Ninja Steel came in once again with strong ratings, a plot progressing story and an action packed episode! We got our first dynamic between Calvin and Hayley and finally got to see the Rangers unite as a team and fight with their Zords!
Not only that but the episode ended on a titillating revelation that could be the beginning of a very interesting story-line we could all get on board with! Let’s take a look back at some of the best moments of the episode!
Hayley and Calvin: I love Hayley and Calvin’s interactions with each other, especially their first few scenes together. Calvin is clearly in love with his truck, Nitro and it was hilarious when Hayley had to remind him that she was his girlfriend and Nitro was just a truck. I also found it lovely that Calvin and Hayley were made an official couple from the get-go and an interracial couple at that. Some of you may say, we’ve already seen that with Shelby/Tyler and Mike/Emily, however these two couples never really said they were official, they just held hands and walked off into the sunset. With Calvin and Hayley, however, these two are Official from the beginning and how often does that happen?
Their fight scenes were great to watch as well, unmorphed are the best, especially since they used unconventional materials to fight off the Kudabots and Ripperat.
Romero Clues: It was pretty interesting following the clues inside of the Romero Residence from the buried toolbox where Sarah found the picture of the boys and their Dad. Luckily, her memory was good enough to remember the trophy she had seen earlier that day to lead them straight to the Ninja Steel. I actually rather loved this scene because it also showcased how frustrated Brody was already becoming with the idea of his missing brother. A lot of people viewed this as rather childish on his part, but you have to realize as well that his character has spent 10 years alone as a human on Galvanax’s ship. It must be frustrating to come back to your home, a place you were sure to find your family, only to find them gone. I like this scene and Will Shewfelt made me feel the emotion. Kudos.
Mick’s New Job: We only got a small sample of Principal Hastings so far, but I can already tell that she is going to be a sassy presence at the school. Already she is giving me some Principal Randall vibes (Dino Thunder). It was a pretty good idea to have Mick be mistaken for their new Instructor, it fit the mold surely. The previous choice had apparently dropped out, Mick is very technologically versed and it’s the perfect place for him to hide out in plain sight.
Victor & Monty’s Purpose: As pointed out by our good friend @DatabaseRanger, it would seem as if Victor and Monty are not only the comic relief. (So far at least) Several of their goofy interactions with the Rangers have actually either helped the story-line along or helped the Rangers in someway. Think about this; if Victor had not been showing off his trophies to Sarah, she would never have seen Dane Romero’s trophy where the Ninja Steel was hidden; therefore no new weapons or Zords. Secondly, in this episode, if Victor had not driven over the paint tube and destroyed the machine the Rangers would not have gained a new base inside of the school. Will this trend continue?
The Morphin’ Sequence: This sequence, I will say, was rather simple. I think perhaps I am comparing it to the awesomeness that was the complete morph from Dino Charge too much. However, I did love that call “Ninja Spin!” and the hoods in the back as the Ninja Power stars spin and circle around them creating their Ranger suits. I wouldn’t give this sequence a low score or anything, I just think a little more magic could’ve been put into it. Again, I felt a little spoiled from the amazing sequence we got from Dino Charge, maybe I was expecting a little more flash. Perhaps, we will get something a little more flashy when they morph individually.
The Weaponry: The first fight scene with all of the Rangers together was really entertaining, obviously a lot of it was Sentai footage. However, I am loving the fact that the morpher can transform into so many different types of weapons. It included the Bow, Claw and Blade modes; Bow mode being my favorite, it’s rather sad that the American toy doesn’t include this awesome mode!
Introduction of the Zords: One of my favorite scenes was when the Zords were unlocked. I loved that the Ninja Nexus Prism appeared out of no where and showed them their new Zords deep and dark in the shadows. Mick apparently knew of the legend and discovered already crafted Ninja throwing stars in Brody’s Father’s trophy!
As the Rangers hopped on top of their Zords to “pilot” them or ride alongside them, it was great to hear them mention the connections to their everyday lives. Brody naming his Zord the Robo Red Zord after RedBot, Preston claiming his Dragon Zord was like Magic, Sarah naming her fast train a Zoom Zord, Calvin naming his Zord after Nitro & Hayley’s Kodiak Zord reminding her of her dog Kody!
It was also pretty cute when the Kodiak Zord got confused by the word “Fetch” and accidentally caught Sarah’s Zord’s throwing stars!
It was definitely an interesting choice here on the writers/editors behalf to have the Ranger’s destroy Ripperat with their blasters and not combine into the Megazord. (In the Ninninger episode, they combined.) However, I think this was a smart idea for Power Rangers. The episode was already moving at such a fast pace, it was smart not to have too much revealed so quickly. Now, there’s something to look forward to in episode 3!
Gigantify!: The growing method this season is really no different from Dino Charge. Both required a button being pressed and a giant beam is streamed down from a ship and the monster grows. Not very original. It was a little interesting that Cosmo Royale had the audience vote, as if their vote mattered, but it was still interesting.
I did however like that they called it “Gigantify!”
The New Base: It was a little convenient that their new base was going to be inside of the school. Also, how long are they going to be able to keep up the fact that the Painting Room is out of order? Will that excuse really last two years?
But, I suppose that some more security is coming soon as Mick did mention that secret entrances were coming soon!
Madame Odius’ Treachery: As we neared the end of the episode and Galvanax’s anger grew, we got a tiny glimpse of Madame Odius in the background. Somehow she’s gotten her hand on the 6th and Gold Ninja Power Star! How and what she plans to do with it are a mystery but I love that we’ve introduced this story-line already! I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen!
I think that we are heading in the right direction so far with Ninja Steel. So far, I am really enjoying the characters, the villains and where the story seems to be going. We’ve already been introduced to a pretty intriguing plot-line with the Red Ranger (although the Daddy-Issues and Missing Family plot has been used over and over) and the roots of a treacherous plot from Madame Odius who somehow got her hands on the Gold Ninja Power Star. I see great promise so far and as I always say, I hope that we can keep this track going as we make our way to Episode 8 and into the massive hiatus we all know is coming.