tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45653883607680439662024-03-13T07:09:57.941-07:00ShyRanger's BlogShyRangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812664411091906593noreply@blogger.comBlogger227125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565388360768043966.post-8765494862847853282023-12-10T22:04:00.002-08:002023-12-10T22:19:01.504-08:00Looking Back: Power Rangers RPM<p>Awhile back I finished an RPM rewatch and I gotta say unlike some of the other Disney seasons, the experience watching it again 13+ years later wasn't much different. Coming off of Jungle Fury, I thought for sure RPM would continue on the Toon Disney/Disney XD network, but with ABC Kids ultimately airing the episodes (which many affiliates didn't do, including my own), 2009 would become the only year I'd rely entirely on weekly uploads. I still remember when we knew hardly anything about the season other than the name, the sentai... and then a trailer suddenly appeared one day in February in place of any official promotion. This was up right there with DinoThunder & SPD in excitement level, and pretty much the last time it would ever be like this going into a new season. It paid off with an awesome 3 part premiere, which was kind of surprising with only 32 episodes.</p><p>The ball got rolling with mostly great focus episodes. It's funny looking back on a time when the cast was entirely unknown, especially Rose McIver and Adelaide Kane.<b> "RANGER YELLOW"</b> wasn't well liked but I enjoyed Summer's 2 part backstory. <b>"RANGER RED" </b>I could never get that into with a minuscule budget gone into the CGI aircraft footage - one of the few times in RPM I gave an episode a 3/5. Needless to say, I gave a lot of 5's and have pretty much always considered <b>"RANGER BLUE" </b>and <b>"DOCTOR K" </b>my favorite episodes. I still love how they made the Go-Onger van into "Project GO-ONGER" (the vans death notwithstanding >_>). Venjix getting physical bodies was also great to watch play out. Gem and Gemma started out annoying but soon got some good focus episodes splitting them up with others.<br /></p><p>Part of the buildup to RPM and watching it unfold was of course the behind the scenes drama.<b> "BELLY OF THE BEAST"</b> always felt like a big midseason finale which marked Eddie Guzelian's last episode. Before the season began, I wondered how things would go with the EP switchover & Jackie Marchand leaving, but it wasn't all that different after Chip Lynn took over, especially with John Tellegen still around, who I assumed was free to carry on some of the stuff that was planned like the introduction of the PaleoMax and the conclusion of Ziggy/Scorpion Cartel. Dillon reuniting with Tenaya and losing her again was done pretty well, similar to Andros/Astronema. Doing a behind the scenes but in character mashup episode was odd but something was gonna happen to save money quickly. I was a little more annoyed with <b>"IF VENJIX WON</b>,<b>" </b>which aisde from the Ziggy/K focus I enjoyed throughout the season, had a rather lame clip show plot. Not much else I can be critical about but they kind of forced the General Shifter betrayal to use more Go-Onger footage.<br /></p><p><b>"DANGER AND DESTINY"</b> was obviously much different than what we know about Eddie's <b>"RANGER BLACK"</b>
which it seems would've had something like Venjix fulfilling his master plan in
taking Dillon's body and the Rangers forced with having to
kill him. I always liked how Chip split the Rangers up and we got a nice bookend to Scott, Summer and Flynn. I was never that into "deleting" Gem and Gemma only to have them come back but the way they returned and dropped the command center on Venjix was one of the best finale moments of the Disney era. It was just too bad I pretty much knew about it by the time I watched the encode a few days later. <br /></p><p>RPM was quite unprecedented delivering morphinominal storylines, cast, focus episodes and humor. Forever at the top with DinoThunder for the best of the best. Sure, it's not really a season you'd show to someone who has never watched PR but for longtime fans, it was awesome. Plus, the Evox/Venjix reveal and using the same voice is still one of my favorite things in 30 years especially in that long decade of the show many would probably rather pretend didn't exist.<br /></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhgWJIe6aNrCkSBNidQjqVxPuHkhQ8h9lyPn-Qg7m4s_D4NhSG-xJsssyognQGS1dQrJ0eBHrTqaVaF1M6fyy3xkiDgOhK6o29hljuGYs_tSpn4fVe35e8DHv8WJGah---yrMvPeWtSbiV2E8apaM-znLUjExmkEkcSVgu3mn-Y6hErzNi2Pqa83aJd6c/s585/rpmmorph.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="585" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhgWJIe6aNrCkSBNidQjqVxPuHkhQ8h9lyPn-Qg7m4s_D4NhSG-xJsssyognQGS1dQrJ0eBHrTqaVaF1M6fyy3xkiDgOhK6o29hljuGYs_tSpn4fVe35e8DHv8WJGah---yrMvPeWtSbiV2E8apaM-znLUjExmkEkcSVgu3mn-Y6hErzNi2Pqa83aJd6c/w468-h351/rpmmorph.jpg" width="468" /></a></div><br /> <br /><p></p>ShyRangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812664411091906593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565388360768043966.post-20991532183469841752023-07-23T23:05:00.010-07:002023-10-25T00:10:06.602-07:00Week of RangerBar 5: Action Boy Now<p>It was time for RangerBar to turn things up a notch, celebrating the 15th anniversary of the original conception as an online toolbar, the first WORB since before Covid and what would be the final one at RangerBar HQ in downtown Tacoma, WA. <br /></p><p><b>SUNDAY </b><b>⚡</b><b> </b>I metup with Batz and Tron in Federal Way around 4:00 on Day 2 in the midst of "Shop til You Drop." We drove around stopping in Retro Emporium in Kent, Al's Music and then headed to Waterland Arcade in Des Moines Batz had reserved a few hours. As he picked up several hotdogs next door, the first to arrive was Cora, making her first RangerBar event in about 5 years. Me0w, her kiddo & Lil Sorbo soon came, as well as Joose with some of her kids. After it was time for Waterland to close, we headed to #The80sTimeCapsule airbnb in Kent - a great basement apartment nostalgic trip through time. Batz put on <i>Hunter</i> for the "Fred Dryer Dinner" and then a Vernon Wells flick for the "Unsung Heros of Action Tribute" as we enjoyed the hot dogs, drinks and hungout.</p><p><b>MONDAY</b><b> ⚡ </b>Batz, Tron and myself left the airbnb and headed to basically Chinese Costco and a few other stops like WinCo Foods so Tron could get ready for a big night of cooking. Also got lunch at Burger Express in Federal Way. Later that afternoon, we settled in a Tacoma airbnb and Batz put on Christmas music for "Cosmic Fury 1/2 Christmas." As he ran errands and Tron began setting up, Team RangerBar started to trickle in, including Austin, Cora, Batz' stepdad and Me0w & co. It was a great feast as Tron served up 8 courses in his culinary tour through RangerBar history. I also showed off the "SlutRanger Action Figure" (custom figures through the Hasbro Selfie Series). That night Batz put on a WORB staple, the Tom Hanks flick <i>Mazes and Monsters</i>.<br /></p><p><b>4TH OF JULY </b><b>⚡ </b>We got back to RangerBar and Batz immediately went to work beginning to set things up for RangerBar's big "Welcome to the Pleasure Dome!" wresting event and BBQ. Meanwhile, Tron and I grabbed lunch next door at Red Star Taco Bar and I killed time on YouTube. As the afternoon rolled on, an entire wresting ring was setup in the building and 7 wrestlers in all would gradually arrive. As it got closer to 6:00 most of the RangerBar crew came out as well as some of Batz' family members in addition to people from the building who helped put it all together. The show lasted about an hour and consisted of 3 matches. Batz had me (as SlutRanger) create the wrestlers by having figures/toys placed into my invention - a "monster-matic hybrid," with Lil Sorbo handling machine lights & wrestlers walk-on music and MC Smith bringing over the toy for each wrestler. He kept things interesting even adding a surprise twist in a middle of a match after a wrestler was created from a DinoThunder Ranger figure. <br /></p><p>Afterwards, mostly everyone branched off to mingle, hangout and local band Just Like My Wife performed a few songs as the grill got going. It's always fun to reminisce, as Me0w and I chatted about Mutant Chat and Lexcon for a bit, and Shock Top Steve & Austin handed out wedding invites earlier. Someone from the building had fireworks but I don't care much for them. At the end of the night, Batz, Tron, MC and myself tried to get some sleep in RangerBar.</p><p><b>WEDNESDAY ⚡ </b>Tron grabbed lunch for us at Red Star and it was a lowkey afternoon until we headed out to a lake house airbnb in Olympia. Batz put on the "Cajun Country & Music Festival" and set out several flavors of Zapps "New Orleans style" kettle chips I dived into but soon Tron got us Red Robin pizza. The airbnb had an Xbox and the 4 of us just took it easy and got in a few rounds of Fortnite.</p><p><b>THURSDAY ⚡</b> While Batz was out, I pretty much spent the afternoon on Switch Animal Crossing. Later, he did the "Michael Pare Ice Cream Parlay" and served me up a massive sundae. Cora, Shock Top & Austin, Mag-Num & her friend and Batz' dad soon all arrived for the "My Two Dads Murder Mystery in Montesano" with the airbnb taking place for the town. Definitely another fun evening. Then it was just us 4 guys & Cora, and Batz brought out a box full of toy weapons for the "Power Rangers Live Action Roleplay." With this being Cora's first WORB since 2017, it was nice getting to visit one more time before she took off the next morning. Batz and Tron went hot tub skinny dipping but I wasn't feeling it.<br /></p><p><b>FRIDAY/WRAP-UP </b><b>⚡ </b>The airbnb had a 10:00 checkout so we hustled to clean up and get going, literally being told we gotta go. Back at RangerBar, Batz put on <i>Big Bad Beetleborgs</i> for what was supposed to be the "Beetleborgs Bahama Brunch" but quickly turned into a chance to sleep. Later that afternoon, we headed to The Home Depot so Batz could get some stuff for "The Tower 4D Experience" we had at Me0w & Lil Sorbo's place in Sumner. Me0w fixed us all a BBQ dinner and Batz put on <i>The Tower </i>with real effects<i>. </i>As Tron was scheduled to flyout that night, we said our goodbyes and headed out to the airport. We grabbed tacos once more and Batz let us pull from the prize bag. I caught the light rail and got home just before midnight.</p><p>This week definitely lived up to expectations. While 2019 and 2017 had actual Power Ranger actors, this was by far the biggest 4th of July ever focusing on getting the wrestlers instead for a great show. And since RangerBar will absolutely not be at the building next July it was great going all out one last time. And besides most of the WORB staples, this was the first time the "SlutRanger Smokedown Experience" was skipped. Also for the first time I missed the Day 1 gaming and "Monster Ball" which worked out fine I thought.</p><p>How will RangerBar be looking in 2 years for the next WORB? Will a Power Rangers reboot be on by then as 30 years (and the entire New Zealand production) comes to an epic conclusion in Cosmic Fury? Gonna be interesting to say the least. Thanks to the team - Batz, Tron, Me0w, Lil Sorbo, Cora, Austin, Shock Top, MC, and everyone else who came out during the week.</p><p>Check out the highlights video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G245ZkbyhdE">here</a>!<br /></p><p><br /></p>ShyRangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812664411091906593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565388360768043966.post-84086128488705997362023-05-27T00:09:00.007-07:002023-05-28T02:21:47.966-07:00⚡ ONCE & ALWAYS: A Morphinominal Hour ⚡<p>What a way to start. I suspected we might see Billy in battle get a solo morph. The rest of the team coming in and Ron Wasserman's Redux theme playing was pretty awesome. Also awesome, MMPR finally gets its own big explosion. The suits had never looked better and Green Ranger gets another upgrade - oh how far we've come from Silver Stripe. They did a great job with the old audio but it was a little odd that wasn't Austin, at least it sure didn't sound like him. Also liked how they got creative like Zack and Minh looking on as the others morphed just off screen.<br /></p><p>We knew it was coming, but Rita unleashing and killing Trini was still pretty shocking, with Barbara Goodson doing the voice on top of it. Just wow. First we had Lord Zedd revived in Dino Fury and now this - Rita in her purest form of evil without a human body. Can't help but imagine what it would be like if Zedd and Rita had reunited - probably a major power struggle with both wanting to be in charge. To have Robo Rita be Billy's fault hoping to revive Zordon was pretty surprising and I liked how she took over Alpha 8. Couldn't have imagined we'd get this kind of tie in to the Z-Wave. And since evil particles are out there, I would love to see something with Divatox coming back. Zeo/Turbo special next time? 🙂<br /></p><p>The Bandora Protocol sequence was pretty cool. Alpha felt like just as he did years ago. Finally, Kat gets to do something to do in a reunion episode while it felt like Cardenas played Rocky kind of goofy, even phoning it in a bit. I liked the scope of Rangers answering Alpha's summoning call off screen. Ashley, Carlos, Leo, Kai, Damon, Conner, Trent, Devon, Ravi, Nate... I didn't quite catch Phantom Ranger at first and it was nice they had Tanya out there especially as she's the only Ranger of that era to never return unmorphed. Merrick felt kind of random but they probably just wanted to include Turtle Cove or certain Lighting Collection figures for the set. Also liked the new figure props made exclusively for Jason, Kim and Tommy.<br /></p><p>The drama was well done with Minh finding out the truth, wanting to get revenge and trying to morph. Minotaur was kind of an odd choice to come back but I liked Snizzard being the one to capture Rangers. Didn't really care for modifying the Putties from when they last appeared in Beast Morphers, making them look like the ZyuRanger dark gray with more obvious hoodies. Nice nod to Bulk and Skull but with the Juice Bar back, I really hoped for a surprise cameo. Plus nice continuity with Annie at Buzzblast Angel Grove which Jane was starting to plan for last year.<br /></p><p>Bringing back the Moon Palace and the final battle there was excellent. Couldn't have asked for a better final morph and Trini's spirit passing on the power to Minh. I appreciate the effort put into the Megazord fight (movie Ninja Megazord is still the worst 👀) but would've loooved a sequence with Toei's Megazord suit. The updated cockpit with Billy leading was pretty cool and it was definitely better than how the zords returned in <b>"GRID CONNECTION" </b>which I'm sure was more Master Green's doing.</p><p>Robo Rita nearly going through the portal was awesome Loved the recreation. I just assumed the dumpster was carefully edited old footage not that they reshot it.<br /></p><p>Would've liked more from Adam and Aisha, but I liked how they mentioned being involved with the battle on Sirius fighting the Troobians. Billy owning Cranston Technologies with a beachside Command Center was great. Wasn't that surprised he's still with Cestria and had been away from Aquitar while Rita was out there. I don't personally get emotional easily but I see why a lot of people brokedown with the ending tribute. Also it was great Wasserman returned but I missed that old hard rock. Besides the closing intro using the Redux theme a final time I did like the zords summoning taking a cue from the original Dinozords theme.