Early 2000s Sentai: How They've Aged

It seems that the 2000's was a chance for them to try a few new things, but they went back on old formulas each time. I am not saying I dislike these shows of this time period, Magi is one of my all time favorites. But the 80's seemed to take more chances when it came to sentai.
 
Magi: Nothing I can think of.

Of course all these shows had their fair share of fans too. But it seems like these shows got more and more respected as time went on.

I can help you with Magi: people often complained about the cast being bland and bad compared to the Dekarangers...and some elements like Mandora boy and Houka's transformations would be bashed as "annoying" or "too silly".

The cast complaint is common ground whenever a series with a popular cast leaves, but Magiranger is definitely a series that gets way more respect now.
 

Rightfully so. Whatever your thoughts about Magiranger, its unlikely you find it nearly as problematic as say, Goseiger. Or Go-Onger, for some. Or even Go-Buster. (What's with series named "Go" generally sucking?)

Plus, looking back...it was honestly just a good series. The theme and the costume designs/weapons/mecha worked well together, the hero vs. villain match-up made sense, the fights were decent, and the plot was good. The complaints we had back then seem trivial in the face of all that.
 
You know, thinking more about it, I think with the early 2000s shows, each of them are liked for very different reasons. Compared to the late 90s stuff where they all seemed to be love just for being very good unique solid shows.

Gaoranger is just your basic sentai that anyone can like and appreciate. But the Power Animals were such a popular toy line. Due to them having such high quality toys, they were all highly sought after by toy collectors. I do personally think that the Power Animals certainly are quite aesthetically pleasing.

Hurricaneger, like I've said before is a bit of a tricky one to gauge due to how many people seem to love Nao Nagasawa more.

Abaranger seems to be well received and loved by older fans from what I've noticed. It seems to be the only one that's praised in a similar vein as the late 90s shows.

Dekaranger as we know is very popular. But I've noticed many are hesitant to call this a good quality classic as of this time (especially compared to Abaranger). Many love how unique Dekaranger is as far as sentai goes, with the cop motif and the unique tropes it brought to sentai. It kind of reminds me of Bioman's reception (to an extent maybe even Zyuranger's). Bioman is very popular, but many don't exactly consider it as one of the top notch sentai seasons. Plus, Bioman also introduced a lot of new things to sentai like Dekaranger did. Again, some of Dekaranger's common issues with fans was Ban, the episodic structure, the fanservice, and the frequent use of the narrator (Space Sheriff style). Or who knows, maybe Dekaranger still needs to age a bit more to really see? (though Deka's last ep is already over 8 years old).

One thing I find interesting about the early 2000s shows is what they've given to the different parts of the overall fanbase.
 
I'm not gonna lie, when my friend had GaoFalcon and I didn't...that made me jealous. Those Power Animals were very, very cool. The mecha in that season were excellently designed, from GaoMuscle to GaoHunter and especially GaoIcarus.

The early 2000s were also pretty experimental too, and I think a few years from now we'll look back and see their influence on it for sure.
 
Well, looking back at the early 2000's Sentai shows from Gaoranger to Magiranger. I guess you could say that from the story perspectives, they've kind of had some ups and downs. But, quality wise?!?!? I got nothing. Because like I said, I don't really care about the standard qualities of the show's productions or the ratings of toy sales, etc. I care more about the actual stories and character developments that each team have to go through. And so far, the only team that actually did grow more as an actual team, than as individuals are the Hurricanegers and the Gouraigers, because they really have matured since the last time we saw them. The Dekaranger also had to grow up from being a bunch of whiny kindergarteners playing "Cops and Robbers" to actual police officers reuniting to finish off one final case together before they return to their separate ways. Plus, they really have made something of themselves since their last battle during the series finale. Well, except for Hoji who is basically lamenting over the fact that he never get to do some amazing things now because he feels sad that he missed out on working together with the team. But Umeko is basically the stronger character in the 10 Years! After film where she realizes that yes, it is imperative to bring the team back together as long as they haven't forgotten where they've started and who they are. Lastly, Ban....seriously, they guy really has matured since we've last saw him. Now, he's officially become a true active Red Ranger that I would want to follow. Sure, he's kept some of his immature behavior from his youth, but it's been toned waaaay down. And, much like Umeko, Ban has to remind everyone that no matter where they are, as long as they don't forget that their hearts are in the right place and a part of SPD, they'll have nothing to worry about and they can always see each other again, whenever they want, or if they have enough free-time on their hands. Sen and Jasmine are doing alright. They didn't have much. And lastly, Tetsu actually gone up and is now the one taking commands. So, major kudos for him. Doggie Kruger and Swan are just....:meh: Still, nothing has changed for those characters.


Still, so far....the Hurricanegers and the Dekarangers are the only ones who have the stronger chemistry among their respective cast members. I hope something like that happens let's say the Abarangers or the Magirangers. That is IF they're gonna get a "10 Years! After" reunion special, respectively.
 
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