Gorenja's 50th Anniversary And Its Legacy With Super Sentai History

 

Feeling old yet? Himitsu Sentai Goranger will turn 50 this Saturday, or reach its GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY. I heard that Goranger and Dengekitai JAKQ were retroactively added several times. Goranger and JAKQ both got into and out of the list of Super Sentai. Goranger's status was pretty much murky. I got most of my information from the Power Rangers Wiki -- which is subject to fan error every now and then! Now, it's time to look into the history of Goranger as to how it may have significantly shaken the list.

Its shaky status in the 1980s

I remember a strange 1980s song "Super Sentai Banbaraban" which mixed the medley of some classic Ishinomori shows with Super Sentai series from Goranger up to Dai Sentai Goggle V. Other shows added where the opening songs of Android Kikaider, Daitetsujin 17 (which only lasted 35 episodes), and Ucchu Keiji Gavan. Feeling old yet? It added Goranger and JAKQ into the acknowledgement.

Rakuten Mobile

This is an interesting find. Choshinsei Flashman honored Goranger and JAKQ. Flashman became the 10th entry (and got momentarily retconned to 8, and back to 10) -- which will have its 10th anniversary next year. Speaking of which, Dengeki Sentai Changeman was 10 years after Goranger -- which may explain why it had a military theme behind it. The Changemen were also survivors of the initial onslaught brought upon by the Great Star League Gozma. Things were about to change one way or another. Hmmm... is there any available clear copy of the retro clip show?

It should be interesting that Goranger's color coding of red-green-blue-yellow-pink was used several times. Denji Sentai Denziman was the second team to use the color scheme. Chodenshi Bioman had two female yellow rangers while using the Goranger color scheme. Heck, Green Two could even use a boomerang like Midoranger! Flashman had Goranger's color scheme -- all the while still ignoring the Smurfette Principle.

Taiyo Sentai Sun Vulcan had some nods to Goranger. It was a trio from start to end -- something that possibly didn't sit well with the fans. This is the only Super Sentai show with three membes from start to end. The show still referenced Goranger with the Vulcan Ball and Asao eating curry. Speaking of Asao Hyou, it's a shame that the actor Asao Kobayashi was convicted of molesting a minor in 2013. The show may seem cursed. However, it was Takayuki Hiba's character that created the trend of red rangers with their swords. 

However, things changed during Kosoku Sentai Turboranger's tribute. What was the reason why Goranger and JAKQ were moved away? Instead, everything started with Battle Fever J. Some say that the "Super" in Super Sentai means the giant Megazord involved. Battle Fever J was the first show to have a Megazord. What was the reason that Goranger and JAKQ weren't put in the clip show last 1989? Then the 1990s would arrive!

Goranger once again honored again in the 1990s and the the 2000s

It's interesting how 1993 (the year when Toei hit gold with America via Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers) changed things. Anyway, the Power Rangers Wiki (take it with a grain of salt though) says this about the term "Super Century All Sentai":

In 1993, during the run of Gosei Sentai Dairanger, the term Super Century All Sentai (超世紀全戦隊 Chō Seiki Zen Sentai) was coined as an umbrella term to represent the then-series of shows recognized as "Super Sentai", as well as the two Ishinomori-created Sentai shows. In 1995, Choriki Sentai Ohranger celebrated the 20th anniversary of the umbrella Sentai Series (戦隊シリーズ Sentai Shirīzu) as a whole, making it the first installment to count the number of years since the airing of Gorenger. Throughout this period, various forms of media would refer to the series as either Sentai Series or Sentai Hero (戦隊ヒーロー Sentai Hīrō) to account for the inclusion of the two Ishinomori-produced Sentai shows.

Was it because of the contractual signing between Toei and Saban? Interestingly, the late Stan Lee wanted to adapt Taiyo Sentai Sun Vulcan. Haim Saban's Bio-Man pilot was a failure. It was only in 1993 (the year of Jurassic Park for America) that Saban was able to get the green light. Mighty Morphin' was launched in August 31, 1993. Apparently, production was on the way and Toei decided, "Okay, let's add Goranger back." and it happened.

It should get interesting that Tomihisa Naruse returned to play Kameo's human form in Dairanger. Before that, Tomihisa was the dimwitted Raita Ooshi in Chojin Sentai Jetman -- the second Super Sentai series that blatantly got inspired by the 1970s Science Ninja Team Gatchaman. Goranger would be the first. Jetman could've been an anniversary season -- except it wasn't. I still feel that Raita's role as an overweight yellow ranger as a throwback to Daita Oiwa. Jetman had its own encyclopedia. However, Jetman was supposed to be a finale. In effect, Kyoryu Sentai Zyuranger should be viewed as a "reboot of sorts". Interestingly, Zyuranger was also the beginning of the list of Super Sentai series that would be localized for Power Rangers -- a franchise created due to cultural differences.

