Power Rangers Samurai/RPM Crossover

For those of you whom haven't heard yet, it appears that Power Rangers Samurai will have a crossover with RPM...

"The Clash of the Red Rangers - a crossover special where the Samurai Rangers team with the mysterious RPM Rangers Red fend off the dual threat from Master Xandred's Mooger army and robotic super-villain from the RPM Ranger's dimension. When something goes awry, the two Red Rangers turn on one another and the fate of the world hangs in the balance."

Apparently Tzachor is going to ignore his own comments when he said that everything from Ninja Storm to RPM was non-canon, or at the least RPM is canon with Samurai. However, to be honest I'm not that excited about it. I do feel that RPM is best being left as non-canon, although having them from a different dimension does make it a little interesting and gives them a way around the post-apocalyptic world of RPM. However, it does sound somewhat disappointing. Some of it sounds like a rip-off of Shinkenger vs Go-Onger, and it sounds like only Scott is returning. Making it disappointing. They could at least get Ari Boyland back to reprise his roll of Flynn, afterall he did voice a MOTW earlier in the season. I wonder if the Samurai writers even noticed that the Venjix virus downloaded itself into Scott's morpher at the end of RPM. Hopefully they do something original, at least.

Sentai Characters Whom I Think Get Over-hated/Under-appreciated.

After reading Fantasy Leader's recent post, and also having an interesting discussion in the comments on one of my previous posts, I decided to weigh in on Sentai characters whom I feel receive too much hate or too much criticism. Criticisms on these characters tend to range from being the ditz, the "loud and annoying screaming red," too girly, too hyper, being bland, or being a jerkass. Before anyone asks, I do plan on doing a similar post for Power Ranger characters, at a later time.

Ban/Deka Red


Next we have Ban, one of the most infamous and controversal characters ever in Sentai. Ban's one of the "screaming reds" which also includes Yousuke, Kai, Jan, and Sousuke. However, Ban was probably the first among the group that received sharp criticism. He's criticized for being loud, annoying, and even being a jerkass. Others criticize Ryuji Sainei's acting and portrayal of Ban. The latter I disagree with. Based on the nature of his character and how later, similar characters are portrayed, I think Ban was meant to be overplayed. I think Ryuji Sainei nailed his portrayal of Ban spot-on. Furthermore, whenever Ban had an emotional scene or an instant where he had to slow down, I felt his acting was very good. It is understandable that some people will find him annoying, but I think Ban was a unique character. Like Fantasy Leader said, Dekaranger parodies its motif, cop shows, and Ban is a parody of a cowboy cop. I thought Ban's wild, recklessness was quite fun to watch, and he's pretty badass as well.

Umeko/Deka Pink


Along with Ban, I think Umeko is another Dekaranger character who gets bashed too much. Criticism on Umeko range from her being a flat one dimensional character with little development, being overly ditzy and childish (especially for being a cop), and for being Ms. Fanservice. With her character, I think some fans take her and Dekaranger too seriously at times. It is true that she is kinda one dimensional, but I think she received a fair amount of development. Throughout the show, she grew out of an inferiority complex (episode 17) and showed that she's daring and capable of taking things into her own hands when needed (episodes 24 & 39 are good examples). Even then, I think some fans judge characters too much on their development at times while overlooking aspects that make him/her a fun character. Umeko, along with Ahim (whom I'll get to later) is a perfect example. I know her ditzy nature might not appeal to everybody, but I think Umeko is quite a funny character. Furthermore, I think her ditzy nature is portrayed in a way that actually makes her character unique, and provides a refreshing balance to the more serious characters in Dekaranger like Tetsu, Hoji, and Jasmine. I also think her actress, Mika Kikuchi, is quite talented as both an actress and a singer.

Natsuki/Bouken Yellow


Like Umeko, Natsuki gets criticized for being overly ditzy and even more childish than Umeko. However, with her character I think Natsuki has an excuse. She was in suspended animation for 100,000 years, from the moment she was a baby. Her body only aged one year for every 5,000 years, and thus she was basically 20 when she woke up. Because of this, she never really had a childhood and thus never had a chance to grow up, so I think it's realistic that she's childish, ditzy, and a bit off. Furthermore, I think Natsuki has one of the most interesting backstories among 2000's Sentai characters, being the princess of an ancient civilization.

