The Bakugami Family's Past And Battle With Nostalgia

So okay, the recent episode is Queen Tega June attempting to MARRY Tega Sword -- something that could spell the END OF THE WORLD! Next week would be the appearance of the Sixth Ranger. Yes, I'm lagging behind. I prefer to react to updates than give updates. It's also no secret that I prefer to watch Super Sentai at my own pace. I'm also having some taste fatigue with Kamen Rider for the nth time. Taste fatigue is a reality!

Right now, I could relate to Kinjiro Takehara. Kinjiro's actually an 87 year old man turned back into a teenager -- but needs ot eat eggs to maintain his youthful vigor. This time, we get to see more of the Bakugami's family heir -- Ryugi! Ryugi became a devotee monk to Lord Tega Sword -- a Megazord that could alter its size in many ways. In fact, it was also Lord Tega Sword that stood on top of that DEPRESSING MEGAZORD GRAVEYARD! 

An interesting guest star is Shoko Yamori. Yes, the first female Universe Warrior. It's interesting that Shoko doesn't use Shinken Red -- since Kaoru Shiba herself was a female red ranger. Shoko has had a past living in the Bakumagi Household. The two had a childhood friendship. It's possible that Shoko has a crush on Ryugi. However, it seems Ryugi might be a celibate given his profession as a monk. However, in Japan, Shinto priests and Japanese priests are allowed to marry. It's not specified if Ryugi is celibate like a Catholic priest. That's probably something that will either be answered or left unanswered. However, Ryugi is also managing the Cafe Half Century. 

Ryugi's story arc makes me think about NOSTALGIA all over again. Ryugi was only raised to be a doctor based on some dumb legacy talk. It might be targeting OK Boomer parents again. Ryugi ran off to become a Lord Tega Sword Devotee. Shoko remembers the past when Ryugi gave her some flowers -- after she was scolded (probably in an EXCESSIVE WAY) when she accidentally broke a plate. Shoko going berserk after having the Red Racer power might be a warning against TOO MUCH NOSTALGIA. Sometimes, we need to learn to let go of stuff. Doesn't that remind anyone of how several stuff that made up one's childhood -- might be RUINING their childhood memories too?!

And a sidenote... it's apparently a story arc in memory of the late Yuka Motohashi. The actress playing Natsumi Shinohara died of cancer last May 31, 2025. It looks like Toei wanted to give her another memorial episode.  Apparently, Bakuage Sentai Boonboomger's 14th-15th episodes were aired in Yuka's memory. The only defense I have for my assumption is how the episodes are more serious than usual. In this case, it seems that Toei wanted to give another memorial for Yuka's death. Super Sentai would have its 50th entry next year (which I feel would be a reboot of sorts). 

This episode made me ponder on some stuff. Trying to understand Japanese culture was one thing. The other is trying to deal with nostalgia and moving forward.