“Go! Go! Loser Ranger!” Season 2 continues its subversive take on the superhero genre, and Episode 15, which aired on April 27, 2025, dives deeper into the complexities of its characters and the overarching plot. While the episode might suffer from some pacing issues, it delivers key moments and sets the stage for future conflicts. The episode is available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+.
Initial Reactions and Community Score
The episode has garnered a community score of 4.2, indicating a generally positive, though perhaps not overwhelmingly enthusiastic, reception.
Plot Overview: Trapped Minds and Slow Pacing
Episode 15 picks up where the previous episode left off, with Hisui confronting Kyosuke Wakaba, who seems to be possessed by the Boss Monster Magatia. However, things are not as straightforward as they appear.
Hisui’s Darkly Absurd Failure
The highlight of the episode is when Hisui, in a moment of brutal action, tackles the fake Kyosuke out of a window and impales his skull with a laser beam. This shocking act is witnessed by a classmate, leading to a “time warp” that resets the day. Hisui finds herself back at the beginning, her hands still in the stabbing position. This moment is described as a “perfectly dark and absurd moment of Sisyphean failure,” effectively establishing Magatia as a formidable antagonist.
Magatia’s Illusion and Hisui’s Struggle
Following the initial confrontation, Hisui becomes trapped within Magatia’s mental prison. She spends the majority of the episode fighting against the illusion’s pull, but the episode doesn’t reveal the outcome of this internal battle. Her loss of self is portrayed as interesting, potentially generating empathy for surface dwellers, a feeling Fighter D would never admit to having. Despite this, her storyline in the episode is considered a “simple check-in”.
Fighter D vs. Sensei Gatou
A significant portion of the episode focuses on Fighter D’s confrontation with Sensei Gatou, an accomplice of the Snake Boss. This plot thread, while entertaining, is criticized for its slow pace and lack of substantial development. Fighter D uses his regenerative abilities in a comical manner against Gatou, but the glimpses into Gatou’s military past and the contrast between Fighter D’s monstrous upbringing and human childhood don’t add enough depth to justify the fight’s length.
Pacing Issues and Adaptation
The episode is described as “rambling in its pacing,” suggesting that it stretches the available manga content to fill the runtime. This is attributed to the episode’s need to avoid ending at an awkward point in the storyline. Despite this, the reviewer prefers this approach over the slow pacing of previous arcs.
Key Events and Moments
- Hisui’s confrontation with the possessed Kyosuke Wakaba: This leads to a shocking and darkly comedic moment where she seemingly kills him, only for time to reset.
- Hisui’s entrapment in Magatia’s mental prison: She struggles against the illusion, but the outcome remains unresolved.
- Fighter D’s fight with Sensei Gatou: This is a lengthy battle with some backstory elements, but ultimately feels drawn out.
Characters in Focus
- Hisui: She takes center stage, showcasing her ruthlessness and vulnerability as she falls victim to Magatia’s illusion.
- Fighter D: He engages in a drawn-out fight with Gatou, demonstrating his resourcefulness and regenerative abilities.
- Magatia: Though not directly present, her power and influence are felt through the illusion she casts and the Sisyphean trap she sets for Hisui.
- Sensei Gatou: The Snake Boss’s accomplice, whose backstory is hinted at during his fight with Fighter D.
Themes Explored
- The nature of heroism and villainy: The series continues to blur the lines between heroes and villains, questioning the motives and methods of the Dragon Keepers.
- The power of illusion and manipulation: Magatia’s ability to trap individuals in mental prisons highlights the dangers of deception and the struggle to maintain one’s identity.
- The contrast between appearances and reality: The episode reveals cracks in the seemingly perfect facade of the Dragon Keepers and the world they present to the public.
Cast
The voice cast for “Go! Go! Loser Ranger!” Season 2 includes:
- Yusuke Kobayashi as Fighter D/Footsoldier D
- Daishi Kajita as Hibiki Sakurama
- Yumika Yano as Yumeko Suzukiri
- Yuichi Nakamura as Red Keeper
- Go Inoue as Blue Keeper
- Kensho Ono as Yellow Keeper
- M.A.O as Pink Keeper
- Kosuke Toriumi as Green Keeper/Chidori
- Hiroshi Shirokuma as Mine Gato
- Satoru Ito as Shigenobu Murakami
- Koji Yusa as Hwalipon
- Hiroshi Kamiya as Yakushi Usukubo
- Yuki Kaji as Kyosuke Wakaba
- Masakazu Morita as Masashi Nishiki
Production
- Director: Keiichi Sato
- Series Composition: Keiichiro Ochi
- Character Designer: Kahoko Koseki
- Music: Yoshihiro Ike
- Animation Studio: Yostar Pictures
Music
- Opening Theme: “Maji de Sekai Kaechau 5-byo Mae” by Orange Range
- Ending Theme: “Seigi” by Fukurow
Where to Watch
“Go! Go! Loser Ranger!” streams on Disney+ and Hulu.
Final Thoughts
While Episode 15 may not be the most action-packed or tightly paced installment, it offers intriguing character moments and sets the stage for future conflicts. The episode’s exploration of illusion, manipulation, and the blurred lines between heroes and villains continues to make “Go! Go! Loser Ranger!” a compelling and subversive anime series.