Eiji/Bouken Silver


To a lesser extent, Eiji also gets criticized. He's one of those characters that while has some popularity, isn't the most popular. Some fans criticize him for being "bland and boring" which seems to be a common criticism of Boukenger in general by the fans who don't like the series. With Eiji, I just don't see it. I think he's one of the most interesting 6th rangers in Sentai, and is among my top three favorites among 6th rangers (including Shurikenger and Doggie Krugar if he counts). Like Natsuki, I think Eiji has an interesting backstory as being one of the watchers of the Ashu. He's one of the more complex characters on Boukenger, and I love his rash yet badass personality.

Jan/Geki Red


With Jan, I won't lie. I'm not a big fan of his character, and I do find him at times to be annoying and an extreme version of Ban. Besides being one of the "screaming reds" Jan also gets criticized for his unique dialect of made up words. However, also like Ban I think the hatred of his character is often overexaggerated. He does gradually change, and has some good moments here and there (particularly the KaGeki arc, episode 22, the Gekiranger movie, and his backstory when it's revealed). Like Ban, his actor is fairly good when he has to show emotion or has to slow down a bit. Like Natsuki, while his childishness and dialect can get grating at times, I think it's a realistic part of his character since he lived away from society.

Ran/Geki Yellow


Like Umeko, Ran is criticized for being one dimensional and lacking development. However, I think her character receives a fair amount of development. Throughout Gekiranger, she had to learn to lighten up a bit and smile, deal with Jan and Retsu being turned into kids, learning how to be a team captain, and dealing with her mother. I do however, think her character gets the short end of the stick because she's underused, lacks focus episodes, and her leadership isn't developed as much as I would like. But for the short amount of focus I got, I think we got quite a bit out of her character.

Sousuke/Go-On Red


Sousuke is also at times bunched up with the group of "screaming reds." However, unlike the others I think he gets more criticism or is overlooked because of the series he's in, Go-Onger. He's much like Ban, and IMO plays the screaming red part better than anyone else except for Ban. Like Ban, he's quite reckless, but like Yousuke he's an idiot hero. While I like Ban better, I think he plays the "idiot hero" better than Yousuke. I also liked his relationship with his partner, Speedor, and also some of his dramatic stories such as episodes 35 & 36, and the Go-Onger movie. I also thought his interaction with the more serious characters was interesting, like the Go-On Wings or Takeru in Shinkenger vs Go-Onger.

Ahim/Gokai Pink


Despite the popularity of the Gokaiger cast, there's a trio of Gokaiger characters whom are a bit underappreciated by fans. The first is Ahim, whom like Umeko gets criticized for being the "girly-girl" of the team and being a flat one dimensional character. She also gets criticized for having a bland personality. Like Eiji, I just don't see it. Yeah she is "girly," but I don't think that's a good reason to dislike a character. I also don't think she's that bland of a character. I think she's shown some toughness, excellent gun skills, and I think is one of the best among recent Sentai senshi in terms of battle strategies and figuring out the opponent's strategies. Her development hasn't been as strong as the other Gokaigers so far, but I'm hoping we get a backstory episode about her past. Other's have even criticized her for being "badass" when the focus isn't on her, yet doing nothing in her own focus episodes, which I also disagree with. Episode 13 was kind of an oddball episode for me, but I like how she outsmarted Basco in episode 23 and the MOTW in episode 29. I also think unlike other stereotypical princesses, she's not your damsal in distress and holds her own pretty well.

Joe/Gokai Blue


Next we have Joe, who's not really "hated" but I feel is a bit underappreciated. Some fans accuse Joe of having the opposite problem as Ahim, being great in his focus episodes yet doing nothing or kinda just "being there" when the focus is not on him. To me this makes no sense. If the focus isn't on a certain character, he or she's not suppose to steal the show. So I don't think it hinders his character or the show at all. Others criticize him for being bland, which again I just don't see. It seems like some fans tend to associate "stoic" with being bland. Joe's focus episodes I think are among the best in the series, partly because of his backstory with the Zangyack and his friend Syd Bamick/Barizorg, but also because his acting talents really show in his focus episodes. This makes for some great drama. Also, like the other Gokaiger characters, he's quite awesome in terms of fighting ability.

