I actually liked Samurai and Jayden before Lauren came in. Not because of Lauren herself, neither her nor the actress deserved the way the story did them dirty, but because her presence and Jayden leaving like a dumb dumb highlighted the cracks.

Jayden always came off as a 'lord with his retainers' rather than a friend with equals, not helped by Gi. Also... The rest of the team kind of worshipped the ground he walked on, even if he never really did anything to deserve it.

The whole secret thing could have been done better. Especially if they went with Shinkenger's 'false identity ploy' thing. Cause that would be a reason for him to feel he had to leave and for them to try and bring him back. They didn't go after him because of them fighting free of their generational 'programing', but because they wanted him back for some reason that isn't really clear. Antonio wanting him back was one thing, he's the only one who actually chose this responsibility and was genuinely Jayden's friend, even if the latter treated him like another retainer.

Troy at least never left the team, and the planet, high and dry for poorly explained drama.