Power Rangers Samurai: The Team Unites.
Starring Alex Heartman, Najee De-Tiege, Erika Fong, Hector David Jr., Brittany Anne Pirtle, Steven Skyler, Kimberley Crossman, Rene Naufahu, Felix Ryan and Paul Schrier.
SYNOPSIS:
The epic battle begins as a new Power Rangers Samurai team unites to take on the evil Master Xandred in a race to save the world.
Growing up in the early 90s meant only one thing for a boy – Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers was the greatest show on TV. Each and every week we’d tune in to watch a group of boring teenagers fight against Japanese stock footage in the most thrilling of fashions. It was a show that sparked controversy which meant we couldn’t act it out in the playgrounds of schools and the provider of a mental childhood scar as my parents wouldn’t buy me any of the toys.
Now, nearly 20 years after it was first broadcast, the franchise is still rolling and I’m almost pleasantly surprised to see that nothing about the show has changed. You could actually watch the first episode of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers and Power Rangers Samurai side by side and you would have almost the exact same show.
I don’t know whether it’s because I’m getting older and my attention span is getting worse with age, but these shows move so fast that it really feels like they’re trying to cram in a 40 minute show into a 22 minute run time. Each scene zips by and the action scenes are never given any room to breathe so you’re almost exhausted by the time an episode is over. Perhaps this is why I loved the show so much as a kid.
This DVD set gives the first 5 episodes of the TV show which – unlike its airing on Nickelodeon – are presented in sequence as well as extended episode “Clash of the Red Rangers”, a 40 minute cross over episode with Power Rangers R.P.M. The episodes themselves are predictable and follow the same pattern but are completely inoffensive. I will say this, hearing that theme music with all quick cut shots of the Power Rangers fighting and huge explosions really gets you pumped up to watch the episodes. Plus, the suitmation fight scenes are highly entertaining even if the poor attempts at CGI are off putting.
It’s quite amazing / sad to see that Paul Schrier is still playing one half of fan favourite comedy bumble act Bulk and Skull. This time however Bulk is joined by Skull’s son Spike to provide the comedy relief in several really poor scenes. I know the show is made for kids so the comedy bar isn’t set too high, but this is really embarrassing at times and (as much as I hate saying these words), they’re not as good as when I was a kid.
If I was a kid growing up in 2012, I would love this show. What boy wouldn’t? The action is fast paced and exciting, the explosions are cool and a giant robot fighting a giant monster in a city that explodes at the slightest of touches is just awesome. Adults may scoff at the series but if you grew up on Power Rangers then you’ll be able to look back on the show with nostalgia rose tinted spectacles and appreciate it for what it is. Power Rangers Samurai may not be as good as my Power Rangers, but kids today will love it and they’ll have the same views as us 20 years down the line.
Luke Owen is a freelance copywriter working for Europe’s biggest golf holiday provider as their web content executive.
Originally published October 29, 2012. Updated April 10, 2018.
