Bakuage Sentai Boonbomger Episodes 18 and 19 places a heavy focus on characters as their history is explored to bring a new thrilling instalment. The 48th Sentai series places a spotlight on newcomers Sakito and Byun D as they enter the road of development.
The latest releases for Boonboomger debuts the clash between BunViolet’s connection with the Hashiryan and his past life. The cleaner is finally put to the test as he must choose whether he is defined by his job or needs to awaken his history. The following instalment also places a highlight on Bundorio and Byun D as character hang ups and curses open the path to a new combination.
Bakuage Sentai Boonboomger features Yu Miyazawa as the sixth hero to debut in the 48th Super Sentai series. The purple additional team member captivates fans as the Formula 1 inspired, BunViolet. Now part of the main reccurring cast, he is also joined by voice actor Natsuki Hanae as the voice of his partner, Byun Diesel, with Masashi Takada as the suit actor. As the latest addition to the series, previews of the first powerup, ‘119 mode’, have now featured to follow his debut, which will be given to BunRed.
Two Instalments Feature Development Between Characters
The latest episodes of the 48th Sentai series have begun rolling out character development as the latest members break down walls. This includes BunViolet as he unwillingly works through his past, while Bundorio faces his regrets when racing Byun D. Robo excitement will also feature in the two episodes as fans see more action from Byunbyun Mach Robo, with a new combination for Boonboomger Robo. Both releases also create a build for the new team dynamic as BunViolet has yet to acclimatise on Earth.
Boonboomger #18 Adds Friction to Sakito’s Past With Tense Struggles Adding a Flare
Boonboomger has increased the tension as it focuses on Sakito Homura’s character and history as an Earthling. The episodes have been very light on his dual allegiance as he switches from personal interest to hired commitment. Finally, BunViolet is put to the test as the Hashiryan release Sword Grumer once more and force a fight between Taiga and Sakito. Viewers also were treated to a full action debut of Byunbyun Mach Robo, which features his weaponry and flight capabilities.
BunViolet Given Tension For Current State
Yu Miyazawa has performed with such a high energy since his debut but we finally see more of his range in this particular episode. Although usually easy going, we finally see shock and agony as he is forced to complete a job for the Hashiryan. It’s brilliant how the story flipped on Sakito as his trading card is stolen and led to a realisation of priorities. It also shows he has a weakness as he was happy to consider “cleaning-up” Boonboomger if paid correctly, until his prized possession was held for ransom.
The episode finally reveals his past as he made the choice to go into space on a chance encounter with Byun D. It was an amazingly simple connection with a childhood friend that enabled him to fully switch his allegiance. Although he usually enjoys the chaos, seeing his old friend and family in danger finally brought his emotions out, which Miyazawa captured well for the moment. Seeing these stacked events was a great way to open the gate for BunViolet joining the team for good.
Racing Feeling Between Taiga and Sakito
The episode also featured a great mix of emotions for Sakito as his interactions with Taiga created a substantial bond. Without parents and with ten years away from Earth, there was a lot of fuel pumping as Taiga provided BunViolet with an overview. Seeing the realisation that leaving for space made no difference to his internal “screaming’, it was the perfect pull to bring a connection between the delivery man and the cleaner.
The change in perspective was also heightened by the other five members coming out to protect the people with Byun D. Seeing the team only contributing despite being summoned so early, showed how much synergy there is compared to the preview two Sentai teams. Genba was also finally given a moment to shine against Sakito as he reopens the card held by Itasha. Additionally, the Sanseaters also felt a lot more villainous in this episode due to the emotional fear caused by their hostages.
On Point Action Hits Against Both Sides
The starting battle between Sakito and Taiga really hit fast, with the great speed and quick evasion to start off the scene. The main attraction to the episode was the team roll call, but it was also fantastic to see a matching sequence performed by Yu Miyazawa. The speed effects were a great addition to this car themed Sentai, but the fight choreography was consistently peak from start to finish. The duos fight against the Sword Grumer was a sight to behold, adding flare with every shot to highlight a great episode.
New Robo Receives Rightful Debut
The episode finally debuted the long awaited Boonboom Killer Classic, which was a nice surprise instead of the giant Kurumajyu. The fight featured a great clash between the armed Boonboomger Killer Robo and Boonboomger Robo Knight. However, the arrival of Byunbyum Mach Robo finally granted fantastic combat from the latest addition. The aerial variant of combat was a nice change of visuals, removing more predictability.
This fight and finisher flowed perfectly and even featured a fantastic moment of added humor. This involved the Killer Robo getting hit in the behind by its sword after trying to chase down the Mach Robo. The only downside is that the robo shouldn’t have appeared in the previous episode, which would have allowed its debut to shine brighter. If the vehicle mode was the only focus, this episode would have come out way stronger with the debut of the new robo for the series.
Boonboomger #19 Heals Scars and Adds Value to Friendship
Unique fallout from past events features for various characters in this episode. This includes a focus on Byun D and Bundorio’s relationship and a specific race called the ‘Milky Way’. The ATM Grumer features as the main foe that adds a handicap on the team as it affects those with a large money account balances. The episode also features an inclusion of the summer holiday of Tanabata and the debut of Wing Boonboomger Robo.
Diverse Hangups Feature for Characters
The episode specifically highlights the mental and social anguish that some of the team face. This includes Saiba’s interest in Bundorio and trying to keep her professional and romantic life from clashing. This is brilliantly then given a strike of irony as Byun D is walking around as the agent concludes the negative impact of casually going out with Bundorio. The theme is then continued with Sakito and Byun D starving due to lack of funds caused by their Hashiryan fallout.
The beginning of the episode has such a fantastic trend to begin the story as it leads to Bundorio’s hangup with heights. The story was deliberately fashioned to lead to Bundorio revealing his racing regret, which was a great way to add unexpected character building. The difference between Bundorio and Byun D is also highlighted as Bundorio takes calculated choices out of fear. It was great to finally see the issues that caused the rivalry to unbalance.
Payday Becomes Nightmare With Humour And Combat
To keep with the theme, the ATM Grumer also added to this hangup recurrence by adding a curse to those with a high account balances. It was brilliant to not only apply this to those who have had their payday, but to also create a significant threat to Taiya due to his rich status. It was also comical to see Itasha take an interest in the woman’s payday excitement before creating the new Kurumajyu.
There wasn’t a lot of combat in the episode, compared to previous instalments, but it did include some great dynamic changes. This includes the working balance between the five Boonboomgers and their new member, since he often acts for his own spotlight of the action. The overall timing of the finisher felt a bit rushed but it was great to see the development of the new dynamic instead of it becoming an instant achievement.
From Treatment to Big Robo Win
There were some nice touches of detail that added to the humour of the episode. This includes many minor moments for the characters, which involved resolving the circumstances and taking actions. Yuki Hayama become a core voice of the episode as he establishes concerns, points out reasons and even tells Sakito to wait his turn. It was a great way to give information to the audience while also allowing the episode to quickly continue to the next part of the scene. It was also funny that Jou had no money in his account due to expensive gym equipment, making light of his lifestyle.
The Wing Boonboomger Robo was given a great build up by the fight involving both robo’s against the ATM Grumer. It was a delightful fight that led to a downed ByunByum Mach Robo. It was also amusing to discover Byun D had secret finances that he did reveal to penniless Sakito. The moment was a great way to highlight the bond between the two rivals, while also leading to Bundorio to confront his fear of heights. The sequence was a satisfying part of the episode and seeing Taiga change his money curse into an unexpected, hefty finisher was a great way to conclude the event.
For inflicting drama on the latest member, we give Bakuage Sentai Boonboomger Episode 18 a total score of 9 out of 10.
For adding greater bonds between rivals with a resolved regret, we give Bakuage Sentai Boonboomger Episode 19 a total score of 7 out of 10.
Bakuage Sentai Boonboomger will air episode 20 on Sunday July 14th, 2023, exclusively in Japan via TV-Asahi. The next instalment for the 48th Super Sentai series will feature the return of Mira’s fiancé as he works with the Hashiryan to get her back.
For more Boonboomger, keep an eye out for the next Sentai Summary review. For more Super Sentai, keep an eye on social media and keep following The Toku Source for more news and announcements.
