Before Haim Saban had the greenlight from Toei to produce VR Troopers -- there was the 1980s Jikuu Senshi Spielban. Sure, the late Soga Machiko may always be remembered as Witch Bandora in Kyoryu Sentai Zyuranger. However, I think some people may have noticed that Despera was used as Desponda (who had Andrea Harmon for the U.S. footage). Blink and one may miss that some of Desponda's footage involves Machiko's face instead of Harmon. I only knew it when I was in college.
VR Troopers was a strange mix -- it used Chojinki Metalder footage along with Spielban in the first season. It was later I noticed that Ucchu Keiji Shaider footage was used. It was that time I was still ignorant about international marketing and felt Toei should sue. I learned it was a contractual agreement. Dislike Power Rangers or any American adaptations all I want -- those shows can't be bootleg! Yes, that's why I've heckled a group of people who call Power Rangers BOOTLEG because no matter how much I don't like it -- it's not an illegal reproduction! Anyway, back on topic, I could talk about how Pandora might be that villain that needs a little more appreciation.
VR Troopers Season 2 introduced Desponda as a guest character. Desponda is portrayed as Despera's sister. Desponda is called as having evil beyond bounds. Despera is female while High Priest Poe is actually a man pretending to be a woman. Despera had the potential to tear off the heroes. I remember saying that the fight between JB and Caitlin against Despera looked so cool. I wasn't surprised to learn it was finale footage from Spielban! The ending was sort of funny. Grimlord fired Desponda who survived all that. Desponda got fired and her fate remained unknown. However, Pandora actually croaked at Spielban's end. Pandora turned out to be some kind of starfish alien -- one that required massive amounts of water to live.
VR Troopers Season 2 introduced Desponda as a guest character. Desponda is portrayed as Despera's sister. Desponda is called as having evil beyond bounds. Despera is female while High Priest Poe is actually a man pretending to be a woman. Despera had the potential to tear off the heroes. I remember saying that the fight between JB and Caitlin against Despera looked so cool. I wasn't surprised to learn it was finale footage from Spielban! The ending was sort of funny. Grimlord fired Desponda who survived all that. Desponda got fired and her fate remained unknown. However, Pandora actually croaked at Spielban's end. Pandora turned out to be some kind of starfish alien -- one that required massive amounts of water to live.
Pandora's attitude is anything but admirable and rarely comedic. Bandora might be crueler than Rita Repulsa (in some way) but she was a Benevolent Boss. No, Pandora was just really mean towards her OWN SUBORDINATES. Pandora used her minions as expandables. Pandora forced Dr. Bio to serve her by keeping his daughter Helen against their will. More importantly, Pandora sought to turn Helen into her loyal servant Helvira. Pandora's mistreatment of her minions backfired though when Dr. Bio betrayed her eventually. It's karma for what Pandora did to Shadow and Gasher (by using them as bombs), General Deathzero (who was forced to fight to the death), and maybe that's why Youki wants to take over. Youki's probably been abused for all his life.
Some people might argue that Bandora's probably got more personality than Pandora. Bandora is simultaneously crueler and funnier than Rita. The reasons are that Bandora treats her minions with respect and hardly comes up with a feasible plan. However, Bandora does a few things Rita wasn't allowed to do -- due to TV-Y7-FV. Rita wasn't allowed to offer 13 children to Lokar or poison Kimberly into a near-death state. Rita wanted to eat the children once they've turned into apples. Bandora's cruel actions were mostly towards humans -- while maintaining a good relationship with her minions. However, it was through Pandora that Machiko was challenged all the more. Machiko's earlier role as Queen Hedrian back in Denzi Sentai Denziman and Taiyo Sentai Sun Vulcan were rather basic. Pandora is delightfully evil -- something Machiko rarely played in other roles.
I feel the most appreciation for Bandora was because the footage was used for Rita in Season 1 and some parts of Season 2. Later on, Carla Perez was used for Rita footage -- therefore turning Rita into her own character. For Power Rangers fans checking out the Japanese product -- there's more familiarity with Bandora than Pandora. Pandora was used only as a one-time character. Sure, they can all pick Spielban and enjoy it. However, it's easier to connect with Bandora than Pandora. Even I find Bandora more entertaining than Pandora. The Zyurangers were just fortunate that Bandora wasn't even half as cruel as Pandora ever was!
I feel the most appreciation for Bandora was because the footage was used for Rita in Season 1 and some parts of Season 2. Later on, Carla Perez was used for Rita footage -- therefore turning Rita into her own character. For Power Rangers fans checking out the Japanese product -- there's more familiarity with Bandora than Pandora. Pandora was used only as a one-time character. Sure, they can all pick Spielban and enjoy it. However, it's easier to connect with Bandora than Pandora. Even I find Bandora more entertaining than Pandora. The Zyurangers were just fortunate that Bandora wasn't even half as cruel as Pandora ever was!
Basically, Pandora can be a challenging role to play. It was back when Toei still had permission to give more eyebrow-raising moments in Toku compared to today. Pandora's Nightmare Fuel proves how good an actress Machiko was. Machiko would probably still get the most credit as Bandora because of Rita. Nobody should still forget how Pandora's one MOFO that would've won -- if it wasn't for some karmic backlash that eventually hit her.
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