Recap: Ian is unmasked as Kyoryu Black and King helps him to deal with a traumatic incident from his past.

Aquagaze‘s Thoughts: Rejoice! We can finally stop saying that it remains to be seen what Kyoryuger will be like when it eventually stops being so hyperactive because that is exactly what happened this episode. The featured character, in this case Ian, actually stood front and center for once instead of being forced to get their characterization done in under 2 minutes so everyone can get to screaming and blowing things up. With this episode, director Sakamoto seems to have found a good balance between plot and character development, and Kyoryuger‘s already signature over-the-top action.

While I initially thought Ian would be revealed to be some kind of James Bond-like ex-spy, the truth turned out to be less exciting. Poor Ian was just your average snazzily-dressed archaeology student, who got caught up in a Deboss attack and failed to save his best friend because his shooting skills were not good enough. Also, apparently you can legally carry guns around in Europe. Of course, the Deboss bigwig responsible for this tragedy is back in action, stealing riches off Tokyo’s finest because money is the only thing that keeps you from crying, or something. Money to buy toys with!

One of the Rangers having to face a monster that had an impact on their past is a trope as old as the show itself, but it works well here, serving as a nice introduction of Ian – who has been little more than a douche up to his unmasking, and admittedly, still is one – to the team. With the team finally together, it’s time to get a plot into gear, and with Aigallon still in the possession of the gem Ian and his buddy tried to retrieve, it seems like the Kyoryugers (luckily) are not off the hook yet. It looks like they will be getting some help from a new face in the next episode, though, and I am glad to see that there is some conflict stirring in the group.

Random Observations

• Apparently, Japan’s idea of Europe is, aside from being a single country, some sort of fairytale wonderland filled with castles and other beautiful architecture.
• With his casanova antics, Ian is not particularly a good role model for this show’s target audience.
• We were a bit confused as to what emotion Luckyoro is actually supposed to represent. Turns out he is in charge of fun, whereas Canderilla is in charge of joy. Before you yell that there is no difference between these two, it must be noted that Luckyoro is addressed as a”Spy” rather than a “Knight”, like the three others. What’s he doing there?

Dragonzigg’s Thoughts: Even the wackiest of Sentai series need to come down from their enforced high after a while, and this is the episode that Kyoryuger obeys that rule. That’s not to say it completely loses the manic energy which has made it such an enjoyable ride so far – that’s still very much in effect. But rather, we get a few more plot elements and some slightly more serious drama stirred into the mix, creating the impression the show is somewhat capable of extending its ridiculously short attention span.

This week it’s Ian’s turn to be in the spotlight, and as Aqua noted he makes a considerably better impression here than he has in his brief appearances out of suit up to this point. I still don’t think they’ve quite hit the ‘charming lothario’ target they were clearly aiming for, instead landing slightly closer to ‘enjoyably dickish snob’ but he’s definitely a much more likable figure now. Having your best friend killed by the bad guy is absolutely one of the most egregious cliches in any form of storytelling, but as I mentioned last week, cliches are cliches because they work. Super Sentai doesn’t need to be terribly original, but it does need strong, broad and relatable characters and character stories, and in this regard that background works well. There’s even a gleeful sting in the tail as it’s revealed it was actually Aigaron who killed Ian’s friend, a fact that’s sure to allow the revenge plotline to be reused later on.

Despite a little more narrative gristle showing up though, there’s still plenty of time for the action. My absolute favourite from this episode was the lengthy unmorphed fight scene. They’re much rarer in the Japanese series than in Power Rangers and the fact that the team so willing goes out and kicks arse makes them extremely cool. The fight is great as well, mixing strong choreography with a good mix of stunts from the actors and well disguised doubling. The formation of the Kyoryuger’s Kentrospiker is surprisingly quick and low key, but it’s made up for by the hilariously over the top Kyoryuzin Western, complete with a dramatic sunset showdown and pointed finger guns.  It’s a great example of what Kyoryuger seems to be doing best – taking a dramatic scene but embracing the silliness in the production, and making something all the more enjoyable for it.

Random Observations

• Even though the Kyoryugers jump onto a building after morphing, the subsequent shots are very clearly on the ground in a completely different place. You can even see grass around their feet.
• Loved Nobuharu’s awesome bellyflop bodyslam onto the enemy mooks.
• Luckyoro’s voice actor Ai Orikasa has an interesting tangential connection to franchise – she voiced Astronema/Karone in the Japanese dubs of Power Rangers in Space and Power Rangers Lost Galaxy.
• I completely disagree with Aqua that Ian is a bad role model. A country with as low a birth rate as Japan could do with a few more kids growing up to become flirty Casanovas.
• A bearded, Caucasian actor appears very briefly in the next episode teaser. Those of you who’ve been reading spoilers know that he’ll eventually become Kyoryu Cyan. Given his weird manner of dress I suspect he might be a character from prehistoric times, who fought alongside dinosaurs (because really, you expect historical accuracy?)