</p><p>We know Billy is expected to appear again this year and could this setup for something else down the line? Could a future special/anniversary episode have JJ become Green Ranger? I'm not too optimistic as we approach when SPD takes place but we'll have to wait and see! And with the Dino/Cosmic Fury team heading to space to take on Zedd and new villains I kind of hope this isn't the only time Rita's balcony is used.</p><p>5/5. A morphinominal time with the MMPR feel updated for the 2020s.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLdM3e6RuaRkehXZ3j03yJAxywtP9tZ_qljMrgmHoUzjs2XCh7yEk0kuDm8MfPmi4mqMXpihoeKkcQcekEaJhPWXHar6OZgTHS1SUAqsYvu1kYojhAbBunqv9uY7xcmCyGxeYesS2zdaDmf41hM3kOnW8gB4xgewCCnCMlpuP3RGYbHRbi0m_m_XRbw/s1920/FuWqPs2WIAEFg9O.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLdM3e6RuaRkehXZ3j03yJAxywtP9tZ_qljMrgmHoUzjs2XCh7yEk0kuDm8MfPmi4mqMXpihoeKkcQcekEaJhPWXHar6OZgTHS1SUAqsYvu1kYojhAbBunqv9uY7xcmCyGxeYesS2zdaDmf41hM3kOnW8gB4xgewCCnCMlpuP3RGYbHRbi0m_m_XRbw/w504-h284/FuWqPs2WIAEFg9O.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><p></p>ShyRangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812664411091906593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565388360768043966.post-60632489639907134422023-04-16T22:40:00.012-07:002023-05-28T02:21:34.362-07:00Chase Into Space: Dino Fury<p>Dino Fury improved on the first half a bit easily making it the best year of the show since RPM. 2021-22 wasn't just a new era for the show... We'd come to find out from Simon Bennett spilling the tea just how bad things were behind the scenes in Ninja Steel and into Beast Morphers with executive meddling. Quite interesting hearing it straight from him.<br /></p><p>I felt like it could have been 1994 up in here with Lord Zedd returning for his Sporix Master Plan. General Shaw's cameo was a nice nod to Beast Morphers with an appearance from the team and the beginning of the storyarc, with Zedd getting his staff and breaking out Scrozzle from GB offscreen, along with Loki's nephew Lothorn becoming the MoTD. Ayion going on about being the one who must stop Zedd got annoying, but otherwise this was a great plot and taking the fight to Rafkon was pretty cool. Even using <b> </b>teamup footage<b> </b>was executed well with Master Green being responsible for everything making<b> </b><b>"LEGENDARY BATTLE"</b> suddenly make a lot more sense - more than<b> "GRID CONNECTION"</b> I gotta say. <br /></p><p>Between Zedd getting captured and the 3 part finale we got my favorite filler in a fun episode featuring Torum Heng as Human Mucus. The finale had a very creative and nicely executed mashup of Ryusoulger combined with original footage making Void Queen fit seamlessly with the Nemesis Beast. The reveal/resolution of Amelia being the Void's daughter was well done and I liked Tarrick getting his old armor one last time. I liked the flash forward and Mucus & Slyther becoming human circus performers was cute. Of course Zedd escaped in a rare season ending cliffhanger and now the chase is on. I can't wait to see how Comic Fury plays out with hopefully more nostalgia and throwbacks as we celebrate PR30.</p><p>3/5 for <b>"NEW LEAF"</b><br /></p><p>5/5 for <b>"LOVE HATE," "MORPHIN MASTER," "WISHFUL THINKING," "THE INVASION," "THE TRUTH," </b><b>"THE NEMESIS" <br /></b></p><p>4/5 for the rest<br /></p>ShyRangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812664411091906593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565388360768043966.post-1911907384924075242022-10-06T22:43:00.006-07:002023-10-25T00:14:38.252-07:00Power Morphicon 2022: Unleashing the Beast (+ PMCs Ranked!)<p>I flew into Orange County Wednesday evening (8/26) and made my way to the airbnb in Long Beach that Batz, Mag-Num, her dad and friend had been staying at. Thursday I joined Batz for a day at Disneyland officially dubbed <i>Ranger Bar Does Disney</i> and then Friday was all Universal Studios. Can't wait for Super Nintendo World! Saturday we all left Long Beach and Batz & I headed to Pasadena - oh how nice it was to be back after 6 years. It was just after 12:30 by the time I got in a small line for my badge and Red Ranger membership level perks, WAY quicker than in 2018, thats for sure. On the lookout for anyone I know from the fandom, I observed a staff member run up to another fuming at how Jason David Frank was taking ALL the staff. I then headed to the villains panel, which I had been looking forward to with Colby Strong & Liana Ramirez (<i>Beast Morphers</i>) making their first ever panel, and the only panel appearance of Adelaide Kane (<i>RPM</i>) who was Saturday only - always great to see. Afterwards, I explored the floor for the first time, but unsure what to do, soon hopped next door to Starbucks and chilled off to the side of the floor with my <span aria-level="2" class="RES9jf q8U8x" role="heading">frappuccino</span> taking in all the action. JDF had a huge crowd in line as expected (also Saturday only), plus it was nice catching a nearby glimpse of the PMC7 Guest of Honor - GokaiRed from <i>Gokaiger</i> who I heard was charging like $300. <br /></p><p>I rendezvous with Batz at the hotel to check in our room and back on the floor started to meet <i>Beast Morphers</i> cast - Rorrie Travis (Red) and Jazz Baduwalia (Blue). It was then time for the <i>Mighty Morphin 29 Years Later</i> panel and in the last hour of the day, I met Davi Santos (<i>Dino Charge</i>) and John Tui (<i>SPD </i>&<i> Mystic Force</i>) making his first PMC. Always ready to play paparazzi, I grabbed a pic of former longtime showrunner/EP Chip Lynn chatting with part of the <i>Dino Fury</i> cast as I slowly worked my way out.</p><p>Past PMCs had an official Saturday night event or concert happening but nothing was scheduled this year. So with the evening wide open after 6:00, I retreated back to our room and eventually met up with Batz who was hanging out in the hotel lobby bar. Soon we headed to Ralph's to get food & drinks for the <i>Ranger Bar Pink Dolphin Party</i>, grabbed dinner and begun setting up the hotel room. Tyler Waldman of Rangercast came by early and teased some info about season 30. Then the party got underway after 11:00 with a few rounds of Power Ranger fans coming by including our pal Eric Francisco, one of last from the old Mutant Chat who still goes to the con. I thought it was great seeing the younger generation in awe over VHS tapes of original episodes as one of the Ranger Bar TVs had <i>In Space</i> from Fox Kids and then <i>Ninja Storm</i> from ABC Kids/ABC Family playing.<br /></p><p>Sunday got underway with the <i>Dino Fury</i> panel at 11:00 which included a message from showrunner/EP Simon Bennett officially announcing season 30 as <i>Power Rangers Cosmic Fury</i> - a 3rd season for <i>Dino Fury </i>with the same cast, something that hasn't happened since <i>Mighty Morphin</i>. It was supposed to be a bit of a surprise at the panel but Hasbro tweeted it out the night before around when Waldman was leaving our party, instead of Sunday at 8 am which PMC staff thought was happening. Whoops! It was also a bit awkward devoting 20 minutes of the panel to <i>Cosmic Fury</i> when the cast couldn't talk about it and very little was even known. But now that its all been revealed, I'm excited for this seemingly 10 episode 30th anniversary celebration with old faces returning and a new big bad likely joining Lord Zedd. I don't mind the upgraded <i>Ryusoulger</i> suits and get some fans wanting <i>KyuRanger</i> suits instead.</p><p>Anyway, up next was the <i>Beast Morphers</i> panel and soon after I met Jackie Scislowski (Yellow) and completed the quartet with Abraham Rodriguez (Gold) making sure to tell them how nice it was to see them after 4 years. I knew going into this weekend I wasn't really gonna see anyone from the Zordon era of the show but I did swing by Selwyn Ward ("The First Black Leader of the Power Rangers!") I had never met so he could sign an unopened Blue Space Ranger. Another thing different than past years was having the current cast at booths all weekend rather than the limited signings the casts of <i>Samurai</i>, <i>Megaforce</i> and <i>Dino Charge </i>had. So with part of the <i>Dino Fury</i> cast on the floor I met Hunter Deno (Pink), went to the voice actors panel at 3:00 and finished off PMC7 meeting Tessa Rao (Green). </p><p>This year definitely had other changes and differences from past PMCs. As always, the floor was packed with cast, all the PR toys you can ever imagine, even a good amount of non-PR stuff - but still felt a bit more lowkey without any presence from Hasbro, while past cons had Bandai, and 2018 in Oakland had full suits on display & a huge helmet display. It sounds like a lot of fans really enjoyed the interactions with cast and the intimate feel this year, obviously nice after what the world has gone through. I was unsure going in how this exactly would go but didn't feel like the pandemic impacted things at all in the end. This was also the first time I skipped Friday which worked out well since the panel schedule was rather light and I was confident I'd still have plenty of time to see a lot of recent cast. I was glad I didn't get the Gold Ranger membership this time (which I had done pretty much every year before), instead going for the cheaper Red Ranger with less perks/swag, especially as my collection of PR related clothing dating back to 2010 grows. Plus the PMC7 convention coin actually has the wrong date on it, all the more reason to cutback on these perks. 2024 I imagine will be a lot like this one, going just 2 days. There's a lot of Rangers, villains and voice cast I've met now and several I don't really care to. If there's no new cast, I'd hopefully be able to fill a few holes in recent & Disney era cast I missed when they were there before and whoever makes the con for the first time.<br /></p><p>Check out my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aalipp04/">Instagram</a> for photos/snaps!</p><p><br /></p><p><b>PMCs Least Favorite to Favorite </b></p><p><b>⚡ 2010:</b> Easily my least favorite. At the time it was awesome PMC was moving to Pasadena under new
ownership and I was ready to improve on 2007. But the trip got off to a rocky start after a falling out with puperazzi/Spy a few months prior came to a head in an encounter on Thursday. This was the only time PMC was in the convention center "basement" with a layout having the guests boxed in, so I'm not a big fan of how some of the pics turned out with the fan and guest on either side of the table. I got tons of autographs but lost a LOT of photos after the camera crashed Saturday evening. Jason Faunt and Erin Cahill (<i>Time Force</i>) are the only ones I for sure got new photos with. Some of the cast I definitely could've held off on seeing until later PMCs. I also have to just shake my head with how much I pushed to be included in the group on Night Zero in the long era of Chris Funaro as head of Mutant Chat.<br /></p><p><b>⚡ </b><b>2007:</b>
This was a VERY intimate experience for us all, literally being able to walk up to & meet cast, and getting autographs/pics with the entire cast of <i>Operation Overdrive</i>, what pretty much started it all. One of the first unexpected fanboy moments has to be meeting Paul Schrier in the hall. But I have to cringe at how way too awestruck I was at everything and not really talking to anyone besides Spy. Plus I was figuring out as I went along how quickly the camera (which was new then) used up non-rechargeable batteries and the whole insistence of sticking with the group even if it meant shleping my luggage around. 😬<br /></p><p><b>⚡ </b><b>2016:</b> The big highlight was meeting all the <i>Megaforce </i>Rangers, one of the best groups of the 2010s. The <i>Dino Charge</i> panel with the <i>Ninja Steel</i> cast reveal and "Sudarso Bros" moment was awesome at the time, but aside from probably Zoe Robins (White), I don't care if I ever meet anyone from that cast in what would become one of the worst seasons of PR.</p><p><b>⚡ </b><b>2022: </b>I'd give this year the edge over 2016 but it's hard to top the next 3...<br /></p><p><b>⚡ </b><b>2012</b>: This weekend was mega to say the least, getting a lot of photos, having no issues with the camera or anything and the <i>Megaforce</i> cast reveal in the <i>Samurai</i> panel which was a total shocker. Aside from how <i>Power Rangers Samurai </i>was going on TV, I loved meeting some of the team and still fondly look back on how open they were with posing for photos without the restrictions from before.<br /></p><p><b>⚡</b><b> </b><b>2018: </b>Didn't care much for the <i>Ninja Steel</i> panel but of course the reveal of <i>Beast Morphers </i>with Rorrie, Jazz and Jackie during it was awesome. Other big highlights have to be David Fielding doing Zordon thanks to rigged mic no one knew was happening and Christopher Khaymen Lee (<i>In Space</i>) & posse stopping by the Pink Dolphin Party. </p><p><b>⚡ </b><b>2014:</b> If I had to pick an absolute favorite this would be it. Hector David Jr (<i>Samurai</i>) made for one interesting night during that years Pink Dolphin Party. Great moments in meeting more of that cast and the expected <i>Dino Charge</i> cast reveal with Brennan Mejia who would become one of my favorite Reds of the 2010s and a pretty cool dude.<br /></p>ShyRangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812664411091906593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565388360768043966.post-1554105090858833492022-03-03T23:28:00.026-08:002022-03-04T00:21:13.327-08:00Roarin' For Dino Fury<p>Dino Fury has been a true new beginning for the franchise with one of the best casts in years, a rad EDM vibes morphing sequence/roll call and all around improved writing from Simon Bennett & co. As the first season went on, I couldn't help but feel in retrospect how Beast Morphers was still too Neo Saban at times, especially with Zoey and Ben & Betty's wacky slapstick. Now that's outta here.</p><p data-xf-p="1">Zayto awakening and the flashbacks to Rafkon have made for some great episodes. Beast Morphers still has the better premiere but this season stayed locked in with other outstanding episodes in Izzy & Ravi's debut as Rangers and the return of OG Lord Zedd. Izzy & Fern representing <span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">LGBTQ+</span> has been awesome as well, long overdue for the show. It's interesting that early on Dino Fury was initially going to be a one-and-done
season but was changed to two, and so the season was padded. Despite
that, there were only a couple weak episodes I didn't care for much, while Void Knight trying to get the Sporix to revive Santuara was paced
fairy well I thought. </p><p data-xf-p="1">I wasn't sold on Buzzblast and the obvious Riptide set
redressing, and while it can come off as a bit chaotic with so much
going on so close together, it feels very modern for the
