Filled with fun, plot development, humor and Power Rangers goodness “The Royal Rangers” is my favorite Dino Charge episode so far! This episode had everything! New Zords (an evil one in a cape!), A New Energem, the Story of Zandar leading up to Ivan’s intro AND Shelby in a giant pink gown! What more could you ask for? It’s rather hard to review episodes like this because most of the time it’ll be me remembering how little I had to complain about. My only complaint I suppose is the Julian storyline, which served a purpose, but was still rather out of place. But that’s it….
This episode was fantastic, would’ve been a better return from hiatus on this episode!
Prince of Zandar: We open on the Rangers preparing for the new “Stone of Zandar” exhibit opening at the museum.
Riley shares a story with us introducing Ivan when he first found the Stone of Zandar. Ivan, who will later become *spoiler* the Gold Ranger! It was great to finally see Ivan, Davi Santos, on the show and even get a tiny backstory between him and Prince Colin. Even though sadly, he had no lines. The location of the Gold Energem, the Gold Dino Charger and Ivan are very intriguing to me! Where could this story be going?
Ptera Charge Megazord: It has a freakin’ cape. ‘Nuff said.
Fury’s Cockpit: I was very happy that a new cockpit was designed specifically for Fury during this story arc. It is exactly what I would expect from an evil cockpit. It is much darker than the Dino Charge Megazord set complete with a purple podium and Ptera Zord image. More examples of the love and care being put into Dino Charge so far this season, again, something missing in previous years.
Discovering the Gold Energem: Finding the Golden Energem, as I said earlier was an interesting way to find it. We don’t see Ivan at first, but the Rangers Together unlocked the location inside of a crate only to discover that it was the Stone of Zandar.
Glitz World Plan: I found this plan rather brilliant. Trick Poisandra and Fury into your web! The Rangers stage a fake Princess and Prince to display the Stone of Zandar in hopes of catching the eye of Poisandra and therefore Fury. I loved that tiny throwaway line from Chase, who reminded the viewers he had once heard Curio say Poisandra never missed an episode of “Glitz World”. Classic simple explanation, thank you! Oh and Chip, we’re noticing your connections 😉 Also I love any scene with Poisandra and Curio!
Dino Drive Mode: Kendall created a new mode to be used inside of the Megazord which doubles the Rangers’ powers. Luckily, they would need the extra power to face off against Fury in the Ptera Charge Megazord. A lot of people have issues with those modes, for one they only exist in the Megazord cockpit OR they may find the suits gaudy. I don’t agree on either of those points. I loved Mega Mode in Samurai and I love these original modes here in Dino Charge. Dino Drive is actually pretty awesome when in action in the cockpit. I am in hopes that the mode will eventually be used outside of the cockpit!
The Rangers Play Dress Up: I always love any time the Power Rangers play dress up. Even when Emma & Orion did it in Super Megaforce! However, this time it was full of more comedy from this very awesome cast. Chase turned into a creepy paparazzo, Riley was a Secret Service Agent with Kendall, and Tyler was the Prince. Let’s talk about Shelby’s dress in these scenes! Camille Hyde is perfect in these parts being so unhappy with what she is wearing but still playing her role in the plan! Plus let’s not forget Tyler’s random Zandarian accent and that tiny mustache lol.
Shelby & Tyler: As the season seems to go on it is clear that the series is setting up for Shelby and Tyler to have some sort of romance. They’ve been flirting with each other for many episodes so far and this time Tyler got a kiss on the cheek! Loved this moment AND Tyler’s face!
Spikeballs: Well these were a random new addition.
The Force Inside Fury: The storyline with Fury and Tyler again is getting better and better as the series goes on! I know I may sound dumb to the people who have seen the international airings, but I just don’t see Tyler’s Dad being inside of Fury. It makes more sense for Ivan to be in there, especially since as of this episode we don’t know where he is. Obviously, like Koda, he is still alive. Hmmm, the Plot thickens!
However, how can you not love these fight scenes between Tyler and Fury. Sadly, Tyler just couldn’t bring himself to destroy Fury without more answers! THINK and then DO!
The Rangers Support: One final note on this episode, I love the team dynamic not only here but in previous episodes as well. Keeper always has some wise words, not like Gosei’s riddles, to give the Rangers and each of them always stands by their friends. These are perfect lessons for kids to learn, giving this episode more purpose than plot and shiny giant robots.
Final Thoughts
A fantastic story-line, mixed with epic Sentai footage and the comedy that only the Dino Charge cast can deliver made this episode nearly perfect. Judd Lynn continues to deliver excellent writing bringing back the old flavor of Power Rangers we’ve all been so fond prior to the Neo-Saban Era. I highly recommend this episode whenever you just need a moment of Power Rangers goodness to fill your day! Watch it again, you won’t be disappointed!
I don’t often give perfect scores, but this episode deserves it.
Story: 10/10
Action: 10/10
Writing: 10/10
All Together: 10/10
