“Go! Go! Loser Ranger!” Season 2 Episode 21, titled “Here Comes Fighter D!”, presents a whirlwind of plot developments and character moments, although some critics feel it spreads itself too thin. This episode attempts to juggle multiple storylines, resulting in a somewhat rushed and disjointed experience. Let’s delve into the key events and talking points surrounding this latest installment.
A Compressed Narrative
One of the main criticisms of Episode 21 is its pacing. Instead of a smooth progression, the episode feels like several stories crammed into one. Anime News Network notes that it feels like “taking the stories from several episodes and cramming them all into a single sitting.” While the episode is comprehensible, it lacks the necessary time to let the story beats and character elements resonate.
Dueling Dilemmas: Keepers vs. Monster Protection Society
Fighter D finds himself caught between two opposing forces: the Dragon Keepers and the Monster Protection Society (MPS). Unable to decide which group to target, he ends up facing both when two MPS members, Ukyo and Jiji, inherit Boss Monster powers. This leads to a chaotic confrontation where everyone is trapped in a psychedelic obstacle course dimension.
Backstories in a Rush
Episode 21 attempts to flesh out the backstories of Ukyo and Jiji, explaining their motivations for transforming into “hideous monster hybrids.” However, these revelations lack emotional impact due to the rushed nature of the episode. Similarly, developments concerning Yellow Keeper, the Divine Artifacts, and Yumeko’s connection to everything feel underdeveloped and scattered.
Yellow Keeper’s Ambitions
The episode hints at Yellow Keeper’s quest for power and his potentially sinister experiments. One interpretation suggests Yellow Keeper may have been playing god with human clones resembling Himeko, potentially explaining her desire to destroy the organization. However, this idea is presented as just “a few more stray scenes tossed into a giant, disorganized pile” .
Production Value Concerns
The episode’s storytelling is further hampered by the show’s production values. The animation lacks personality, and the setting lacks vibrancy, diminishing the spirit of tokusatsu. As one review puts it, “it is impossible to ignore the fact that this anime is just ugly to look at” .
Fighter D’s Shifting Allegiances
Fighter D’s character arc takes center stage as he grapples with his mission and his growing connections with humans. Despite his initial “screw everyone” mentality, he has shown a willingness to work with others. However, recent events may be pushing him back towards his original, more isolated mindset.
Angel’s Defection
Angel’s departure from the Green Keeper Squad and her alignment with the Monster Protection Society is another significant development. Her motivations are initially unclear but are later revealed in a post-credits scene. This adds another layer of complexity to the already convoluted plot.
A Homelander Rival?
Some viewers have drawn comparisons between Red Keeper and Homelander from “The Boys,” noting their similar psychopathic tendencies. Episode 21 introduces Yellow Keeper as a potential rival to Red, possessing a different kind of craziness – a calmer, more calculating demeanor. This sets the stage for a possible power struggle among the Keepers.
Dream World Chaos
The episode features a dream world created by one of the boss monsters, described as a level from a Super Mario game. This psychedelic setting adds a visual flair to the episode, with colorful aesthetics and booby traps. However, the dream world also serves as a battleground where characters are killed off, sometimes without proper explanation or emotional weight.
The Community Weighs In
Community scores for “Go! Go! Loser Ranger!” Season 2 Episode 21 reflect the mixed reception. Anime News Network reports a community score of 3.7, indicating that many viewers find the episode underwhelming.
Final Thoughts
“Go! Go! Loser Ranger!” Season 2 Episode 21 attempts to cover a lot of ground, but ultimately falls short due to its rushed pacing and underdeveloped storylines. While the episode introduces interesting concepts and character dynamics, it lacks the necessary depth and coherence to fully realize its potential. Whether the remaining episodes can salvage these plot threads remains to be seen.
