When I read the synopsis of this episode earlier this year I was expecting a spider-phobia episode. I certainly was not expecting an episode where Calvin is afraid to learn to drive. While this episode did have a lot of good moments from the cast, it also had a lot of terrible moments as well which left me on the fence. Let’s take a look back at some of my favorite and no so favorite moments.
Calvin’s Courage: I was very happy to see some Calvin focus this episode, because although he hasn’t had much focus just yet he already is my favorite Ranger this season. I found it an interesting plot twist and device that Calvin has all this interest and skill in mechanics and yet has this great fear of actually driving; and in fact doesn’t even know how. (It was especially cute when he tried to get out of driving the recently built motorcycle by offering the first ride to Sarah)
I was happy to see him overcome his fear and realize it was worth overcoming his fear when the friends he love are in trouble. A decent message for the kiddos watching at home. Also, it was so cute to see him bow and get his driver’s license at the end. Satisfying ending to say the least, Calvin was by far the best part of this episode.
Calvin and & Hayley: The moments between Calvin and Hayley as a couple this episode were just superb. She really helped him overcome his fears and you could see that the entire episode that Calvin was incredibly concerned over Hayley’s safety.
Hayley did nothing but show support for Calvin the entire episode, even going as far as holding his face in one emotional moment to give him a pep talk to reassure him that there is nothing he can’t do. A perfect couple moment and a beautiful character moment for, Hayley.
Really Brody?: Brody again inserted himself into the plot-line and character development of another Ranger. Ninninger’s major downfall is seeping into Ninja Steel and I hope it doesn’t get worse. Calvin has issues getting on a mini-bike at first; enter Brody poppin’ wheelies on the new scooter kopen. Did we mention that Brody doesn’t know how to drive either? Oy.
The Fart Jokes: As many of you have my read my previous reviews, I’ve had nothing but compliments to say about Victor and Monty so far. However, this was the first time where I wanted to rip my hair out when they were on screen. I mean, fart jokes, ok we get it. Sometimes a fart joke can land and actually be funny, but this was just BAD. Like, Megaforce level bad and it was just painful and terrible to watch.
I hope that next week they go back to the way they were, this almost felt beneath them.
The Mega Morph Cycle: I certainly was not expecting a new Cycle in this episode either, considering I knew that a new Zord and Megazord combination was coming as well. However, I suppose that with the plot-line of Calvin’s fear, the addition of the new cycle made more sense. In fact, the Cycle addition made more sense than the Zord and Megazord addition.
Rumble Tusk Megazord: I have always loved this Zord because the footage is just gorgeous and to finally see it on Power Rangers was great! Strangely, it just presented itself at a very weird moment. It just seemed a little too forced to be introduced so quickly after the Dragon Mode and alongside a new Cycle. But, gotta love that Green cockpit though!
Horrible Plot Conveniences: Suddenly the Prism is just showing us random creatures for no reason and giving out random Zords? Ok, this barely made any sense. At this point in the show it just seems like things are being made up for shits and giggles. “Hey we need to introduce a new Elephant Zord!” “Let’s just have the prism show them in a vision, we got a Cycle to push!” Although, I suppose they’d want to because the cycle is an original PR item.
However, it just seems to me that at this point the Ninja Nexus Prism, or Mick saying “The Legends are true..” is being used as a plot device as an excuse for lazy writing. What legends? Why does the prism do that? I hope this doesn’t continue.
As stated throughout the article there were good and some really bad moments. The episode itself was not bad, but there were a lot of issues with the way the episode was written; including dialogue and plot.
A particularly bad moment was the individual fight scene with Brody and Tangleweb. The chatter, aka the writing here, was just awful. The back and forth was unbelievably bad between Ranger and Monster. Another miss for me is the terrible plot conveniences with the Ninja Nexus Prism, is it just there for such conveniences? Plus, the fart jokes: enough said about that.
However, there was a lot of good here too. Nico Greetham finally got some time to shine as the Yellow Ranger and as Calvin. Plus the relationship dynamic between Calvin and Hayley was also able to shine through as well. After that, all that was left in good was the beautiful Sentai footage of the weaponry and Zords.
All together I’m in the middle with this episode. Happy with some, Not happy with some.