I may be in the minority on this (as usual) but this series is my sixth favorite in the franchise and the second one I really like in the Disney years. This is a show that sort of ran under the radar.
One of the things I really like about the franchise is in it's creative freedom. Each show is always different and can go any direction it wants to go. This show once again takes the fantasy direction and to me it's the best on in that sub category so far.
In a way you could say the show is Power Rangers mixed with "Big Trouble in Little China" kinda sort of. Like with that movie it was mixing in Chinese fantasy with contemporary reality and that's cool and makes this series different.
I really love how the show touches upon the martial arts aspect again which I feel was something sorely missed in the past shows. As well as the animalistic aspect for the Rangers. It makes sense since Power Rangers was normally a Martial Arts show and martial arts is based on the movements and behavior of the animals.
The action I think is great and choreographed well, I really like that they utilize the kung fu style and the different systems used. Each of the Rangers utilize a different system which makes their uniqueness more distinctive not just by costume. Even like the weapons, my favorite was Casey/Red Ranger using the nunchukus which was awesome and I personally feel is a weapon not used enough in action films and shows, both sorely need some nunchuku action again. Each have chi superpowers based on their animal totem which is cool and really helps give the show a sort of Shonan Anime feel. Zords are of course cool though I'll admit the battles with them are just a bit too brief, which is the only weak point of the show for me. Music is also very good, I really like the theme song which I thought was fun.
But what really powered it was in the characters as well as development in both the story and characters.
The protagonist Casey/The Red Ranger I really like. He's sort of an underdog because he is a bit illconfidant, passive aggressive, he's not as skilled as the rest of his team, but he really does try. But I feel that's something different in the Red Ranger aspect because most of the time the Red Ranger is always the strongest because he's the leader of the pack. But in this show this time he doesn't take the lead, here he's basically a rockie. I really like how we see this character slowly and gradually grow in both skill and psychologically. At first we see he doesn't do well, let alone really be willing to take on his role but as things go further he really starts to take the lead, which is great and a good lesson showing how leadership isn't something given but earned.
Jarod and Camile (on a side note think the actress is hot) both these characters are my favorites in the show, they both have a rather fascinating character arc. I'll admit these two are another one of my favorite couple in the franchise. Both of them I feel just have genuine chemistry together, there were sparks flying ricocheting off each other, and have the most significant development.
When we see them both at first we think both might not be capable of good as we see Jarod as an unlikeable ego centric power tripping douchbag and Camile seems just plain evil. But then we see as both interact and exercise feelings for each other as well as discover more about their past more that when we begin to forgive both of them a bit and see that both really aren't bad people they've just been on the wrong path. And this just all the more makes us want both to do the right thing not just for the Power Rangers but themselves.
In a way this also give the show a bit of a throwback feel, because Tommy/Green Ranger also use to be a bad guy. And the show does have the morality quality back as we see Jarod and Camile are seeing there is a better and right path to go. For Casey it's to gain confidence, believe in himself more, and exercise aggression. For the rest it's to see that good exists in most people even one's that we think are bad.
Overall this is a hidden gem in the jungle to check out. "Power Rangers Jungle Fury" is roaring fun.
Rating: 3 and a half stars