show, as well as the Ranger hotline. I was however quickly sold on Jane & J-Borg, by far the best comedic relief since Disney era. I like the new direction they went with having Mucus as an additional comedic character.<br /></p><p data-xf-p="1">I wasn't too sure about the Nexus Prism coming back but it worked pretty well as we really dove into PR lore with the Morphin Masters being responsible for a lot of old powers. And Mick's guest appearance and using his shapeshifting was fun - at least it was him and not a real teamup. Hopefully we can otherwise stay clear of Ninja Steel. >_><br /></p><p data-xf-p="1">Ivan in Dino Charge still has the best Gold Ranger debut in modern times but Aiyon's debut wasn't bad either, kind of a better episode plot than Nate & Steel becoming Rangers or Levi. </p><p data-xf-p="1">The season finale was one of the most decent in years as far as being more of a midseason finale, which past seasons hadn't really done except for the Super Megaforce cliffhanger. I look forward to where things go as we really get rolling this year with the debut of Void King & Queen, Zedd coming back and if they play into him getting his Z-Staff. Also I've enjoyed Campbell Cooley's characters dating back to Snide so I
was glad to see that continue with Slyther as a General.</p><p data-xf-p="1">5/5 for <b>"SPORIX UNLEASHED," "NEW RECRUITS," "UNEXPECTED GUEST," "OLD FOES," </b><b>"ANCIENT HISTORY"</b><br /></p><p data-xf-p="1">3/5 for <b>"SUPERSTITION STRIKES," "McSCARY MANOR," "SUPER HOTSHOT," </b><b>"SECRET SANTA"</b></p><p data-xf-p="1">4/5 for the rest<br /></p>ShyRangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812664411091906593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565388360768043966.post-35440479151792035802022-01-14T01:12:00.007-08:002022-01-14T23:20:18.939-08:00Looking Back: Power Rangers Jungle Fury<p>Watching Jungle Fury again, I still remembered quite a bit but would my views change after all these years? I recalled it as being a lot weaker than the other Kalish seasons but that was a much different time in the show. Looking back, I can really appreciate what Marchand & Tellegen did, and how it was missed in recent years.<br /></p><p>The season started with another solid premiere, not the best (better than Overdrive anyway), about on par with Mystic Force. I quickly got to like Dai Shi & Camille in the awesome copy of the set from GekiRanger (which would become one of my favorite villain storyarcs ever) and thought it was cool how the Rinshi were powered up to become the weekly monster. For the most part, the villain groups were handled well I thought (Dai Shi Clan/Five Fingers of Poison/Overlords/Phantom Beasts), aside from Scorch coming back one too many times - and in some cases - how the Dai Shi/Jarrod conflict was handled. Back when the season aired, I was kind of annoyed with Jarrod acting human one week and Dai Shi in full control the next. Plus in true PR fashion, it was ridiculous how easily his spirit escaped the box to begin with.<br /></p><p>One of the best aspects of the season has to be the Masters. I still remember how exciting it was having the Spirit Rangers and a self-contained teamup when they'd join forces with the team. Loved RJ as a mentor and becoming Wolf Ranger. I wasn't as offended now, but originally, I really didn't like Casey. A bigger offense still has to be the Strike Rider and the annoyingly drawn out sequences it had, worse than SPD at times. JF had some of my favorite zords as well with some fun Flit-narrated battles, and I always enjoyed when the theme would play in episodes - besides Dino Charge - one of the last great intro songs/instrumentals. I also realize how much I miss the wire fu action style but Dino Fury definitely has had some great fight sequences, at times the closest to the old style since Disney era.<br /></p><p>To this day, JF had one of the best Disney finales as I liked how it focused on the core 3 defeating Dai Shi, had awesome action, the destruction of the temple - and in the process - didn't do anything outta left field like Mesomonster or ridiculous like Octomus getting stuffed on magic. GekiRanger was great to watch as well. Besides having the original Rangers, I enjoyed the suits so much that this was one of the few times (after Time Force & Wild Force) that I bought the toys - inpaticular the Spring '08 Sound Fury line, Dai Shi, Camille/Flit and Beast Master Megazord I wished had appeared in the show.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2sXhQtWrjNV0pF0f4QcM3Jn4sNcmm3vLWUHsmFgLsYysn46_e3i8RyD6t36e_a346-HEDDUwnbgwd6em4NrN0CpnSheZNjIOQU7liGnObFr-Yp1gJ3RYQo7wI-Szn6t-hkCK1GFrRZcR0tpgR2I9XVYMWNyG2oMRPhiDDpYrVDjq0RZNgPq0bMLz3_A=s320" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2sXhQtWrjNV0pF0f4QcM3Jn4sNcmm3vLWUHsmFgLsYysn46_e3i8RyD6t36e_a346-HEDDUwnbgwd6em4NrN0CpnSheZNjIOQU7liGnObFr-Yp1gJ3RYQo7wI-Szn6t-hkCK1GFrRZcR0tpgR2I9XVYMWNyG2oMRPhiDDpYrVDjq0RZNgPq0bMLz3_A=s16000" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLbfK1NGqYvzEx_s3Ye_5O9-uN6D4ljJE8HNUpGAGkys-B7g_5eR8DHCiLnQ5cdDXEWqZ2ErBbBR4mher_dhC0NqI80O49saNUY7vZ6TNXOD569AP58ntuuyvhNsYZBfjvCeN4gr7lFWXiE5V729Luwm34fyIYd8Hx8rpAowC2lw-pLyaKpc6YKTCCnw=s320" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLbfK1NGqYvzEx_s3Ye_5O9-uN6D4ljJE8HNUpGAGkys-B7g_5eR8DHCiLnQ5cdDXEWqZ2ErBbBR4mher_dhC0NqI80O49saNUY7vZ6TNXOD569AP58ntuuyvhNsYZBfjvCeN4gr7lFWXiE5V729Luwm34fyIYd8Hx8rpAowC2lw-pLyaKpc6YKTCCnw=s16000" /></a></div><br /> <br /><p></p><br />ShyRangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812664411091906593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565388360768043966.post-28164496655214367722021-02-19T23:21:00.007-08:002021-02-26T00:31:38.541-08:00Beast Morphin' Out<p>Coming off the dino teamup, Beast Morphers had some episode plots not all that great (Nate & his parents, Roxy & Ravi's trust issues), but I still enjoyed them especially GoBusters fight footage combined with the original stuff, like Ravi's overheating. Nate going over-the-top as Steel was fun and it was cool seeing Robo Blaze <span>impersonate</span> the real one, which should've happened earlier in the show. Also, I wish the musical had been more of a dream sequence than to have actually happened (kind of), but they weren't bad episodes. Zoey & her brother though was pretty lame with how the original fossil was <span>disintegrated</span>, how rushed the whole discovery was, not to mention the comedic slapstick with the dog.<br /></p><p>And then we got to the good stuff. Evox's comment about a "very dark past" was a great tease. Nate and Dr K would turn out to be the best teamup, surpassing the Dino Charge return.
They always
manage to screw up returning Rangers, yet Dr K comes in like she never
left. Loved it. <br />
<br />
I knew about the Venjix twist since August but the voice switch was a surprise. Wasn't really expecting RPM clips either. Even if I hadn't known
ahead of time I always thought the "horrifying discovery" in the
episode description had to be Venjix. The way the scene played out was perfect. Yeah, tying up Ben
and Betty was out of character but I chalk that up to there's no way they weren't gonna
water him down from RPM somehow. And despite
Venjix talking like old glory, I could never buy he was as powerful even
after absorbing what remained from Scott's morpher. The only downside is this episode being another example of how overused the trans
dimensional portals have become and why Dr K would let GB have the
morphers briefcase in the first place. And sure Beast Morphers used a lot of arrows but if it works, might as well roll with it.</p><div class="message-userContent lbContainer js-lbContainer" data-lb-caption-desc="ShyRanger · Dec 18, 2020 at 1:16 AM" data-lb-id="post-5977465">
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<div class="bbWrapper">Going into the finale, I guess I shouldn't be surprised the Venjix origin was largely ignored but it was great they kept the voice and referenced taking out a civilization. To me, the missing robotic voice filter could simply have been a side
effect of the snake DNA/Morph-X. The Vault may have been something not
planned early on (and could've been introduced earlier) but Chip definitely knew Evox was going to be Venjix
with having Andrew Laing under the Randall Ewing pseudonym I thought was clever. <br />
<br />
For todays modern PR, I was fine with Steel's sacrifice and how they worked in a final
helmetless scene. I liked how it gave the team the drive to
defeat Venjix adapting the GoBusters team energy flow. I don't know if allergic to human DNA was really the best idea and I realize
putting things in retrospect how much they had the various DNAs as plot
devices... not always executed well. Also, I thought redubbing the
actor was fine, like something Neo Saban would've done. I really dug his
running morph and the morph theme a final time. I thought for sure
Nate would be the one to make Steel human and while I'm not too sure about
the Grid acting sentinent, in this case, bringing him back with
randomized Nate DNA mostly made sense to me. Having Jamie Lineham do it
would've been cool, but I assume it came down to wanting a young actor. Also wish Colonel Truman could've had a longer scene but I did like Scrozzle getting captured offscreen hiding out around Corinth. </div><div class="bbWrapper"> </div><div class="bbWrapper">I know some people had issues with the flashforward and Devon's promotion but I thought it made for a nice sendoff. Not the best finale but easily one of the best since Disney era, as well as Samurai which I always thought had a solid end, better than most of its 2 years. That's something I do miss now that Neo Saban at least tried, when finales had that cool finale moment (like Super Megaforce's mid-morph roll call) and would do something big like when the Samurai Megazord cockpit was destroyed.<br />
<br />4/5's except for </div><div class="bbWrapper"><b>"FOSSIL FRENZY"</b> 3/5</div><div class="bbWrapper"><b>"SOURCE CODE"</b> 5/5<br /></div>
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ShyRangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812664411091906593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565388360768043966.post-77106043926433232792020-10-29T23:27:00.005-07:002020-10-30T00:19:29.898-07:00PRBM: Evox Snare through Grid Connection<p>Continuing from <b>"SECRET STRUGGLE</b>,<b>" </b>this was a solid 5/5 start for Beast Morphers final stretch run. I thought Evox would possess Mayor Daniels awhile longer, but I get that Devon wanted to save his dad quickly and get this resolved. The show doesn't always get the references right, but they were spot on here with Devon contacting Dr. K for help. I just wish the Vault had been at least hinted at sooner, plus how exactly did GB acquire some of that stuff? Can't help but hope Venjix wasn't in one of the acquired RPM morphers... >_><br /></p><p>As for the Chaku two-parter, I really liked seeing Gavan in original footage, the storyline around
it, and how this all leads to the teamup. Ryjack was one of the best MoTDs in awhile. Some great unmorphed action in this with the reanimated foot soldiers. With so much MMPR
nostalgia and remade Ranger suits in this day and age, I didnt think
even think about the fact the original Putties hadn't been seen since season 1,
only Z-Putties in PRiS. Also, I like Hasbro's new lightning bolt graphic to start
the show. Things then took a bit of a downturn. I would've liked it better if Chaku had stayed RoboCop and perhaps his boss could've convinced him to go home to see his daughter, instead of Nate doing it, and making him human with the neural aligner. Plus it makes me realize how much Ranger tech has turned into magic now, unlike the old days of just being tech (like in PRLR), something I'm too sure about. We could've done without Ben & Betty in this episode with the Mario-ish Piranha Plant as well. 5/5 & 4/5<br /></p><p><b>"FINDERS KEEPERS"</b> was a
great part 1 of the teamup, ultimately becoming a lot better than the following episodes, easily earning a 5/5. I love how Sledge returned with the classic "IT'S A BOMB," asks for his crew
and Scrozzle reanimates EVERYONE, even Curio & Fury, previously forgotten about. Some great throwbacks with the van chase and old school back to back BM/DC team morphs. <br /></p><p>While the Megazord battle felt tacked on, it worked as a way to keep the BM
Rangers away from the ground fight I thought, nothing like SPD's weird usage
of Dekranger in teamups. Seeing the Psycho data card, what are the chances Nate reformats
and they actually use it? </p><p><b> "MAKING BAD"</b> potentiality could've been good but was squandered with the clip show unable to use the episodes original audio. Mystic Force was about the only decent part, since they got
Leanbow, Koragg and Gekkor back for the redub. Apparently that was
supposed to be Xander saying "He's a Ranger"? And how did they manage "Korogg" and "Mondoo" making it in? O_o<br /></p><p>I did like they had Antonia Prebble return as Astronema, Beth Allen as Udonna and
Susan Brady (Mystic Mother) for Rita. But yeah, Zedd was terrible especially that Zeo finale
scene, clearly the show just getting a familiar VO to do it (Stig Eldred,
the Neo Saban era Narrator among others). This made me think of "<b>LOST & FOUND IN TRANSLATION"</b> and coincidentally Steel/Vargoyle was AbareRed in that episode. Also, come on Evox, you only watched season 1 Goldar, for like a minute. Really hard to buy it was the same one with that voice. No fair Sledge is vaporized instead of given a bomb one last time, but that was pretty minor to the bigger issues. </p><p>Bastardizing the sentai is nothing I haven't seen before but <b>"GRID CONNECTION"</b> was up
there with <b>"LEGENDARY BATTLE"</b> and <b>"WORMHOLE" </b>for bad ideas/fight
sequences in crossovers. Having watched the morph a hundred times online
before had made me even more hyped. Oh boy.<br />
<br />
Why did the Morphin Grid have to send the meteor? Why couldn't GB have
sent out a distress call and Jason comes in WITH the Power Coin? How did
Rocky seemingly lose possession if not given to Jason? Why waste time
with the moral and not start the action sooner? Jason coming in and
revealing himself to be the real head of GB would've been cool.<br />
<br />
I always feared the MM and DT Rangers would just show up, and sure
enough they did. Plus the idea of using the Power Coin energy to send a message
didn't make things any better. I felt like we needed an in-show reason
for Snide to be brought back again, than to speculate Evox or Scrozzle
must've liked him enough to have him teamup with Not-Goldar. I get
including DT defeating Snide and didn't mind the redub, but there really
should've been more room in between all this fast-paced action. I
didn't quite get he zord summoning (which I assume was more of a footage
thing) but do appreciate seeing the cockpits again, and Beast-X King
joining DC Megazord. I just wish the zords could've done more.<br />
<br />
I did like that this took place in the DC Dimension which I wasn't
expecting and Devon going in the Grid was better than the Overdrive approach with making it a physical object. As a fan of
Tyler/Brennan, I always like how they work in his catchphrase.<br />
<br />