It should be interesting that 1975, 1985, and 1995 all used a military theme -- each with a commander. My least favorite of the three may be Commander Ibuki -- the guy's a Drill Sergeant Nasty! I'm not too fond of Drill Sergeant Nasty characters. Hence, why I still think Carter Grayson of Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue has a personality over his OG counterpart Matoi Tatsumi from Kyukyu Sentai GoGoFive. 

Ohranger celebrated 20 years since Goranger started -- explaining the military theme and the blatant tribute with their visors! By now, people would realize that one reason why I prefer Super Sentai over Power Rangers is that there aren't too many throwbacks. However, that hasn't stopped some Power Rangers fans from insisting that Super Sentai still has a "solid continuity" -- never mind it's NOT. GONNA. WORK! Ohranger suffered backlash, though especially with the Sarin Gas Incident. It only gets Vindicated by History MUCH LATER. I confess I only enjoyed Ohranger (for some time) because I didn't like Power Rangers Zeo. Other than that, Ohranger was just as messy as Dragon Ball Z's Buu Saga -- too many toys!

Quite interestingly, episode 20 of Gekisou Sentai Carranger was the 1,000th episode. Some crazy rumors about the 1990s were flying. One of them that was already disproven (but yeah, don't let it affect your enjoyment) is that Power Rangers Lost Galaxy was supposedly "more popular" in Japan. It's possible that the Carranger "saved" Super Sentai rumor may have stemmed from the same unreliable source! Thankfully, I can still enjoy Carranger even after realizing it didn't "save" Super Sentai -- it was Denji Sentai Megaranger. Sadly, Carranger reminds me that Yoko Motohashi has already joined Thuy Trang in the afterlife. Think about Carranger going 30 and one of the cast members is gone. 

The 2000s and how Super Sentai has given more credit to Goranger 

Timeranger created a special finale -- which by the way SHOULD NEVER be forced into the show's continuity. The special clip episode showed the milestones of the 23 Super Sentai series before hitting towards Hyajakuu Sentai Gaoranger. Super Sentai probably gets that reboot treatment every now and then -- something that explains why it reached up to 49 seasons -- and the possibility of a 50th season. I mean, I couldn't get over thinking that Super Sentai could get a break! Timeranger's special episode felt like a finale of an era. After all, Super Sentai would enter the 21st century with Gaoranger. Gaoranger felt more like a fresh start for the franchise than an anniversary -- series-wise!

It becomes interesting if Super Sentai should celebrate based on entry OR number. Timeranger would be the 25th anniversary of Goranger. It's just fitting that Timeranger would reference Goranger and every milestone. Gaoranger is the 25th entry, while Timeranger is Goranger's 25th anniversary.

Gaoranger featured its otherwise non-canonical special Gaoranger vs. Super Sentai. The short movie featured all the red rangers (mostly cameos) from Goranger up to Timeranger. I still call it "Forever Red". Gaoranger is almost like a "humble reboot". It's a show that says, "Okay, Super Sentai needs a fresh face!" However, it still honors Goranger as its great and honorable predecessor from the 1970s. It's like a history lesson of looking how technology evolved. We may no longer be using diskettes. However, the diskette became the save icon. After all, the diskette was the biggest lifesaver before it became obsolete. Goranger gets honored like how the 3.5 floppy disk is honored. The crossover included a Movie-Only ball attack for the Gaorangers to utilize. 

Mahou Sentai Magiranger may not have done much to blatantly honor Goranger. However, one may look into Gougou Sentai Boukenger to find some not-too-subtle references. Goranger is blatantly referenced in the Super Sentai 30 Encyclopedia. Boukenger vs. Super Sentai had Aka Red -- a crossover-only character born from the desires of every red ranger since Akaranger. Of course, one extremely blatant reference to Goranger was Gaja himself. Gaja's design looks more like a Ku Klux Klan member. I just couldn't help but call Gaja as Ku Klux Klan Man -- even if I saw Boukenger as an ADULT! 

The 2010s did some blatant throwbacks in some way

Tensou Sentai Goseiger apparently didn't have Goranger's 35th anniversary in mind. Then again, I could be wrong about that! However, Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger was throwing back to all 34 Super Sentai teams. The Legend War was rightfully led by Aka Ranger -- being the granddaddy of the red rangers! Aka Ranger led them to repel the Zangyack fleet 

The Black Cross Fuhrer made a crossover appearance in Gokaiger Hero 199 movie. The Black Cross Fuhrer sought to destroy Super Sentai. It was fun to be introduced to the villain in the 1970s. Tac called Goranger "Your parents' Super Sentai" during the special episode clip. It was nice to see Black Cross Fuhrer returning with a vengeance for an anniversary feature film. Years of hatred would create a villain this powerful. It required the power of past Super Sentai to defeat the Black Cross Fuhrer in this film. The Black Cross Fuhrer would return in crossovers, but only for fanservice. Heck, the Black Cross Fuhrer gets Demoted to Extra even more during the failed Super Hero Taisen movie. Thankfully, it's been unplugged perhaps for good! However, Banpresto should get the rights and produce it into a video game series instead!

