fumein. The Shou at the restaurant and on the factory planet was actually Demost in disguise.



It?s then that Demost reveals his ultimate plan to use her to destroy the Kyurangers once and for all.



At a press conference, while Roy denounces Hammie as a criminal and Tsurugi decides to announce his resignation from the role of President to avoid a scandal, Hammie is in the audience in disguise.



She then drops the disguise partway through the speech to attack Tsurugi- But?



As Demost?s minions transform to move in for the kill, they get stopped. Juzo by Garu and Champ, Escape by Stinger and Raptor and Basco by Spada and Kotaro.





And then Tsurugi reveals that there?s been a mole in the President?s office, handing confidential information, such as the existence of the Neo Kyutamas and the factory, over to Demost. Someone who clearly has it in for the Kyurangers. He turns to Roy - before asking him to move aside so he can approach the real criminal, Kimiko Naruse, or as Geki and Shuu know him?



Shuu reveals that he, Balance and Naga figured it out a while ago. The main hint was the perfume that Kimiko was wearing when Shuu first met her. The same scent as Demost?s. The second clue, which makes the first one make more sense, was that the same scent was coming off Naga, the only one to have physical contact with Demost.



And, most damning of all, if you check Ms. Naruse?s apartment, you?ll find the murdered body of Kimiko?s dead deceased corpse.



His ruse exposed, ?Kimiko? beats up Roy and the two Space Sheriffs, before trying to kill Hammie?s master? a threat that falls flat when it turns out that Balance and Naga found he base and freed her, forcing Demost to revert to his true form.



Demost then disables his opponents with Uchuu Ankoku Ninpo (not to be confused with Jakanja?s Uchuu Ninpo, or Zero Spear Bat The Rhumba?s Ankoku Chou Ninpo): Raigeki, before trying to strike down Hammie. Only for Mele to take the blow for her.



While the others give chase to Demost, Mele tells Hammie to live her life without regrets, before reverting to a blank Neo-Kyutama.



This gives Hammie the will to defeat Demost once and for all.



Hammie approaches Demost, donning her Seiza Blaster and vowing to make Demost pay. But he merely summons an army of Rinshi, Nanashi, Gormin and Buglars, to fight them and the B/N Theives.



With all of them having an opponent, the Kyurangers don their old jackets and transform (with Lucky and Naga using their super modes this time).

Seiza Blasters: Saiko/Sasori/Ookami/Tenbin/Oushi/Dark/Chameleon/Washi/Kajiki/Kohguma Kyutama! (Super) Seiza Change!

Houou Ken: Houou Kyutama! Come On the Change!

Kyurangers: Star Change!



Lucky: Miracle Star, Shishi Red Orion!

Stinger: Poison Star, Sasori Orange!

Garu: Beast Star, Ookami Blue!

Naga: Silent Star, Hebitsukai Metal!

Balance: Trick Star, Tenbin Gold!

Champ: Ring Star, Oushi Black!

Hammie: Shinobi Star, Chameleon Green!

Raptor: Speed Star, Washi Pink!

Spada: Food Meister, Kajiki Yellow!

Kotaro: Big Star, Kohguma SkyBlue!

Tsurugi: Space Buster, Houou Soldier!

Lucky: Uchuu Sentai?

All: Kyuranger!



Geki: Jouchaku! (Transforms)

Shuu: Shoketsu! (Sinter) (Transforms)



Now surrounded by more heroes than he?d like, Demost performs Uchuu Ankoku Ninpo: Kage Bunshin, to split himself into three (this isn?t what they mean when they say ?the monster becomes three times more powerful?).

Hammie: Let?s test your luck.

We then cut away briefly to the other battles, we see that Stonger has equipped his super mode, the Ikakuju (Unicorn) Arm.

Back with the three main battles, one of the Demost clones is killed by a combo Gavan Hyper Dynamic/Shaider Blue Flash, while the other is destroyed by a combination Phoenix End/In-finish Blast. The real one has meanwhile knocked Hammie back to her normal form, which only strengthens her resolve to win from her friends.



She then places her Kyutama on her Kyu Rapier, defeating Demost with her Hameleon Impact!

Hammie: Good luck.

Without Demost's magic to preserve them, the three villains go back to being dead.







But then it turns out that Demost is alive, albeit being taken into custody by Space Squad (I don?t know why, given that they normally have no qualms about executing these kinds of criminals). And then Jiraiya calls to remind us he?s in this, just as Hammie and her master have a tearful reunion and Tsurugi has decided to run for the third Federation President so he can clear Hammie of all charges, while he suggests that Hammie atone by becoming a teacher and encouraging kids to be better than her (basically, what she was working towards already).



With a limited window of opportunity, Geki once more makes a request of Lucky.



Lucky says that he?d be honoured, but he has some thinking to do first. As Geki and Shuu depart, all of the Kyurangers decide to throw a victory party.

Mid-credits, Spada?s customers confuse each other.





While Raptor gets robbed by a space pirate who Hammie thinks is a lot like her.



With the voice actor jokes over, it?s time for the credit song.

Back at GFP HQ, Geki shows Shuu and Jiraiya (everyone else in space Squad is apparently on vacation) a newscast on terrorist suicide bombings.



Geki suspects Genmakuu involvement and decides to take action.





And as Shuu tries to drop him a hint about who to recruit, we cut to a lover of peace, a believer in friendship, someone who would lay down his life to protect his planet.



Final thoughts: This was a very good piece, all things considered. Everyone gets a moment to shine and there?s a lot of character moments that are pretty decent. Even Space Squad?s MCU-lite tone manages to avoid clashing with Kyuranger?s.

Next time: I enter some familiar territory, as we review the first Sentai I watched while it was airing?s VS movie.