I'm just going to call part 1 the real teamup of the season. This wasn't any better than a 3/5, as is the clip show. Now hopefully they can bounce back and pull out all the stops in time for the finale.<br /></p>ShyRangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812664411091906593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565388360768043966.post-75846703055931722852020-09-15T00:52:00.001-07:002020-09-16T00:19:09.786-07:00Rollin' 4's for Beast Morphers Beast Morphers returned for season 2 with a kind of uneventful episode but still better than past second premieres in Dino Charge and especially Ninja Steel. The team not believing Steel's conspiracy theories was a decent enough plot and I thought it was perfectly reasonable how they thought Evox and Scrozzle were gone. We then got our only Roxy episode in a plot about beach trash harming wildlife, which I thought was pretty decent - a plot the show doesn't specifically do a lot of. I liked how human Blaze & Roxy were caught and used and to make new robot clones, though Scrozzle having a machine be able to download them into new bodies (should they get destroyed) feels rather cheap. Plus it was cool having Miriama Smith (Elsa, DinoThunder) return playing Aunt Regina.<br />
<br />
And the show continued on a pretty steady pace. We find out Evox has taken over Mayor Daniels and it's great watching him keep up the ruse. Finally, Ravi has to confess to Commander Shaw about his love of painting in an episode with Kelson Henderson playing the goofy painter human version of Keytron. I liked the introduction of Beast X Mode as well.<br />
<br />
About the only downside to this block of episodes is that he show really doesn't do discipline that well so Steel taking things a little too far just didn't quite work. And Megan ends up getting redeemed which I could've done without but it was still a decent debut episode for Beast King. We also got one of the better comedic moments when Steel's legs are hit with the evil dart and start running off on their own, with everyone in peruse. It makes me think how past seasons (like Disney Era) would've probably had Steel as the only comedic relief instead of Ben & Betty's wacky slapstick. Ben sticking up for her when Juan just wanted to dance forever was I'd say their best moment in Beast Morphers to this point. Also, I liked that they did a sports special likely meant to coincide with the Summer Olympics originally (replacing the Christmas episode) and how they used it for the boxing ring Megazord battle from GoBusters.<br />
<br />
The midseason finale was by far better than Neo Saban ones. I loved how Zoey got an unmorphed fight with a solo morph (first Yellow solo since Summer in RPM) and a cool battle with the Spin Sword. Liked how Steel tried to help getting her & Nate together, and the issue of confessing to Shaw about them being an
official item. It didn't make a lot of sense Evox (as Major Daniels) staying in GB so long or why Scrozzle just couldn't teleport in some Morph X himself earlier, but it made for one of the best cliffhangers ever when he transformed in front of everyone. The Armada arrival at the end of Megaforce was also pretty good but this was easily the best cliffhanger to compliment a good season since the classic spring/fall airing format. Now it's onto the second half (which I've been waiting to air in the US) and what sounds like a pretty awesome storyarc I can't wait to talk about.<br />
<br />
4/5's except for <b> </b><br />
<b>"THE BLAME GAME"</b> 3/5<br />
<b>"SECRET STRUGGLE"</b> 5/5ShyRangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812664411091906593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565388360768043966.post-86937797929990898902020-08-27T21:10:00.003-07:002020-08-30T21:57:22.120-07:00A Legendary 20 Years with Zelda + Gaming in the 2010s9 years ago I did my original post about gaming, growing up with Super Mario and other highlights from the Nintendo game systems (Check it out <a href="https://shyranger.blogspot.com/2011/08/super-25-years-of-mario-more.html" target="_blank">here</a>). Now is the second part and my how times have changed the past decade. For one thing, the Wii I've had since 2008 was retired in 2019 due to the disc drive no longer working which I kept using into the Switch era for Wii Fit. I have yet to replace it with most likely a used Wii off eBay but will probably do so next year.<br />
<br />
It's still funny to me how much I used to almost never buy games until they had been out awhile, sometimes feeling late to the party or unsure if I'd get it at all. It took awhile but that changed with playing more, which I'd say (picking up from the first post) started when I was unemployed throughout 2014. With a lot more time on my hands, I purchased <i>Super Mario Galaxy 2</i>, a game I wasn't real sure I would get, but was glad I did leading to a LOT of time with Mario's planet hopping adventures between this and SMG1. I always enjoyed getting 100% completion when it was possible dating back to SMW, but both games did not make that easy, leading to taking measures to make it easier, and raking in the hours on them (I'd end up coming back to both to complete after initially playing through them right up until the end of the Wii era). Gradually though I was getting behind on other Mario titles that had been out quite awhile so I finally switched gears and got<i> </i>2007's<i> Super Paper Mario</i>, which I was pretty hyped for when it was first revealed. Gotta say, at the time, I absolutely loved the Mega Star power turning the characters giant 8 bit with the Starman remix jingle. After that I enjoyed <i>Mario Kart Wii </i>and then<i> </i>finished off the year with 2010's <i>Goldeneye 007</i> remake, eventually revisiting the original '97 classic as well.<br />
<br />
Before I get to the Switch, it's time for my history with Zelda. August 1999 through June 2000 was when I
played <i>The Legend of Zelda</i><i>: Ocarina of Time</i>, my
very first experience with the franchise. I can't say why I didn't get
into it sooner, other than growing up pretty much with Mario, any ads/commercials I saw for <i>A Link to the Past</i> on SNES, I probably
didn't think much of. I do remember seeing <i>Zelda II: The Adventure of
Link</i> at a friends and probably thought it looked weird compared to SMB. Even in the 90s I'm not sure how much I knew that the hero you play as was NOT Zelda. One day my sister gave me a
copy of <i>Ocarina of Time</i> she had been given and I soon worked by way into Hyrule Field. It was an awesome time playing through the adventure, experiencing the revolutionary time mechanic of switching between young
Link/older Link, capped off with my first game ending battle with Ganon. Of course the graphics are dated now but I still fondly look back and consider Kokiri Forest one of my favorite starting locations ever. I was so
satisfied, I decided to pass on 2001's <i>Majora's Mask</i> sequel, party due to not being interested in the 3 day clock in-game mechanic. While I was busy with <i>Super Mario Sunshine</i>, Nintendo took Zelda in a completely different direction, releasing the cartoon style <i>Wind Waker</i>.
Loved it or hate it, I was happy to finally purchase a Zelda game and
enjoyed playing through it in 2004.
That year also saw the greatest Zelda reveal of all time, when a trailer
for a not-yet titled <i>Twilight Princess</i> was shown at the annual
E3 press conference - what felt like a true <i>Ocarina of Time</i> adult Link sequel. The game would come out in 2006, but as I was looking to spend time on my new Nintendo DS handheld, I decided to get <i>Wind Waker's </i>sequel<i>, Phantom Hourglass</i> in 2008 after it had only been out a few months, as sort of a companion while I played <i>Super Smash Bros Brawl </i>on the Wii<i>.</i><br />
<br />
By 2012, it was finally time to start catching up on Zelda after playing through <i>Super Mario Galaxy.</i> 1993's <i>A</i> <i>Link to the Past</i> was a fun nostalgic trip back to what I had missed in simpler gaming times and then I brokeout the GameCube again for <i>Twilight Princess</i>. I still kind of wish I had gotten it first instead of <i>Phantom Hourglass</i>,
especially with it going back to adult Link and how misleading the title turned out to be. I was mind blown finding out that Midna, Link's imp-like guide in
the game was the Twilight Princess in her true form. I then got <i>Skyward Sword</i>
in 2015, more colorful and another great story in the series really getting into the lore of it all, though it wasn't quite
as revolutionary and the Wiimote motion controls got annoying.<br />
<br />
When I got the Switch in July 2017, <i>Breath of the Wild</i> of course had to be first with its wonderful new open world and game mechanics. I'd spend a satisfying year with it, taking occasional breaks to enjoy <i>Mario Kart 8</i> (which I thought I'd have to skip entirely but was thankfully ported over from Wii U). Trying to conquer 200cc and get gold trophies wore me out so after a few months (and finishing BOTW) it was time for something else. Long overdue to get back into <i>Donkey Kong Country</i>, I decided to try <i>Tropical Freeze</i>, which turned out to be not really my thing even with an easy mode, likely marking the end of ever owning another DKC title. So it was time for <i>Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition</i>, the all-star Zelda hack n' slash loaded with all the content you could ask for (combining the Wii U/3DS versions), with an amazing story mode and cut scenes beating anything from the main Zelda series.<i> </i><br />
<br />
Summer 2019 it was time for a break so I picked up<i> Super Smash Bros Ultimate</i> - loaded with EVERY fighter and stage in Smash history. I enjoyed playing through the games World of Light story, but quickly realized the replay value of smash battles<i> </i>Melee & Brawl<i> </i>had is gone, and it's not something I'd be interested in playing online with random people. Plus, I realized just how forever special Melee<i> </i>is to me because it was completely new concept (after skipping 1999's original Smash Bros), and I loved having an all-star Nintendo lineup to play with, going on to spend hours and hours fighting NPCs. <i>Power Rangers: Battle For The Grid</i> also ended up being rather short lived (something I'd much rather play with friends, like <i>Fortnite</i>), so it was back to Hyrule Warriors while I figured out something I'd stick with.<br />
<br />
I got <i>Super Mario Maker 2</i> - originally debuting in 2015 on Wii U - so skipping Wii U I knew I had to get in on the second version. And man, did I get a whole new respect for classic Mario, especially (as I talked about before) having fond memories in the days of the SNES with <i>Super Mario All-Stars</i> being the first time I really experienced playing through <i>Super Mario Bros 3</i>, <i>Super Mario World </i>being the first flagship Mario title I completed 100% (I'd still pretty much consider my favorite) and Mario Kart being an entirely new concept. Now I can play and create courses all I want, from the original SMB<i> </i>to the recent <i>3D World.</i> Making your own courses and what mine would look like is something I never thought about before but is fun to work with, a bit of a successor to <i>Mario Paint</i> of yesteryear. I especially love Mario Maker giving the games a night mode and new themes not in the original games. Playing competitively against random people is also pretty fun - something I'm not that great at but always satisfying to be the first one at the goal. The concept of making your own version of <i>Super Mario World</i> is not a new concept thanks to Lunar Magic, the program that allows you to edit the game on PC - something I thought about trying myself over the years - but to be able to do it officially is pretty special.<br />
<br />
I never got into using the Wii's Mii service with friends, so I'm glad to finally be in the age of connecting with friends on the Switch and having a Nintendo
online service, which I've used a lot for Mario Maker and sometimes playing Fortnite with my homies. Lots of NES/SNES titles are
available for instant play on the Switch as well, which is nice as the original cartridges
gradually wear out. Eventually I started to hit a creative wall as working on the same courses in the editor got old, so I had to think about getting something else. Despite missing out on<i> Super Mario Odyssey</i>, I didn't want to just keep playing all Mario all the time (like on the Wii), so I decided it was time for something brand new<i> </i>and gave <i>Animal Crossing: New Horizons </i>a shot, which has turned out to be a very nice life simulator, especially in a time when escaping reality sounds pretty good. Plus I intend to keep playing Mario Maker occasionally to make use of the online service and finish off all the courses I started working on. And with a lot of my shows off until next year there's plenty of time for the ACNH daily routines and working on creating/shaping the island. I also gotta give a quick honorable mention to Mega Man, whose classic games
I've always been a fan of, they're just not for me (though I couldn't
pass up on getting 2008's <i>Mega Man 9</i> throwback before the Switch came out).<br />
<br />
Here's to the next decade with more revolutionary moments, the Mario Movie on the way, not to mention what's in store for <i>Breath of the Wild 2,</i> sure to be as much of a must-buy as the first keeping the Legend alive well into its 35th year and beyond.<br />
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ShyRangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812664411091906593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565388360768043966.post-56423270342868308682020-02-22T00:12:00.000-08:002020-02-25T00:10:09.663-08:00Beast Morphers first-half wrap-upAside from a few missteps, the first-half continued to improve from the Neo Saban years. Kid focus episodes usually don't turn out that good but <b>"TUBA TRIUMPH" </b>pulled it off pretty well with Joey jumping in the battle to help stop Tubatron with the soundwave. The Rangers believing the were the characters they dressed up as, and
Devon (not being into Halloween) snapping them out of it via some clips, made for a pretty fun Halloween episode. Plus Jackie Scislowski
totally nailed overplaying the viking which I thought was great.<br />
<br />
<b>"SOUND AND FURY" </b>was one of the most surprising episodes PR has ever done with GB employee Megan going so far as to blackmail Zoey to get a new position as Nate's lab assistant. Past seasons would never have a character like that who is just a bad person. The Nate/Zoey crush was cute even though it never went anywhere. This was also when we got the debut of the battlizer with Devon using Fury Mode on Tubatron 2.0. He soon starts acting like a jerk as the fury cells slowly turn him evil. Of course they take the easy way out with the last cell depleted, quickly changing Devon back, but it was pretty awesome how close he got to killing Ravi. This was a pretty good, different take on the battlizer from older seasons, being a two-episode plotline.<br />
<br />
<b>"GORILLA ART"</b> was a decent Ravi/Smash focus adapted around the GoBusters episode counterpart - the kind of episode I hope we see more of this year. I liked the focus of Zoey and her mom but it felt like something we get about every year with the Rangers identities nearly being exposed. This wasn't the best execution of it, plus how that memory card was able to be fixed was pretty silly. <b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>"REWRITING HISTORY"</b> wasn't quite what I hoped for when the memory pulsator made everyone but Steel think Blaze and Roxy were Rangers. Aside from a nice callback to the premiere, I really wanted to see more of them in GB, not just getting a device. Also, the memory pulsator continuously sending waves to keep up the ruse was a weird way to go about it and kind of gave me Neo Saban flashbacks. Aside from that, this was still a good start of a three-part finale, plus Steel with his plant was great. His comedic personality and learning to adapt to society really makes Ben & Betty's slapstick feel unneeded.<br />
