[Mesnick]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sh Ranger

Another weird thing is that some big Shinkenger fans seem to dislike PR Samurai, even though they're pretty similar shows. Perhaps the core 5 dynamic has more depth for Shinkenger, but I strongly prefer Antonio to Genta.

The problem here is that the PR version not only greatly reduces the conflict (there is a huge difference between the leader's younger brother and the servant's substitute son), but also misses the very essence of the show. Shinkeger follows the spirit of the 1962 film "Harakiri": admiring the samurai spirit, he shows how the rigidity of tradition breaks human destinies. In Samurai, everything comes down to friendship, albeit initially imposed. And in general, where Shinkenger showed the characters wandering in search of their path, Samurai constantly turns to the trope. The connection between Decker and Naiyu is an example of this.
Plus, many did not like how Jason cut the grown final boss with a sword.

[Sh Ranger]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mesnick

The problem here is that the PR version not only greatly reduces the conflict (there is a huge difference between the leader's younger brother and the servant's substitute son), but also misses the very essence of the show. Shinkeger follows the spirit of the 1962 film "Harakiri": admiring the samurai spirit, he shows how the rigidity of tradition breaks human destinies. In Samurai, everything comes down to friendship, albeit initially imposed. And in general, where Shinkenger showed the characters wandering in search of their path, Samurai constantly turns to the trope. The connection between Decker and Naiyu is an example of this.
Plus, many did not like how Jason cut the grown final boss with a sword.

Cultural differences probably would've had to affect the adaption. Ryunosuke used to be a kabuki, which of course doesn't exist in America or benefit from pop culture relevance like a samurai or ninja. I presume this is the same reason for the simplification of the Shibas' hierarchy, as a shadow samurai is another unfamiliar term. But yeah, for those who want an authentic modern Jidaigeki experience, I can see how Shinkenger would have an edge over Samurai. Although the plot with Deker, Dayu and Serrator seems to be received more favorably than other parts of Samurai. It'll be interesting to remember how Shinkenger handled that.

[GuardianAngel87]

I have finished my Gekiranger rewatch last night and I love this show even more than I already do from the first time I saw it a few years ago and for funsies, I even revisited the crossover movie between Go-Onger and Gekiranger not long after and said crossover film is still pretty solid even more so under far better English subtitles than the ones I was unfortunately stuck with the first time I watched it. Sentai-wise, I am planning to rewatch Fiveman next via my copy of the series on DVD as released by Shout Factory and then Abaranger through the same way and eventually GoGo Five, Dairanger, Zyuranger, and Kakuranger also through that. I am also planning to rewatch ToQger and then Kiramager before finally jumping into Zenkaiger for the first time. May or may not do an updated overall Sentai rankings list soon.

[Sunred]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuardianAngel87

finally jumping into Zenkaiger for the first time

Ah, Zenkaiger. I have nothing but respect for the people who worked on that show because it was the 45th anniversary show that was made and aired during the pandemic and they tried to work around their situation by having one human ranger and the rest being humanoid robots modeled after previous Sentai robots, specifically Daizyujin, Gaoking, Magiking, and Daibouken.
I also think it was a subtle celebration of the first Super Sentai Dream Team from the Gaoranger VS Super Sentai movie through the palette they had for the team. This is because the first dream team had Big One pretty much leading Red Falcon, Mega Pink, Ginga Blue, and Go Yellow.
The show turned out decent, I think, given their circumstances.

[Matrixbeast]

It's always nice to see others glazing Gekiranger. It's such a great show that just floundered in Japan.

As for Zenkaiger, it's okay. It's definitely a lot of fun, but there's a certain point where you get the feeling that the plot should be advancing, but it just...Isn't, and instead it insists on just keeping the gears turning, cramming way too much into the final few episodes.

[Mesnick]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sunred

Ah, Zenkaiger. I have nothing but respect for the people who worked on that show because it was the 45th anniversary show that was made and aired during the pandemic and they tried to work around their situation by having one human ranger and the rest being humanoid robots modeled after previous Sentai robots, specifically Daizyujin, Gaoking, Magiking, and Daibouken.

