What can be said about “Ace and the Race”? It was a happy and funny filler episode. This was expected after an intense and very effective episode that was “Family Fusion”. But, not much can be said for this episode besides that it was a vehicle to take us to our next arc! This happens every season, even though some seem to forget that, we have just finished a major storyline and of course there is going to be a strange and even awkward filler. This is that episode. While, I loved the schtick with the Romero Brothers and Calvin’s lesson this will most likely be an episode to be forgotten. Let’s take a short look back at the episode.
Shoespike: Shoespike was an interesting monster with a Schwarzenegger-like voice who at first places a powerful spell over Levi and Brody to make them more competitive against their fellow Ranger friends. Then, when the others in the race lose they are suddenly turned, into what looks like expensive cgi, trophies.
Shoespike also had an eccentric twink human form who was able to trick Brody and Levi into joining the race with him! The actor who played this version of Shoespike was rather hilarious with his hand motions and mannerisms. He was very maniacal and you could see it in his eyes, this guy looked crazy.
He was a semi-effective monster in those regards but once Calvin was brought back into the mix his plans were quickly foiled.
Levi and Brody Under the Spell: The most hilarious parts of this episode were when Levi and Brody were actually under the spell of Shoespike’s baton. First, Brody knocked Preston into the bushes during the race and then mocked him with whiney noises (which made me literally laugh outloud). Then later on we see that Levi also pushes another racer, but this time shoves him into a nearby lake. I mean, come on how could you not laugh at that! Then to add insult to injury Levi called the others losers with big giant L! Bahaha!
All of the brotherly squabbling in this episode was, dare I say it? Gold! I was happy to see this dynamic bloom during this episode, brotherly dynamics, and I hope that it continues to grow as episodes pass by now that we know the true identity of Levi.
Calvin & Ace: Calvin was immediately enamored with Ace and his deep purple car (which is clearly a mustang) with a newly rebuilt engine, that Ace claimed he did himself. Clearly, Calvin looked up to him as a mechanic but it took shattering that image for Calvin to realize that he had completely ditched his friends in order to worship at the alter of a false prophet, if you will.
I was happy that Mick was the one to help Calvin realize the error of his ways. Mick is truly becoming a great mentor to all of the Ninja Steel Rangers in both mechanics and wisdom.
I loved the scene in the garage, because Nico Greetham was fantastic at creating the hurt in his face when he discovers the receipt for the other mechanics, not just hurt but anger as well. Ace took advantage of him and he was not happy, but he still held onto his integrity and tried to warn him that his engine was leaking oil. But, Ace decided not to listen and ended up screwing up his car anways. Way to go Ace.
So far, the men of Ninja Steel are succeeding in creating real emotions in the characters, I haven’t seen that much from Sarah or Hayley (although My Friend Redbot was a good indicator), however I hope that in the future we can.
Calvin Leading the Race: Calvin finally set out to find the race when he stumbled upon his friends fighting amongst themselves before getting ready for the big 3-legged race against Shoespike and suddenly he stumbled upon the trophies of the others. Calvin was able to take over the race against Shoespike when he noticed that he was using dummy Basherbots!
But thanks to Calvin he was able to whip Brody and Levi into shape and make the three of them a team in order to defeat Shoespike in the race and release not only his teammates but the other racers as well from the spell! So, in a way Calvin was the real hero this episode!
Victor & Monty: As a victim of Shoespike’s spell, Victor was turned into a trophy, taken by a dog and then suddenly thrown into a fish tank where he got to meet the famous “Bubbles” and a mermaid aquarium decoration that he immediately tried to hit on….because…..um…reasons?
I can’t even with these two anymore.
As I said above, this episode was sadly put into a place where it came directly after the end of a large story-line and therefore would be put under a larger magnifying glass. This episode was funny in many parts, had cute moments but will most likely be forgotten simply because it is sandwiched between the end and beginning of two major plotlines.
Onto Next Week!