<br />
I liked how Ravi destroyed avatar Roxy for good and the real on woke up and told the team Evox's plan. I would've liked more foreshadowing to Scrozzle making a new body for him. Major Daniels going to the Cyber Dimension with the Rangers and having the heart-to-heart with Devon was pretty cool. Loved the helmetless scene and including Steel with his robot head. Avatar Blaze defeat wasn't nearly as good as Roxy's and the line about the zords being destroyed felt cheap. Evox's monster form barely even got much use but I'll let that slide since it'll be back this season. Despite the flaws, this was easily a better first-half finale than anything from Samurai-Ninja Steel. The Cyber Dimension was destroyed and everyone thinks Evox is gone but things were left open enough like not taking their powers, while somethings up with Major Daniels. I expect this year will stay around the same level with potential for some well earned 5's. It'll be interesting to see how some of these plotlines develop (like Blaze & Roxy getting evil new powers), how the dino teamup turns out and RPM somehow being brought into the fold. <br />
<br />
- 3/5 <b>"RANGER REVEAL" </b><br />
- 4/5 <b>"TUBA TRIUMPH," "HYPNOTIC HALLOWEEN,"</b> <b>"SOUND AND FURY," "GORILLA ART,"</b> <b>"REWRITING HISTORY," "TARGET: TOWER"</b> and <b>"SCROZZLE'S REVENGE"</b><br />
- 5/5 <b>"SEEING RED"</b> and <b>"EVOX: UPGRADED" </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />ShyRangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812664411091906593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565388360768043966.post-72614824103625778452020-02-06T23:47:00.000-08:002020-02-09T01:17:49.659-08:00The Crisis and End of Arrow<i>Crisis on Infinite Earths</i> got off to good, fast-paced start - a roundup of different Earths around the multiverse with a few quick special cameos. I enjoyed how the <i>Supergirl</i> episode kicked things off and how involved the supporting cast was, with the anti-matter wave catching the DEO off guard and hitting too close to home for Kara when Argo was erased. And with the <i>Superman & Lois</i> spinoff on the way I thought this felt like a small teaser of that.<br />
<br />
Part 2 (<i>Batwoman</i>), focused a lot on Kate and Kara going to Earth-96 and meeting that Earths Bruce Wayne (Kevin Conroy). I don't watch animated <i>Batman</i> but having Kevin do a disgruntled, live-action Bruce was pretty cool. I loved that Earth-96 Superman was a Ray Palmer doppleganger, Lex turning him evil, and trying to kill the Supermen from across the multiverse, including Earth-167 <i>Smallville</i> Clark! Absolutely wonderful tribute with it being revealed Clark gave up his powers after he had daughters with Lois. Also liked how they were able to work in a version of Leonard Snart as a Gideon. Very heartfelt moment of Oliver running out of arrows and "dying" soon after but I knew that couldn't be the end of him this early.<br />
<br />
<i>Black Lightning</i> surprisingly had their own connection to Crisis with that Earth and everyone being erased as Jefferson is transported, who we then see appear in Part 3's <i>Flash</i> episode. Nice to see Ralph, Caitlin/Frost and Cisco get involved. Besides the Kara/Kate bonding, I liked how Jefferson got to know Barry. Very heroic sacrifice for John Wesley Shipp's Earth-90 Flash, complete with a brief flashback to the 90s TV series. I liked how they did the Paragons as well with Lex making a small modification so he took the place of Earth-96 Superman just as they were transported to the Vanishing Point, a safe zone as the ENTIRE multiverse and everyone else are wiped out. <br />
<br />
Barry having to navigate through the Speed Force, revisiting key moments to order for the Paragons to be able to get out of the Vanishing Point got a bit confusing like it was there to pad time before the final hour. By far most surprising/unexpected moment ever was getting Ezra Miller for a cameo and keeping it under wraps. At last Oliver (now the Specter) makes the heroic sacrifice defeating the Anti-Monitor (or so it seems), creating a new universe in the only place it could happen - Crisis <i>Arrow </i>episode.<br />
<br />
With <i>Supergirl</i> having been on Earth-38 until this point, it was only fittingly the final hour (<i>Legends of Tomorrow</i> episode) would actually start out feeling like an episode of her show, as Kara's world is now part of the rest of the heroes. This plays into all sorts of fun ideas such as her and Barry finding out they teamup occasionally with Kate and a Green Arrow in the new Earth. I liked how Oliver did a narration as we see a new multiverse which included CW's upcoming <i>Stargirl</i> on Earth-2. I flipped over Earth-96 Superman, now in a suit paying homage to Returns and the Donner films.<br />
<br />
A giant Beebo on the street meant to be a distraction while a bank was being robbed was a perfect way to get in some of the wacky <i>Legends of Tomorrow</i> feel. Nice to see Nate and Ava on the Waverider, kind of thought we'd see the rest of the Legends. Turns out Anti-Monitor is still alive and grows huge. For a minute I thought we might get some sort of Megazord battle before a shrink bomb is created to stop him for good. Though Caitlin was around, it felt odd Iris was left out of this episode and Cisco was not around to help with the bomb. Everything is wrapped up nicely as the heroes paid tribute to Oliver and Barry unveiled a new round table as a new league of heroes is formed. I especially loved how involved Lex was throughout the crossover and how it appears he'll continue to be for now on <i>Supergirl</i> as head of the DEO. While that and <i>Batwoman</i> have played into the
new world aftermath, <i>Black Lightning</i> really hasn't changed (rightfully
so with the current heavy plotlines going on there). It will be
interesting to see if they find a reason to bring over Barry or someone
sometime or if Jefferson primarily goes to other shows. <i>The Flash</i> also had a great post-Crisis episode, paid respects to <i>Arrow</i> and is in for it's own aftermath I look forward to. <br />
<br />
With Oliver long gone, it was time to say goodbye and reflect/celebrate his legacy in what I thought was an awesome final episode. I liked how they had him and a final big action sequence in it by going back to <i>Arrow's</i> old formula of flashbacks but making them unseen from season 1 - intended to pay homage to OTA but Emily Bett Rickards on limited time making her unavailable for the scenes. I was surprised by the amount of surprise cameos (credited at the closing) with Slade as the only real omission, as well as Ben Turner who I'm surprised didn't appear at all this season.<br />
<br />
Ultimately, Oliver brought back Quentin, Moira, Tommy and Emiko in the new Earth, choosing to not bring back Earth-1 Laurel (with Earth-2 Laurel well on her way to redemption having filled her place), or his dad which would've resulted in him never becoming Green Arrow. Of course it doesn't quite feel like a goodbye with plenty of room on the other shows for cameos. Mia, Laurel and Dinah in <i>Green Arrow
& the Canaries</i> going to series would offer even more opportunity, perhaps revealing who Green Arrow in the present Arrowverse
time. Plus you've got John, with his newly discovered Green Lantern ring moving to Metropolis (of all places) with Lyla & kids. The Arrowverse will be alive & well for years to come but no other show will have the best choreographed action sequences from one of the most awesome and coolest dudes in the multiverse.ShyRangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812664411091906593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565388360768043966.post-81571070908809823612019-09-27T00:33:00.000-07:002019-09-28T23:51:08.121-07:00Beast Morphers #01-10 RoundupThe pre-season hype for Beast Morphers paid off with the best premiere (and the first premiere I've given a 5/5 to) since RPM, easily killing most of Neo Saban (aside from Dino Charge). Best premiere from Chip Lynn since Time Force. I got a couple different vibes... The opening karate scene felt Ninja Storm-ish, while Grid Battleforce and the B-Squad-like team felt reminiscent of SPD. Plus the obvious comparisons with having another virus and starting with three Rangers. It also had the start of some great unmorphed fighting. I like how different the villains were setup than a lot of other seasons when we'd see them in space or be awoken.<b> </b>Having Blaze be an evil Ranger is a great use of the suit (not used nearly as much in GoBusters) and I really like how Roxy's Ranger form was changed to yellow, really playing into the avatars being corrupt versions of Red and Yellow Rangers especially with how they were the original candidates in GB. Blaze is more generic lacky, but I gotta say Liana Ramierez does Roxy very well, quickly becoming one of my favorite humanoid villains since Tenaya 7. <br />
<br />
I liked how they explained the Rangers weaknesses being tied into their animal DNA in<b> "EVOX'S REVENGE," </b>a solid 4/5 continuing to get the season rolling. Zoey needs carrots to refuel, Devon has a fear of dogs and like GoBuster Blue, Ravi overheats. The way the giant robots for zord battles are done is also pretty cool - a different take from past seasons with Scrozzle able to combine the Gigadrone model with the Robotron data the Rangers are fighting or was defeated. It makes for more interesting fights as well being able to have a Megazord battle before the ground battle finishes. Of course no longer having a cockpit powerup mode is the best part and while the Cheetah Blaster powering up a slash finishing move is rather silly, at least it's a lot quicker than what we had before.<br />
<br />
After that, I felt like the show started to shift back to feeling like Neo Saban again. I really kind of hoped they'd copy GoBusters and do more insta-morphs, instead we got a sequence pretty similar to Dino Charge and Ninja Steel. Plus it turns out even the morph call is now prerecorded. Meanwhile, I'd say the comedic element is better with Ben & Betty, and I like how involved they often are, but they've gotten into some familiar unrealistic antics a few times. I really liked Zoey<b> </b>going into the season but she ended up with the worst episode of the first 10 in <b>"END OF THE ROAD," </b>which felt a little too much like a plot we would've had a year or two ago with trying to save the forest from a new road being built, going so far as to have the Beast Bots help save critters and bugs which I thought was dumb. Also one of the most strangest ways of creating a Robotron when Needletron was created from a bike pump. The whole X-Bike plot felt very 2019 (especially living somewhere with a lot of pay-to-ride bikes) - I just wish it had been a better episode. 3/5<br />
<br />
I like how Ravi has a relationship with the real Roxy but as we saw in the beginning of the season, he ended it because of the GB rules about Rangers dating Rangers. So it was fun seeing her avatar toy with him and make him think she was trying to be good. I enjoyed<b> "TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS" </b>as well,<b> </b>showing real consequences for Devon missing work for his secret Ranger duties. 4/5 both episodes. Keeping the secret from Mayor Daniels though is pretty ridiculous and will hopefully pay off when his dad finds out. Devon then acting out of character in <b>"HANGAR HEIST" </b>kind of spoiled what was an otherwise good episode centered on the formation of the Megazord, a plot we don't normally get. It was kind of hard to buy how much the Rangers were taking advantage of the Beast Bots in <b>"A FRIEND INDEED," </b>with how underused they've been. 3/5 for both.<br />
<br />
Evox nearly passing through the gate was cool as was almost using what would become Steel's body. I liked the foreshadowing of his head being shown a few times and Nate talking about wanting a brother<b>, </b>but with how quickly these additional Ranger<b> </b>debuts happen - not to mention I didn't care for how fast Steel was built - the result wasn't quite what I had hoped for, making me give <b>"THE CYBERGATE OPENS"</b> a 3/5<b> </b>.<b> </b>They could've even started the hiatus with Nate being in danger, giving more buffer before he morphs for the first time<b> </b>an episode later. Steel coming online and morphing as well was showhorned in<b> </b>there but I guess you could chalk that up to energy runoff from Nate morphing.<br />
<br />
With all that out of the way, I really enjoyed <b>"SILVER SACRIFICE"</b> and thought it was the best episode besides the premiere. I liked how the gate got fixed and Evox nearly succeeded again at taking Steel's body, only to discover it's not compatible due to Nate's human DNA in Steel. Pretty cool plot point. Gotta say<b> </b>I love his attitude to match the footage and look forward to what they do with the character. I can forgive Ben and Betty's continued overly wacky hijinks to give the episode a 5/5. <b>"THRILLS AND DRILLS"</b> felt like a pretty standard PR plot with Ravi having to face his fear of going to the dentist with some of the best comedic bits all year, like when the silhouette of the worker with the drill was mistaken for the dentist drill. 4/5 <br />
<br />
It sounds like there are more good episode plots coming up, I just hope they don't stray off and go back following Neo Saban's way too closely, while giving us more more story like the Ravi/Roxy relationship, Devon & his dad and Devon eventually getting to test a battlizer mode before Powered Custom from GoBusters makes its debut. Perhaps ending the season with more of a cliffhanger and not acting like it's the LAST EPISODE would also be a welcome change.<br />
<b></b>ShyRangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812664411091906593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565388360768043966.post-38559195254069275212019-07-25T22:35:00.001-07:002019-10-23T01:51:33.263-07:00Week of RangerBar 4: Pumping It Up<b>SUNDAY-MONDAY</b><br />
I got to Tacoma around 9:30 PM as Batz worked on getting the place ready. I checked out the new Power Rangers: Battle For The Grid console game and after a few hours, we picked up Tron getting in late from New Orleans. MrDire arrived from Kentucky Monday afternoon and Me0w from North Kansas City later in the evening.<br />
<br />
The history making Week of RangerBar 4 officially got underway with the Day 1 staple of video games. I brought my Switch and we mostly played Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Battle For The Grid and had the "Fortnite Pacifists Class," with Lil Sorbo and Batz' girlfriend eventually joining us. Afterwards, we dressed up for the forth "Master Vile Villain Ball" and had pizza.<br />
<br />
<b>TUESDAY</b><br />
