Obvious of the title, “Go! Go! Loser Ranger!” the show acts as a play on the “Power Rangers” series but quickly diverges from the flawless heroic story fans are used to.
The 12-episode comedic superhero series has become a fan favorite for anime lovers and was met with satisfied reactions as viewers engaged in the stunts of the so-called “imperfect heroes.”
Instead of presenting the cast as flawless heroes, viewers are able to relate their own experiences through the struggles the characters embrace, such as mastering their new abilities and withstanding their powers.
This theme offers the audience a new perspective on the traditional sentai formula, which typically involves a team of heroes with unique abilities and personalities coming together to fight against evil forces.
The first episode of this series, which premiered on Hulu on Sunday, April 7, introduces a group of misfit characters, Fighter D, Yumeko Suzukiri and Hibiki Sakurama, who are granted extraordinary powers when they stumble upon ancient artifacts. Furthermore, Episodes 2 and 3 help the characters display their unusual, quirky charm with slapstick humor.
Tensions escalate in the second episode when Fighter D’s animosity toward the Ranger Force grows, causing the Red Keeper to question the loyalty of the monsters they encounter. The use of witty dialogue and intense action formulate laughs while highlighting the charismatic incompetence of the Loser Rangers.
Although the Loser Rangers make various mistakes, like losing control of their powers, their ability to persevere leaves a lasting impression on the viewers, reminding them to stay persistent in their daily lives.
Similar to the 1975 movie “Jaws,” dynamic action sequences with exaggerated movements, vibrant and colorful visual effects and creative use of camera angles with perspective switches intensify the storyline throughout the show and pull the viewers more closely, making the audience anticipate future episodes.
In the third episode of the series, Fighter D, the best-casted character, is entangled in a risky scheme when he agrees to collaborate with Yumeko, the deuteragonist, causing Hibiki, a tritagonist, to uncover Fighter D’s true identity.
Despite encountering many obstacles, the Loser Rangers’ unwavering determination reminds viewers that heroism comes in all shapes and sizes, even from those who look “unfit” for the role.
However, the series isn’t without its flaws. At times, the humor of the premiere often feels forced, using absurd comedy too heavily, which may leave the viewers underwhelmed.
In addition, the series took a turn when the fifth episode failed to air as scheduled on Sunday, May 5. According to imdb.com, technical difficulties caused a week-long delay in the episode’s release.
Despite the setback, the series resumes grappling with the idea that even losers can be heroes, leaving the audience eagerly anticipating the remaining three episodes of this beloved series, the 10th of which will premiere on Sunday, June 16.
Whether fighting villains or simply navigating everyday life, the Loser Rangers never fail to leave a lasting impression.
