Lupin X
Welcome to back to Tokusatsu Gesundheit (finally), where this week we will be catching back up with this year’s sentai Kaitou Sentai Lupinranger VS Keisatsu Sentai Patranger (up through episode 21).
Plot Rundown
The Lupinrangers and Patrangers continue to battler both the criminal forces of the Gangler and each other for the pieces of the Lupin Collection, but both teams have now been joined by Noel Takao – the undercover ranger known as both Patren X and Lupin X!
Brief Background
As stated previously, this is the 42nd Sentai series.
Patren X. Same Ranger.
Highlights
- Noel Takao is one of the most interesting “sixth rangers” to show up in a long while. He’s an engineer trained by and serving the Lupin family who infiltrated the Global Police in order to gain access to their collection pieces. His modified pieces were given, without his knowledge, to the Patrangers. He’s used his physical training to land an assignment as an undercover operative, transferring to Japan in order to take part in the conflict between the title teams. He created both teams’ power sets and zord systems, as well as his own dual-use, train-themed set.
- Patren 3gou, this season’s pink ranger, is unusually tough and no-nonsense for her ranger color. However, she has a dark secret – she loves cuddling with stuffed animals. To the point of near-obsession, at least in her off hours.
Good Striker, the sentient collection piece needed by both teams to form megazords and use their finishers, gets a nifty origin story: he was the first piece of the collection modified by Arsène Lupin for use by humans. His creator imbued him sentience and charged him with the protection of the collection, meaning his loyalty isn’t to either team of rangers but to the collection pieces they use and/or retrieve.
Close-up of The Don, who settles on just calling the guy X.
- Don Dogranio, the retiring Gangler boss, demonstrates why he leads an interdimensional crime syndicate when he singlehandedly hands the rangers their butts. It’s good for them that he rarely leave his mansion.
Review
The show continues to be a really good entry in the franchise. My only complaint is that the Lupinrangers continue to get most of the focus: though the Patrangers have gotten some solid focus episodes, the Lupins have gotten more AND the “sixth ranger” is really on their side.
Come Back next Week for a New Installment of 1 out of 5 – Would Recommend!
