ULTRAMAN NEXUS has what a lot of recent monster films/shows are lacking - interesting, well developed characters with engrossing story telling. The show - comprised of 37 episodes approximately 24 minutes each - began broadcasting every Saturday in Japan from October 2nd 2004. The subsequent DVD releases saw an extended directors cut of Episode 29, as well as a brand new "Episode EX", both running around 45 minutes in length.
For this - the 14th television entry in Tsuburaya Productions' long-running ULTRAMAN series - there are several breaks in tradition. The show does not focus on the Ultraman "host", in fact, the Ultraman host has nothing to do with the show's attack team (Night Raiders) at all. Rather, we see the story through the eyes of Komon Kazuki, the new rookie member of the Night Raiders. Similar to ULTRAMAN GAIA, the show follows a continuing story arc through each episode. Rather than the traditional "monster-of-the-week" format, it often takes Ultraman several episodes to finally defeat each monster. And while the "3 minute timer" rule does not apply, Ultraman's strength relies of that of his human "host" - the "Dunamist".
ULTRAMAN NEXUS follows on from the theatrical feature ULTRAMAN THE NEXT (2004), taking place 5 years later in the year 2009. In my humble opinion, this is certainly a show worth checking out. Very dark and gritty, yet still keeps to the true meaning of the series: "akiramenai" ("don't give up!"). Chock full of surprises too, as long as you don't spoil it for yourself! I haven't enjoyed a TV show this much in years.
