Juken Sentai Gekiranger (2007-2008)
Production: Toei Corporation?
Episodes: 49
By Gerald Conde

Introduction
Magiranger and Gekiranger have many similarities. It is funny how fans had problems with the capes back then and are so used to them now and when Gekiranger came out, there were complaints about their outfits, the lack of belts and shorter boots. Gekiranger is definitely one of the riskiest series design-wise, with a violet-color warrior, which pleases me. Also, this is the first series that focuses on the villains as much as the heroes, in a very Anime-style.

The Story
4,000 years ago in China, a form of Kempo martial arts referred to as Beast-Fist (JyuKen) style was developed. Whoever practices this fighting style could mimic animal abilities as well as reach spiritual peace. Masters of the craft become a Beast-Man form. There was ten masters but rebellion broke loose and three (Sankenma - Three Fist Demons) defected from them and established the Confrontation Beast-Fist Akugata that focuses on the principles of natural selection, that only those strong enough can survive the harsh and inhuman training while fully mastering the Akugata's fighting styles. The last seven (Kensei) created the Fierce Beast-Fist Beast Arts, a discipline that enhances the human body. It is now taught by Grand Master Shafu using a sports goods company named SCRTC ('Scratch') as a front. A former student of ShaFu, user of the RinJyu Lion-Fist, Rio, creates the Conforntation Beast Hall with intent on controlling the world with an army of the undead. Shafu has been training two youths Ran Uzaki and Retsu Fukami to fight the Confrontation Beast Hall. Along with a boy raised in the forest, Jan, form together the Gekiranger to confront Rio and his army of  kyonshi soldiers. The Gekiranger train and learn new techniques by practicing ordinary skills such as cleaning floors, playing the piano, fishing, painting, etc.

Through their lessons and training, the triad learn from the other Kensei and gain new GekiBeasts. Retsu's long-lost brother Gou Fukami, who was once Rio's friend, returns and becomes GekiViolet. His power is the Shigeki, where anything is possible, but he was also cursed by a flawed technique to change into a werewolf. The mysterious Ron exerbated Gou's transformations, until Bae, who also has a flawed technique, helped Gou rid of his wolf side. After they are content being a quartet, they are informed they must have a fifth member Ken Hisatsu, GekiChopper. Rio disobeyed the Kenma and went to the Geki Sacred Ground, where he and Mele were confronted by the Kensei. Rio and Mele had the SouJyuTo, which Mele stole from Ken, who was entrusted with it. Once they found SaiDain, the GekiSoul of the creator (Bruce E.) of JyuKen, the seven youth were sent to the past. When they returned, they found the Sacred Ground brunt by the Kenma and the Kensei all fused together into a rock. Ken, who promised to protect the Scared Ground, showed his true dedication enough for SaiDain to come alive. SaiDain poured the Full Beast Bloom upon the seven, which made them stronger. Rio realized he could surpass the Kenma. Once the Kenma were destroyed,  Ron revealed himself as his GenJyu form and introduced other GenJyuKen users. Ron lured Rio and Mele into a new fighting school, the GenJyuKen.  Mele went through a ritual to become GenJyu Phoenix-Fist user.

Rio was still not impressed by GenJyuKen, until Ron revealed Suugu, who was made from the GekiSoul of the man Rio wanted to surpass, who was later to revealed to be Jan's father, Dan "Byakko." Rio revealed to the GekiJyuKen that Suugu was Jan's father, which he refused to believe. After being beaten by the GenJyuKen Phantom Generals, Jan went through a breakdown and quit the Gekiranger. With ShaFu's help and returning to the village where his parents lived, Jan returned to the Gekiranger.. Rio was more determined to fight Jan, convinced he is his destined rival, by fighting him, he ends his rivalry with Dan. Gou went to Michelle Peng to learn one of Bruce E.'s Geki Waza to defeat Rio. He challenged Rio but was defeated, when Jan arrived, he asked him to defeat Rio. The legendary destined duel between Rio and Jan ocurred but unfortunately for Rio, his GenJyuOu form grew strong and he could no longer control it. It was Ron's plan after all. Mele and Rio retreated but were once again confronted by Ron, who revealed he was the one who caused Rio's living nightmare all those years ago and is responsible for Jan's mother's death. Ron held Mele hostage in the RinJyuDen dojo and the Gekiranger came to her rescue. After much convincing, Rio joined Jan, Rio and Mele broke away their GenJyuKen forms. By thinking of the positive of their dramatic past, Jan and Rio were able to defeat Ron.

How Good is it?
This series focuses more on character and story-arc, which I like. Unlike many series, the fourth hero is not introduced until mid-way the series and the fifth member is introduced way later, which gives little room for his introduction and characterization. The characters really move the story. The series is mostly about choosing your path and making your own path. Surprisingly, the series had low ratings. Some people find the series uneven. Jan, much like the Red warriors of late, is annoying and child-like, he could be the most child-like Red warrior ever. I actually warmed up to Jan, he does mature by the end of the series. Ran is made leader in the series, but many consider this 'lip-service.' As for the Kensei, Elehan Kempo is a pervert, bat li has a unrequited love, Sharkie is a big kid, Gorrie can be stern but a goofball sometimes, and Michelle Peng is cute. Like Bridge Carson of Power Rangers SPD has said, "Pets as your boss. You get used to it." I personally love the character of Mele, who was brought back from the dead by Rio and fell in love with him. At first, it would seem Mele had a frivolous crush on Rio but she indeed loves him, which he doesn't show at the first. I was afraid it was going to be a story of unrequited love, but there were hints he did care about her as he always pick her over certain things. And in the end, he protected her and I love how she is the only one that can tame him when his GenJyuOu form takes control. This series holds a special place in my heart.

Conclusion
 This series is unique in that it isn't a comical/serious balance like Abaranger, but balanced like Magiranger but focuses more on character and story, like I said before. If you get into this series, you got to see all the episodes but you are going to get lost.