We ventured out to Des Moines to play around at Waterland Arcade and got Chinese food next door at Dragon Gate - in the midst of a downpour and nasty traffic unfortunately. Afterwards, we headed over to Uncle Cecil's for liquor tasting (Batz, Sorbo & I had previously been to), and then pretty much chilled at the Airbnb, while Batz picked up some special guests flying in from Toronto and took them to their hotel for the night. Since tacos was on the schedule, we eventually metup for a late dinner at Red Star Taco Bar around the block from RangerBar. <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>WEDNESDAY</b><br />
Tron fixed us breakfast sandwiches as we got up, Batz swung by, and along with Me0w - Tron, Batz and myself walked over to Safeway so Tron could get ready for the evening and grab whatever else was needed for RangerBar and the Airbnb (which we had Tuesday evening through Friday morning). Tron and Sorbo got busy getting food ready and I tried to help at RangerBar as Batz setup the hallway. His sister was the first to arrive and we put on The Princess Bride until the rest of the group started to trickle in. Soon our special guests - Jeff Parazzo and Kevin Duhaney (The White & Blue DinoThunder Power Rangers) arrived and were amazed at the RangerBar. Two really cool dudes who enjoyed getting to just hangout, chat, eat and have drinks - without all the normal convention stuff they're so used to. After a few hours, the food arrived for the nights event - the "Fred Dryer Dinner" - a tribute to the former football star, turned actor. Master Chef Tron served us all up about half a dozen courses while Dryer's show Hunter played on TV. After Jeff and Kevin left, the night kept going as we headed around the block to a bar/nightclub and then hungout at the Airbnb.<br />
<br />
<b>4TH OF JULY</b><br />
Around noon I took a nice walk (about an hour) from the Airbnb over to RangerBar and took a nap while Batz and his girlfriend ran errands and got ready for the evening. It was a great night with the group including Batz' sister joining us again and Shock Top Steve stopping by. Jeff and Kevin again hungout for a couple hours and Batz even arranged for a friends band to perform. There were fireworks as well. Around midnight, Jeff and Kevin said their goodbyes and got in some pics before flying out Friday morning.<br />
<br />
<b>FRIDAY</b><br />
For the first event of the day (what would end up being the final one at RangerBar), Batz fixed us a "Boujee Brunch" as we watched Power Rangers Beast Morphers. Later, we headed over to his girlfriends place and he put on the RangerBar "Cajun Country Music & Movie Festival," along with getting us pizza in addition to some exotic foods to go with the theme. Afterwards, we had a fun cupcake bake off event Me0w and Tron won.<br />
<br />
<b>SATURDAY</b><br />
We stopped at RangerBar, a tavern and got in a visit to the B&I Shopping Center. Then it was off to Montesano for the nights event - the "My Two Dads Murder Mystery," which we did at Gepetto's Italian Restaurant & Sports Bar. Afterwards, we got more drinks & hungout at Charlie's Sports Bar and then settled in our hotel room.<br />
<br />
<b>SUNDAY-FINALE</b><br />
Left Montesano and hungout at Batz' girlfriends place. Later that evening, we had a quick "SlutRanger Smokedown," immediately followed by "The Tower 4D Experience" and then the "Michael Pare Ice Cream Parade" which I won easily having the most ice cream. The night wrapped up with watching Power Rangers Ninja Storm by candlelight to pay tribute to Shane the Red Ranger whose actor sadly passed away. Tron flew out early Monday morning, followed by Me0w and MrDire. Batz took me back to RangerBar so I could gather all my stuff and I left Tacoma at 4:30.<br />
<br />
It was an awesome week with the largest out of state turnout and you couldn't have asked for better guests in Jeff and Kevin, as RangerBar celebrates 10 years with the very first event happening August 15, 2009 (My first event would come about 2 years later). Though the Airbnb situation got kind of dicey with 4 of us and really only 3 places to sleep it worked out having a place not too far. Definitely look forward to trying to get another Ranger for Week of RangerBar 5 and whatever other surprises happen by then.<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/ranger.bar/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2404075643146008&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARD5qHchtt3F7EGMaPB5y1zmrHdmXfXiBYayZhqxmg_gmyIugkwB0KXRpeM8th4GaopqAdAd54nUYpwZfi7oiDn-53EL1BK7HSB8JeqfkpwWKMlyuWNg6yRQ_-gJLScejJyWAcb7Duhk8Ddgs6Rcgg3BE63jEACcPWdYlOlIDgg3B7aZ1dujr75IHGYIKMgb0dBePHCPmeDoWKuMCq4RDh4NOpNUIkJ0Nvwuw33W-niVnRLdH_4rk5BGs38akPP18YeMrNrfy1k-b6UMHSwyaGvjQ_h98lcqHxG-VjjHcGiqW8KnPBvGyyalIJmc67G8lVhTe5_2mrU7RDOkZqZ0_hSbooFQV6w__Bx2DcdhQVKE66aU1giCPIWemRKxXjE4_hOeZyQKOyrLNOPC8TRB_DALsck7XOS2AWzl7bX1wzCTjNxJkfg_hIJfTFl_dujwIehyxvf-hjIAEcLjZbhePoc5Uw&__tn__=-UC-R" target="_blank">Photos</a><br />
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<br />ShyRangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812664411091906593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565388360768043966.post-17628213474325572882019-06-29T21:03:00.000-07:002019-07-16T00:26:45.544-07:00Looking Back: Power Rangers Operation Overdrive<span style="color: #674ea7;">Like Mystic Force, I enjoyed watching Overdrive again a lot more than when it aired in 2007. Unlike the other Disney seasons however, it got off to a bit of a rocky start with one of weakest two-part premieres, bogged down with an emphasis on civilian powers and how easily the Mansion was discovered. I</span><span style="color: #674ea7;"> still </span><span style="color: #674ea7;">kind of</span><span style="color: #674ea7;"> hate having Andrew Hartford as a mentor, and as annoying as Rose was a few times alongside Dax being way over-the-top all season, this group of Rangers would become one of my favorites, with Spencer and his quips/one-liners as a great supporting character. Also I realize I forgot how much of a good Red Ranger Mack was, one of my favorite Disney Reds along with Connor.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #674ea7;">I really liked how Boukenger was adapted and still think Tyzonn's storyarc of working for Moltor, transforming and becoming the 6th Ranger, was pretty good, though not necessarily the best episodes of the season like I called it back then. I miss the days of having solid episode plots and a season long storyarc like tracking down all the jewels. Among the big plotlines, there were a couple of fillers I thought were excellent as well. </span><span style="color: #674ea7;">For
the most part, the way the different villain groups were handled, went
pretty well. I especially liked Miratrix & Kamdor and their
rivalry with Will (until their final battle anyway). </span><span style="color: #674ea7;">Plus this cast really helped kickoff Power Morphicon and were some of the first Rangers some of us in the fandom (like myself) ever met. Gotta say it is a little weird looking back knowing that Samuell Benta would steal the signed banner and never be heard from again.</span><span style="color: #674ea7;"> We also got the last good anniversary season teamup episode to date in <b>"ONCE A RANGER," </b>one of the best returning groups of Rangers that would be hard to ever top. As far as the anniversary seasons go, I'd call Wild Force the best, followed by Overdrive, Megaforce and Ninja Steel.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">Until Neo Saban, Overdrive
was always the worst season but I can look back now and appreciate the
heart & care Jackie Marchand and co. put into it. We would eventually come to find out they were given a smaller budget, preventing more of an Indiana Jones-style story they wanted but for what they had, with Bruce Kalish at the helm, it wasn't all that bad.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Ranking the episodes favorite to least favorite (Updated):</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Both Sides Now</span><span style="color: purple;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">One Gets Away</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Once a Ranger I-II</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Pirate in Pink</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Face to Face I-II</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Man of Mercury I-II</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Nothing to Lose</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Things Not Said</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Behind the Scenes</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Red Ranger Unplugged</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Home and Away I-II</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Follow the Ranger</span><span style="color: purple;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Crown and Punishment</span><span style="color: purple;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Heart of Blue</span></span></span><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Ronny on Empty I-II</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Kick Into Overdrive I-II</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">At All Cost</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Weather or Not</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">The Underwater World</span></span></span><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Out of Luck</span><span style="color: purple;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Two Fallen Foes</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Just Like Me</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">It's Hammer Time</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">One Fine Day</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Lights, Camera, DAX</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Way Back When</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><a href="https://shyranger.blogspot.com/2007/12/oo-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">Original Wrap-up post </a></span></span>ShyRangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812664411091906593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565388360768043966.post-85351226320144548222019-06-18T23:28:00.000-07:002019-06-18T23:34:03.419-07:00 Special Guests at Week of RangerBar!<div style="text-align: center;">
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Join us July 1-7 in Tacoma, WA with some special Power Ranger guests!</div>
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ShyRangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812664411091906593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565388360768043966.post-18317692828955342042019-03-13T02:02:00.001-07:002019-03-15T20:11:10.061-07:00PRSNS and Neo Saban SendoffThe final run for Ninja Steel episodes started out not bad but would soon change.<br />
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Though it was weird how the Rangers needed to earn the Blaze zords before the Prism would create them, I liked how they worked in the mysterious cloaked strangers (Wes, Gemma and Koda) as a teaser right before <b>"DIMENSIONS IN DANGER"</b> (or as I like to call it, "Forever Tommy").<br />
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Great callback to DinoThunder with Reefside and Tommy's house. I was amazed seeing him use all his powers and how they got all the morph calls perfect (Probably more JDFs doing than Production). Gotta wonder if Zeo Red and Black Dino Master Morpher Power Coins will be for sale at the next PMC. <br />
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Not much of a group morph here unfortunately. Did they have to go cheap for the insta-morph effects? I feel like they're better than this. Even if we had more time, I doubt they would've had them do individual calls but at least a silent insta-morph would've been better than five in one shot. Everyone saying "It's Morphin Time" with the classic pose was pretty cool though. Also loved Falconzord returning. Man it had been SO long. Better fight than Cole destroying Serpentera too. >_><br />
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With only one part, a little too much Ninninger footage and a fast battle, it wasn't great for an anniversary special. They didn't even acknowledge that Tommy and Kat were an item (let alone really give them anything together), which I was kind of surprised by. And
aside from the zord portion of the episode, they reverted back on the
BGM (before they went full MMPR ripoff), I assumed for dramatic
effect. The stuff they gave Tommy was still better than just about all of the regular episodes, so for that, the most deserving 5/5 of Ninja Steel. I'd rank it between <b>"ONCE A RANGER"</b> and <b>"LEGENDARY BATTLE</b><b>" </b>(the worst)<b>.</b><br />
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Following that we got the best filler episode of the entire two years in <b>"LOVE STINGS" -</b> classic love spell plot with Hayley and Preston<b> </b>actually acting<b> </b>like normal people with solid delivery - something Ninja Steel often struggled with. And speaking of struggling, it was pretty much back downhill after this with questionable plot points, execution of the episodes lesson and Victory & Monty getting completely ridiculous. They also manage to blow a chance at doing a good Metal Hero teamup with Sherriff Skyfire in a weird episode about respecting authority. And despite reusing the Halloween Intergalactic Court from Dino Super Charge, I enjoyed <b>"MONSTER MIX-UP" </b>and thought the cast did a great job pretending to be the monsters.<br />
<br />
Getting to the finale, I liked Odius' final plan brainwashing civilians and using Mick to help her but the execution was poor leaving little reason to care. The Rangers find out the plan way too easily through simple eavesdropping. I did like evil Dane vs Brody & Levi for a minute while Hayley faces an evil (and unconvincing) Calvin, who of course is able to take out the satellite in one blast. The final battle needed some buffering such as trying to use Lion Fire first than to quickly conclude there was no point. And once Odius is gone, the Rangers just assume everything is fine, completely ignoring Badonna & Cosmo, who for being Generals, are killed off with very little thought. I just wish they had done more with Cosmo, besides when he came to Earth in<b> "GRAVE ROBBER."</b><b><br /></b><br />
The Prism then takes back the power stars only to return them A THIRD TIME in <b>"THE POISY SHOW"</b> - a rather decent end to the Neo Saban era with Poisandra turning Galaxy Warriors into her own talk show with a Christmas special featuring the Rangers while Sledge teams up with Snowfright. We finally get the Sudarso Bro moment with the guys doing the classic morph pose and one last bomb takes out Sledge, Poisandra, Wrench and the entire Warrior Dome for good. Dino Charge was the only real good thing to come out of Neo Saban (especially the first half) in what was otherwise the worst seasons of PR ever.<br />
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I still gotta call Samurai and its bad start to Neo Saban the worst season, though ironically, also the best finale and end-of-season-arc
(mainly due to translating Shinkenger) but it was sure rough getting
