By Nova
No.1 Sentai Gozyuger opens not with a united front, but with a battle royale. The first nine episodes dive headfirst into rivalry, emotional baggage, and massive mecha mischief—framed by a high-stakes wish-granting contest that pits the Rangers against each other almost as much as the villains.
The Premise
Each Gozyuger has been chosen by the sentient god-like mech TegaSword, creator of the Sentai Rings, to compete in the Battle for the Rings. The winner receives a single wish with the power to reshape reality. It’s a thematic callback to Gokaiger’s ultimate treasure—only here, it’s every Ranger for themselves.
This isn’t a team. It’s a five-way free-for-all with heavy emotional stakes.
The Rivals
Hoeru Tono / GozyuWolf (Red) is a walking headache. Charismatic and obsessed with being “No.1,” he frequently hijacks the team’s Megazord for personal vanity projects like gardening and treasure hunting. His antics are hilarious—until you realize what’s driving them.
Years ago, Hoeru and his older brother Hisamitsu Tono were trapped in the No One Dimension. Separated during their escape, Hoeru returned home only to discover his family had adopted new children and seemingly erased him from their lives. This loss of identity and place fuels his manic drive for recognition—and perhaps redemption.
His brother? He never came back.
He became Ring Hunter Garyudo, a high-ranking villain wielding a grotesque, god-powered white hand-shaped morpher. As the “trump card” of Queen TegaJune’s army, Hisamitsu now hunts Hoeru as a rival—not as family. His cold proclamation, “You are my prey, dear little brother,” hits like a dagger.
Rikuo Byakuya / GozyuLeon (Blue) was once a top pop idol, but his fame was stolen by a rival. His cool demeanor hides bitterness, and subtle clues suggest he may know more than he lets on—particularly about Sumino’s missing sister.
Ryugi Bakugami / GozyuTyranno (Yellow) is the battle-hardened realist. Focused, blunt, and often the only voice of reason, he’s had enough of Hoeru’s nonsense and isn’t afraid to say so—loudly.
Kinjiro “Joji” Takehara / GozyuEagle (Green) brings unexpected soul. An elderly businessman granted youth by the Gozyuger system, he’s determined to discover joy and freedom for the first time. His clash of mature wisdom and youthful inexperience is one of the show’s low-key strengths.
Sumino Ichikawa / GozyuUnicorn (Black) is a former police officer turned private detective, haunted by the disappearance of her little sister. Sharp, methodical, and emotionally guarded, she’s in this for answers—not friendship.
Team Chemistry (or Lack Thereof)
There is no “team” in the first seven episodes. The Gozyugers are competitors, constantly undermining each other in pursuit of their own goals. Episode 8 marks the first time they even start to work together, and it’s only because the situation forces them to.
That slow-burn evolution from rivals to something resembling allies is one of the show’s best narrative moves. It feels earned—and watching them struggle to connect is both frustrating and deeply satisfying.
Style & Sound
The show looks phenomenal. The suit designs are sharp, the action is fast and fluid, and TegaSword is a towering, divine presence. The music slaps, with a bombastic opening and a surprisingly emotional ending theme that hints at the personal stories behind the chaos.
Final Thoughts
No.1 Sentai Gozyuger is bold, broken, and brilliantly unorthodox. The show throws its Rangers into battle not just against monsters, but against their own traumas, regrets, and ambitions. Hoeru’s fractured relationship with Hisamitsu is shaping up to be one of the most emotionally charged sibling arcs in Sentai history.
If the first nine episodes are anything to go by, Gozyuger isn’t just aiming to be #1 in-universe. It’s taking a real shot at being one of the most memorable Sentai entries in recent years.
Credit for picture: IMDB
