After a lengthy plot driven few episodes I have to say that I was waiting for a bit of a comic relief episode. “Knight After Knights” is a perfect example of a filler, but a filler that serves a purpose. Instead of taking the stoic 6th Ranger route where the others have to convince him to join them, we instead were served with a hilarious Ivan straining to understand the new world he lives in. This is showcased with his attempts to find worthy citizens to join his band of Knights, but he is met with resistance from Shelby who strains to convince him that her teammates are worthy.
Ivan continues to be an interesting character with his chivalrous nature but luckily does not overwhelm the episode, we get awesome moments from Shelby and of course our Cowardly Dinos!
Ivan in the Lab: I have to say that I loved Davi Santos in the first few scenes he’s had in the museum’s lab. His curiosity focusing on technology is totally appropriate for what kind of character he is and it gave him a certain goofy trait that was touched on with Orion but was lost rather quickly.
I loved seeing Kendall and Riley explain his new weaponry and how the Energems and Dino Chargers work!
Ivan’s commitment to his moral code was fantastic in this scene when he refused to join the other Rangers, whom he feels are not worthy. Having to prove worth is something we haven’t seen much of when it comes to 6th Rangers, in the past it was more “brute strength” rather than overcoming some obstacle. I welcome this change.
Taking the Backbones: While this version differs vastly from its Sentai counterpart, (and I’m still salty Poisandra didn’t sing yet!) I still feel like the consequences of the backbones being removed was still perfection. The first scene in which Chase, Riley, Tyler and Koda’s backbones were stolen by Bones I could not stop laughing! It was rather hilarious to see the strong male Rangers suddenly reduced to scaredy cats! Plus, how can you not love Chase giggling as his funny bone was accidentally focused on first! Plus who can forget Ivan’s sassy MMHMM as he stumbles upon them with Shelby later on!
I also really love the effect that was used here to convey the removal of backbones. It was perfectly on par with the Sentai footage!
Shelby’s Talk With Ivan: This was one of the more perfect scenes in this episode where Morphing had nothing to do with it. Camille Hyde delivers a heart-warming and believable performance as she tries to convince Ivan that her teammates are worthy of his trust. Shelby also spilled the truth to Ivan about the fact that he was rescued by the Rangers and that is enough proof of their worth!
I have a feeling that this scene will go down as one of Shelby’s best moments. Plus the whole M’lady comments from Ivan is adorable!
The Cowardly Boys: As I mentioned above, nothing can beat the comedy that Chase, Riley, Tyler and Koda convey during the scenes in the Lab! The running, the shrieking and the cowering! I mean they were deathly afraid of a little mouse and almost had to be dragged out of the museum. Hilarious Ranger comedy gold! Again, one of the reasons why I love this show is its ability to be both serious and hilarious at the same time.
When Shelby has to push them into the T-Rex head was even more raucously funny and it just proves further that this cast works very well together in their comedic timing.
Ivan and the Knights of Amber Beach: The search for Ivan’s Knights was rather hilarious as well. Short shout out to the crossing guard (whose actor you may remember as Andrews from Power Rangers RPM), the old lady with the purse and of course the sword-swallower who needs a real job!
Again Davi Santos already made this scene epic, along with his acquisitions of his followers, in true Knightly fashion! Davi Santos is truly killing this role in every way possible!
Bones & His Jug: I surprisingly found just a small plot-hole during this episode. I have absolutely no idea how the “backbones” escaped from Bones’ jug except for the fact that the Rangers simply came to realize they were being cowards. As you know, I barely have much to criticize here. But, I didn’t care much for this solution. I felt as if the boys should’ve had to prove themselves just a little more to free their backbones. Sort of seemed like a throw away even though Keeper explained that it was only a symbol of their courage that was taken. It could’ve been more, IMO.
Poisandra Awesomeness Continues: Poisandra and Curio continue to dominate every scene they are in with hilarious one-liners and just plain sass. I giggled so much when she and Curio got scared and ran away screaming!
Hence, why it annoys me all the more that the monsters standing next to her gets an action figure and she does not. Not to mention the fact that new news has surfaced that two more Monsters of the Day are to be figures. #Sexism.
Pink Badassery: One thing cannot be denied here. Shelby kicked some major ass and while this episode was based more on Ivan’s acceptance of the team, it was clear that Shelby was also the main focus of this episode. Not only does she get an meaningful monologue with the newly introduced 6th Ranger, but she gets a team up finisher with him AND speeds into the fight flying in the air on her cycle! This was truly an episode that Camille Hyde has surely shined bright in!
Full Team of 6 Morph: This is simple, but I had to mention it! I loved seeing all 6 Rangers together for the first time! I simply cannot see what it will look like if all 10-11 Rangers morph at the same time next season!
Pink & Gold Teamed Up: This footage is simply beautiful and while it showcases a lot of the Gold Ranger, our favorite Pink Ranger was not left out of the action! I cannot tell you how much I am loving the female attention this season and I cannot wait until another female is added to the team! Although, Shelby is not disappointing in her representation! What a truly great Pink Ranger, so different from the previous two.
Everyone gets a Dino Drive!
Ivan & the Bronto Burger: I think I have to say that this is my favorite line and part of the episode. Ivan is deep into his tale of how he and Keeper were joined, but as soon as the delicious Bronto Burger is placed in front of him his first line is “OOH WHAT IS THAT?”
Perfect line and perfect delivery! HILARIOUS!
Final Thoughts
I have read that this episode got a little bit of guff because it chose to take the comedy road instead of being completely serious while introducing the 6th Ranger to the team. Well, I call shenanigans on whoever says such things. Have we forgotten what show we are watching? Power Rangers at its core is goofy filled with action and glittering moments of seriousness. During the introductions of the last 3 sixth Rangers (Antonio, Robo Knight & Orion) all of the intros seemed to fall flat. Antonio got no build up but was able to prove his worth over time, Robo Knight just was (and something about nature) and then there was Orion who had en epic back story that was dropped several episodes later. Orion was pretty much robbed of development after his two parter. However, in Dino Charge we not only get to see Ivan warming up to the Rangers after a 4 episode intro, but we also see that the Rangers have to prove themselves for once. Finally, a decent intro to a 6th Ranger and a continuation of the story, which trust me has to be hard when so many Rangers will be introduced in the future! Comedic and full of action!
Story:8.5/10
Action: 9/10
Writing: 10/10
All Together: 9.2 /10