In fact, despite the pandemic, Zenkaiger somehow manages to look like a fairly large-scale and massive show. Although, perhaps this is because in subsequent seasons, Toei began to economize on extras.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matrixbeast

As for Zenkaiger, it's okay. It's definitely a lot of fun, but there's a certain point where you get the feeling that the plot should be advancing, but it just...Isn't, and instead it insists on just keeping the gears turning, cramming way too much into the final few episodes.

I suppose if you wanted to, you could also consider this a tribute to pre-Zyu Sentai, where the last episodes would pop up with unexpected twists and the situation would suddenly take on an apocalyptic character, but would be resolved in literally 10 minutes. In any case, deciding the fate of the multiverse via Rock-Paper-Scissors is definitely bold and unexpected.

[Sh Ranger]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuardianAngel87

Sentai-wise, I am planning to rewatch Fiveman next via my copy of the series on DVD as released by Shout Factory and then Abaranger through the same way and eventually GoGo Five, Dairanger, Zyuranger, and Kakuranger also through that. I am also planning to rewatch ToQger and then Kiramager before finally jumping into Zenkaiger for the first time. May or may not do an updated overall Sentai rankings list soon.

That's a lot of rewatches. Good luck. My rankings for Heisei Red, Blue and Pink will also need updating at some point, probably after Shinkenger.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sunred

The show turned out decent, I think, given their circumstances.

And yet you put it at the bottom of your Reiwa Ranking. What do you think it could've done better? For me, I wanted to see all the Gears used in the Geartlinger at least once, like Gekiranger and Go-Onger which were only used in the Geardalinger.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matrixbeast

It's always nice to see others glazing Gekiranger. It's such a great show that just floundered in Japan.

For sure, Gekiranger is a wonderful show about self-refinement. Now if only we can get some glaze for other underrated shows like Goseiger and Zyuohger.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matrixbeast

instead it insists on just keeping the gears turning

I see what you did there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mesnick

Zenkaiger somehow manages to look like a fairly large-scale and massive show.

The name translates to Full Force Ranger after all, so they can't do anything halfheartedly. I think them celebrating the 45th anniversary worked out for the best, since Kiramager trying to do it in 2020 would've been doomed from the start by the problem of real life.

[Sunred]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sh Ranger

And yet you put it at the bottom of your Reiwa Ranking. What do you think it could've done better? For me, I wanted to see all the Gears used in the Geartlinger at least once, like Gekiranger and Go-Onger which were only used in the Geardalinger.

Yeah, I guess the reason I put it at the bottom of my list is because it has more to do with the other shows just seemed to have excelled more in comparison as I was putting the list together.

Boonboomger: I don't know, I just love the suit designs and feels like the most Super Sentai show for me since Kiramager from the Reiwa era shows so far. Mighty Revvin' Tire Rangers FTW.
King-Ohger: An epic show which feels more like a Shonen Jump epic than a typical Super Sentai show chock full of innovations but felt like it lacked the classic Super Sentai-ness for a lack of better words.
Kiramager: My golden standard for the Reiwa era due to how standard it was.
Donbrothers: It feels more like a live-action adaptation of a fun and zany manga that happens to have Super Sentai elements than a Super Sentai show. Still, a good show, no doubt about that, and Inoue's best show so far in his career, I think.

Now, how could've Zenkaiger been better? Bring back FREAKIN' Burai!
Just kidding. Real talk, I think had it been able to provide more of that anniversary show flair under better circumstances? Given how low-key Zyuohger was, I anticipated Gokaiger levels of a flashier show, but like we all know, they had limitations, and it's sad Zenkaiger wasn't able to do more than it could've probably is my answer. But like I stated, being at the bottom doesn't mean it's burning-canine-feces-in-a-paper-bag levels of crappiness, just that the other shows excelled more as I was placing them.
Regardless of where it stands the show gets my respect for keeping the gears going. Just that I love the WRC uniform-wearing car sentai team and the F1 ranger more out of personal preference, even if their helmet visors are tires. And let's not forget that Boonboomger has tons of car-related puns and tributes, including Vin Diesel.

[Sh Ranger]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sunred

Now, how could've Zenkaiger been better? Bring back FREAKIN' Burai!

He would look pretty good standing next to Super Zenkaizer. May as well bring back Time Fire for Super Twokaizer as well.

[Sunred]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sh Ranger

He would look pretty good standing next to Super Zenkaizer. May as well bring back Time Fire for Super Twokaizer as well.

*gasp* Sign me up, coach.