However, the 2010s would prove to be a tough time. Staying afloat after Gokaiger can be a challenge. Zyuohger vs. Ninninger even had that line that makes me laugh, "The history of Super Sentai! It's over!" However, the Kyurangers made a cameo in the crossover. That showed that Super Sentai's history was far from over. Fortunately, none of the shows tried to be "Remember Goranger?" Instead, they were trying to throw back to some shows (if ever), BUT not all shows. The throwbacks were more like invitations to watch some older Super Sentai series WITHOUT making them necessary to do so. 

A good example is comparing how Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters ran its course compared to Power Rangers Beast Morphers. Sadly, Hasbro has been stuck with nostalgia as if it's still the 1990s. Rewatching Go-Busters after I dared to finish Beast Morphers made me think through some plots. Beast Morphers introduces Morph-X -- an energy from the Morphin' Grid. Mayor Daniels describes the energy to have been sought out by Rita Repulsa up to Galvanax. However, we don't hear such talk in Go-Busters with the Enetron. No such talk of the Enetron having been pursued by the Black Cross Fuhrer up to the Zangyack. No talk like that. If only Beast Morphers chose to focus on Power Rangers RPM's dimension. Throwbacks CAN be good, but too much of a good thing is BAD. 

Sure, Kishinry Sentai Ryusoulger going back to dinosaurs was bonkers. I'm not going to lie that I didn't like it. Why in the world are we having a dinosaur quadrilogy already? I couldn't decide which was worse with Beast Morphers having too many history lessons OR Ryusoulger being the 4th dinosaur Super Sentai. It's barely 10 years since Kyoryuger! At least children watching Kyoryuger can still enjoy it for what it is. Kyoryuger vs. Go-Busters is still one huge glorified mess. However, I can give Ryoulger ONE SLIGHT CREDIT. It's all about NOT having Necromancer Minosaur bring back Black Cross Fuhrer for the heck of it. I was still WTFed with Lord Zedd's return in Power Rangers Dino Fury. Ryusoulger is the last of the 2010s. Ryusoulger still left a bad taste in my mouth overall. That's why I laughed when I discovered Lord Zedd saying, "And I feel so old!" Well, the same could be said if ever Black Cross Fuhrer would show up in yet another massive crossover movie! However, Ryusoulger operates as if Super Sentai Strongest Battle never happened -- which is a GOOD THING!

The 2020s would still have it in some way... but somehow lesser! 

Fortunately, the references were getting subtler. Mashin Sentai Kiramager was on Goranger's 45th anniversary. Kiramanger only had one Ranger History Lesson episode. It doesn't seem coincidental that the Jamen Monsters look like the KAMEN (Masked) Monsters. The following year would be Kikou Sentai Zenkaiger -- an anniversary season that I feel like, "YAWN!" to the idea of rewatching. There may be no massive amounts of Ranger History Lessons. However, these monsters are pretty much, "We remember the past while looking forward to the future!"

 

After that, the Goranger -- the most blatant one is Zenkaiser's visor resembles Aka Ranger's visor. Not so many may immediately notice the tributes. It's easy to see that the others are designed after Sentai Megazords. Other than that, there's still the quest to proportionately balance the past Super Sentai references. 

Ohsama Sentai King-Ohger and Bakuage Sentai Boonboomger tried to move forward with the brand again. King-Ohger was almost like an anniversary season with its budget -- presumably to celebrate 30 years since Mighty Morphin' hit America. Boonboomger felt like a badly needed weight loss program for the fans. Boonboomger's not-so-exciting feel IMHO was meant to wean off the heavy feasting last 2023. It was good that King-Ohger only threw back to Kyoryuger -- though part of me wish it never happened. Boonboomger threw back to ToQGer and Go-onger -- one show I've grown to like and the other, well, I've ended up disliking it after seeing Carranger. Both shows didn't rely too much on Ranger History Lessons either. 

Right now, we have the recent series No. 1 Sentai Gozyuger. Sure, the Goranger references may not be there yet. However, it seems it was joked with the character Joji Takehara (who takes the alias as Kinjiro). The actor Masaki Kobayashi (playing the old man) is actually 76 years old -- the same age as Naoya Makoto -- the first red ranger! Sure, it's not the red ranger but having an OLD MAN BY DEFAULT in the team is JUST FUNNY. It wouldn't be surprising if more old man jokes are played -- as a tribute to Goranger! 

Goranger is getting old, but it's still getting tributes. It's still honored and learned from. Sure, not everyone's going to be able to immediately appreciate it. But in my case, I'm glad I'm appreciating some older stuff -- while I enjoy newer stuff. It's all about getting the best of both the old and the new!