there with little originality and childlike acting. Ninja Steel is next which had problems other seasons didn't... Some of the worst episode plots and plot execution ever... Refusing to have any genuine conflict... Ridiculous over-the-top comedy... An <span data-dobid="hdw">atrocious</span> amount of closure... Kind of makes Megaforce look a little better now which had one of the best casts, one of the best midseason cliffhangers with the Armada arriving, a better school setting and plots, but still relied on too much sentai over originality, completely screwed the buildup to the Legendary Battle, and what could've been a good season long tribute to the PR legacy.ShyRangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812664411091906593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565388360768043966.post-687228372606116932018-12-27T22:12:00.003-08:002018-12-27T22:28:56.471-08:00Arrowverse Elseworlds: Countdown to a CrisisThis years Arrowverse event really switched things up and was pretty fun to watch. Loved seeing Oliver & Barry adapt to eachothers powers/abilities, try to be kind of like eachother and learn more
about themselves in the process.While I'm still not a
fan of this version of red, I enjoyed Oliver try to be the Flash on
the fly (of course still saying the catch phrase) and Barry getting the
line in as well. A lot more great moments throughout this like the callback to <i>Flash v Arrow </i>and the AMAZO acronym.<br />
<br />
Only thing missing from the <i>Smallville</i> tribute was Tom Welling as a
stable boy (haha). And since I'm still on the DVDs (watching a season a
year), the show has never really gone away for me.<br />
<br />
Nice work with this version of Gotham though some of those city views
were much brighter and lit than when I'm used to from the Fox show. I
really just want a Superman spinoff after all this but I'll certainly
take Batwoman. Plus, I liked how they got in the hallucinations of Merlyn & Thawne (Wells).<br />
<br />
I thought Felicity would be in this more but after everything she's been
going through, storywise I get it. Nice to finally see more <i>Supergirl </i>
cast in a crossover. I wish Earth 90 Flash had stuck around but I simply
took it as they never intended to have Shipp do more than stand around in
the suit anyway. Also gotta wonder if Gary (from <i>Legends of Tomorrow</i>) was undercover.<br />
<br />
Less characters and supporting cast but more focus on the core 3 was a
good tradeoff I thought. I knew <i>Elseworlds</i> would possibly be setting up for the next crossover and sure enough I was still surprised by the cliffhanger ending, with <i>Crisis On Infinite Earths </i>announced for next fall<i>. </i>Can't wait to see how they pull it off,
especially with the scheduling difficulties having everyone in <i>Crisis on Earth-X</i> had. I could see it launching the season next October as more of a mini-movie or at least
filming it first if literally everyone is to be involved. And will it have an impact on the shows later this season? Gonna make for an interesting 2019. 🙂<br />
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<br />ShyRangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812664411091906593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565388360768043966.post-58794429323026531642018-09-06T20:23:00.002-07:002018-09-07T23:56:11.948-07:00Power Morphicon 2018: Zordon Lives<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Another long, exciting PMC Week kicked off Monday evening (8/13) as Batz and I left Ranger Bar around 5:30 to pickup Lil Sorbo and Batz' girlfriend before our road trip could begin. I was kind of surprised at how well I did in the car so long, a much different story than back in February, when I was just miserable taking the red eye with my folks to Houston (and then Mexico) for my sisters wedding. We reached southern California around 11:00 and after stopping for lunch at In-n-Out Burger, it was on to Disneyland the rest of the day Wednesday, my first time back since spending a day there in 2006. Thursday we did California Adventure Park and Disneyland once more on Friday.<br />
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Just before 6:00 I headed off next door to the Anaheim Convention Center and was glad I didn't make it much earlier after hearing how bad things had been with a very long, endless registration line (some apparently waiting as much as 5 hours) and the floor opening a half hour late. It only took me about an hour and a half to get my badge, enough time to check out the floor a bit and meet Claire Blackwelder (Kendall, <i>Dino Charge</i>) before <i>No Pink Spandex Live</i> started at 8:30. Afterwards, I got through the exodus leaving Disneyland to meetup with the gang again inside.<br />
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Saturday I saw Hasbro's toys presentation at 11:00, which I hoped would have something about next years <i>Beast Morphers</i> line but was mostly news about the Legacy Wars mobile game and a new HQ line of figures called Lightning Collection. Up next was the <i>Ninja Steel </i>Q&A and our <i>Beast Morphers</i> cast reveal with Instagram star/martial artist Jackie Scislowski quickly becoming my new Yellow Ranger crush. 🙂 I stuck around for the <i>Mighty Morphin</i> 25th anniversary panel at 1:15 and grabbed lunch after. Back on the floor, I met Brennan Mejia (Tyler, <i>Dino Charge</i>) and Nikolai Nikolaeff (Dominic, <i>Jungle Fury</i>), right before the panel with a mix of Disney era cast <i>(Operation Overdrive/Mystic Force/Jungle Fury)</i>. New to the convention scene, he was pretty cool and gave out posters to all of us at the panel before he would be heading out shortly. I then got busy meeting more PMC first-timers - Katrina Browne (Kapri, <i>Ninja Storm</i>), my original Power Ranger crush Katrina Devine (Marah, <i>Ninja Storm</i> & Cassidy, <i>DinoThunder</i>)<i>,</i> and Adelaide Kane (Tenaya 7, <i>RPM</i>). Also said hi to Kelson Henderson, who played several supporting characters in the Disney era and returned for <i>Ninja Steel</i>. I don't read the Power Ranger comic books but without much else to do with the floor closing 6:00, I went to the Shattered Grid live reading and boy was it a good idea. Cast & voice actor alumni did the characters, including Barbara Goodson reprising Rita Repulsa and a cameo from Rita's henchmen Squatt. Zordon himself lived again as well, thanks to David Fielding and some special equipment - the greatest moment of the ENTIRE weekend.<br />
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I metup with the gang after and it was time to start getting ready for the <i>Angel Grove High School Prom '96 </i>That Hashtag Show was putting on and the <i>Ranger Bar Pink Dolphin Party</i> in our hotel room for the night that would follow. Prom was fun and then our party got underway with a handful of folks coming to hangout including Christopher Khaymen Lee (Andros, <i>In Space</i>), dropping by with his posse later on. One of the last ones up, it was after 5am by the time everyone left and I called it a night (albeit a short one), while Lil Sorbo escorted a guy back.<br />
<br />
Sunday I saw the Yellow Rangers panel at 11:00 and then met Kevin Kleinberg (Trip, <i>Time Force</i>) and got a few things at JC's Henshin Vault booth. It was also pretty cool taking in RJ Cyler being there, the only 2017 movie cast member to appear at a PMC thus far. He had a very solid line the entire weekend, alongside Jason David Frank who was swarmed his only day there Saturday. At 2:00 I caught the <i>In Space</i> panel (This year being the 20th anniversary of that season) and then said hi to Caitlin Murphy (Ronny, <i>Operation Overdrive</i>), one of the first cast members I ever met at the original PMC. At 4:00 was a rather luckluster Bulk & Skull panel, with Paul Schrier joined by The Bruce and some kids on stage, after Jason Narvy had to catch a flight earlier. PMC then had a short closing ceremony, confirming a return to Anaheim in 2020 to closeout the weekend. Team Ranger Bar soon headed off to get dinner and then the journey back to Washington began. After stopping for lunch before noon on Monday, we dropped off Batz' girlfriend, Lil Sorbo and then myself, getting home around the same time we originally left Ranger Bar.<br />
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As the convention continues to grow (setting a new attendance record this year), moving to Anaheim was definitely the right call, offering plenty of space on the floor including awesome displays of full suits and a wall of helmets to commemorate 25 years of the show from new owner Hasbro - a very exciting time to be having a PMC. I got off easier than others waiting in line to get my badge but pretty much anyone would say that have got to get things handled a lot better to avoid this mess happening again. Getting my gold membership perks and exclusives (shirts, hoodie, coins, pins, etc) went smoothly for me as well, waiting until Saturday afternoon, after the line had diminished. Navigating past actors tables still got tricky when people had lines but that's to be expected no matter the venue. I was a little disappointed by the lack of <i>Dino Charge</i> cast but was glad I got to talk to two out of the three who were there. With how poor <i>Ninja Steel</i> has often been, I don't plan on making them much of a priority next time, instead concentrating on recent cast I've missed (depending on who goes) and classic era almuni I keep missing or could repeat again after several years (2020 being the 10th anniversary of the first time it was in Pasadena). Also, it's still hard to top how likeable the <i>Megaforce</i> cast is off the show, the fun they have and talking to them all in 2016. <br />
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Being next door to Disneyland was big as well - pretty hot for all the running around but fun seeing the attractions and experiencing some fun & crazy rides. We had a nice AirBnB for three nights too. Props to the team - Lil Sorbo, Batz for handling where we'd be staying and his girlfriend for fixing us breakfast a couple mornings.<br />
<br />
-<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155613621521643&type=1&l=3051763f75" target="_blank"> Disneyland Gallery</a><br />
- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155613621521643&type=1&l=3051763f75" target="_blank">PMC Gallery</a><br />
- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ranger.bar/" target="_blank">Ranger Bar Facebook </a>ShyRangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812664411091906593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565388360768043966.post-33343732310124699562018-08-22T23:46:00.000-07:002018-08-24T21:34:14.970-07:00Super Stale Ninja SteelSuper Ninja Steel began just as bad as the end of the first-half, on par with Super Megaforce for bad anniversary seasons. First I gotta say, they really put together a great intro this year, I feel like one of the best since the original classic era. The presentation and flow of the clips is just perfect to me.<br />
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I liked how they tied directly into the end of Dino Super Charge with Sledge & crew coming out of the wormhole and taking the asteroid after Odius had it stripped. Things did get a bit sloppy, saying both "super ninja steel" and "ninja super steel," as well as Badonna switching groups, when we obviously never saw her before this. Once we returned to Summer Cove High School, things just went downhill. A new school year? Really? We're supposed to believe Odius waited about 9 months?! I do like having her as the main villain this year and never have I rooted for the enemy so much. <br />
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The Rangers fighting without their powers was good and I wish had gone on longer but instead getting new Ninja Power Stars was rushed and badly executed. And sure, a lot of exposition is nothing new, but it felt like they were
really pushing it, trying too hard to make it clear what was going on. One of the worst midseason premieres of the Super halves. If only they could be two parts like the first premiere.<br />
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From there it didn't get much better with episodes continuing to be bogged down by lame plots. Calvin forgetting his anniversary with Hayley, thinking she was cheating on him with Preston, the Summer Cove students & Rangers becoming addicted to a handheld video game... We did get a good Levi episode mixed in (easily the best this year) and Sarah's mom & Hayley's dad kind of getting together was alright too. I like the Galactic Ninjas and Odius taking the power medallions, as well as having another episode with Sarah & her hoverboard. We barely get midseason cliffhangers anymore and ending the spring episodes with Odius defeating the Lion Fire Megazord & burning out the zord stars was pretty good. The bar is set so low now though and it's looking like we'll be back to lame fillers after <b>"OUTFOXED"</b> & "<b>DIMENSIONS IN DANGER</b>." Plus I enjoy how the BGM switched to a full on MMPR ripoff, but they're kind of crossing the line using a very similar Bulk & Skull theme for Victor & Monty.ShyRangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812664411091906593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565388360768043966.post-18527377681639833332018-08-09T20:59:00.000-07:002018-08-13T18:13:40.885-07:00Senior Year and Beyond: 20 Years LaterI've reminisced about 1998 and my time at Roosevelt you can still find <a href="https://shanshu002.livejournal.com/27031.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://shanshu002.livejournal.com/27583.html" target="_blank">here</a> via LiveJournal. Now here we are again, celebrating '98 with the 20th anniversary of graduation and a nice visit back at the school, part of reunion day. <br />
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Simply put, high school was mostly pretty well for me and Senior Year was the cumulation of it all . I can't say much for Freshmen Year, just that it started out slow not really knowing anyone, except for rejoining Ting (who was a year ahead of me), after 7th grade at Eckstein. I had a Home Ec class I never did much work in and I was probably pretty happy to quickly get out of P.E. entirely (which I did have 6th - 8th grade).<br />
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Sophomore Year I joined the school store (Teddy's Corner) which moved to a bigger space (after basically being the space of broom closet) and we started selling balloons. Ting and I had a ceramics class and all I did were small bowls (which I still have!) The teacher had a radio and Real McCoy's "Another Night" would often come on, which I'd say pretty much introduced me to the entire genre of dance music. We also had a radio on sometimes in 5th period and at some point I got introduced to C89.5 FM "Seattle's Hottest Music" (now "Seattle Home For Dance"). I then did a work training program over the summer of 1997, helping out the custodians at Nathan Hale High School (where C89 is located). Right around my last day, I got a quick tour of the old second floor studios. I still have fond memories of listening to the station during my walk home from Nathan Hale, as well as a keepsake binder covered in C89 stickers I found one day in the recycling room, in addition to the photos from my visit.<br />
