REVIEW: Zyuohger 29
This episode had to be good. While not everything turned out the way I had expected, the 2000th episode of Super Sentai was a fun ride, thanks to the chemistry between the Gokaigers and the Zyuohgers.
It is hard to pick a single best moment between the two groups, but my personal favorite scene would probably be the fanservice fight between Yamato and Marvelous within the first five minutes of the episode. On top of smart choreography, the use of Jetman and Goranger was so obviously deliberate yet so good. Also, seeing Zyuoh Eagle take down Gokai Red was perfect…but not as perfect (and predictable) as Yamato fucking it up. He didn’t seem to realize that he probably could have both helped Marvelous and grabbed the Grand Champion's Symbol, which was in arm’s reach of him when he decided to pull his "peace and love" shtick.
Yamato and Marvelous are excellent foils to each other, with Yamato holding the upper hand both in and out of battle. Yamato can see right through Gokai Red’s detached exterior. This episode fit in perfectly with the show’s theme and Yamato’s creed: that everything is connected. Ultimately, the Gokaigers and the Zyuohgers are connected through their love of planet Earth.
The special 40th anniversary attack was cheesy, but overall I found the teamwork and old school attacks satisfying. I must admit my disappointment upon realizing that Bangray was not going to be this week’s Big Bad death, but next week’s previews indicate that there was good reason for this.
The best part about this two-episode arc was that, on top of being a pair of novelty episodes, they were also incredibly important. Yamato has acquired his third, and by far most stylish fursona: Zyuoh Whale, and all of the destructive power that comes with it. Speaking of which, is the moon okay? After that ridiculous Zyuoh Final attack, my mind immediately made bad pun jokes about “jumping the Sela.” But really, I love the costume design, especially the design of the helmet.
Next week Zyuohger will return to its regular business. This episode reminded me that while Zyuohger may not have the most charming cast or be the most memorable Super Sentai I’ve ever watched, it is certainly not a bad one. I’m already wrapped up in the story, so it doesn’t have to be more like Jetman or Gokaiger to make me happy.
