Analysis
The episode begins with a NASCAR race, primarily focusing on Takeru and his pit crew. If you watched the intro then you already know he will become the Red Ranger.
All of a sudden, a lady in purple races after Takeru begging him to stop the car. She trips and loses one of her red high heels. Then we get flashbacks of her and Takeru with music implying there is romance between them and it is revealed that those red high heels were a gift from Takeru.
Anyway, she is trying to warn Takeru about something bad happening and it cuts to reveal the villains of this season. The Ground Empire. They have awakened about 5000 years and are ready to start some trouble with their leader Zeba.
Back to the race, the girl, who's name is revealed as Mio, runs in front of Takeru's car in order to stop him. She warns him that the Ground Empire is awakened and begs him to run away with her. It is then revealed that she was a spy for the Ground Empire that betrayed them and now they are sending beasts to attack in retaliation. Two beasts are revived, plus a collection of grunts and the commanders mobilize. They use a series of trains and jets to invade the surface.
Clever way to get the villains involved personally with the Rangers. Also looks like we have 2 monsters of the week.
Takeru and Mio are fleeing on a motorcycle. Mio never told Takeru about her connection to the Ground Empire and more flashbacks reveal that she abandoned them because she fell in love with Takeru. However, the Ground Empire jets arrive and start blasting at them. Now we are treated to a cliche' 80s motorcycle running from explosions scene.
The 80s were before my time. But I cannot help having a soft spot for these old special effects.
The two get knocked off the bike and try running. But, the villains cause the ground to open up and a monster grabs onto Mio. Takeru tries desperately to grab her but she cannot reach his hand.
Before she is pulled to her doom, Mio gives Takeru a mysterious object. All he can do is scream her name.
Back in the City, the Earth Empire is on an all out attack. Destroying buildings, terrorizing civilians, and doing their share of evil laughs. However, in the midst of their attack, two ground and 2 sky vehicles appear to fight back. We briefly see the Rangers as the pilots before they reveal themselves after landing.
For a minute there I was worried that only Red Mask would get any spotlight this episode, but that was a good entrance. Also, I love it when Zords can do stuff independently. Although I'm not sure how I feel about earrings on helmets.
The 4 Rangers introduce themselves as Blue Mask, Yellow Mask, Black Mask and Pink Mask. In response to their appearance, the two monsters from earlier fuse into one.
I think the Maskman suits are some of the best aged from the 80s seasons. Monsters are decent, but a little cheap looking.
Igua Dogler and some more jets blast the Rangers which brings them down. Fortunately, they are saved by Red Mask who the others somehow instantly know is Takeru.
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| Slow motion run. Another cliche' |
Did we miss something?
The team is complete. Takeru introduces them and informs the villains that they are the 5 warriors who follow the man that knew about their Underground Empire which gives a brief look at the Rangers mentor.
Based on their interactions I believe this is a team that was pre established which explains how they all already knew each other and how to use their Mecha. Whether or not you prefer to see the recruitment is a personal preference, but it does help with the short 20 minute runtime.
The first proper ranger battle begins. As tradition, they begin by easily fighting off some foot soldiers. This season we have the Ungler Soldiers.
Eh, acceptable design.
The rangers weapon of choice appear to be swords. Unglers are defeated, then the monsters and Lieutenants begin attacking. Igua Dogler splits back into two monsters and one of them gets a hold of Red Mask with his tongue. It doesn't take Takeru long to realize that this is the same tongue that dragged Mio down and it gives him a chance for revenge.
The fight goes on with many more explosions. Eventually, Takeru manages to stab the monster with his sword which slows him down. Now the Rangers get to show off more of their arsenal; their handguns the Laser Magnum and their finisher the Shot Bomber.
The monster goes boom with a hand left in the ground and the lieutenants flee while giving the traditional "I'll remember this" rant.
The Maskmen return to their base pleased with themselves because they think they defeated the empire. Their commander's name is revealed as Sugata and the Rangers eagerly report to him but Sugata is quick to correct their mindset by stating that this was only the first battle and they haven't seen the empires true power. Even telling them they cannot defeat them currently. Takeru approaches and asks how they can win, Sugata tells him they need to lure out their Aura Power. He then uses a remote that reveals the room they're in to be more of a command center before going into a meditation stance. Episode ends with a To Be Continued!
Do the other 4 Maskmen have names? Also, if the Commander has Aura Power, why isn't he a Maskman?
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