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Junior Year pretty much continued the Ting and I duo, helping out with Teddy's Corner and then having 5th & 6th periods at Nathan Hale's Print Shop, as part of the VOTIS program. Ms. Fernandez (who was in charge of the store), was a very nice lady who took a group of us on a field trip to the Space Needle for lunch one day. Senior Year I didn't continue with the store and Ting had graduated. Though it was fun having one school year with my sister Sarah, who I'd occasionally see with friends in the hall. Also I liked getting to sleep a bit later having no first period, but it took awhile to figure out a second period for me. And once we did I ended up not even liking it because it was just too advanced (It was Advanced Drawing & Painting after all). To this day, I still remember successfully getting one of the art projects done and then watching the teacher roll her eyes as I handed it in. Of course, Senior Projects were the big thing, which I've talked about. In some awful timing, I was late for school the day we needed to turn in the big presentation boards. The night before, as I was getting all set for the morning, the police forced a neighborhood evacuation due to a standoff involving someone with a gun up the driveway from us. I remember pretty much just sleeping in the car with Sarah, mom and dad at the top of the street until probably 2 or 3 am. Also, I was still in the VOTIS program (again taking up the last two periods), with one more semester at the Print Shop and then working at the downtown A&S Center second semester.<br />
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Finally, the end of high school came and I made sure to get a bunch of photos and as many yearbook signatures as I could, great to look back on today. And as I've talked about, a fitting end with a wonderful Senior Spree. Not real sure where I'd be the following year, I then enjoyed a very long, lazy summer, often up, chatting on AOL and listening to C89 until 3 or 4 am, consistently starting the day in the afternoon. A lot of time to watch MTV and a lot was on... The original Real World Seattle, Road Rules All-Stars - the very beginning of what would become The Real World/Road Rules Challenge, plus the debut of Total Request in a new primetime block, which soon became the TRL afternoon countdown. Earlier in the year, Road Rules Northern Trail did a Seattle episode featuring Third Eye Blind which I thought was the coolest thing. The TV landscape was of course very different, unlike today with Netflix Originals, reboots and The CW's Superhero TV. Besides MTV, my favorite show was definitely Buffy the Vampire Slayer and I immediately loved That '70s Show when it premiered in August. This was also when I really started to catch up on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers afternoon reruns, while the current season (Power Rangers in Space) would end the first six years with a truly morphinominal finale in November.<br />
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Meanwhile, October 4 was my first day in a work program at Seattle Central Community College, mostly doing recycling, mail delivery and some shipping/receiving, lasting until winter break mid-December. I also had meetings with a job coach there who helped get me a job at a printing place, which I started at mid-January. I'd go on to spend 4 years at MasterPress, which ultimately suffered from the economy and major staff cuts but is still open to this day. And besides my first real job, it was my first real experience having friends at a workplace, long before Whole Foods and QFC.<br />
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Unlike a lot of my classmate friends who I'd say moved on after graduation and never really looked back (not interested in any reunions either if this year is any indication), I wasn't quite ready to say goodbye to Roosevelt so fast. In June, I went with mom & dad to see the '99 spring musical ("Oklahoma!") and once in awhile, I'd see someone I knew while I'd be on the bus or about to catch one. Went to a Roosevelt football game in October and the following June, went back once more to see the '00 musical ("Brigadoon.") Also, Ms. Shintaffer & her husband had a boat and would take a small group of her students out sailing. We went once every June between '97 - '00. I enjoyed getting the chance to see the '99, '00 and '01 yearbooks as well whenever Sarah or one of her friends had left one around. She used to host parties, and July 26, 1999 was the biggest one of them all with what felt like almost the entire Roosevelt student body at the house, along with some graduates and other friends of Sarah's friends. It also became a sort of after party for a bunch of girls who had attended the Britney Spears show downtown and was finally broken up late in the night when the police arrived. These are the moments I can't ever forget.<br />
<br />
So here's to Roosevelt High School, my 4 years and all the celeb alumni who have walked the halls. 96 years (with a major facelift) has never looked so good. ShyRangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812664411091906593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565388360768043966.post-88993579245109034812018-05-21T22:12:00.000-07:002018-05-22T22:37:50.311-07:00Looking Back: Power Rangers Mystic ForceI like watching these Disney era seasons again several years later (In this case it had been a bit over 11 years since Mystic Force aired). I remembered it as being not that good, a common theme I'd say from around mid-SPD through late in Jungle Fury. Back then, it was fun to pick on the shows flaws (and listen to Rangercast do so), which led me to start blogging about every episode, which you can find <a href="http://www.shyranger.com/PR/MysticBlog.html" target="_blank">here</a>. But that was then. Now I appreciate Mystic Force a lot more.<br />
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The magic theme and Underworld really worked for me and the backstory of the great war that took place was fun to see again, which I now highly regard as the best structured story of the Kalish seasons (To this day, the <i>only</i> magic based season of Power Rangers). We had some good episodes adapting Magiranger footage which I loved (most notably <b>"THE GATEKEEPER</b>,<b>"</b> <b>"HEIR APPARENT"</b> and <b>"LIGHT SOURCE"</b> two-parters). The humor was handled good too with Phineas and Clare doing most of it (Oh how I miss that today). Looking back, I kind of think of it as a precursor to Super Megaforce using Gokaiger. This season also gave us one of my favorite Green Rangers (Xander) and a fun guy in Chip (Yellow). I liked having John Tui back right after SPD as Daggeron, and Barnie Duncan playing Toby (and doing a brief Piggy cameo from SPD) was awesome.<br />
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Mystic Force still had some glaring problems... Nick, one of the worst Red Rangers of the shows history helped contribute to a bit of a downturn in the second half as he really got a lot of the focus, as well as how they kind of rushed through The Ten Terrors. Vida (Pink) was also pretty bad (especially early on), while Madison (Blue) just never got much focus. This season also infamously dropped the ball by making what many thought was a different show than what the premiere trailer looked like. After the premiere, the forest creatures weren't seen again until the finale, which had a laughable final battle with the seasons big bad getting overstuffed on magic to defeat him. They went a little too far with all the revivals as well, I thought.<br />
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The flaws are only part of an otherwise good story and while there are several seasons better, we've seen <i>a lot</i> worse over the years since. In 21 seasons (season 1 - Ninja Steel) I'd rank Mystic Force right in the middle.<br />
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ShyRangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812664411091906593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565388360768043966.post-69314654761289256272018-01-02T23:26:00.002-08:002018-01-17T22:54:40.512-08:00PRNS Wrap-up: Ninja Epic Fail Ninja Steel first-half concluded with the final six episodes, a fitting end to a season that at times was so offensively bad, even worse than all of the Bruce Kalish years.<b> </b>First up,<b> </b>decent 3/5 for<b> "MONKEY BUSINESS" </b>- one of those wacky-monster episodes that had Phonepanzee recording the Rangers voices. I liked the idea of recreating scenes with Redbot being the hero but the book deal plot was pretty lame, giving his episode a 2/5.<b> "ABRAKADANGER"</b> was also not executed that well, leading to a slightly better 3/5. That was an awfully thick book for having only ten spells and this makes me wish <i>Mahou Sentai Abrakaranger</i> would be a real thing someday. Nice focus on Haley with the tennis match.<br />
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We then got my favorite Sarah episode of the season. I liked how involved her mom tried to be and the hoverboard is still my favorite thing. Even though Victor & Monty really blew it at the end and Mick didn't bother to check outside what was going on, I'll stick with a 4/5. But Mick acknowledging they were almost out of the ninja steel after it was ALSO MENTIONED a few episodes prior, was another example of the idiotic writing this show has... which leads to the finale.<br />
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I gotta say it didn't start out too bad. Galvanax has the Power Stars, then Brody gets away as the others are taken to the ship. Making Mick a Red Ranger was one of the few things this season got right though it was pretty half-assed how they did it with his and Dane's stars magically coming out of the prism from Brody's shattered star. I would've liked it a lot more if Dane had been possessing the prism this entire time. What lame excuse will he have to not be around for most of Super Ninja Steel? Plus I liked how it was the season finale of Galaxy Warriors. <br />
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As if Victor & Monty escaping from making the villains suffer bad gas wasn't bad enough, the Rangers defeating Galvanax by using a group Ninja Star Morph was also terrible, not to mention the asteroid coming in just in time to knockout the ship. Also it was just odd having the Samurai instrumental playing even though they weren't even doing a zord fight. I almost thought Princess Viera would show up with the Lion Fortress and I got the impression the ship went a LONG way... maaaybe the Dino Charge dimension where Sledge is alive? It's sounding like he'll be a short cameo, but I do look forward to what happens there. Glad to see Cosmo Royale survives the wreckage. The amount of closure just so everything can be remade with the
asteroids ninja steel was absolutely ridiculous, worse than the Dino
Charge team assuming all the villains were gone. And as much as I like seeing John Sumner (Fresno Bob) return as Santa and having the Christmas episode after the finale, it<b> </b>wasn't that good. Those were some very questionable times Sarah time-traveled to, to get the individual Power Stars, when she simply could've gotten them all at once. Any why must be school ALWAYS be used as the hangout? 3/5 for both episodes.<br />
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For now, I'll rank Ninja Steel 19 out of 21 seasons, between Overdrive and Megaforce. The biggest problem to me? Worst episode plots ever.
Even Overdrive had Marchand/Tellegen backing it and at times they scored
with the episode plot. Not the case now, being stuck with the worst
writing team ever. I can't help but wonder how a Ninninger rip would've compared, rather than doing so much of their own stuff , including twice reusing (Thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/Martian_Ranger" target="_blank">Julian Do</a>, we know they've consistently shot
82-84% original footage the past three years). Hopefully we'll see cameos outside of the teamup as it's gonna take a lot to make this anniversary season better than the previous.ShyRangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812664411091906593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565388360768043966.post-16490092100633975072017-12-14T22:43:00.005-08:002017-12-14T23:00:12.175-08:00Crisis on Earth-X: The Ultimate Superhero Time!I don't really post about them but I'm a huge fan of The CW's DCTV (or as I like to call it, "Superhero Time"). The latter 2000s-early 2010s belonged to <i>Smallville</i> which I'll forever hold dear to me, but now it's a whole 'nother time when their is SO much more going on, which began just over five years ago with <i>Arrow</i>. While <i>Supergirl</i> isn't always as good, I consider all four "Arrowverse" shows my favorites. I've especially enjoyed <i>The Flash</i> the moment it premiered and <i>Legends of Tomorrow</i> at times has been the absolute best, in paticular season 2's "Leigon of Doom" plotline. I kind of like to look at it as <i>Arrow</i> has the best choreographed fight scenes, <i>The Flash</i> best humor and <i>Legends</i> best episode plots.<br />
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Going into this years big crossover, <i>Crisis on Earth-X</i>, I wondered how much all the shows would mesh together, after last years <i>Invasion!</i> crossover had each part of it more focused on the show it was on (<i>The Flash</i> beginning, ending on <i>Legends</i>, with <i>Arrow's</i> 100th episode in the middle). It turns out, everything gelled really well and it was easy to forget it was technically <i>Supergirl</i>, not <i>The Flash</i> the first hour when Barry/Iris tried to have their wedding. <br />
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Joining Kara, Oliver, Barry and Sara
each doing their thing in their own cities was a nice way to kick things off, sort of a quick rundown for each show. Mick had the best one-liners and I loved he was at the wedding when he really
shouldn't have been. Gotta hope the next one involves more of the <i>Supergirl</i> cast. Winn's due
to meet everyone now and it would be nice to see J'onn fighting alongside
the others sometime. Also gotta wonder if John Wesley Shipp was even offered to be in this. I thought it
was strange Jay wasn't even mentioned. I get Joe not appearing much, but come on, even Wally was only in the first hour. So aside from a lack a screentime for a few, it was
great seeing everyone work together, especially with the whole
Stein/Jax plotline coming over. It sure felt like more Firestorm than
what we ever got from <i>Legends</i>. And wow, just wow. I really thought Stein
was simply going to stay home at the end. <br />
<br />
Elsewhere, I thought Thawne switching to Wells
appearance made sense after previously getting killed by Black Flash and it kind of felt
like a homage when they brokeout the wheelchair (turns out it was a money saver as Matt Letscher was never asked back for this). I liked Dark
Arrow being in a relationship with Overgirl and it was awesome seeing
all the Earth-X counterparts including giving us another version of Leonard Snart. This kind of makes me wish The CW would do a mini DC movie separate from
the shows episode counts someday but a special title card for the crossover (as was the case here) is close enough for them I imagine.<br />
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