Gai/Gokai Silver


Gai I think is another character who receives some unfair hate. He tends to get criticized for being a fanboy, Genta's clone, and being just there to cater to little kids and to sell toys. Admittedly, his fanboyishness does get a little grating once in a while, but I think just about anybody would act that way when meeting their favorite super hero or celebrity. In a way, his fanboyishness is a tribute to the franchise itself, and representing a fan's dream. Also, I think he contributes a lot to his team with his Sentai knowledge and has become relevant to the story. He's received some solid character development so far as well, particularly with his backstory, the Gingaman tribute episode, and even the Hurricanger two-parter.

Gokaiger Theme Song, Played by the Japanese Military

Recently, I found a video of the Japanese military playing the Gokaiger theme song. If you ask me they're doing a pretty impressive job. Enjoy the video.

Gokaiger Episode Reviews- 27, 28, and 29

Warning. Major Spoilers Ahead

Episode 27




Episode 27 starts out with Don and Luka shopping. However, they have to drop all their bags (actually Luka's bags) to stop a Zangyack attack. However, the MOTW Regaru performs performs a body switch on Don and Luka. The two of them now have to deal with everyday life in the other's body. Luka is having fun with the situation, including changing Doc's hair and getting phone numbers of a couple girls while she's in his body. Doc on the other hand, struggles. He runs off from a couple of guys who wanted Luka for a job to spot fake jewery. However, Don is saved by Luka (in Don's body). Meanwhile, the others are able to figure out the Zangyach plan. After Gai remembers that the people who were attacked by Regaru and the Gormin are foreign leaders, Ahim recognizes that Regaru intended to use his body switching abilities to switch bodies with the foreign leaders and take over the earth. Later, Luka and Don are able to join the others. They defeat Regaru, while Don and Luka are back to their normal bodies.

The switching bodies plot is one of the most unoriginal and overused plots ever. However, there are some things I do like about this episode. Planning to switch bodies with world leaders to conquer earth was actually quite a clever plan. It shows that the Zangyach at least are thinking instead of just always sending down the MOTW. Now if only their henchmen can get some more use. Along with episodes 23 and 29, it also showed Ahim to be quite the thinker. I also liked Mao Ichimichi's acting in this episode. Her facial expressions and portrayal of Don in this episode was hilarious, and I felt she showed some good acting ability. Kazuki Shimizu's portrayal of Luka was alright, but I think he's better as his own character. Despite the lack of originality, I felt it was still an enjoyable watch. Overall I give it 8/10.

Episode 28





After a mecha battle with the Sugormin the Gokaigers run into the bounty hunter Kiaiou. Marvelous instantly recognizes him from a past fight and instantly shows his fear. The Gokaigers transform into Bioman and Maskman but are unable to defeat Kiaidou. Kiaidou lets the Gokaigers retreat, telling them they're too weak for him to kill them. However, Kiaidou let them go just to raise their bounties. Sensing trouble, the ghost of Gai Yuuki/Black Condor comes to the Gokaigers and steals Marvelous' and Joe's Mobirates. Gai still has his flirty attitude with women, and flirts with Luka. Gai Ikari tells the other Gokaigers that there are some mysteries surrounding Gai Yuuki. Later on that night, Gai Yuuki confronts Marvelous about his fear and tells him that right now he's not fit to obtain the Jetman grand power. Marvelous follows Gai Yuuki and finds his grave. The next day, the Gokaigers stumble upon Gai Yuuki fighting Kiaidou. After seeing Gai Yuuki fighting to protect the other Jetmen, Marvelous overcomes his fear. Gai then gives Marvelous and Joe their Mobirates back and the Jetman grand power. The Gokaigers use the Jetman grand power to defeat Kiaidou, who's not even revived to grow giant. Afterwards, Gai Yuuki sits on the bench where he died. The episode ends the same way it begun, with Gai Yuuki playing cards with a goddess in a jazz club.

This episoed was excellent and very well written. In the fight with Kiaidou, Gai Yuuki showed that he's still quite the badass. It is a bummer that Gai Yuuki is "officially dead" but it was nice to see some of the things left on his grave from the other Jetmen members, including a cup of noodles from Ako. This was one of the better episodes in the series. Overall I give it 9/10.

