Power Rangers Samurai "The Team Unites" Episode

[Fury Diamond]

Power Rangers Samurai
Episode 1: The Team Unites
February 7, 2011

Pictures (http://www.samuraicast.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=126) | Movie Clips (http://www.samuraicast.com/media/episodeclips.php?episode=1)

Do not ask about full episodes in this thread. They will be posted in Multimedia Downloads (http://www.rangercrew.com/forum/showthread.php?18705-Power-Rangers-Samurai-Encodes-Thread).

[President Ranger]

I wasn't impressed with most of this episode. It got sort of good after the last commercial but prior to that it was a rushed story with characters that they gave us no reason to care about. Also, that bulk and spike clip was completely out of place. It was literally there just to be there. I'm still hopeful for a good season, but IMO this wasn't a good start. I voted ok since I actually liked the last half.

[KalishPlosion]

Let me reiterate what I said in the regular discussion...

-I don't really like Dayu's voice. It's not bad, but something feels off with it...

-Serious injuries (i.e. broken arm)? Nice realistic touch.

-The jump from "I'm drying up" and wringing out the wet towel was subtly awesome for me.

-Believe it or not, the puns and what not are actually not too bad.

-Excellent acting so far

-Yeah, it's pretty close to Shinkenger. So what?

-Original Kanji? Sweeeeeeeeeet...

-"Folding Zord?" Well, nobody's perfect...

All in all, I really liked this premiere. A lot of it I already saw in the clips, so there wasn't too much new stuff to go off of, but what I saw I liked. Just a few more lines for the girl characters in the future is all I ask. Most of my gripes probably come from watching Shinkenger beforehand (first time I watched the Sentai series before PR series) and unfairly holding PRS to a standard as high as the awesomesauce that is SSS.

[Mr. White]

The episode was pretty good. A bit rushed.. but not that bad. But I have to agree.. the Bulk and Spike clip was really out of place. Though it was a pretty good start to me.

[Digifiend]

lol, it ended with a high five, just like Day of the Dumpster.

[OujaStrike]

Great Episode, so glad it's back in Saban's hands

[RangerFan52]

I have to say I was a little dissapointed. I sorta liked that the rangers were already rangers prior to the premiere, but I agree with the prez. The Bulk & Spike scene was wasted! Bulk & Skull always had, like 3 scenes an episode in MMPR, & now we get 1... one clip we've been watching since last week. The ending was good though.

[President Ranger]

One more thing....I would have enjoyed this episode a lot more if I never watched those 4 clips. Part of the reason why I liked the last half was because I hadn't seen any of it about 20 times on youtube.

[KyoryuRed]

it was awesome!

yeah, Digifiend is right about that... good times lol

[zoloenel]

Not that bad of an episode,but too many puns.

[RangerFan52]

One more thing....I would have enjoyed this episode a lot more if I never watched those 4 clips. Part of the reason why I liked the last half was because I hadn't seen any of it about 20 times on youtube.

Once again, agreed. I'd seen 1/2 of the show already.

[Blueranger]

It was really rushed unfortunately. But It was good. It felt more like an establish the new and old things of the show. But I loved the intro, the fact they kept it shinkenger oriented. The opening theme was great, the Mega Ranger concept is pretty awesome. Quality is fantastic. It just looks so good.

It was a fun start.

[Mr. Pink]

It was decent... Much better than previous years, but it left a lot to desire

[Stormy]

I have to be fully honest with you guys.

First off, it was good and all, BUT I felt that it was a bit rushed. Sure it focuses on Mike, but I felt that it should've shown the full story on how they met and how they first received their powers and all. I also thought that Mike should learn to work with the team more often, but now that I've seen the last one, I think that he's finally learned his lesson on working with the team. Even though the first episode was OK, I can't wait to see the next one. I think it should be a whole lot better. All in all, the first one was good.

[Phoenix Fire]

I was not originally happy at first when Saban took it back over, but now I see it is better for the franchise if it is so I apologize on that judgment. Anyway, I generally loved how this ep panned out because it made the team truly come together as a real team and it also focused on something that was sliding off for many of the seasons in the past. That is the importance of keeping their identities a secret. I am thrilled this idea is back and yes it was slightly rushed but it made up for it in the end by also giving us a power packed episode to enjoy.

[DarkBlaze]

This fwas an interesting way to start off the series, but I like it. They'll definitely get into how the team formed later on, so I'm not trippin'.

It was nice seeing Bulk on screen, but not really necessary. I suppose it was because of how random it felt without a proper introduction.

A strong 4/5 for me. Nice effects, good acting and chemistry all around, and simple fun.

[sevokevo]

And that folks was the first episode. Good start but I know they will get into back story one episode in the near future or it will feel really incomplete. We know for sure that the back story will not be in the next episode...

I like how the mega Zords were like little pets like after the first commercial when Jayden has his out.


Wait! :oh: Was Mikes Zord biting the monsters crouch!

[Eternity]

Overall I thought it was a good first episode, the acting could be a bit better. But it's just the beginning of the series so I'm not going to make any judgments until I see a few more episodes.

[KalishPlosion]

The Bulk & Spike scene was wasted! Bulk & Skull always had, like 3 scenes an episode in MMPR, & now we get 1... one clip we've been watching since last week.

Honestly, it introduced the characters and set them up for the rest of the show. I'd imagine they'll get more screen time in the future.

[Mr. Pink]

I did noticed a slip up... Ji said No one had seen Mike since he "leaved practice this morning."

I honestly didn't see that coming... Mia is Mako+the Kurkoko in one, I can see it already

[LadyWingKnight]

I'm still on the fence about it all. So far, I'm leaning towards not watching the rest of it.

[mustang3173]

It's defiantly an interesting way to start the season. I mean when you think about it, almost all first episodes are just variations of Day of the Dumpster.

[jlt2613]

good episode

[shielded117]

Agreed on the Bulk & Spike scene- completely out of place.

OP- Not bad, Didn't exactly like the whole roll call during it, but it was different.

Despite the whole "Folding Zords", I did like the summoning. Were those the Shodo Phones they used to write the kanji?

[mmpr grove]

For an episode it was good. For it being the an first episode it was poor. Watching it made me feel like I miss an episode or two. I voted ok for bad placement of episode order.

[sevokevo]

One thing I loved most was when Mike morphed for the Second time. The Animation was really detailed and I highly liked that morph Animation. Thumbs Up for that.

[Alpha 5]

.


Wait! :oh: Was Mikes Zord biting the monsters crouch!

I wondered if other people noticed that lol, it looked wrong. and to be honest the episode felt like it wasn't the first episode but maybe 2nd or 3rd in some places and as many have said it seemed rushed and the bulk and sku...spike scene was great and really brought me back but it had no place in the story. all and all though good episode i give it a 8 out of 10

[mustang3173]

Not that bad of an episode,but too many puns.

That unfortunately comes with the territory.

[Vickram101]

I loved the episode, sure it started like RPM but that just gets me hyped up for their story later on.

[PR Lover]

Folding Zord, yeah, it sounds kind of weak. But overall, very agreeable with the fact this season is going to be AWESOME!

[Mr. White]

Agreed on the Bulk & Spike scene- completely out of place.

OP- Not bad, Didn't exactly like the whole roll call during it, but it was different.

Despite the whole "Folding Zords", I did like the summoning. Were those the Shodo Phones they used to write the kanji?

Well... It was a modified Shodo Phone for Samurai I think.

[TZMhero]

Fun stuff, I'll watch more.

[NCBradin]

It was really an interesting episode. An opening theme was really blown my mind away. I was hoping that we'd see our heroes smiling like back in the old days, but that's fine with me. It's all good!

Good acting. But it was a bit rushed. High Def couldn't be looking so damn good. I really like Jayden even more. He's really good leader. I give an premiere episode a strong 9.5.

[sevokevo]

I wondered if other people noticed that lol, it looked wrong. and to be honest the episode felt like it wasn't the first episode but maybe 2nd or 3rd in some places and as many have said it seemed rushed and the bulk and sku...spike scene was great and really brought me back but it had no place in the story. all and all though good episode i give it a 8 out of 10

I felt the same way to as the 2nd or 3rd episode but knowing that they did the morph sequence like most of the other series did.... This was the first episode. Backstory is expected like what they did to RPM.

I like the new Saban Logo.

[DarkBlaze]

My only real complaint is that this wasn't a proper introduction for the series. Other than that, this was definitely a proper way to directly adapt Shinkenger Act 3.

I'm looking forward to Sundays episode. Looks like we'll be getting some good 'ol original footage! :D

[Momo]

I liked the episode... I was surprised how much I actually enjoyed it... From the clips all we got was the corny lines,but watching it fully it was enjoyable..

[Jimmy Jones]

The premiere episode has it's pros and cons. Starting the series with the team already in place without the necessary development of how they formed has never been a good way for me to get into the rhythm.

Jayden's actor really needs to step it up a notch in the acting department, although i do like Jayden as a character. Kevin's personality is annoying so needless to say, even when he gets good focus episodes that he's not gonna be my most favorite. Mia and Emily were mostly background material so hopefully they'll get more screen time in the future. Mike is a great character and seeing his journey into becoming better feels like you're going on a ride and you're enjoying it.

As for the return of Bulk, he is as funny as he always was and i hope to see more of his antics. Spike is a really poor man's version of Skull and i'm not too excited about him since he can't give the Skull look nor the laugh justice.

[O.92]

Let me begin by giving Rider Jetfire his props. He said there'd be no traces of the team's origins, and I guaranteed his prediction would be wrong. He was right.

Another note to self: NEVER watch those Nick.com clips ever again. They pretty much spoiled all the major points of the episode and left nothing but filler.

Now, as for the episode itself:

--The Rangers' saying their characters' names in the promo. Not working. At all. Good intro other than that.
--As much as I love Bulk, his scene was completely unneeded there. It was just there to be there.
--Too many cheesy lines, especially from the monster. They seemed to be working in the Nick.com clips, but there's just too many of them.
--Hey, the night scene was actually pretty cool.
--Dear Emily. Never wave your arms like that ever again.

Not a bad first episode, but certainly not how I would have liked to start things. It did feel a bit rushed, and the transitions between scenes felt off. The biggest problem though was just being thrown in mid-season. I'd feel a lot better if I knew when the proper first episode was coming, but that's the problem. We don't. If it's ever coming. That needs to be cleared up.

And I know Samurai is not Shinkenger and all, but the monster from Act 2 in Shinkenger was seen in the Samurai promos. That leads me to believe this is the proper 3rd episode of the season.

[Samurai Pink]

It was by the looks of it. OMG! The part with the bear zord. Well the introduction before the show started was like five minutes. I thought the episode was a bit rushed. Although I don't see how they're going to use scenes from act 1 and 2 even though they were footage from them in the promos. I wonder if they will. I give the show a 8/10.

[SilverPirate]

So far, my favorite thing about the show is the music. All things considered, that isn't much to go on about. I hope the next few episodes are better.

Personally, I've seen much better first episodes than this. RPM gripped me right away. This one feels really watered down.

[Black Warrior]

Ya Broccolli colored Bum! Ha!

[Zarus]

Not bad but I think a more clear origin should have been in place first. I mean we're thrown into the action without any sort of proper explanation of how the villains escaped. Even the stuff with Bulk and Spike gave us no reason why they're together or what they have to do with the show in the first place.

[RangerFan52]

I hope we get a 2- parter that explains the ranger's origins.

[Razor]

Did anyone else notice the sensei is Emperor Grumm?

[mmpr grove]

I have a feeling those extra 3 special episodes (that we'll only get if the show does well) will be the origin story.

[O.92]

Another thing: for someone who has not seen Shinkenger, what was up with the monster hardening? Is this something that happens to all monsters this season? Was it just a lame excuse to get the monster out of there and give the Rangers a break? That part made no sense to me and needed some kind of explanation. The general audience had to be scratching their heads at that, which isn't good.

[HulkieD]

Cheesy, campy, bright, filled with constant music and bad puns.

I loved every second.

I can see how not starting with an origin would be a problem, but I thought the relevant stuff was explained in the promo that aired right before it started as well as in the opening titles. That was all the setup I needed, but again a longer origin is probably coming. I do agree it's a bit rushed though.

[NCBradin]

Ya Broccolli colored Bum! Ha!

I laughed so hard on that part when Mike said that!

[Mr. Green]

Did anyone else notice the sensei is Emperor Grumm?

Yes, we've known that for months.

[Churly]

- Well, since I'm re-watching the episode on Tape, I now regret taping those last 5 minutes of Spongebob, but I did that for a reason.

- So already these guys are the Rangers, and we're supposed to know this...

- Well, Mike is not unlike me, having the ability to leave when no one else is looking.

- Awesome Jimmy Hart version of the famous theme. I like how they're using the classic font for the credits!

- Sigh, and it seems our villains get a rushy introduction too. Where did they come from? Why do they want to flood the Earth? Why do we have Volcanic Pirates in a Samurai Themed Sentai?

- Now we got Bulk... & Spike. Sorry, this guy won't do it for me. He's a bumbling, nerdy, bootleg version of Skull. And the paint flying on Bulk didn't have the charm of the cake flying onto his head. I can only hope Bulk, who was the longest lasting character in the show, can get better than this.

- Ugly CGI Red Ranger Zord miniature. Next.

- Unless Nylock is just a MotD, I see I'm gonna have to get used to Nylock's ugly CGI tentacles.

- Perfect, I love how I can tell what's American and what's Sentai! It's not as noticeable as it was in the MMPR days, but its there.

- So our first Sentai battle, Mike/Green Ranger Vs Nylock. I see impact sparks are gone. Bummer, but I can probably live without them. Nylock's CGI tentacles look a lot better here, but still wish everything was all rubbery and animatronic like it was in the old days. We didn't get a good look at Mike's friends when the rest of the Ranger's showed up. Were those Asian Characters meant to be the American Friends? Sentai Exclusive characters appearing in PR, even if they're meant to be someone else, is always nice.

- This mentor, nothing seems interesting about him. So for now, I'll treat him as a Gold Ranger red herring (do NOT tell me who it's gonna be, even if I'm wrong).

- Why is Mike so concerned about Nylok? I don't get it.

- This was a great training scene. I liked the shot with Jayden and the moon. The music was also great.

- So I guess these are our foot soldiers for the Season. They'll try to grow on me. Try.

- Our first foray into the amazing, but lengthy, Morphing Sequence. I do like how they have to pass into the character they air-write, but seriously, what's Nylok & the Moogers doing in the meantime?

- Individual Powers for each Ranger is always cool, and even though it's CG, I feel right at home with them. This is where the show gets me. Mike/Green Ranger Vs Nylok Round 2 was a great battle, I guess the motorist was too Asian for us to get to see what happened to her, but this could very well be Shinkenger's fault as well. The shaking when Nylok breaks the ground doesn't look like it was done in Post to me. I also really like the Spin Swords.

- So there's no method on Monsters growing? Aw...

- Did Mike seriously call the Zord "Folding Zord?" Pssh... they make Origami in every elementary school art class. At least the Zord's look cool, it helps they aren't CGI. I like how their armor gets upgraded when they use the Zords. The Megazord assembly is CG, but this is acceptable. I don't like the cockpit though. Ugly CGI Mud. This is an awesome Megazord! I like how it closes its eyes. It sure takes them a long time to set up the Finisher. Why do these Rangers like stretching everything out like this?

- And yeah, the episodes over, yada yada, we're a team! Every last cliche in the book. I guess they won't finish up the introduction of Bulk & Spike and the Villains.

Well, it had a lame start, but I'm definitely gonna continue to tune in. The Rangers have awesome powers, the Zords are great, the Villains and Humans, I'll have to get used to, but I still wish we would have gotten more backstory here. I'll give this an 8/10.

[nbajammer]

Another thing: for someone who has not seen Shinkenger, what was up with the monster hardening? Is this something that happens to all monsters this season? Was it just a lame excuse to get the monster out of there and give the Rangers a break? That part made no sense to me and needed some kind of explanation. The general audience had to be scratching their heads at that, which isn't good.

In Shinkenger, monsters could only stay in battle while they had sufficient water from the Sanzu River in them and so they occasionally went back for more. I believe that was the intent here.

[Zarus]

That I think explains the whole flood the human world stuff the monsters were talking about. This bunch is like frogs in an oasis, they can't stray from the water too long or they dry out like beef jerky.

[Captain Platypus]

Red stabbed the monster's arm and the monster bled. Holy hell! That got through? I'm impressed. I'm not impressed because violence got through. I'm impressed because they paid attention to consequences and let details in

[rogueguy]

I voted ok. This episode was overall pretty average. Nothing great, but nothing bad either. I went in expecting Shinkenger Act 3 with American actors and thats exactly what they gave me.

The footage looked absolutely gorgeous in HD, especially the stuff from Shinkenger. I really liked the background music which was very reminiscent of MMPR. And the acting wasn't as cringe worthy as I thought it'd be.

[sevokevo]

Reposting from the [OFFICIAL] Power Rangers Samurai Thread.



And that folks was the first episode. Good start but I know they will get into back story one episode in the near future or it will feel really incomplete. We know for sure that the back story will not be in the next episode...

I like how the mega Zords were like little pets like after the first commercial when Jayden has his out.


Wait! :oh: Was Mikes Zord biting the monsters crouch!



One thing I loved most was when Mike morphed for the Second time. The Animation was really detailed and I highly liked that morph Animation. Thumbs Up for that.


I felt the same way to as the 2nd or 3rd episode but knowing that they did the morph sequence like most of the other series did.... This was the first episode. Backstory is expected like what they did to RPM.

[NCBradin]

Red stabbed the monster's arm and the monster bled. Holy hell! That got through? I'm impressed. I'm not impressed because violence got through. I'm impressed because they paid attention to consequences and let details in

Wait...WHAT?! I don't think I really see the monster bled! Oh, thank you for reminded me that. I may have to go back to re-watch that part on NICK west @ 10pm! To take a close look. Are you serious? He was bled?!

[Razor]

Yes, we've known that for months.

I didn't notice that in the promos. I only noticed that once the episode aired. *sigh* I guess I'm getting slower as I get older. lol

[Zeno503]

I voted poor. And even though "it's a kids" show it doesn't justify how poorly this was done. The focus on Mike was alright, but I was hoping for the first episode to be about the team. I didn't expect them to pull an RPM on us.

The puns can stay.

And seriously, the female rangers are so ditzy.
That "training" montage....was so dumb...

[sevokevo]

We found out that there was some error that happened and that this was suppose to be episode 3. The Error was on Episode 1 and 2 so I think they will try and fix things up soon.

[SirStack]

We found out that there was some error that happened and that this was suppose to be episode 3. The Error was on Episode 1 and 2 so I think they will try and fix things up soon.

"We" did? Who's "we"?

[O.92]

We found out that there was some error that happened and that this was suppose to be episode 3. The Error was on Episode 1 and 2 so I think they will try and fix things up soon.

No error. They had always intended on airing this episode first, as seen by the initial press release. The only question that now remains is when will we get the first and second episode, if ever? Some of you Tweeters who've tweeted to Nick or Saban in the past should start up the pestering.

[OujaStrike]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BfdbatsR_g

[Vickram101]

I voted ok. I liked it, but it did not knock me off my feet as i was expecting it to do. It make me all the more excited to see the origin story. I loved the reworked MMPR theme and OST in the BG. It had good character emotions, loved bulk and spike, love the very detailed outdoor green morph, love the prelude, zords and mega mode. And it had good action. I just feel like it's missing something. Anyways I would give it a 7/10.

[Samurai Pink]

Wait...WHAT?! I don't think I really see the monster bled! Oh, thank you for reminded me that. I may have to go back to re-watch that part on NICK west @ 10pm! To take a close look. Are you serious? He was bled?!

I didn't notice it either. I too would have to take a closer look at that. I thought the episode was ok but a bit rushed. I thought that they would use scenes from act 1 like I saw in the sneak peak but I guess they might use it as a flashback. After the episode was over they mentioned about the next episode. But it didn't mention about the boy making a deal with a nighlok. Hence the title. I just hope the next episode isn't rushed. I love how this episode has shinkenger elements. I love it! :) What error? Are you guys referring to act 1 and 2?

[DarkBlaze]

No error. They had always intended on airing this episode first, as seen by the initial press release. The only question that now remains is when will we get the first and second episode, if ever? Some of you Tweeters who've tweeted to Nick or Saban in the past should start up the pestering.We've all pretty much asked, but they never seem to give a proper answer, or most times no answer at all.

[Fenix84]

WOW. That was garbage.

Say what you will about the Kalish Era (and I know I've said a lot over the years), but at least Kalish's seasons came across as actual shows about actual people. The Rangers were unlikable, the stories were incompetent, the "morals" were reprehensible, and the explosions were out of control. And as "apathetic" as many people, including myself, regarded Overdrive, in all honesty it did show the barest inkling of effort. Not Power Rangers Samurai. Yes, this was worse than the typical Overdrive episode to me. I was disappointed when I read on the forums that PRS would be a straight translation of the Sentai, but I didn't expect it to be anywhere as bad as this. Kalish's seasons borrowed heavily from Sentai. Wild Force and Time Force before them. And while all those seasons suffered for that, some of them (such as Time Force) at least began well and showed a base level of competence and effort from episode to episode. But this episode, which seems to set the tone for the rest of the season, doesn't even try. It is Power Rangers reduced to a product, with no heart or soul. Not even the slightest effort to be something more than a crappy toy commercial.

The badness began right from the second the show started. Mike and Kevin are practicing. They're not sparring, just merely practicing karate forms in unison. Mike screws up a bit...so Captain Awesome, I mean Jayden, immediately preaches to him about being aware and predicting the enemy's next move. Um, what? They weren't even fighting! Jayden sucks. The show doesn't know he sucks, and the character isn't written with any malice. But Captain Awesome thinks he's perfect, and nobody disagrees or challenges him in any way. He goes right into play-sparring with Mike to show him how awesome and perfect he is. All he does is act perfect and awesome, between spouting platitudes.

And why was Captain Awesome doing all of the teaching? Somewhere in there I think I saw an older guy named Master Ji or something. I'm not sure about that though, because I don't remember him saying anything at all this episode. Kevin, Mia, and the pretty blonde girl had just a couple lines as well. I call her the pretty blonde girl because I don't remember hearing her name at all during this episode. My bad for missing the two seconds her name showed up during the opening credits. WHO are these people? What kind of a premiere, especially one titled "The Team Unites," starts with the Rangers already being Rangers? No character introductions, no lines to clearly establish the names of many of these characters, no explanation of the setting and backstory. These weren't people to me.

Next we see the villains floating in some boat in a red (cheap, lousy-looking CGI) ocean. I think they were called Nyloks or something. WHAT are they? Thank God I saw that little commercial before this episode started, that said that they were some ancient evil that plagued Asia before being defeated, but that they were now back. That's...descriptive. Don't know how they're back, because the episode doesn't bother explaining. All the rubber suit villains mentioned each others names, but without the CLOSEUPS that I would expect when establishing characters. They were just a bunch of rubber suits in a room, I had no way of knowing who was who. Seriously, this is worse than the Crunch/Shifter "mystery." At least RPM's ciphers were just two guys, so it was down to one or the other. I refuse to have to research the Sentai or some website in order to know who these people are. The show should be able to differentiate its own villains and characterize them.

Suddenly, the episode jumps to Bulk and his nephew, basically Skull's replacement. I hadn't kept up with all the news/spoilers beforehand, so I was pleasantly surprised to see Paul Schrier here reprising his role. My biggest fear before PRS premiered was that given the long break since Saban owned this show and the one-year hiatus (as well as the clear disregard for past seasons that the Sentai copycat attitude brings), that this wouldn't even BE a Power Rangers show. That they would treat "Power Rangers" as a mere brand name, a label to market this season with no actual effort at BEING Power Rangers. At least during the post LG Saban seasons, and even during the Disney seasons, there was sense of continuity and "tradition" when it came to annual team-ups. So Bulk thankfully provides the link to the old PR universe...though his scene wasn't handled well at all. WHO is Bulk to the Samurai Rangers? He doesn't meet or even mention them. There's no evidence that they even KNOW he exists. Bulk and Skull's subplots grew increasingly divorced from the Ranger characters as the show went on. However, the show got away with that because of continuity, and the fact that we knew who Bulk and Skull were, and had seen them interacting with the Rangers so many times before. This Bulk scene though was utterly random and irrelevant to the episode. I imagine a lot of kids watching PRS as a brand new show were confused by this. Without having watched the early Saban seasons, they would have NO way of knowing who this Bulk guy is.

So then we see Mike at the arcade, talking to two goofy friends of his. The scene seems utterly lazy, as we hear his friends give us some informed attributes about Mike, such as him being a gamer. He also apparently dropped out of school (GREAT message for the kids!) and skipped graduation because of his Ranger duties. I didn't catch the friends' names, though I don't exactly care since one of this episode's core concepts is that Rangers can't hang out with or even see their friends. What kind of a premise is THAT?! I mean, some seasons such as WF and Overdrive have had setups which really isolated the Rangers from everyone else. They at least didn't tell us right from the start that the Rangers weren't allowed to interact with anybody else. That's BORING. It's freaking boring. If the season just accepts this direction instead of playing it for angsty character plots, then this season will be boring.

Mike and his friends talk about him being a Ranger right around other people, with no effort at all to conceal his identity. All Mike, barely established "character" that he is, does is say he wants to be better. In a really BLAND way. Seriously, if you're going to give an actor the main dramatic focus, he better be able to handle it. Though I doubt the people making this show cared. So then some monster shows up, and Mike just morphs in the middle of the crowd. Get the feeling that the writers aren't trying, at all? Mike fights while I struggle to even acknowledge that this episode has an actual story.

Then the episode switches to an utterly bizarre scene, which I can only assume was lifted right from the Sentai. I don't watch Sentai, never have. I shouldn't have to. Which unfortunately left me puzzled over what PRS was trying to do here. The direction was just WEIRD. Captain Awesome (there's a mentor named Ji, isn't there?) and Mike mirror each other's thoughts from two separate locations, as Mike practices and Captain Awesome meditates. What's going on here? I barely know these guys as people. There was something missing here, just like there was something obviously missing when this episode began without a real beginning. This is the kind of scene that looks like what you would do when you want to portray two different or conflicting people unknowingly having some similarities. Only that wasn't the direction of this episode up to this point, and barely anything has even been established about these two.

So the Rangers fight the monster again, as well as the foot soldiers with a name that was dropped just once, meaning I missed it like so many of the other names in this episode. The Rangers whip out weapons and attacks that we weren't introduced to yet, making sure that if anything this episode shows off the toys. Mike fights the monster again, and gets his stretchy arms to plow through and tangle around a lot of scenery. The monster's powers were interesting, and the action scene would've actually been cool if there were a story or characters that I could care about. But it just came across as soulless, obligatory Sentai footage. So then the monster grew, and the Rangers summoned their Zords. I didn't even care to listen and remember what the Zords' names were. Seriously, these are the UGLIEST, lousiest Zords I've ever seen. They're just cheap, nondescript CGI box things. Really? If you're gonna make a show about toys, at least make the toys look cool enough that kids might actually want them.

The monster is destroyed, and the Rangers return to base to congratulate Mike. This was probably the best few seconds of the episode, as I actually saw the Rangers (especially pretty blonde girl) expressing some real emotion and friendship. They came across, very briefly, as people.

About a third of the way through this episode, I actually had the thought that if the rest of PRS is like this, I might not even bother watching. I've been a diehard PR fan since I was a kid. Right from MMPR season 1, through thick and thin. Through the Kalish era, which I detested. But never did I consider quitting this show. Never until now. I have never felt this EMPTY after a PR episode before. "The Team Unites" wasn't insidious and offensive like some Overdrive episodes, but it was certainly lazier.

When I was a nerdy kid, I would diligently memorize every Monster of the Day, every weapon, and every Zord. I loved to accumulate trivia, and I enjoyed PR for being such a big continuing shared universe. This mindset of mine has died down as I've gotten older and realized that PR is just a show that's not that important in the grand scheme of things. I still enjoy the shared universe aspect, and love this series of course. But I'm past the point of obsessing and getting worked up over the slightest of things. If PR can give me some decent story and action (and by "decent" I merely mean morally inoffensive with a competent beginning, middle, and end), then I'm satisfied. I'm a scifi/fantasy/superhero guy; if my demands were that high I wouldn't be followiing POWER RANGERS. I've grown to dislike the obsessive and overly-negative parts of scifi fandom, who overreact and dramatically claim any new thing that isn't perfect as being the "worst ever." That's not a label I throw around very easily. And while I've been rating individual episodes only for the last few seasons, even during the hated Kalish seasons I would give most episodes a 5/10 for being boring and meaningless. 4/10 if it was bad, and 3/10 if it was really bad. Because "worst ever" actually means something to me. As in "worse than every single episode ever made before."

The ONLY episode I've ever rated as 1/10 before was "Perspective," and that was for not being an actual episode. I never thought I'd say it, but "Perspective" now has company all the way at the bottom of the barrel. "The Team Unites" is NOT an episode with a real story and real characters.

[Red Nature Ranger]

Not that bad of an episode,but too many puns.

Since when did we see power rangers without many puns?

Anyways, I thought the episode was freakin awesome! The music was amazing and the acting was much better then disney's. I can tell Jayden is going to be a great leader. Mike is a great ranger too :D I don't care waht anyone says, but the Mega mode is sick!! :D I give this episode a BIG 10/10. :D

[sevokevo]

There was a post of the Wikipedia Section of the Show....

Ummmm.... the guy on the other thread said it was posted and now I can't find it... Please forget what i said.

[President Ranger]

We've all pretty much asked, but they never seem to give a proper answer, or most times no answer at all.

Maybe they ignored that question for a specific reason. Could they be planning something special with it? A TV movie perhaps...

Anyway, why do people keep saying they pulled an RPM on us? Just because we didn't see how the first 3 got their powers doesn't mean they went in cold like PRS did. The difference between what PRS did and what RPM and wild force did was the fact that we still had protagonist characters in RPM and Wild force that didn't know what was going on so we could learn along with them.

[Vickram101]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BfdbatsR_g

I like how saban is crediting toei company at the beginning now. XD

[Samurai Pink]

I have to admit the opening was cool. I did see the part where Jayden throws the disc in the air. That indeed was in the promos as well. Maybe it was just used for the opening. But that would be my guess.

[O.92]

We've all pretty much asked, but they never seem to give a proper answer, or most times no answer at all.

Keep going at them. Maybe they'll give an answer now that the show has aired? Not sure. But they need to put something out there. I'll be able to be slightly more sane if I at least have an idea of when we can expect some kind of premise to this season. Already not liking that we're going at least 5 more episodes without some kind of proper introduction. I'd easily be able to forgive tonight's episode if I knew we had a proper premiere coming on Sunday or something. But we don't. We know nothing.

And speaking of, if they aired this middle-run episode to get people "hooked", I don't see why they can't bother to air the proper premiere this weekend? Even standard, non-hardcore fans who are just catching on are going to want some kind of explanation at some point.


Review

Wow. That was painful. Mostly because it was pretty much entirely true. There are a couple of points I want to add or touch on to though.

--As for Jayden being the all-knowing lord, they did mention that he has been training since he was 5 years old. I'm able to forgive his perfection for that reason. But like you mentioned, unless I'm a hardcore fan who follows all these YouTube interviews to the side, I would have no way of knowing that. And as you mentioned, if they are making Jayden into the all knowing lord, what is Ji's purpose? It's different from Zordon's case, where each Ranger was as clueless as the next.
--True points about the villains. Something that bugged me was Rofer having to leave mid-battle because he was "drying up"? I'm a dedicated PR fan, and even that puzzled me. How was I supposed to know these monsters couldn't go long without water? And if I was confused, the standard couch potato just flipping channels had to be rolling his eyes backwards.
--Good point about not being able to hang out with friends. That bugged me bigtime, forgot to mention it. What a stupid moral.
--Can't knock on the Zords, that's what Sentai put together. Kind of like RPM having to work with a Megazord that had 8 eyes and such. I don't think you can fairly critique PR on Zords they never designed themselves.

Other than that, you hit the nail on the head.

[YoshiAngemon]

Maybe this seems like one of those episodes that would be better suited, plot-wise, as a Preview episode, just as Food Fight was, many years ago.

[Fenix84]

Maybe they ignored that question for a specific reason. Could they be planning something special with it? A TV movie perhaps...

Anyway, why do people keep saying they pulled an RPM on us? Just because we didn't see how the first 3 got their powers doesn't mean they went in cold like PRS did. The difference between what PRS did and what RPM and wild force did was the fact that we still had protagonist characters in RPM and Wild force that didn't know what was going on so we could learn along with them.

RPM was made by a guy who didn't exactly want to be writing Power Rangers. That said, RPM's premiere was miles above the premiere that we were given today. The difference was that RPM actually established its premise for the viewer, and did a damn good job of doing that. Samurai just started, and didn't care if you knew who was who or what was what.

Are you other guys serious when you say that "The Team Unites" is actually episode #3? If that's right, then what the hell. It's just inexcusable for something like this to be brought out as the "premiere."

[President Ranger]

--Good point about not being able to hang out with friends. That bugged me bigtime, forgot to mention it. What a stupid moral.

I actually thought that concept was great. If the MMPR's went by that rule they probably wouldn't have had most of their friends, parents, cousins, and uncles kidnapped throughout the 3 seasons.

[Momo]

Those that missed it. It's airing again tommorow at 6:30...

P.S. Not surprising seeing how they handle other shows on Nick with lots of repeats during the week...

[Vickram101]

Wikipedia removed the ep 3 thing so it was fake after all. Makes me more hyped up to see the origin story.

[Peanut Brittle]

But I'm past the point of obsessing and getting worked up over the slightest of things.

Every single post I've seen from you is the opposite of this.

[Fenix84]

Every single post I've seen from you is the opposite of this.

Give me a break. As I said before, if I was that demanding I wouldn't be watching PR. I know what this series is about, and how it's been made for nearly two decades. I hate grimdark and pretentious demands to make the show "serious" drama. Even the majority of Kalish episodes got 5 or 6/10 from me. If this episode showed a minimal level of effort, I would've accepted it. It didn't.

[SilverPirate]

RPM was made by a guy who didn't exactly want to be writing Power Rangers. That said, RPM's premiere was miles above the premiere that we were given today. The difference was that RPM actually established its premise for the viewer, and did a damn good job of doing that. Samurai just started, and didn't care if you knew who was who or what was what.

Are you other guys serious when you say that "The Team Unites" is actually episode #3? If that's right, then what the hell. It's just inexcusable for something like this to be brought out as the "premiere."

That's pretty much what I was thinking, though not quite so bluntly as you. XD

After watching this episode back...it really left a bad taste in my mouth. True, the debuts of both RPM and Samurai focused mainly on one teammate (two in RPM), but there is a huge difference between the two. Let's take a look:

RPM: The main focus is Dillon and Ziggy but the rest of the episode is dedicated to establishing the stakes. The world has been taken over by Venjix and it's up to the Power Rangers to defend the last human city on the planet. We don't know anything about Dillon at this point, and rightfully so, because Dillon doesn't remember anything about himself. The show then presents Ziggy and slowly begins to establish the bond between the two throughout the first two episodes and into the later segments. The story of Ziggy and Dillon is essentially two young men who slowly bond as brothers. The show wasn't all about Scott and didn't have to be. It was about Rangers Black and Green for once.

Samurai: "I'm a samurai!" "Really? Me too!" "Here, you will learn the ways of the Samurai!" "Samurai cannot keep in contact with family or friends!" "Did you learn your lesson, Green?" "Why, yes, Red! Yes, I did!" "ZOMG TEAMWORK!!!"

To sum up my thoughts: If RPM was Power Rangers DinoThunder, Samurai would be the Funky Fisherman Cartoon Show.

[Samurai Pink]

lol. They would at least said why Xandred wants to flood the earth. But then again they did mention it before the show actually started. I think this is the first time that the opening is after a scene. Cus the other seasons would be the logo/opening scenes.

[Fenix84]

Wikipedia removed the ep 3 thing so it was fake after all. Makes me more hyped up to see the origin story.

LOL, there goes that excuse. Which only makes it even more puzzling that "The Team Unites" is the premiere. They did film some origin sequences, since we saw arrows carrying letters to each separate Ranger during that little commercial before this episode. It was stupid of them not to structure the actual premiere around that origin. You can't just jump into a show with this many characters.


I actually thought that concept was great. If the MMPR's went by that rule they probably wouldn't have had most of their friends, parents, cousins, and uncles kidnapped throughout the 3 seasons.


So don't write the villains as being able to find and personally attack the Rangers whenever they want. Give them friends that are willing to accept the risk, or even willingly throw themselves into the Rangers' world. Or just sweep the issue under the rug and don't address it, as so many seasons have done before. If they stick to this "no friends, ever" direction, then they better write episodes about the Rangers dealing with it.

[Samurai Pink]

I too was wondering about the arrows. Perhaps that was just for the commercial. But that still doesn't explain how we now have a name for the monster that's in act 2. What in the world is going on here?

[Peanut Brittle]

Give me a break. As I said before, if I was that demanding I wouldn't be watching PR. I know what this series is about, and how it's been made for nearly two decades. I hate grimdark and pretentious demands to make the show "serious" drama. Even the majority of Kalish episodes got 5 or 6/10 from me. If this episode showed a minimal level of effort, I would've accepted it. It didn't.

The only thing I really associate your name with is long tirades against Kalish. Which is fine, but own up to it. Don't say "Well I don't get obsessive over things" when the grand majority of posts I see in your posting history just to research that retort and make sure I wasn't being a douche are KALISH SUUUUUCKS. Which, again, counters how much you supposed hate negativity in sci fi fandom but WUTEVS.

So no, No break from me. This peanut isn't brittle enough for that.

I liked the premiere, though. Was it good? As an episode, yeah. It might've been a bad premiere and a horrible example of how to dive into a narrative, but as a single unit, "The Team Unites" gets a solid 6 from me. As a premiere, it gets a 3. If nothing else, it firmly establishes what'd likely be the structural composition of a Samurai episode...which, hey, bare minimum. If you're gonna be a premiere, at least premiere something.

But the episode itself? I liked it. These guys are clearly a unit, so Jayden seems to be in the right as a team leader and being a little harsh. I liked the implication that Mike might be a high school drop out ("You even missed graduation.")-because by the end of the episode, he was able to not only prove that he was determined to do what is right, but he was also a functioning part of the unit who could even humble in the face of significance. Jayden helped, but Mike was a significant reason they won. And he's a humble enough guy to admit he needed that help. I like this; it shows kid's that you don't need to be as academically successful as other people to matter, be content in life, or be a good person. Mike is a Power Ranger and will learn his lessons just like everyone else despite that implied detail. That's a good message. No, you shouldn't drop out, but your life doesn't have to be meaningless if you do.

Is it a good premiere? Not particularly. Everything I enjoyed (Mike as a character, the monster, and the overall story with a few complaints) is a bit offset by the fact this is written like a focus episode and not a premiere. It doesn't introduce the concept well...but I don't think that should dock as much as maybe three number scores. I can infer relationships and why they'd exist marginally well, even without seeing the Sentai: even if I haven't seen Shinkenger (and I've seen maybe five episodes), it seems obvious enough to me these kids are warriors and I can extrapolate their relationships from there. Jayden had a point to me.

My only issue is that Mike's need to distance himself from his life and friends wasn't elaborated on. While I thought his willingness to do this was an intriguing angle, it wasn't really explored. I hope this gets revisited, because that was the episode's only real significant weakness.

It wasn't a solid premiere, but it was a solid episode. I enjoyed it, and I hope to see the other Ranger focuses and enjoy them as much as I did tonight.

...But don't play games here. I can casually sift through your posting history. You not only hate Kalish's PR, but apparently by your own admission love explaining why he's horrible and laughing at people's bad logic when defending him. And hey, I'm a complete jerk too and I revel in negativity. I'll bash RPM any time I get an opportunity. But I admit it. You're a negative human being and don't admit it. And while that's fine, at least don't claim the opposite apropos of nothing.

And for the record, I poll'd it a solid "Ok." A lack of elaboration on Mike's friendship crisis and not actually being a premiere knocks it down to a 6. But here's to another year of Power Rangers!

[President Ranger]

So don't write the villains as being able to find and personally attack the Rangers whenever they want. Give them friends that are willing to accept the risk, or even willingly throw themselves into the Rangers' world. Or just sweep the issue under the rug and don't address it, as so many seasons have done before. If they stick to this "no friends, ever" direction, then they better write episodes about the Rangers dealing with it.

I'm not saying that they executed the concept in a good way or that they will go on to execute it in a good way. But the concept on its own was great. I wish they would have handled it better.

[Peanut Brittle]

It's obviously the first episode. "The Team Unites" is a poor title that seems to note a beginning, though there's little team uniting.

[CrowJG]

Are you other guys serious when you say that "The Team Unites" is actually episode #3? If that's right, then what the hell. It's just inexcusable for something like this to be brought out as the "premiere."

It's been suspected ever since the release of this episode's summary that it was not the actual first episode. Fox sorta kinda pulled this sort of thing with the premiere of MMPR, kinda. The show's premiere hour was "Day of the Dumpster" followed by "Food Fight," despite "Food Fight" having Power Weapons that weren't introduced until "Teamwork," Then when the show settled into its regular time slots they started over with DOTD, then onto "High Five" and so on in order. I know, not quite the same thing, since they at least started with DOTD, but maybe Nick just felt something as exposition-heavy as a typical first episode wouldn't make for a good way to get the kiddies hooked? Not having seen today's "premiere" I fully expect based on what I've been reading that when the show settles into its regular Sunday afternoon slot, they'll start with the real episode 1 and then this one will come up again X number of weeks after.

Based on what I've read, it's also apparently not uncommon at all for Nick to not air first episodes as first episodes...

[ninja_wolf]

I too was wondering about the arrows. Perhaps that was just for the commercial. But that still doesn't explain how we now have a name for the monster that's in act 2. What in the world is going on here?

If there was anything I was looking forward to, it was the arrows and the team gathering for the first time. Now i'll be fretting for weeks about whether or not it'll ever actually be shown. I know that sounds silly, but really, I love the concept and I wanted to see it in the american adaption.

[Peanut Brittle]

"The Team Unites", though a horrible title considering the content of the episode, seems to denote it being a premiere.

[NCBradin]

If there was anything I was looking forward to, it was the arrows. Now i'll be fretting for weeks about whether or not it'll ever actually be shown.

Very likely that we will not see the episode order until March 20 as I've been told, unfortunately.

[ninja_wolf]

Very likely that we will not see the episode order until March 20 as I've been told, unfortunately.

I just want to see it. If I have to wait to March 20 to see it, fine. I just hope they didn't completely cut it out from the series, and used them only in the trailers as a teaser. That would be cruel. Do we have any confirmation on what episode will be shown on march 20?

[President Ranger]

Do we have any confirmation on what episode will be shown on march 20?

There goes the brides, which should be a pink ranger episode

[O.92]

It's been suspected ever since the release of this episode's summary that it was not the actual first episode. Fox sorta kinda pulled this sort of thing with the premiere of MMPR, kinda. The show's premiere hour was "Day of the Dumpster" followed by "Food Fight," despite "Food Fight" having Power Weapons that weren't introduced until "Teamwork," Then when the show settled into its regular time slots they started over with DOTD, then onto "High Five" and so on in order. I know, not quite the same thing, since they at least started with DOTD, but maybe Nick just felt something as exposition-heavy as a typical first episode wouldn't make for a good way to get the kiddies hooked? Not having seen today's "premiere" I fully expect based on what I've been reading that when the show settles into its regular Sunday afternoon slot, they'll start with the real episode 1 and then this one will come up again X number of weeks after.

Based on what I've read, it's also apparently not uncommon at all for Nick to not air first episodes as first episodes...

You had best drop those expectations. We have episodes booked until March 20 that will take us up to episode #6. None of which are the "origin episode". The MMPR theory makes sense until you realize...that's not what's going on here. Nick is starting us off mid-season. Plain and simple, no fancy explanation.


"The Team Unites", though a horrible title considering the content of the episode, seems to denote it being a premiere.

Premiere? Yes. Proper first episode? No. We know there exists an origin episode via the promos and sneak peeks clips, the real first episode. It's just a matter of when it's coming (if it's coming).

[ninja_wolf]

There goes the brides, which should be a pink ranger episode

*faceplam*

Call me OCD, but this is gonna bug me for a VERY long time. I have no problems with the show itself or the episodes in fact, but the airing order is painful. They tease us with clips of things like the arrows, and we get THIS.... ugh.

[Blueranger]

You had best drop those expectations. We have episodes booked until March 20 that will take us up to episode #6. None of which are the "origin episode". The MMPR theory makes sense until you realize...that's not what's going on here. Nick is starting us off mid-season. Plain and simple, no fancy explanation.


This episode was based off Episode 3 of Shinkenger. Not that far off. Next week is based off Episode 4.

[O.92]

This episode was based off Episode 3 of Shinkenger. Not that far off. Next week is based off Episode 4.

It's not the beginning of the season. It's not the end of the season. Where are we? Mid-season. We're in the middle of an ongoing season. Middle meaning between the beginning and end, not the exact median number.

[Fenix84]

The only thing I really associate your name with is long tirades against Kalish. Which is fine, but own up to it. Don't say "Well I don't get obsessive over things" when the grand majority of posts I see in your posting history just to research that retort and make sure I wasn't being a douche are KALISH SUUUUUCKS. Which, again, counters how much you supposed hate negativity in sci fi fandom but WUTEVS

There is quite a bit of difference between hating Kalish's episodes, and obsessing over "little" details as I define them. If Kalish writes an episode with things such as the Red Ranger asserting his right to not give a crap about saving people because he's on a hot date, that's not a "little" thing. That is the basic moral of your story being reprehensible, and poisonous for children. Things like that are the episodes sucking in big ways, below even the lowered standards of children's television.

Likewise, Samurai starting out with barely any effort to introduce us to the characters is sucking in big ways.

[Andros]

Ok, idk who is running this page but can we get some sort of official answer from you. The online forums are running amuck over this premiere! No story, weapons that were not introduced or even so much as elluded(sp?) to. The almighty red ranger who we know nothing about. Bulk, who is randomly there with no relation to the story at all. Zords that we never see where they came from. No "Team Unites" at all. They are all there! Where did they come from? Who are they? We need something. The fandom is begging you! Please tell us! Was this not the "First Episode"? If not, fine just tell us the real one is coming. I refuse to give up on it but this was EXTREMELY disheartening. A response would be fantastic pretty please! And thank you very much Power Rangers Fan Page for caring enough to talk to us! :) We truly appreciate it!

I posted this to the official fan page. As you can see I am directly asking for an answer. And they have been good in the past about responding to things like this. When they respond, I will post the response here.

[SirStack]

Premiere? Yes. Proper first episode? No. We know there exists an origin episode via the promos and sneak peeks clips, the real first episode. It's just a matter of when it's coming (if it's coming).

According to all know, official sources, tonight's episode was in fact number 1801. Not 1803. It doesn't appear to be Nick's fault, as Saban themselves decided to film this as the first, number this as the first, and push this episode as the first.

[Phoenix Fire]

Just a question but did anyone else notice the lead bad guy has a face which resembles The Master from Mystic Force? lol idk if its just me who saw this or what. lol

[Sailorscoutx]

Honestly in my opinion it doesn't really feel like a season opener it more feels like they started a few episodes in. also I do like that this is the first time in such a long time where the cockpit of the megazord is American footage for the complete season this hasn't been seen since I wanna say MMPR Season 3

[Fenix84]

Just a question but did anyone else notice the lead bad guy has a face which resembles The Master from Mystic Force? lol idk if its just me who saw this or what. lol

If someone, anyone, writes that fanfic, it will be better than what we've seen so far.

[OujaStrike]

The first episode may be when the rangers get their arrows.

[Andros]

I guy has commented on the FB comment I made and said that he talked to Paul Schrier at the LA Premiere and he told him the there WILL be a episode the explains everything.

And whoever controls the PR Samurai Page said, "Thanks Paul for the comment and the question. We will pass these along. Power ON!"
So basically no answer. Hmm

[3zekeial]

I am watching the episode again right now and I have a question. In the scene before the 4 of them go into megamode, is the video flipped? It looked like the samuraizer case and spin sword holder were on the opposite sides than they should be.

[lasth]

I don't get why they used the kanji 超 instead of the much simpler 大 to enlarge the origami.

[ninja_wolf]

According to all know, official sources, tonight's episode was in fact number 1801. Not 1803. It doesn't appear to be Nick's fault, as Saban themselves decided to film this as the first, number this as the first, and push this episode as the first.

Regardless of its production number, it still shouldn't have been aired first. Many shows have been produced out of order but were shown in the correct order. And really, would anyone really be upset if they aired it in the right order? Aside from the individual complaints that every episode gets on its own, I don't think so. I think this was a really unnecessary move.

For the record though, I enjoyed it as an episode. But the experience was definitely marred by the fact we have yet to see the origin of these rangers.

[Quark]

Has everyone forgotten RPM? It is in fact possible to tell a non linear story on PR, they did it last season.

[Andros]

You know? I just thought of something. And if someone has mentioned this already, then im sorry.

"The Team Unites"

Maybe "Unites" does not mean "Assembled" but rather it mean "Made One" or "A Whole"

Mike learns that teamwork is what is important and the team works as "As a Team" not broken but as a whole.
That would lead credence to this not being the first episode but the 3rd.

[Fenix84]

Regardless of its production number, it still shouldn't have been aired first. Many shows have been produced out of order but were shown in the correct order. And really, would anyone really be upset if they aired it in the right order? Aside from the individual complaints that every episode gets on its own, I don't think so. I think this was a really unnecessary move.

You really have to wonder what was going through their heads. The premiere is all-important. It's what hooks the audience and tells them that your show is worthwhile. For a damaged brand like PR, that has recently experienced a one-year hiatus and is now on a new network, they really needed to show kids that the Rangers were cool again. Instead the creators didn't seem to even care. We know who Bulk is, and even we're scratching our heads. Imagine how lost and disinterested all the kids must have been.

[ninja_wolf]

Has everyone forgotten RPM? It is in fact possible to tell a non linear story on PR, they did it last season.

RPM was quite linear. It started with Dillon and Ziggy's journey to Corinth and then subsequent recruitment as rangers, where they were introduced to the rest of the cast at the same time as the audience. Samurai quite literally dropped us in the middle, with everyone right where they're supposed to be as team members with no explanation. "The Road to Corinth" felt like the first episode, whereas this feels like an episode shown out of order.

[Fenix84]

Has everyone forgotten RPM? It is in fact possible to tell a non linear story on PR, they did it last season.

RPM quickly established its setting and premise. Its premiere was centered around Dillon, an outsider who discovered Corinth like the rest of us. Aside from the Crunch/Shifter fiasco, I could put a name to each and every one of RPM's characters. As of right now, I can't even name the Yellow Ranger (curse my blinking eyes!).

[Mr. Underachiever]

Still gonna take some getting used to the theme. Would have definitely preferred an original one (even if it sucked).

Great seeing Bulk back, but that scene with Spike was unbearably bad. The comedy was forced and lame, the writing was bad, and Felix Ryan's acting was just cringeworthy.

I did like the banter between Mike and the Niglok, though.

Morphing sequence is a little too long.

Mega mode looks awesome. I can't wait to see what its actual purpose is.

That's really all I have to say so far. I'll watch the HD version later and maybe I'll have more thoughts.

The only real thing I can say is, while I'm glad PR is back, I didn't really think this episode was any better than an average Kalish-era one.

[Fury Diamond]

Hey all! Missed the episode but got an exclusive interview with the cast. I'll try post video later tonight.

[TimeKaiser]

I can only say that despite not telling the beginning of the their story as a team, this episode was awesome! I felt like a kid again!

[Mr. Pink]

I don't get why they used the kanji 超 instead of the much simpler 大 to enlarge the origami.

The kanji for Super (Cho) is the closest they could get to Mega in Japanese... and with them having Mega Mode it made sense

[ninja_wolf]

I don't get why they used the kanji 超 instead of the much simpler 大 to enlarge the origami.

No idea either, except for the fact that the particular kanji they used means "super", which goes in line with the fact that they used it to become "mega rangers"

[Mr. Pink]

Besides the "leaved" comment... did anyone else notice the Hidden Disk mix up? Mike used the Bear/Green/Kuma Disk when he should have been using his Black one for his Spiral Sword attack

[Quark]

RPM was quite linear. It started with Dillon and Ziggy's journey to Corinth and then subsequent recruitment as rangers, where they were introduced to the rest of the cast at the same time as the audience. Samurai quite literally dropped us in the middle, with everyone right where they're supposed to be as team members with no explanation. "The Road to Corinth" felt like the first episode, whereas this feels like an episode shown out of order.


RPM quickly established its setting and premise. Its premiere was centered around Dillon, an outsider who discovered Corinth like the rest of us. Aside from the Crunch/Shifter fiasco, I could put a name to each and every one of RPM's characters. As of right now, I can't even name the Yellow Ranger (curse my blinking eyes!).
I agree RPM did it better, but I think the origin stuff is going to be saved for a Ranger Color flashback later on. As for the episode itself, yeah... not that impressed.


Samurai quite literally dropped us in the middle, with everyone right where they're supposed to be as team members with no explanation.
Worked for Star Wars! Then again, Star Wars was more entertaining...

[ninja_wolf]

If someone, anyone, writes that fanfic, it will be better than what we've seen so far.

Just because the episode was aired out of order doesn't mean the show itself is bad. I'm just really upset with the poor airing choices.

[CoolTrainerTerry]

Has everyone forgotten RPM? It is in fact possible to tell a non linear story on PR, they did it last season.

The problem is, the way things were executed in RPM made sense to the story, it added to the mystery and suspense. The start of the main story in RPM was Dillon and Ziggy's introduction with the main focus on Dillon for the rest of the season. The audience is taking the journey with Dillon. It wouldn't have made sense to show all of the background episodes first because it wouldn't have worked with the overarching story. Also, we are introduced to the basic plot and backstory in the very first scene, and then we are taken to the present time of the story.

With Samurai, we're just dropped into the middle of things for no apparent reason. No plot, no background, nothing. It's just there. The story starts with the team being formed after the Nighlocks have escaped, not with Mike learning about teamwork. If there is a good reason for things to have started the way they did, then I'll take back what I said, but as of right now, it is very poor storytelling.

Another thing that I had a problem with were the Mega Rangers. What was the point? I honestly don't see why an entirely new mode is introduced just to pilot the (horribly named) Folding Zords except to sell more toys. Also, the acting was not good. I actually cringed and rolled my eyes multiple times because of the borderline terrible acting (and the horrible dialouge as well), that's never happened before. The acting in this show was never Emmy-worthy, but not even Overdrive's acting caused me to groan. For the first time, I was embarassed to be watching the show. Hopefully things will get better, or else this may be the first season I don't watch all the way through.

[Mr. Underachiever]

The episode itself was pretty mediocre, but as far as not setting up the world, I have no problem with it not being the typical infodump of everything about every single character, how they formed the team, and what the villains' motivation is right away. Not only is that overdone for PR, it's not needed. If it's really important, we'll get it as the series goes along.

The problem is, we get NOTHING in this episode. Even if the show starts with the team already formed, we should get a little more of an introduction into who these people are, and this just feels like we already should know everything about them. If you're not gonna do anything else in the premiere, at least do THAT. So it definitely failed on that level. And if this was really not the first episode, that's still a fail on Nickelodeon's part for thinking it would be a good introduction.

[SirStack]

Regardless of its production number, it still shouldn't have been aired first.

Of course not. There was no reason to run this one as the premiere. But they did it, and probably shot themselves in the foot as a result. I've seen loads of non-fandom fans on FB and twitter and such acting confused. You don't confuse people about something as simple as "Did I miss something?"

Yes, the show has started seasons mid-battle before. Wild Force did it, but the new audience was meant to relate to Cole's introduction. Time Force sort of did it, but again, Wes was the new guy and they weren't Rangers until we got to see them, aside from Alex. In Space started with things already in action, but the new relationship between the team and Andros was the introductory experience. Truthfully, this came across more like "Shift into Turbo", but even that treated Justin as still new to things and had a flashback to the movie. This is more like if they had started PRLG with "Rookie in Red". But at least that introduced a new weapon!

It's just baffling to me that they picked this to start things with. For the record, going back to 1991 Nick, "Doug" of all shows premiered with an episode that was self-contained, followed in its second week with what was clearly meant to be the debut, with Doug and his family moving to town. It seems like Tzachor might be wanting to pull a Wild Force and reveal later in flashback how each member joined the team or something, but to waste the first episode on a Green focus without the slightest hint of what the hell is going on?! It doesn't create a mystery. This ain't on par with "Who is the Gold Ranger?", it just gives potential viewers a headache. There's a damn good reason why every superhero movie out in theaters is the origin first. Could you imagine if they skipped Iron Man 1 and went with Iron Man 2 to start the franchise? Shades of "Leonard Part 6"!!

[ninja_wolf]

Worked for Star Wars! Then again, Star Wars was more entertaining...

At least Star Wars gave you some semblance of premise. The characters were introduced, plot was established, etc. As of now, about the only thing any viewer knows about Samurai's plot came from its trailers! I'd be so lost if it weren't for the fact I've watched a little bit of shinkenger.

[Rider Jetfire]

If you will allow me this one moment... Ahem....


the episode that airs on Monday WILL be a Mike focus episode. Whether it's the ACTUAL first episode or not is the one that is up for debate.


Mondays episode, which we KNOW will be the Mike focus episode.


Here is how "The Team Unites" will go.

1) The rangers are training. Kevin somehow bests Mike and it makes Mike lose confidence in himself. OH NOES. He runs away to his New Zealand friends.

2) A scene of some villain interaction. SEND THE MONSTER TO THE CITY SUCKA.

3) The scene we were shown with Jayden talking to Master Grumm.

4) The scene with Mike and friends in the arcade and then outside.

5) Flashback? Or perhaps something with the other rangers, or perhaps more villian stuff.

6) The first morph of the episode we were shown, with Mike running towards the monster.

7) Mike gets his butt kicked and runs off. Perhaps some more interaction with the rangers?

8) The scene where the Rangers shows up and morph. Mike shows up as well and we get super 360 shot morph.

9) They fight and then monsters grows big. They call the megazord and get buff.

10) They defeat the monster in the scene we've seen.

11) They all have a heartfelt discussion about how they need Mike so their team can be fully UNITED. They then do their catch phrase, with the scene all ready seen in a promo where they go, "rangers together, samurai forever." In one of those they focus in on Mike's face.

Somewhere in the episode their will be a Bulk scene. YAY.

Ahem.....

Shamus was right.
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs176.snc3/20354_275746316573_504946573_3986506_777385_n.jpg


Let me begin by giving Rider Jetfire his props. He said there'd be no traces of the team's origins, and I guaranteed his prediction would be wrong. He was right.
No hard feelings dude, seriously. You defended your position and I respect that.

Yes, it was not 100% accurate. But damn near close. Especially since I've barely seen any Shinkenger.

I haven't read any of the posts here yet since I hadn't seen the episode. But like I said, the episode was the Mike focus episode. And the other actors statements will no doubt come to some kind of fruition in a later episode.

But anyhow, I like me some Mike. Seriously. The scene with him staring at his friends was pretty well done for PR. Really showed the emotions he was going through.

The puns with the monster? It's Power Rangers. I can dig it. I liked them well enough.

I kind of hope this is the first episode. I like in medias res and this did it fairly well. Just threw us right into the action.

American cockpit footage. People need to stop complaining. That stuff was beautiful. Especially with the American transformation sequence.

Aww yeah. Gotta love those stock shots they'll be using.

The only complaint I have is the opening. And I don't mean the song itself. That is fine. The editing was... halfhazard. And the very basic text without barely any way to distinguish it from the background made it hard to read. And it makes me sad we don't have specifically filmed clips for the opening but oh well. It happens.

Although I digged the little MMPR V2 style effect on Bulk and Spike. Tasteful. I like it.

Crediting the Japanese writer up front? Interesting.

And while the other rangers didn't get much to do, they did get very small character moments. You can see where they may be going and I like it.

Overall? That episode was pretty great. It was a simple episode that pulled me in. I like these guys so far. I give this episode a solid

9/10. Pretty nifty. Could it have been better? Maybe a little, but I liked it.

[unomedjd]

I gotta say I was pretty disappointed. If it wasnt for them yelling their names during the intro, I wouldn't know any of their names. And I find Red and the Girls personalities really dry. I think my favorite about the episode was the great use of flash morphs during the episode because the whole morph sequence took forever. The Mega Modes were pretty good though. I wish we got to see them use it outside the megazord. Almost like a "Wheel Blaster" type of deal. But other than that, It just felt weird and out of place.... But then again its power rangers.

[ZoeJeren]

I'm probably just like everyone here that I thought the eps was just ok, I liked that the Rangers were already Rangers and that Bulk made a come back, I didn't see any of the clips, so I thought it was cool, except it didn't fit into the storyline. That Spike guy sure nailed his part as I'm assuming Skull's son. I immediately felt this weird Jason vibe coming from Jayden, he was really into being that protective brother to Mike. Kevin was ok, not that much of anything as he didn't have a lot to say, but he sure showed his skills off. I did HATE that the girls barely had any lines and that they were practically props, and so was their Mentor. The part where the Mentor(forgot his name) looks over to Jayden as if to ask for his permission was kind if weird, it made Jayden look like he's the one in charge. Please don't let this season focus on Mike, I mean i liked him and the storyline, but please don't let it be that way. Other than that I'm ecstatic! :)

[President Ranger]

Yes, Shamus was right about every single thing they had told us in the episode description and 4 clips before the episode aired.

[Diz]

After being spammed on Facebook today by the PRS team (every hour, an update suggesting the show is TODAY! In five hours! In four hours! In three hours! You get the drill) I realized that we don't get it in Canada until Friday. But, alas...I'm not interested in paying five bucks for a channel I'll only watch once a week, so thank god for Teh Internets - I was able to see it here. Courtesy of the man himself, FD.

I hate to be a detractor, but I really did not like the show at all.

What was good: the bad guys. The puns. The sense of humour.

What was bad: the "Mega Ranger" mode. The pacing of the episode. The rangers lack any form of personality.

I voted it POOR because, honestly, I thought it was a poor effort on their behalf. I have no doubt that we'll learn how they all became a team in an origins episode, but I don't think I'll really care to watch it by that time.

[ninja_wolf]

Of course not. There was no reason to run this one as the premiere. But they did it, and probably shot themselves in the foot as a result. I've seen loads of non-fandom fans on FB and twitter and such acting confused. You don't confuse people about something as simple as "Did I miss something?"

Yes, the show has started seasons mid-battle before. Wild Force did it, but the new audience was meant to relate to Cole's introduction. Time Force sort of did it, but again, Wes was the new guy and they weren't Rangers until we got to see them, aside from Alex. In Space started with things already in action, but the new relationship between the team and Andros was the introductory experience. Truthfully, this came across more like "Shift into Turbo", but even that treated Justin as still new to things and had a flashback to the movie. This is more like if they had started PRLG with "Rookie in Red". But at least that introduced a new weapon!

It's just baffling to me that they picked this to start things with. For the record, going back to 1991 Nick, "Doug" of all shows premiered with an episode that was self-contained, followed in its second week with what was clearly meant to be the debut, with Doug and his family moving to town. It seems like Tzachor might be wanting to pull a Wild Force and reveal later in flashback how each member joined the team or something, but to waste the first episode on a Green focus without the slightest hint of what the hell is going on?! It doesn't create a mystery. This ain't on par with "Who is the Gold Ranger?", it just gives potential viewers a headache. There's a damn good reason why every superhero movie out in theaters is the origin first. Could you imagine if they skipped Iron Man 1 and went with Iron Man 2 to start the franchise? Shades of "Leonard Part 6"!!

Dear lord THIS a million times over. Hell, if they wanted to, they could air a couple of the FOLLOWING episodes out of order and it would've been okay, but do NOT air the first episode out of order. At least give the viewers some form of PREMISE to work with.

Any time Power Rangers started in the "middle", it was always introducing a new character. Cole, Wes, Dillon, Ziggy, etc. But this was just simply an episode aired out of order, no going around it. ANd now i'm stuck twiddling my thumbs wondering when we'll get to see Ji telling Jayden for the first time that he'll have teammate and sending the arrows.

[jedibloo]

the first episode is really good from the start and also the intro as well

[Rider Jetfire]

Yes, Shamus was right about every single thing they had told us in the episode description and 4 clips before the episode aired.

-thumbs up-

As tzemhero said awhile back, it does take a bit more sense to piece them all together then just a summary and clips. I hadn't read the summary, just seen the clips. I went on my own knowledge of PR, the Tzachor style, the MMPR style, and my own experience writing Ameri-toku to guess on this episode. (And seriously 21 JSR fans, we could have written the puns in this episode!) It's CRAZY.

But was airing this "out of order" a bad decision? I don't know, we shall see. I personally liked it.

[Fenix84]

I'm going to laugh if the arrow scene we all keep talking about turns out to be a meaningless, minute-long flashback out of a random Captain Awesome focus seven episodes from now.

The way it started out, PRS deserves no benefit of the doubt. It's now up to this season to prove that it's even worth watching.

[MegaBlue]

The promo that ran right before the premiere told us the back story. The "jump into the thick of things" nature of PRS could be due to only 20 episodes being ordered initially. (Wasn't that what happened?) The Powers That Be, whoever's in charge of the pre-show promotion, probably got a lot of the exposition stuff out there in the promos that have been running (who everyone is, what's going on, etc) in order to prepare us for what was coming.

With the order then being extended to 40, there's wiggle room now to go back and show us exactly what happened. Promos in the past (I'll go off of Ninja Storm as an example) usually stem from the first 10 episodes of the show. NS's "First Ever" marathon for ABC Family were running with footage from the elusive "Snip It" episode, which wound up being pulled because it involved international peace, and the war had broken out a couple of days prior. That alone screwed up everything for NS's pacing, since the Turtle Mace was just now going to show up out of nowhere. The "Kmart Trailer" had footage from as far in as "Return of Thunder," if I'm not mistaken, which is about 10 episodes in. We've gotten promo snippets of "the arrows," so logic only dictates that we're going to see them at some point in the first 10 episodes. We have one down with no arrows, so that leaves nine to go.

Heck, there might be a 'movie' about how things started coming at some point. We don't know what's in store. Looking back, maybe this wasn't the best episode to start out on, but I know a bit about Mike now (he's a gamer, he still hangs out with his friends and has to hide his Samurai secret from them, he dropped out of school, he lacks focus), so I did learn SOMETHING about one of the characters.

[terrierlee]

Well, I finally saw the episode, after the PRS team made me feel bad about missing the original premiere due to work. For serious, all that spam they did on Facebook only pissed me off more.

I'm going to copy and paste my thoughts from LJ...

I gotta admit, there were a few things I was confused about, and, granted, I was watching this in the living room and unfortunately everyone in the neighborhood likes to hang out in there, it was difficult to hear everything.

I laughed about twice in the episode. When Kevin was pantsed and when Mike kept getting hit by Jayden's sword.

What I was really amazed by was how much they decided to keep from the sentai. Seeing as how I have seen it, I recognize what they kept and QUITE FRANKLY, the only thing that disturbed me a lot was the zord wardrobe change. I'm really really curious at how they will handle it later down the road.

I liked the music, but I really wanna see if they're gonna do that tune I was humming when the villains first showed up. Well, until they mentioned Dayu's name and then I was like, "LOLWHAT"

THEY HAD PREVIEWS FOR THE NEXT EPISODE. I HAVE NEVER SEEN ONE OF THOSE SINCE... MYSTIC FORCE. MYSTIC FORCE.

ALSO. Would it kill Nick to add subs when they flash pretty "symbols" on the screen? I knew all the ones on their helmets, plus "combine" and "slash". But the one they drew on their folding zords? Not so much D:

Also, SquidMan, he's adorable. At least his voice is. Oh God, I hope he stays that way.

I'm going to watch this episode again. I had already planned on watching it with friends on her TV thanks to her DVR, but after reading all the posts in this thread, I would like to see if they are super confused by everything that wasn't explained. Sure, I knew why certain things were the way they were, like with the monsters drying up, but the normal Joe? Not so much. I might even tell you guys if my Joe was confused about everything.

And about the episode title, I already pretty much figured out it would result with the team uniting as one, OMGYAYTEAMWORK and all. Not necessarily them meeting for the first time and getting their powers. Actually, I'm not worried about that. For some reason I'm pretty chill about this season. Odd.

[President Ranger]

-thumbs up-

As tzemhero said awhile back, it does take a bit more sense to piece them all together then just a summary and clips. I hadn't read the summary, just seen the clips. I went on my own knowledge of PR, the Tzachor style, the MMPR style, and my own experience writing Ameri-toku to guess on this episode. (And seriously 21 JSR fans, we could have written the puns in this episode!) It's CRAZY.

But was airing this "out of order" a bad decision? I don't know, we shall see. I personally liked it.

The only thing you predicted correctly was the fact that there was villain interaction at some point in the episode (which is something ANY PR FAN could predict). Everything else was either directly from the clips or something you were wrong about. As I said to you in the last thread yesterday; predicting something that has already been shown to us isn't impressive.

[ShadowNeko003]

Acting is ok (It's PR) I still don't like the Mega Ranger mode, but I did like how they handled the transformation into it. Kinda wished Kevin, Mia, and Emily had more lines. I do agree that it is not what a first episode should be. I do hope they have an "intro episode" later on. We need to know why they've gather (even if we know it already, they need to show it to those that don't.) There was hardly any background information for the audience to relate to the characters aside from Mike (this was his episode.)

I find it odd that in the OP, it says Created by Haim Saban and Toei, in which Saban's name font size is clearly bigger than Toei of at least 16:12 font. In a sense, is it really created by Saban, I mean Toei came up with the original concept, Saban just adapted it for Western audiences. (I'm not really arguing it, just point out. And the font size is sorta funny in some sense to me...). I do like that they created Yasuko Kobayashi in the beginning.

The way they incorporated Shinkenger footage and original footage is really nicely done. I'll have to say that. As for the OP, I like the footage with Bulk and Spike. And I can assume that they kept the Kuroko (assuming one was following Ji in the OP or was it Jayden? I'm watching an SD ver, so I can't tell)

Overall, I rate this ep as Fair/Average. However, I am going to watch a couple more episodes before judging whether to continue or not.

[Rider Jetfire]

The only thing you predicted correctly was the fact that there was villain interaction at some point in the episode (which is something ANY PR FAN could predict). Everything else was either directly from the clips or something you were wrong about. As I said to you in the last thread yesterday; predicting something that has already been shown to us isn't impressive.
People kept talking how they thought the episode would be the team forming. I merely laid out how I thought it was going to be. And I happened to be pretty close to being right. I can dig it.

[Blueranger]

Has everyone forgotten RPM? It is in fact possible to tell a non linear story on PR, they did it last season.

Exactly.

If they directly copy and paste (Jungle Fury), It's a problem. If they do something new, It's a problem.

Typical Ranger fandom. Starting from Episode 5 they begin character development episodes. I'm pretty sure they will show a "how it all began collectively" episode as well. This was obviously a "premiere" to establish viewers to continue to watch the rest of the season. They also made a point to show off the merchandise as well.

The stories will unfold eventually.

[President Ranger]

People kept talking how they thought the episode would be the team forming. I merely laid out how I thought it was going to be. And I happened to be pretty close to being right. I can dig it.

You said it was either going to be flash backs or a sneak peek. It was neither. Everybody was wrong including you.

[Rider Jetfire]

You said it was either going to be flash backs or a sneak peek. It was neither. Everybody was wrong including you.

Umm... I said whether it was the TRUE first episode or not was up for debate. Several times.

And also, I love how people cite this episode was terrible because "normal" people are saying bad things on twitter. Honestly, those are mostly viewers who wouldn't like PR anyway cause, "it ain't the originals." No matter how good or bad this premiere was, they would never stay watching it.

[Mr. Underachiever]

Exactly.

If they directly copy and paste (Jungle Fury), It's a problem. If they do something new, It's a problem.

Typical Ranger fandom. Starting from Episode 5 they begin character development episodes. I'm pretty sure they will show a "how it all began collectively" episode as well. This was obviously a "premiere" to establish viewers to continue to watch the rest of the season. They also made a point to show off the merchandise as well.

The stories will unfold eventually.

...

Everybody knows and understands this already. The problem is, when you start off a show, and you're given NOTHING to work with, something's wrong. If you want to start with the third episode, you have to give us something so that we can either a) figure out what happened in the first two, or b) we don't care about it. This episode gave us neither.

[Peanut Brittle]

There is quite a bit of difference between hating Kalish's episodes, and obsessing over "little" details as I define them.

So...your actual train of what you actively and obsessively talk about based on your posting history DOESN'T matter, but whatever you define as mattering (which you apparently avoid) does...making you right regardless of the actual context and thus you can claim anything about yourself and be right because you're using your own definitions?

Do you have anything worth saying to any human being who doesn't communicate by beating his own face with a baseball bat?

[President Ranger]

Umm... I said whether it was the TRUE first episode or not was up for debate. Several times.
.

Exactly, you gave no correct prediction on this "true first episode" debate and your green ranger "predictions" were common knowledge. So what are you boasting about again?

[Mr. Gold]

So I just watched the first episode thanks to PR4L's encode, and I found it okay for me. But I can't wait to see how the rest of the season unfolds. :)

[terrierlee]

Copied and pasted from the Samurai Discussion thread...

You know, while I was reading this thread, I realized something.

PRSSS started just like the Shinkenger movie did. It began with the action, giving us no back story until the halfway point. And you know what? I recall that movie being praised. Everyone loved it. Given the fact that we saw the movie footage in one teaser makes me believe that's why they went this route.

Was it a good call on Saban/Nick's part? Who knows. All I know is, it's hilarious to see the fandom blow up over this premiere. So carry on. I have my popcorn and coke right here.

[mnikolic]

The episode was AWESOME. It was perfect! :D

[FieryRed]

Well, personally I thought the episode is only average at best. I can understand that Saban wants to delve right into the action w/out the backstory, but taking Shinkenger's Act 3 as their World Premiere is still a mistake, since you don't get to know any of the characters. I guess Saban thought that kids just want the boom-boom and none of the character development. The Bulk/Spike scene felt out of place, like it has nothing to do with PR Samurai. And I guess my biggest complain aside from monster's dialogues is the Mega suit sequence, which is rather long-winded and overblown with a new morph sequence, and a bunch of folding/unfolding of swords inside the new cockpit. Just seems like Saban does it to show-off their investment for this new scene rather than to advance the story. But anyway, I hope next episode will be better and not feel so rushed, and I also hope they'd tune down the cockpit scene a bit.

[SapphireBuster]

That was a good episode. Standard yes. Primere? Episode 1? I don't think so. It felt like these guys were already introduced and stuff, and this episode is after the fact. Also, to whoever asked about the hardening/cracking of the monster... all Shinken Gedoshu do that when they run out of water. They need to rehydrate themselves with water from the Sanzu. Which, in retrospect, makes them evil Aquitians. :D

[Mr. Gold]

All I know is, it's hilarious to see the fandom blow up over this premiere. So carry on. I have my popcorn and coke right here.

I'm so with you. ;)

[Mr. Pink]

Also, to whoever asked about the hardening/cracking of the monster... all Shinken Gedoshu do that when they run out of water. They need to rehydrate themselves with water from the Sanzu. Which, in retrospect, makes them evil Aquitians. :D

Best analogy ever...

[Thrax]

Awesome episode it as great start for Saban !!

[TimeKaiser]

Was it a good call on Saban/Nick's part? Who knows. All I know is, it's hilarious to see the fandom blow up over this premiere. So carry on. I have my popcorn and coke right here.

I'm so with you. ;)

I'm with both of you as well. *has a bucket of popcorn, a large cup of root beer and a bag of sour skittles*

[YellowAccel]

It starts very badly. The "Mega Rangers" are ugly & useless, it seems like we have missed an episode, it's boring, bad acting, I hate the opening. Frankly it will be soon in my top of the worst seasons. I prefer the Disney's Season to this. The scene with bulk & spike has nothing to do here. Spike is just a bad copy of Skull. And i prefer Disney's Humor than Saban's Humor! Moreover Mike killed the driver of the car XD

[Jam-Jul Lison]

It seems like to me Saban got lazy with this one. If this is the first episode, it is a huge let down. I am not going to talk about the acting simply cause I don't expect good acting in power rangers anyway. But I expect a story that is easy to follow. If I hadn't watched Shinkenger before hand, I would have been completely lost. We get a team of rangers who we know nothing about. No way anyone memorized names from that intro. We aren't told who chose them to be rangers and why them and no one else. We got an older asian guy we know nothing about standing their and watching. Is he a sensei, if he is a sensei why does he seem to be taking orders from the red ranger? Why do these bad guys want to flood the Earth? Where is the Senzu River? Where do these bad guys come from? How come they only appear and dissapear from cracks? Why do they need water from the Senzu River to revitalize? Why do they all live at that temple place? What are their zords exactly? Where did they get their morphers? How come the enemies seem to grow without anything to help them grow? Why are Bulk and Spike there? Why does bulk think he knows a lot of about samurai? Why does Spike want to learn? Who is Bulk exactly? Ok that one is just for the kids who haven't seen the originals. lol. Why does Spike call him Uncle Bulk? Without information we got on the net, we wouldn't have known he was Skull's son. Though a lot of us could put it together. But the kiddies wouldn't know. How come they morph in public without worrying about others seeing them? I am sure there are other questions but those are some important ones that at least most of them should have been answered in the first episode. If I look at this as a regular 3rd episode that is ment to focus on a character. It seems so so. A bit lazy though as everything in the episode seems pretty rushed. It as if they just casually wrote the script without thinking much about it. I wouldn't like it all that much, but it wouldn't have been the let down I had thinking this would be the first episode. It seems like a really bad idea to have aired this episode in a primetime slot.

BTW I also want to comment on the intro. At first I thought it was alright. I am like ok, they are rehashing the MMPR theme a bit. A bit lazy but I can live with it. Then I heard that aweful singing. I swear Ron must have been going nuts when he heard what they did to his masterpiece. I also didn't like them saying the ranger's names in the intro. Other then that, the intro was ok.

Also I have seen amateurs put together stuff that showed more effort and was better then this episode. I am of course referring the Mighty Moshin' Emo Rangers lol. It may not look as fancy as Power Rangers. But it sure beats the hell out of this episode. lol. BTW Speaking of quality. Did anyone else notice how easy it was to tell Sentai footage apart from Saban Footage? This was something I seldom noticed with RPM so I know it is possible to make them look so alike you have a hard time telling it. Not to mention the sentai footage seemed to have looked a little worse in quality then it did in the original Shinkenger episodes.

[Quark]

Also I have seen amateurs put together stuff that showed more effort and was better then this episode. I am of course referring the Mighty Moshin' Emo Rangers lol. It may not look as fancy as Power Rangers. But it sure beats the hell out of this episode. lol.
Personally I consider Gigabots to be season 19 until further notice.

[Jam-Jul Lison]

Forgot something else I hated about this ep and I will hate for the whole series. The stupid morphing call. Go Go Ranger. Come on now this isn't inspector gadget. Go Go Ranger Rollerskates!!!!! lol

[Fury Diamond]

I haven't seen the episode yet....well I caught the last scene. I saw the opening theme on YouTube. The song is awesome, but the actual opening theme (credits)...not so much. A fan could've made a better opening theme. Some parts were decent, but the entire composition looked like it was made over the weekend.

[Jam-Jul Lison]

Probably less then that even. Whoever came up with it didn't do a good job. Sad considering that Ron came up with the original theme in like 5 min or so I have heard and look at how awesome the original theme is. They need to bring him back.

[Shin Den-O]

I think this episode almost idientical to Shinkenger's 3rd episode, except:
-In PRS Mike(Green Ranger) also participating in training while in Shinkenger Chiaki(Shinken Green) was oversleep and be late in training.
-In Shinkenger, Chiaki actually be punished and must write up to 50 pages but he prefer to leaving Shiba mansing. In Power Ranger Samurai, Mike just leave the HQ.
-Chiaki friends get injured by ayakashi's attack so Chiaki visit his friends after ayakashi's attack in hospital. Mike friends no get injured and Mike just see his friends outside arcade center after nighlock's attack.
-Mike's pant sagged because of Jayden's attack so his underpant shown at front of the girls. In Shinkenger Ryuunosuke still wearing his pajama's pant so he changes his pant at the front of the girls.
-Jayden never act as Lord and he more cooperative to his team than Takeru in Shinkenger.
-No Kuroko but they added Bulk and Spike
-The scence where Dokoku(Xandred) drinks sake was removed!
-Kevin(Blue Ranger) didn't be overacting melodramatic like as Ryuunosuke(shinken Blue) in Shinkenger. Yeah, because he won't need to show loyality since Red ranger isn't a Lord in this show
-Their training uniforms isn't for training Kendo. That's Karate Grab Lol(karate literally means unarmed in Japanese)! They must replace the uniforms to hakamas later.
-The Kanji in saban's made footage(especially while enlarging zords and zord finishing move) looks like computer typed kanji instead hand-written one in Shinkenger.
-No Tekken 6 arcade! even in underdevelopment country like my origin country(Indonesia), Tekken 6 arcade version quite popular.
-And also, no pacman on psp screen scene! yeah, might be because of copyright.
-It was ended with team united while Shinkenger version ended with Chiaki's trying to run and surpassing Takeru.
-Of course Mega Ranger form

[Digifiend]

-The scence where Dokoku(Xandred) drinks sake was removed!Rewatch it. I didn't catch that myself, but I've read that the scene was in fact kept.

[Thrax]

This Episode is tas pretty good

The way of the episode starts with the rangers trainning it as pretty cool and see the learning the way of the Samurai are cool.
It as glad see Saban keep is way even pass the years they left in PRTF and they keep the same style of the episode because i as expecting starts like Disney seasons but they put first one scene and them next the Opening it as really cool i really liked in that way the PR.
The Opening it as awesome except i think they could cut we heard the names of the rangers.
I think i see some of people in this discuss talk about there is not plot yet but if we see the scene of the Villans he heard talk about thep lot it as made the river have power enought for they go to the Humam world and the voices of the villans are really awesome.
The battle of Mike versus the Monster it as cool and when the others rangers come and help Mike and they return to the house it as cool, Jayden tell to Mike he have to stay away of is friends and family because they could be injured by the monsters.
I liked the scene when see Jayden and Mike try to find out the way of defeat the monster.
The Mega mode it as really cool but it just for the Rangers go to the Megazord
The final scene it as mich like happens of the Old-School of the Power rangers

Well this episode it for shore not the Original Season Start of the PRS i think maybe Nick want to this like that because maybe there saving the Real Starts of the PRS for final episodes of the Year because they are put 20 episodes for 2011 and 2012 and even that are left 3 or maybe they will airing the first 2 episodes for Marathons of the Show.

[Vickram101]

I still think that this episode was a later ep. For one thing we got previews and Clips of the 1st ep like this one:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbQ68_QMvQs

Another is what Najee said in this interview.(Skip to 2:40)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTVeuHoGN4k

So In my opinion they showed a later episode. For IDK what reason. But hopefully we'll get to see the real ep 1 someday.

[Thrax]

Rewatch it. I didn't catch that myself, but I've read that the scene was in fact kept.

I see that scene really there i dont believe that because i think Saban it as really want to suprises.

[Digifiend]

After being spammed on Facebook today by the PRS team (every hour, an update suggesting the show is TODAY! In five hours! In four hours! In three hours! You get the drill) I realized that we don't get it in Canada until Friday. But, alas...I'm not interested in paying five bucks for a channel I'll only watch once a week, so thank god for Teh Internets - I was able to see it here. Courtesy of the man himself, FD.You're lucky. I got the same damn spam, and the UK doesn't have a confirmed network yet, let alone airdate. In fact, it'll be months before it airs anywhere in Europe. Thank goodness for downloads and Youtube.

[mmpr grove]

Mike said "mega zord armor up" before jumping in his zord. Mean while the others said "megazord mode active" before jumping in their zords. So witch will they be sticking with?

[Captain Platypus]

I don't like copying the Sentai, but I was rather entertained. It helped that I was in a chat with people, riffing it.

Mike was doing "Blue Steel" this whole episode. I have dubbed him The Zoolander Ranger.

Also. Damn, evil Aquitians. I totally didn't think of that. It would have been a great character interpretation. We could say they killed their world's rangers and made Aquitar into a dead dystopia

[Shin Den-O]

Also. Damn, evil Aquitians. I totally didn't think of that. It would have been a great character interpretation. We could say they killed their world's rangers and made Aquitar into a dead dystopia

Gedoushuu couterparts in PR Samurai being evil aquitian? i think that's great idea!

[mariescott]

I really enjoyed the episode despite the debate about whether or not it was the actual first episode. I was excited the whole time and it didn’t even cross my mind. Maybe it was the fact that I had seen the sentai version first rather than the other way around so I kind of knew the back story. The set they used for the rangers base was almost an exact replica of the one in Shinkenger and I can’t wait to see more of the inside.

The whole episode during the training and unmorphed fighting scenes I kept looking for the telltale stunt double but was pleased to not even get the hint of one. It seemed that they chose actors that could actually perform their own stunts a la Mighty Morphin. I also liked that they showed that the rangers can get hurt. It bothered me a little post Wild Force when they didn’t show the consequences from getting hurt in a fight except for that one episode of SPD.

I thought that having them morph using the kanji symbols from shinkenger was great. When I had heard that they were adapting shinkenger for the new season I was hoping they would do that. I’m not sure I like the Mega Ranger form when they are in the megazord. It just seemed a little odd to me.

As for the theme song I would have preferred an original theme. It seemed to me to be kind of a slap in the face to Ron who had done the original. I looked closely at the credits hoping to see that they at least acknowledged him but no such luck.

My three favorite scenes was of course the one with Bulk (yay!), when they recreated the scene from shinkenger when Mike was trying to figure out how to anticipate the monsters next move and when they had the Origami or whatever they’re calling it on the show in its animal form interacting with Jayden.

Overall I liked the look and feel of the episode and can’t wait for the next one.

[YellowAccel]

So kevin's attack is "Dragon Splash", Jayden's attack is "Fire Smasher" but i don't understand The names of Mia,Mike & Emily attack. Can someone tell me what they say please? :)

[Mr. CD]

I like Rofer, he had the best lines and it was nice to see some emphasis on teamwork. And the Squid guy sounded like a cross between DemiDevimon and DemiVeemon. Other then that, this episode was one big "?" to me.

[Rider Jetfire]

Exactly, you gave no correct prediction on this "true first episode" debate and your green ranger "predictions" were common knowledge. So what are you boasting about again?

21 JUMP STREET RRRRRAANNNNGGERRRSSSSSSSs.

[Rider Jetfire]

Personally I consider Gigabots to be season 19 until further notice.

And you better consider 21 JSR season 20.

[GoseiYellow]

I like the episode, but they a rushed it a wee bit. *Wags hand sideways* :)

[Samurai Pink]

I thought the episode was ok. Considering how the zord summoning seemed similar to shinkengers. Except for the mega mode. That and combine and finisher kanji was the same. But I'm guessing the kanji they wrote on their animal symbols was 'mega' instead of 'big'.

[tigerfury68]

Mia's Attack: Airway , Emily's Attack: Seismic Swing , & Mike's Attack: Forest Vortex

[FieryRed]

I thought the episode was ok. Considering how the zord summoning seemed similar to shinkengers. Except for the mega mode. That and combine and finisher kanji was the same. But I'm guessing the kanji they wrote on their animal symbols was 'mega' instead of 'big'.

The kanji that the PR Samurais wrote to morph into their Mega suits is 超, which means Super but I supposed can also be used for Mega. The kanji actually takes twelve strokes to write, but due to time constraint perhaps they didn't really write it, instead they just move their hand really fast to look as if they were inscripting the kanji.

[Simango]

I saw it last night but I have only one question - "Go Go Samurai"? What the heck was that??? Couldn't they have come up with something a bit better than that? Even Jungle Fury's activation call was better than this. Anyway we have a first that hasn't been seen in 8 series now since Time Force. A Pre Cast segment. Awesome to have that back.

[YellowAccel]

Mia's Attack: Airway , Emily's Attack: Seismic Swing , & Mike's Attack: Forest Vortex

Thank You !

[StarTrooper]

I liked the episode.

The voices for the villians were really good, and the acting wasn't as bad as those promos suggested. It's a little weird just being thrown into the story with no real backstory. I watched Shikenger over the hiatus, so I understood more about what was going on in the premiere than the average Nick veiwer would have. Mega mode footage was pretty cool, especially transforming the swords into controls for the Zords. The Bulk scene was a nice nod to long time fans, though it seems a lot of fans disliked it.

[FieryRed]

I saw it last night but I have only one question - "Go Go Samurai"? What the heck was that??? Couldn't they have come up with something a bit better than that? Even Jungle Fury's activation call was better than this. Anyway we have a first that hasn't been seen in 8 series now since Time Force. A Pre Cast segment. Awesome to have that back.

Saban is using the chant of "Go Go Samurai" to link this new series with the original Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers, which used "Go Go Rangers" in the opening, promo, and just about everywhere back in the old days.

[Samurai Pink]

Mia's Attack: Airway , Emily's Attack: Seismic Swing , & Mike's Attack: Forest Vortex

You forgot about Kevin's, his is Dragon Splash I believe. Jayden's is the same name as his main weapon, Fire Smasher.

[ForeverBlue]

The episode was really good (I voted awesome though). A pretty good start

[HenshinRider]

Things I disliked:

1) The opening song
2) The new cockpits, I prefer the Shinkenger ones
3) The way they enlarge and enter their zords.

[Samurai Pink]

I thought the way they summoned their zords was ok. It reminded me of how shinkenger does it. I don't like the opening song but I do like the opening itself. Not a fan of the new cockpit either.

[Churly]

That wasn't the cockpit? No wonder.

[Captain Platypus]

So no one else saw the Zoolander thing?

Screaming "Stop using puns" at the screen is super entertaining

[Digifiend]

Episode is on Youtube!
Part 1:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KOoWtcYghY
Part 2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12j78OFhK5k
End credits:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ja1n_DgE_fM&

[Digifiend]

Episode is on Youtube!
Part 1:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KOoWtcYghY
Part 2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12j78OFhK5k
End credits:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ja1n_DgE_fM&

[KalishPlosion]

I've been thinking...

I think a key to enjoying (or not enjoying) this episode is whether the viewer has seen Shinkenger yet. I said before that most of my gripes came from unfair standards for this episode comparing it to Shinkenger, but now that I think about it I feel that comparing PRS episodes to their Shinkenger counterparts actually helped me to understand what was going on a lot of the time. Sure, it's not as good as SSS, but it was entertaining, and thanks to SSS I could fill in a lot of the holes. I gave this episode and 8/10.

I won't comment on the decision to put this episode before a backstory or origin episode... It really doesn't matter too much to me, again because I know how Shinkenger goes and can imagine PRS being a parallel.

[SapphireBuster]

-Chiaki friends get injured by ayakashi's attack so Chiaki visit his friends after ayakashi's attack in hospital. Mike friends no get injured and Mike just see his friends outside arcade center after nighlock's attack.


... Were we watching the same episode? I clearly saw a sling on one of the guy's arms.

[Samurai Pink]

That wasn't the cockpit? No wonder.

Yeah it wasn't. Cearly the rangers go into mega mode every time there's a zord battle. Which begs the question, are they going to use the white and gold jackets? Since I don't see how that could work considering it could only be used for non zord battles.

[SapphireBuster]

I don't like copying the Sentai, but I was rather entertained. It helped that I was in a chat with people, riffing it.

Mike was doing "Blue Steel" this whole episode. I have dubbed him The Zoolander Ranger.

Also. Damn, evil Aquitians. I totally didn't think of that. It would have been a great character interpretation. We could say they killed their world's rangers and made Aquitar into a dead dystopia

1.) Zoolander?

2.) Why thank you. *bows* I admit that idea is interesting, although I'm amazed I'm the only one who thought of it as of yet.

[OujaStrike]

love the fans outcry that it was not the episode where they get their powers, fans need to be patient, the episode where they get their powers will come soon.

[Vickram101]

Yeah it wasn't. Cearly the rangers go into mega mode every time there's a zord battle. Which begs the question, are they going to use the white and gold jackets? Since I don't see how that could work considering it could only be used for non zord battles.

Well i guess they would use it for battle, just not for when they're in the zord. Which begs the question what will they do when they have to use the dragon sword thing.

[Samurai Pink]

love the fans outcry that it was not the episode where they get their powers, fans need to be patient, the episode where they get their powers will come soon.

I sure do hope so.

That's what I'm also thinking as well Vickram since we did see scenes from fateful war in the promos and such. That could be considered a batilizer for Jayden. Since we haven't seen one since MF. If you count Casey's jungle master mode a batilizer.

[OujaStrike]

plus they showed a trailer with the rangers getting their arrows so soon the episode will come, but i did wish the the first episode was with the arrows

[FieryRed]

Yeah it wasn't. Cearly the rangers go into mega mode every time there's a zord battle. Which begs the question, are they going to use the white and gold jackets? Since I don't see how that could work considering it could only be used for non zord battles.

I have a feeling that Saban will still have the white jacket (Inromaru/Super) and red jacket (Kyoryu Disk/Hyper), but those jackets will mysteriously disappear once they activate their Mega suits. I do wonder if the Red Ranger will keep his Kyoryumaru blade in the Hyper mode once he's in the cockpit, though.

[Fury Diamond]

I'm working on the HD clips for the season premiere. I'll start uploading them within the hour. Starting sunday, the clips will be uploaded immediately following the episode.

[Qarlf]

I feel this episode was good, It had everything to hook me in. Green instant morph was awesome. Loved the theme, also enjoy the actor saying there names. I'm getting a RPM vibe from how this starting which imo is a good thing. The Villain so far have some good voice actor beside Squid guy.

[Captain Platypus]

You haven't seen Zoolander?

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bwa4ZwGhMM8/TOBHIRR68QI/AAAAAAAABOs/hWkPdjLqBQ8/s1600/Zoolander-Blue-Steel.jpg

[Samurai Pink]

I have a feeling that Saban will still have the white jacket (Inromaru/Super) and red jacket (Kyoryu Disk/Hyper), but those jackets will mysteriously disappear once they activate their Mega suits. I do wonder if the Red Ranger will keep his Kyoryumaru blade in the Hyper mode once he's in the cockpit, though.

Like I said, I'm guessing that the super mode would only be used outside of the cockpit. The Hyper mode could be considered his batilizer. I wonder too if Jayden would keep his Kyoryumaru blade (whatever it'll be called) in the new cockpit. Since fateful war was a movie and not an episode, I wonder when they would put the scenes from that into an episode?

[Qarlf]

I have and it's quite funny.

[Samurai Pink]

Was it about what I said about the fateful war scenes?

[Qarlf]

Was it about what I said about the fateful war scenes?

No, sorry I should've quote Captain Platypus the post it was about Zoolander.

[Samurai Pink]

Oh right. That was funny. Spike kind of looks just like him. With the hair and bandana.

[Qarlf]

Oh yeah I really like how at the end they showed a preview for Sundays episode.

[BurgundyRanger]

Oh yeah I really like how at the end they showed a preview for Sundays episode.

Episodic promos -- what a novel concept! When was the last time Disney did that for a PR series? Mystic Force? Overdrive?

[Qarlf]

I think the last one to my knowledge was SPD. But I remember only seeing Mystic force on Abc family until it moved to toon disney. Even when it was on there I waited a month just to catch up with that series.

[Thrax]

Episodic promos -- what a novel concept! When was the last time Disney did that for a PR series? Mystic Force? Overdrive?

Well i think that happens in MF,OO and JF

[Captain Platypus]

It really was something missing from PR for the longest time. There was nothing to get your exited for the next episode at the end of the previous episode. There's a reason prime time TV does it. It gives you a teast to make you want to watch that episode

[Ranger Sliver]

The lack of a back story really killed this episode for me, but all in all I enjoyed it.

[Lady Red]

This episode felt half baked and left a bad taste in my mouth (not trying to be punny here).

This said, it had quite a few saving graces. I didn't get to see much of them interacting, but so far I really like our team. Mostly, the Green, Blue and Red Ranger's interactions were a real joy to watch. Mike's struggle to improve came not from a desire to compete with Jayden, but to prove himself worthy of serving his team. That was refreshing. Jayden seems troubled by Mike's comparing himself and his ability to Jayden's own. Like he is somehow responsible. I assume Jayden's aloof nature comes as an echo from Takeru, but his actor seems to have tempered it with an openly compassionate side. Nice touch. I thought Kevin's pantsing not even five minutes into the episode was hilarious. Seeing them clown around was fun. Kevin lamenting Mike's attempts to do things on his own was also both amusing and endearing.

The theme song... was quite frankly a little insulting. It felt like taking something classic and just... running it through the mud. The best comparison I can give it is to a Disney direct to DVD sequel. However, I actually didn't mind the team calling their names out during the intro. The Shinkenger introduced themselves with their given and Ranger names, so it felt a little reminiscent of that.

I agree with most people this didn't feel like a first episode, and I'd bet my pants Nickelodeon had something to do with that. Someday a real first episode might surface, but for now... this is what we get. It'll suffice.

[Thrax]

I agree with most people this didn't feel like a first episode, and I'd bet my pants Nickelodeon had something to do with that. Someday a real first episode might surface, but for now... this is what we get. It'll suffice.

I think Nick it as saving the First two episodes maybe for the end of this year of maybe put them in the middle of the PRS because maybe Nixk wants to give the audience everything they want The Villans,Rangers,Megazord and Mega Mode for the audience have interest to see the Show because if the audience are espect they are showing the Real start of the Show they will continue to follow the Show.

[Samurai Pink]

I don't think I'm quite following you. ;) What do you mean exactly?

[Thrax]

I don't think I'm quite following you. ;) What do you mean exactly?

I mean if the target audience of the Show dont see the Real started of the PRS will keep interesthing of the Show to see the Real start of the PRS

[Samurai Pink]

So at some point we could see scenes from act 1 and 2 in an episode. Right?

[OujaStrike]

Encoded by Dekabroken

Power Rangers Samurai - Episode 1 The Team Unites (HD)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3lSll6H0DA

[Captain Platypus]

Too many seasons of PR try to have a premier where they cram in all the elements the audience wants. They want to introduce the weapons, zords, suits, villains, heroes and essential story into one or two episodes. They usually feel terrible and rushed. This skipped that, gave us everything in the season and isn't concerned with setting things up. Everything we need to know is in this episode. We have a team of five rangers fighting this evil person named Xandred who sends out monsters from the Sanzu river to make people afraid. We know the rangers' names and even got hints of their personalities. We don't need an origin to set them up

On top of that, Saban and Nick have been working overtime to establish these characters in their online marketing. If the entirety of the preview is those clips online, then it's an amazing marketing ploy

[O.92]

Too many seasons of PR try to have a premier where they cram in all the elements the audience wants. They want to introduce the weapons, zords, suits, villains, heroes and essential story into one or two episodes. They usually feel terrible and rushed. This skipped that, gave us everything in the season and isn't concerned with setting things up. Everything we need to know is in this episode. We have a team of five rangers fighting this evil person named Xandred who sends out monsters from the Sanzu river to make people afraid. We know the rangers' names and even got hints of their personalities. We don't need an origin to set them up

On top of that, Saban and Nick have been working overtime to establish these characters in their online marketing. If the entirety of the preview is those clips online, then it's an amazing marketing ploy

Although this did skip the traditional PR premiere that you label as "terrible and rushed"...this failed to achieve anything but that. It was also terrible and rushed, more so than most other PR premieres.

Everything we need to know is not in this episode. Yes we're able to figure out the core concept of five Rangers vs. Xandred, but there's more to it than that. And the show even acknowledges that by making Jayden much smarter than the other Rangers, by introducing Bulk and Spike, by telling us that the villains have returned but provides no answer as to how they returned. The show directly acknowledges that there's more to it than "You five vs. bad guy". There's history, there are side characters, etc. And they don't give even the simplest explanation to that. There's a reason why most of the fandom is critiquing this episode as puzzling and confusing at times. Because it doesn't provide us with "everything we need to know" like you said.

As for the Rangers' personalities, I'd love to hear what hints are dropped to let us in on both the female Ranger personalities. I got nothing from them last night. They seemed like direct carbon copies of each other too.

[Fenix84]

So...your actual train of what you actively and obsessively talk about based on your posting history DOESN'T matter, but whatever you define as mattering (which you apparently avoid) does...making you right regardless of the actual context and thus you can claim anything about yourself and be right because you're using your own definitions?

Do you have anything worth saying to any human being who doesn't communicate by beating his own face with a baseball bat?

So now there's a clear cut, objective definition of what qualifies as a "little" detail rather than a major one. Which strangely has to be what YOU think it is, and not what I think (and have explained) it to be IMO. I have posted far more substantive content in this thread than you have, so don't even trot out your stupid little insults. I'm actually continuing to post ABOUT the show, whereas you seem to have latched onto me and just want to argue silly semantics now. You're being a punk and trying to carry on a flame war over nothing.

Again, I stand by my previous example that if the SPD Red Ranger thinks it's right to screw over his team for a hot date, or if Samurai begins without a real beginning (or characterization, or story, or anything for us to care about), those are NOT "little" flaws.

[Samurai Pink]

But we've seen them on tv as well, promos and what not. There is 43 episodes after all, I'm sure they'll come up with something for the footage of acts 1 and 2.

[Fenix84]

Exactly.

If they directly copy and paste (Jungle Fury), It's a problem. If they do something new, It's a problem.

Typical Ranger fandom. Starting from Episode 5 they begin character development episodes. I'm pretty sure they will show a "how it all began collectively" episode as well. This was obviously a "premiere" to establish viewers to continue to watch the rest of the season. They also made a point to show off the merchandise as well.

The stories will unfold eventually.

PR fans do NOT bash the show for trying something "new" from the Sentai. PRiS, LG, DT, and RPM were all very different from their Sentai source material. Those seasons are almost universally regarded as good. The people who want PR to just copy Sentai are few and far between, and from what I've seen most of them are Sentai fans, not PR fans.

And if you actually mean that Samurai did something "new," I think you're giving far too much credit. Let's be realistic. It's not like they took some crazy, avant garde experimental approach to Samurai's premiere. They aren't blazing new ground here. They didn't do something "new" that had a wondrous effect that couldn't have been found by giving us an actual premiere that explained things. They were lazy, plain and simple.

Doing something "new" is not good in and of itself. There's a reason why linear storytelling is the standard. That's because starting from the beginnng allows people to actually understand what is going on, and feel an attachment to the characters. Now, you can break an established rule provided that you know why you're doing something different, and try to go against the grain in a GOOD way. If they had began in media res so that they could get things started with a bang, such as hooking the audience with an epic battle right at the start, that would've been interesting. If they had told a nonlinear story that showed various characters' perceptions of this new Ranger team's arrival, shedding light on each of their personalities, that would've been something. Things like that would've been creative and entertaining. And even if you don't start the story from the beginning, you should definitely establish the characters. Breathe life into your characters and give us a good idea of what's important for them NOW. Samurai didn't do that.

I'm still waiting for someone to explain what good Samurai's starting direction did for its premiere. Why it would've been better than a conventional premiere that actually told us who these kids are, how they got their powers, and who their villains are.

[Ryouga]

Squee! Bulk is back! remix of original Power Rangers theme! Squee!

Probably already been said but I wonder If people will start a "who did Skull marry" thread

Skull 2.0 has a crush on a Pink Ranger eh lol.

I am shocked at some of the posts though, this is far better than pretty much every Disney season to me(at least the 1st episode) except maybe Dino Thunder and this felt like a real show.

That and the quality of the camerawork seems higher budget than Disneys version and seems at least a little more grown up script wise.

[Blueranger]

So, after watching it again. The first thing that comes to mind is....It's very similar to how Go-Onger started. We never got a legit explanation on how they met. No real full episode of detailed footage on how they met and joined the Go-Onger team.There is nothing wrong with them doing it now. After 17 years of the same formula, It's not a big deal if they mix it up for one series.

The series just feels so refreshing to watch. It does feel revamped. I love that Saban took advantage of the fact Shinkenger was such a different type adaptation and they did a solid job of introducing it as something new and fresh.

Kevin seems like a cool dude but in certain scenes they force him to be a douche because Ryuunosuke acted out towards Chikari.

I do officially love the Mega Ranger suit and American made cockits. It just looks alot better to what Toei went with. It looks alot like Gaoranger and Timeranger cockpits combined.

Other stuff I noticed: Mia seems to be not even close to the personality of Mako. I didn't even realize the Water Arrow is called "Hydro Bow"

Other than that, I give it a 8/10. It felt good. Regardless how it started. It severed it's purpose and it makes the character episodes seem more special now.

[NCBradin]

So, after watching it again. The first thing that comes to mind is....It's very similar to how Go-Onger started. We never got a legit explanation on how they met. No real full episode of detailed footage on how they met and joined the Go-Onger team.There is nothing wrong with them doing it now. After 17 years of the same formula, It's not a big deal if they mix it up for one series.

The series just feels so refreshing to watch. It does feel revamped. I love that Saban took advantage of the fact Shinkenger was such a different type adaptation and they did a solid job of introducing it as something new and fresh.

Kevin seems like a cool dude but in certain scenes they force him to be a douche because Ryuunosuke acted out towards Chikari.

I do officially love the Mega Ranger suit and American made cockits. It just looks alot better to what Toei went with. It looks alot like Gaoranger and Timeranger cockpits combined.

Other stuff I noticed: Mia seems to be not even close to the personality of Mako. I didn't even realize the Water Arrow is called "Hydro Bow"

Other than that, I give it a 8/10. It felt good. Regardless how it started. It severed it's purpose and it makes the character episodes seem more special now.

Don't tell me....you're Punk at HJU?!

[Digifiend]

Mia has no obvious personality in that episode. She laughed at Kevin's pants falling down (as did Emily). And she congratulated Mike for "coming far". She's an enigma right now.

[Captain Platypus]

I don't know where I sit, especially with regards to how many people are complaining about them not doing a "proper premier", which I could care less about. I was entertained by the episode and like the things they changed from Shinkenger. I felt that super long commercial they aired before the episode did a good job expositing on the premise. I'm so used to shows just starting without an introductory episode that don't care and appreciate not having them run around to acquire everything they're going to need in 40 minutes. New viewers got to see exactly what the series was going to be like and older viewers already know the drill so they can pretty much dive right in.

And if they want to give backstory, they can inject it into later episodes. I like flashback stuff like that

[PR Lover]

I feel that this episode is being bashed before the season gets further indepth. I for one like the fact that there is no explination or first 2 episodes. It makes the whole "Samurai Rangers vs Nighlocks" feel a whole lot better. I do not understand why some do not like this episode. Give it some time people.

In all honesty, we have Saban, the best producer of Power Rangers back. No more Disney. Lets just enjoy it while we can.

[Diz]

What game was whatshisface playing in the arcade?

[President Ranger]

I don't know where I sit, especially with regards to how many people are complaining about them not doing a "proper premier", which I could care less about. I was entertained by the episode and like the things they changed from Shinkenger. I felt that super long commercial they aired before the episode did a good job expositing on the premise. I'm so used to shows just starting without an introductory episode that don't care and appreciate not having them run around to acquire everything they're going to need in 40 minutes. New viewers got to see exactly what the series was going to be like and older viewers already know the drill so they can pretty much dive right in.

And if they want to give backstory, they can inject it into later episodes. I like flashback stuff like that

I don't think it's the fact that it wasn't a "proper premiere" per say. If it wasn't a proper premiere and it was actually a good episode, nobody would be complaining.

[Ivlander]

What game was whatshisface playing in the arcade?
I don't know, but did you notice the environment he was playing in? It looked like a forest. What's his element? Forest.

[terrierlee]

And what's his Zord?

A bear.

Clever, show. Very clever.

[Blueranger]

Power Rangers Samurai drew a 1.7 (2.785 million viewers).

The detailed numbers:


2.785 million viewers
1.7/3 HH
0.5/1 A18-49
1.6/5 T12-17
3.9/12 K2-11


So Power Rangers drew high ratings in the 2 - 11 year old demographic.

[brjw_s_prlegacy]

Great Episode, so glad it's back in Saban's hands

Hi guys:

Hey, you know what? I agree with this very well. It was a great episode, indeed. I'd say keep up the good work with these episodes from Saban. PRS is going to be a great PR season, I can surely see that.

Well, that's all I wanted to say tonight. Thanks for chatting here. Bye.

[Gr1s3L]

Ohhh God its good to have back d' Power Rangers :)...!!!!Bad for me cuz I can't watch it school and work days so until saturday...!!!!

[prgusfoe980]

It was freakin Awesome.

[Shin Den-O]

I think PR Samurai is a good adaptation of Shinkenger. The changes was made because of different standar on rating system, cencorship, and sense of humor beetwen Japan and USA, but I hope they change the training uniform to hakama. Present uniform is a karate grab, since karate means unarmed in Japanese It's unsuited for practice kendo

[Momo]

Power Rangers Samurai drew a 1.7 (2.785 million viewers).

The detailed numbers:


So Power Rangers drew high ratings in the 2 - 11 year old demographic.

Which is thier target audience...

[SaiTurtlesninjaNX]

I think PR Samurai is a good adaptation of Shinkenger. The changes was made because of different standar on rating system, cencorship, and sense of humor beetwen Japan and USA, but I hope they change the training uniform to hakama. Present uniform is a karate grab, since karate means unarmed in Japanese It's unsuited for practice kendo

The funny thing about the Samurai Rangers Martial Arts uniform is that I've see those type of karate uniform in online Martial Arts store for years. There DEMO UNIFORMS.
http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/ad307/SaiturtlesninjaNX/869b7a1b.gif

[Shin Den-O]

Do you mean Saban didn't make the rangers' training uniform itself? Despite make their own, saban just buy uniform that already in market. WOW, even Saban copies Saburo Hatte's idea in Shinkenger to use uniform which already in market! Did you know, Shinkenger's premorph uniform was actually generic traditional japanese wears that can be found anywhere in Japan.

[SaiTurtlesninjaNX]

Yes I did know that the Shinkenja premorph uniform was traditional japanese clothing and there rangers suit was base on the classic design of gi.

They may have made them themselfs. It's not a hard pattern to make.

If you someonw who never sew before making a kimono is a good starter project.

I made like 3 Martial Arts outfits out of one pattern. My Goku costume, Red and black gi and my ninja costume.

[Thrax]

Cheesy, campy, bright, filled with constant music and bad puns.

I loved every second.

I can see how not starting with an origin would be a problem, but I thought the relevant stuff was explained in the promo that aired right before it started as well as in the opening titles. That was all the setup I needed, but again a longer origin is probably coming. I do agree it's a bit rushed though.

The episode it as really cool and for shore Nick will give to us the Origin of the Team join but we have to wait until there because in case of SPD the episode "Wormhole" airing next of the Season over i think.

They will show to us the Origins of the PRS but i think they are saving maybe for final episodes of this yar or maybe they dont filming the all origin of the Samurai Team.

[Digifiend]

Do you mean Saban didn't make the rangers' training uniform itself? Despite make their own, saban just buy uniform that already in market. WOW, even Saban copies Saburo Hatte's idea in Shinkenger to use uniform which already in market! Did you know, Shinkenger's premorph uniform was actually generic traditional japanese wears that can be found anywhere in Japan.They must be custom, they have the Shiba logo on them.

[Shin Den-O]

I have an idea to change Samurai Rangers Uniform into Hakama with Shiba clan emblem on left chest like their ranger costume. The upper side will be their individual color and lower side will be navy blue like as shinkenger one

[Aeon87]

hmmm they're sticking too close to shinkenger Power Rangers should have their own feel to the adaptation i mean they even called the river sanzu not that i'm complaining but they're ripping off too much of shinkenger this entire episode was right down to the bone shinkenger episode 3 and speaking of which why is the first episode in the series a focus one there was no introduction whatsoever it just went straight into it but i've a feeling this episode was just a special premire episode and that the next airing is the true starter to the series so i'm gonna call this one episode 0. other than the little things the episode was pretty good the Power Rangers are back

[YellowAccel]

hmmm they're sticking too close to shinkenger Power Rangers should have their own feel to the adaptation i mean they even called the river sanzu not that i'm complaining but they're ripping off too much of shinkenger this entire episode was right down to the bone shinkenger episode 3 and speaking of which why is the first episode in the series a focus one there was no introduction whatsoever it just went straight into it but i've a feeling this episode was just a special premire episode and that the next airing is the true starter to the series so i'm gonna call this one episode 0. other than the little things the episode was pretty good the Power Rangers are back

Felix & Paul confirm that is the first episode

[FieryRed]

hmmm they're sticking too close to shinkenger Power Rangers should have their own feel to the adaptation i mean they even called the river sanzu not that i'm complaining but they're ripping off too much of shinkenger this entire episode was right down to the bone shinkenger episode 3 and speaking of which why is the first episode in the series a focus one there was no introduction whatsoever it just went straight into it but i've a feeling this episode was just a special premire episode and that the next airing is the true starter to the series so i'm gonna call this one episode 0. other than the little things the episode was pretty good the Power Rangers are back

Since Shinkenger's whole theme revolves around samurai and the Japanese culture, I don't really think there's too many things they can do to deviate from the story and the theme anyway. It's not like how they changed the Megaranger to Power Rangers in Space, or other sentai series where they have more leeways. For people who wish to see PR Samurai have more originality, I'm curious to know what you would do to make PR Samurai less of an adaptation of Shinkenger and more independent in their storytelling.

[DigificWriter]

Cross-posting this from another board:
Casting aside all of my objections to and confusion with some of the decisions that Saban and Co. have made thus far with PRS, I was able to watch this ep in its entirety, and I now offer some thoughts:
* The Rangers being teammates already is a nice callback to MMPR S1, Ninja Storm, S.P.D., and Jungle Fury

* Mike having a life that he had to leave behind is also a nice callback to earlier seasons, and also helps establish who his character is without having to go into a whole lot of expository detail

* What we're able to learn of the villains' motivation might not make sense in a 'real-world' context, but is perfectly acceptable within the conceits, constraits, and context of what the PR franchise is and offers

* I liked the morph almost instantly when we saw it as part of the first sneak-peak promo, and it still works for me seeing it again here; it's a nice callback to previous seasons, while offering something new and unique at the same time. I also liked the effect on the 'insta-morph'

* Corny weapon and attack names come with the territory of what PR is, so I wasn't bothered by them, although Jayden's first attack name (Fire Smasher) did make me chuckle. Speaking of Jayden, does anyone know why he had two spin sword special attacks?

* Calling this season's mecha "Folding Zords" is interesting, and a neat way to acknowledge the Japanese Origami influence. Having suit enhancements that are strictly limited for use when piloting the zords is also interesting and somewhat unique. My only nitpick is that I wish the zords were bigger, since it's kind of weird seeing them fight a monster that's much larger than they are. The Megazord's design is pretty neat, and reminds me of a cross between the original Thunder Megazord, the Shogun Megazord, the Galaxy Megazord, and the Titan Megazord, with a little bit of Lion Voltron influence thrown in for good measure. I also liked its finishing attack, even though the 'pull the sword joysticks out, spin them around, and turn them back into swords' bit was a bit overly drawn out

I'm not going to give a 'final verdict' to the episode, but there were certainly enough things that I liked about it and that intrigue me about the season to keep me watching in the future.

[YellowAccel]

Since Shinkenger's whole theme revolves around samurai and the Japanese culture, I don't really think there's too many things they can do to deviate from the story and the theme anyway. It's not like how they changed the Megaranger to Power Rangers in Space, or other sentai series where they have more leeways. For people who wish to see PR Samurai have more originality, I'm curious to know what you would do to make PR Samurai less of an adaptation of Shinkenger and more independent in their storytelling.


They don't need to change the theme. What I blame is that their is a copy of Shinkenger with American actors. Mostly All the situations and dialogues are the same. I think this is more a copy rather than a adaptation.