No.1 Sentai Gozyuger: Episode 1 Reactions

No.1 Sentai Gozyuger’s first episode opens with a series of explosions engulfing numerous robots from the Super Sentai Series. The narrator explains that this was the day in which the history of all Sentai came to an end.

We are then presented with the evil force that defeated our heroes, a gigantic, devil-like figure, shrouded in dark smoke. But just before it performs its final attack, a new robot appears from the sky and stands atop a pile of its defeated predecessors. With their powers almost depleted, the robots funnel their remaining energy to their mysterious ally, who is able to harness their collective power and defeat the evil force.

Now, this robot sits atop the powered down Super Sentai Robots, waiting to be found by a future savior. One who will be the key to saving the universe from the threat that has temporarily retreated.

This entire sequence unfolded over the course of the episode’s first 59 seconds. As a way to generate excitement for long-time fans and newcomers alike, it hits the mark perfectly. In many ways, this opening reminded me of Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger’s opening act in its first episode. That one featured the Great Legend War, which pitted the first 34 Sentai Teams against the forces of the Zangyack Empire. 

During its inaugural broadcast, that scene drove massive excitement and publicity for the series. It also became one of the Super Sentai Series’ most memorable moments. In time, I could see this opening scene, and any expansions of it, to be equally remembered and referenced.

From here, the human story begins to unfold, and we’re thrown into the world the Gozyuger live in. Generally speaking, it follows many of the same beats and tropes recent entries in the series are known for. This episode focuses on Hoeru Tono, GozyuWolf, and familiarizes us with his worldview and what drives him.

It also introduces us to this story’s evil empire, No One World Bridan, plus two of its Generals, Fire Candle and Bouquet. They are trying to collect a mysterious ring before the slumbering robot that guards it, Tega Sword, awakens. This leads them to the Gozyuger’s world, where they begin to wreak havoc by attacking civilians and destroying several buildings. 

In all the chaos, Hoeru gets pulled through a portal that drops him in front of Tega Sword and the ring the Bridan are after. Confronted by Bouquet and numerous foot soldiers, Hoeru takes the ring for himself. This transports him to a dark dimension, where the giant robot, Tega Sword, appears to make a contract with the confused protagonist.

He will grant the wish of whoever gathers all the rings. And while Hoeru doesn’t have any wishes, he believes this opportunity could help him find them. Upon accepting the contract, he awakens Tega Sword and is empowered to take on the Bridan forces with the Tega Sword Changer, red ring, and the Gozyu Wolf ring.

This leads to the series’ first battle between the Gozyuger and Bridan, which includes a fight between Tega Sword Red and King Candler, plus Gozyu Wolf’s Vs the Aryee foot soldiers. 

While the general plot and the way it unfolds throughout this episode feels familiar, the acting, visual design, and soundtrack come together to deliver something that feels genuinely special. It’s clear the production team is all-in on making Gozyuger worthy of being the series’ 50th anniversary celebration entry.

The core cast, the presentation of their signature moves, weapons and overall presence feel fresh and powerful. And they way the predecessor series are being woven into the story through the appearance of older mecha, cast members from previous entries, and the Sentai transformation rings, feel complementary to the concept instead of gimmicky. 

Overall, this new entry in the Super Sentai series is off to an impressive start!

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