Episode 29





Episode 29 begins with Walz Gils having problems with a cold. Insarn informs him that the cure is joy from women on earth. Barizorg's suggestion is Daiyal, whom can suck the happiness out of women with his staff. After leaving a restaurant, Gai is questioning Marvelous as to why he let Ahim join, saying that she doesn't seem like much of a pirate. Marvelous responds to Gai by saying "you don't know jack about Ahim." They catch Daiyal attacking a married woman at a wedding and try to stop him. However, it's revealed that he can shrink or grow giant on his own. After growing large, he shrinks and manages to get inside GouZyuJin, attacking Gai and taking over the mecha to attack GokaiOh. After Gai recovers, he shrinks again and attacks the others inside GokaiOh. Marvelous, Joe, and Luka shoot at him against Don's warnings, and do some damage to GokaiOh. Later, Daiyal shrinks and sneaks into Luka's suit. Ahim uses bug spray to get him out, and Daiyal retreats. As punishment for their recklessness, Don has Marvelous, Joe, and Luka help him repair the ship. Meanwhile, Ahim tells Gai to marry him immediately, much to Gai's shock. However, this was Ahim's plan to lure Daiyal out. It succeeds but he manages to escape the first time. However, Ahim goes on a cosplay rampage, disguising as a school girl, a nurse, and a police woman all to outsmart Daiyal. She crushes his staff, and when the others are done, Gai tells Marvelous that he now sees what Marvelous saw in Ahim. Yukito/Abare Blue and Emiri (who's now his wife) catch up to them and tell them that Ahim's rampage makes them worthy of the Abaranger grand power. The secret to their power is that GokaiOh and GouZyuJin can combine. Emiri gives Ahim an Abarepink ranger key. When the Gokaigers transform into Abarangers, Ahim's Abarepink outfit looks more like a pajama suit. Embarrassed, Ahim stays back and doesn't join the fight. After Daiyal grows large, the Gokaigers use the Abaranger keys to combine GokaiOh with GouZyuJin to form GoZyu-GokaiOh, and defeat Diayal for good. Later on, Gai is sharing Ahim's cosplay disguise story with the others and shows them pictures of Ahim in the various cosplay, embarrasing Ahim in the process.

This episode had a mixed reaction from the fandom, and seemed to divide the message boards (rangerboard users mostly seemed to love the episode while Henshin Justice users seemed mix with some outright hating the episode). It is somewhat understandable to see why it got a mixed reaction. This episode didn't do as much in terms of paying tribute to Abaranger unlike other tribute episodes. The main disappoinments were not at least mentioning the Dino Curry house and the lack of interaction between Yukito and the Gokaiger cast. However, the episode itself did have some tributes to Abaranger such as breaking the fourth wall, Abarepink, and the commercial break. Overall, I felt the episode paid more of a tribute to the spirit of Abaranger with its comedy and utter randomness, then to the series itself. With that said, I felt it was still quite an enjoyable and entertaining episode. I think it's one of the funnier episodes in Gokaiger, funnier than the body switcher episode and even rivaling the Carranger tribute episode. I particularly found the Abarepink joke and Ahim's embarrasment funny. Sure, a lot of it was Ahim fanservice, but I think the episode showed Ahim in a different light. It showed that she's more than capable of outsmarting an enemy on her own. It was kinda disappointing that she didn't fight after transforming into Abarepink, but everything else she did before that more than made up for it. Overall, I give this episode 8.5/10.

August Poll Results, September Polls

Polls for August asked "How should Goseiger be adapted for Power Rangers?
The 126 voters, the overwhelming majority (80%) said that Goseiger should be adapted with a completely original storyline. This I agree with but sadley, I don't have much hope of it happening.

13 voters (8%) said all of Goseigers' plots and characters should be copied and pasted for its Power Rangers adaptation.
13 voters (again, 8%) said Saban should skip Goseiger and move onto Gokaiger.
4 voters (2%) said that Goseiger should be adapted as the second season of Power Rangers Samurai.



The other two polls circled around Gokaiger. The first one was "As a Super Sentai fan, do you want to see Gokaiger adapted for Power Rangers?
124 voters (86%) said yes.
20 voters (13%) said no.

The next question was virtually the same, but as a "Power Rangers fan."
117 voters (89%) said yes.
14 voters (10%) said no.

September's polls will ask if you like the newer version of my "series reviews" or the old ones better. Other polls will be asking if you would like to see reviews of other tokusatsu related shows such as Kamen Rider, Shibuya 15, and Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon.