Kaito explains what they’ve discovered about Papa Goshikida to the Goldtsuikers. Zox isn’t too surprised since he had a feeling that could be the case as he’s noticed how similar Kaito and Hakaizer seemed to be.
Zox understands Kaito asking him to catch, but not hurt Hakaizer if ever there’s an opportunity. Grandma Yacchan apologizes for the trouble. But Flint says it’s nothing, especially since it won’t get in the way of them finding the SD Tojiru Gear.
Meanwhile, Jack in the Box World is wreaking havoc downtown by popping out surprises for everyone, including Vroom and Magine who are out shopping. They notify Secchan who tells the others who hurry down. But Zox asks his siblings to wait a moment so they can have a chat.
Over at the Palace, Bokkowaus is upset when Ijirude admits that all the technology he’s developed was stolen from the Goshikidas. Bokkowaus does not appreciate being lied to, but Gege notes they wouldn’t have gotten the professors from whom they stole the information from if it wasn’t for Ijirude.
Bokkowaus says he doesn’t absolve Ijirude of his lying, but he does commend him for his eye for talent and ingenuity to get results. Ijirude reports that he is reinforcing Hakaizer’s brainwashing as he’s still got some use to him. Barashitara, meanwhile, says he has a plan of his own.
Stacey is watching over Hakaizer’s recharging and says he never imagined he could be Kaito’s father. He thinks about Grandma Yacchan and pulls out the coupon she gave him.
The Zenkaigers meet up downtown just as everyone has gotten over the brief surprises. Jack in the Box World shoots surprise beams at the Zenkaigers and summons Kudakks in order to slink away. But Jack in the Box World runs into Zox.
Zox uses the Goseiger Gear and turns into Groundion Header to whisk Jack in the Box World away.
The Zenkaigers head back to the shop, wondering why Zox would do what he did. Magine suggests that Zox might use Jack in the Box World to lure Hakaizer out.
The Goldtsuikers have Jack in the Box World tied up and dangling above a panel of metal spikes. Zox shoots at the World and demands he call Hakaizer over.
The twins think Zox is so cool for doing this. Flint points out Kaito will not be happy about it, but Zox says that’s why they didn’t tell him. They proceed to tickle Jack in the Box World.
Realizing what the siblings could possibly be doing, Kaito disapproves of such measures and he and the others hurry out to find them.
Instead of Hakaizer, it is Barashitara who appears at the warehouse and orders Jack in the Box World to activate his true form. Instead of the silly surprises from earlier, Jack in the Box World unleashes much more violent surprises on the siblings.
Barashitara says Hakaizer is under Ijirude’s command, so he will not be involved in today’s activities.
Zox tells the twins to get to safety just as he gets caught by surprise by Jack in the Box World.
A boxer pops out of a crate and is about to attack the twins. But Flint jumps in to shield them from the punch, which she takes herself.
The Zenkaigers are helping the people who are being threatened with the more violent surprises.
Ricky finds them and tells them to hurry over to help his brother who is struggling against Barashitara and Jack in the Box World.
Jack in the Box World laughs that they cannot henshin because he’s added his surprise to their Geartlingers. But the Zenkaigers use teamwork to keep the flower pop-ups under control, allowing them to transform.
The twins help the Kikai4 uphenshin using the GoGoFive Gear as they head into the burning warehouse to help the unconscious Flint.
Back at the Palace, Hakaizer’s brainwashing is complete and he rushes out to help Jack in the Box World. Ijirude tells Stacey to follow him.
Kaito and Zox go super. As Zox handles Barashitara, the Kikai4 take on Jack in the Box World while Kaito faces off against his father. Secchan reminds Kaito to let Hakaizer use up all his power in order to have the brainwashing wear off.
But Stacey, not wanting to let the only person on his side be lost, henshins. He apologizes to Yatsude and charges toward Kaito to help his new teammate.
Kaito and Stacey fight over who gets Hakaizer/Papa Goshikida back. But Hakaizer says no one owns him and he alone will choose who he is friends with. Kaito says that will only happen when he’s back to his normal self. Stacey refuses to let Kaito have this one thing on top of everything else.
The Kikai4 deliver a Final Buster at Jack in the Box World. Hakaizer is sad. Stacey whisks him away.
Barashitara leaves and Dai Jack in the Box World appears. Kaito and Zox form Zenkaiju-Oh while VrooMagine also help to finish off Dai Jack in the Box World for good.
That evening back at the shop, Kaito scolds Zox and tells him to never do something like that again. Zox insists that they were able to lure Hakaizer out and they argue over the safety and effectiveness of the plan.
Grandma Yacchan steps in and says while they appreciate Zox’s efforts, she’s afraid Papa Goshikida would not be happy by his methods.
Zox says fine, but not to blame him if they’re too late to save him. Kaito says they will not be too late because they will succeed.
Zox meets his siblings outside as they say they’ll just have to go with Kaito’s ways. Flint says that’s part of what makes Kaito so fun. Zox comments that having friends makes things complicated sometimes.
Episode Thoughts
This was a fun and insightful episode. It was all about friendship and teamwork. Both for the Zenkaigers as well as Stacey and his continued loneliness.
First for Stacey, we know he’s been alone at the Palace. He’s merely been used as a pawn and tool by everyone, including his own father. So now when he has someone like Hakaizer who truly wants to be his teammate and friend, he will do what he can to keep that connection intact. It’s an interesting development for Stacey and adds another dimension to his relationship with Grandma Yacchan.
Again, I’m setting myself up for disappointment. But I really hope there’s some big reveal regarding this whole potentially soapy twist in their story.
Meanwhile, we get back to a sort of forgotten aspect of the Zenkaigers’ relationship with the Goldtsuikers. Particularly the five Zenkaigers and Zox. The pirate siblings are obviously still focused on their own goals even if they have grown closer and worked stronger with the others. But their methods certainly still clash.
Zox’s plan of torturing and using Jack in the Box World is definitely something bright, always positive Kaito would not approve of. And indeed, especially when we only knew Jack in the Box World as someone sprouting silly surprises around town, seeing the scene of him being tortured was kind of brutal.
They remedied any sympathy we might have had for Jack in the Box World by revealing his true nature. But still, the whole set-up worked to highlight the still-present differences between Kaito and Zox. But also highlight how much the Goldtsuikers have grown themselves, especially when it comes to finding friends in the Zenkaigers.
The parallel between their relationships and Stacey’s lack thereof was definitely the focus of this episode more so than legitimately trying to save Papa Goshikida. And in that sense, this was a good episode. Solid story, some silly fun and nice action with teamwork.