The 4 episode stretch so far during Power Rangers Dino Charge continues not to disappoint! “Return of the Caveman” is no exception with nor only character backstory but character development for some of the background players as well. The writing in this episode is again excellent and not only introduces new arsenal, Megazord combos and villains but there is also solid Character Development that moves this story along nicely!
Koda & His Brother: While the CGI in these scenes were a bit wonky at places, the scenes that introduce Koda’s past with his brother ring rather true. The Saber Tooth Tiger did look a little goofy but I was willing to overlook that and focus on what was happening in the scene. Koda tackles the tiger and saves his brother, but falls off the cliff. Luckily, the Blue Energem saves him leaving the faint shout of his brother saying “Koda!”
Dino Cycles: I really enjoy the scenes where the Rangers discover new tech inside the secret base. While, I do think that the intro of the cycles was rather rushed into this episode, the dialogue between the Rangers made up for that by distracting us with great writing and liquid dialogue.
Curio: I was so happy when the show introduced Curio (based on Luckiero from Kyoryuger) because I was wondering how they would utilize his suit. I really think it was cute how Sledge needed to get Poisandra off his back and therefore had a companion created for her! I can’t wait to see what mischief these two get into with each other, I can see some coming our way!
Koda’s Fear of Technology: Koda is quickly becoming a fan favorite and it’s due in large part to Yoshi Sudarso’s believable caveman mannerisms and facial expressions. In these scene it’s actually believable that this man is afraid of modern conveniences! We even get some funny, adorable flashbacks in the process such as the TV and the mirror.
Chase’s Exaggerations: Chase is my favorite Rangers so far and his little additions to the banter the Rangers have with each other. Chase was caught in another exaggeration after he claimed to have ridden Kangaroos. Riley quickly pointed out that Kangaroos are Australian and not from New Zealand. I like the way that this is going with Chase, where the other Rangers call him out on his tall-tales. I think it’ll do well for his character.
Slammer: Slammer is voiced by Nic Sampson, former Yellow Mystic Force Ranger. Nic has done many voices for PR including Operation Overdrive’s Sentinel Knight, Jungle Fury’s Whirricane & Super Megaforce’s Skatana! He voices Slammer in this episode and I have to say that Slammer is my favorite monster this season so far. The voice was perfect for the suit and the suit alone is pretty creative to look at! Did you notice the tiny skeleton in trapped in the chest?
I can’t even begin to tell you that I actually enjoyed all of the prison/cage puns!
Koda & Chase: The scenes with Chase and Koda interacting are some of my favorite scenes so far this season. One thing that can be said about the Dino Charge actors is that they know how to bounce off lines and jokes off each other in a way that they are believable! Not only are the scenes with them together adorable, they’re also character developing for not only Koda but Chase as well.
Koda To The Rescue: Koda proved his bravery during this episode several times and It is a massive character trait connection that he would want to care for this little boy. Koda obviously has some unresolved issues when it comes to his brother and we can see this through his interactions with Peter. I love that we are actually getting some character motivation this season and this was beautifully shown with Koda’s focus.
Roll Call: The Rangers introduced a new roll call in this episode and I absolutely love the way that it flows together with the Ranger posing!
Dinosaur Might, Ready To Fight: Another new introduction was this Ranger fight call. After a while that formula of Ranger shout-outs proved to be tedious but I actually rather enjoy this version!
Stego-Raptor Formation: This is another example of the Sentai footage limiting the show. The episode was clearly a Koda focus episode but the Megazord and Sentai footage reflect a Green Ranger focus episode. That was clearly a nitpick because there aren’t many things to complain about in this series.
Tricera: Since Riley’s Zord, the Raptor Zord, is now the right arm of the Megazord, that left Tricera on her own to help out some where else. I love that they utilize Tricera even when she is not in the Megazord formation. Tricera drills a hole into the side of the mountain to save Chase! I just wish we had given her a nickname too, Trixy seems cute!
Peter: I don’t think I have ever done this in a review but I am actually going to praise a Child Actor in this show. Levi Guyan, who plays Peter in this episode did a rather good job compared to previous child actors from seasons such as Samurai, Megaforce and even Lightspeed Rescue. His character was believable, hid his Kiwi Accent harshly better than other child actors on Power Rangers AND delivered emotional range as Kendall carried him away. How many of you didn’t get hit in the feels as he mouthed “Koda….” as he was carried away?!
Koda’s Intensity: One final note on Koda before I end the review. Yoshi Sudarso was perfection in this episode not only be cause of his comedic delivery but also because of his amazing facial expressions and ability to deliver dramatic range. In these scenes you can really believe Koda’s intensity, to protect his brother, to protect Peter and to take Slammer down!
Final Thoughts:
Dino Charge is proving to be paving the road in gold as it makes it’s way through the season. Not only does this season keep getting better with Character Development (did I mention that enough?), but we also have awesome plot trajectory, amazing Villain focus, Singular Ranger focus where the others are not left behind in the dust and an all-around fun atmosphere to watch and enjoy both the Original footage and the Sentai footage from Kyoryuger.
Each episode something new is added that pushes the story forward or adds something we’ve all wanted! In this episode it was the massive focus on Koda and the introduction of Curio that seemed to set the fandom on fire!
Story: 10/10
Action: 10/10
Writing: 10/10
All Together: 10/10
