Special Timeranger Episode Review: Tock's Unsure

It's time for a special review. As much as I thought I wouldn't do an episode-by-episode review for old-school Super Sentai. Today is a day to remember someone who left the world too soon namely Thuy Trang. One reason why I won't do an episode-by-episode review for old school is that fansubs tend to be released in batches. Doing reviews on them can get in the way of real life. On the other hand, doing a weekly review of the latest Super Sentai (but still don't expect updates on merchandise) is an easier task since I get some rest after doing so. I hope you can guess why I'm doing a review on this one.

Tock feels like he's no longer useful since his circuits were tampered with. Speaking of which, the Timerangers want data concerning the Great Disappearance. We also receive the foreshadowing concerning Captain Ryuuya who had other plans. This causes Tock to leave believing that he is useless. 

The episode also focuses on developing Naoto or Time Fire. He battles the alien Gate who has hacked through the security system. This causes a problem with the self-destruct mechanism. Is it me or is Gate somewhat inattentive and careless as well? The whole self-destruct process was sped up. Sion manages to get Tock back on track to stop the hack. This also raises more issues with Captain Ryuuya tampering with data.

Is it me or what in the world is Masato Kusaka errr Captain Ryuuya thinking again? He denies the Timerangers the use of the emergency system. This alone should get anyone suspicious about what he does. Like as said some fans even think he's the "Bigger Bad" who enters into the morally gray area. It's almost like the Overlord of Darkness in Kamen Rider Agito who seeks a better future but does some questionable stuff. This walking spoiler of a douche still leaves some questions behind on whether or not he saw a possible third outcome. 

At the end of the episode, Tock decides his own path and defies Captain Ryuuya. This also plays an important role in the finale arc. He knows some information on the Great Disappearance in 2001 as well as the identity of the real Time Fire or what's supposed to happen. However, I have a feeling Captain Ryuuya still withheld the third outcome after the Great Disappearance from his head.

Some differences with Power Rangers Time Force episode 36 (more spoilers)

"Circuit Unsure" was an episode released on Power Rangers Time Force which was dedicated to Thuy Trang weeks after her unfortunate passing. Trang died in a car accident on September 3, 2001, which really showed that the future can be uncertain. The episode was based on this episode I've randomly reviewed in memory of Trang herself. I think Time Force's further toning down was no different from what happened with Choriki Sentai Ohranger. The 9/11 tragedy is a good reason to tone things down even further. It was one bad incident from the other. 

Theoretically, Captain Alex in Time Force could've planned the real Bigger Bad. I even heard that Eric Myers was supposed to DIE. What if Alex was supposedly planned to be the REAL MASTERMIND behind the Human-Mutant War. I guess it was planned that Alex himself messed up with Circuit's programming to hide his real intentions. Instead, it was all to protect his fellow rangers. In fact, I feel the toning down was really desperately needed because of post-9/11 events. What surprises me though is that footage from The Great Annihilation still made it into the final episodes.

I guess a lot of editing came along the way. I think it was for the best that any plans to make Alex the real villain were dropped. I guess Ransik had so much development it'd also be a bummer to make Alex the true villain of the series. The episode still had Circuit in doubt, the suspense of citizens getting killed in an explosion, and the fact that things can go From Bad to Worse. All that toning down was necessary IMHO. 

Author's notes as well...

What was interesting was that in Akibaranger Season Tsuu's final episode - we see Mika Koizumi (in suit) appear together with Mikoto Nakadai and Naoto Takizawa in-suit. It would be interesting to know that Dino Thunder had an episode called "Ethan's Bully". Tommy had a series of photographs and Trini was referenced. The fate of the character is unknown in that show. I guess that's why Mikoto's ghost was also selected. 

Toei probably had Trang in mind when Mika's ghost appeared in Akibaranger Season Tsuu. The staff probably didn't have Yuki Yajima in mind. Worse, Yajima disappeared from the public eye. It doesn't seem just a coincidence that the staff of Akibaranger would just bring Mika back with Mikoto and Naoto. 

Updated: September 1, 2023