Power Rangers Samurai Episode Commentary #6

Episode 6: Sticks & Stones

Written by: Jill Donnellan and David Schneider

Directed by: Luke Robinson

Sticks and Stones is an Emily episode and deals with some issues that really hit home. Now I don’t want to sound like a pansy but the story at the core of this episode really speaks to me. The episode kicks off with the Rangers in training once again (except Jayden who is slacking if you ask me). Emily is giving Mike a bit of a pasting and Ji notes she’s pretty good with a sword in her hand (snigger). Emily mentioned back in Origins Part Two that she’s very good at playing the flute (snigger) and she can definetly handle a sword (snigger) so it’s good to see a bit of continuity in the characterisation (although if you watched these in the order they originally aired you’d have seen Origins a lot later). Anyway Emily manages to injure Mike with her big stick (snigger) then tries to repair the damage with frozen peas. Apparently Emily was a bit accident prone as a kid and frozen peas always healed her right up. Unfortunately Emily is still pretty accident prone and it’s not long before she’s lying face down covered in peas. It looks like Emily has some real confidence issues as well as being a disaster area managing to slip on the peas before the credits roll.

Post credits it’s time to meet the monster of the week. This time around Xandred is sending the subtly named Negatron whose words are so powerful that his insults hit so hard it’s like a physical assault. Negatron is probably only a step up from calling him Mr. Negative or Captain Word Hurty. Why is it that all the monsters in Samurai have such obnoxious voices would it kill them to have a more menacing tone and a few less terrible puns?

Back to the Rangers and Emily is still feeling a bit down and manages to cause more havoc by spitting in Mike’s face! Mike’s trying to make her feel better about her accident prone ways. Emily’s feeling envious of Mia because she’s beautiful, she’s graceful, she’s smart and she can cook (apparently no one filled Emily in on this particular running gag). Luckily Mike, being the most human of all the Rangers, is able to make Emily feel a little better about herself. Go Mike!

Negatron has hit the human world and he’s started by taking on the construction worker from the Village People and it’s not long before the people are flying around as easily as his insults. The insults lack the punch of the show’s Japanese counterpart who can forget the poor pervert? Spike and Bulk are also victims of the villain after having a discussion about whether Samurai’s wear boxers or briefs. Maybe I should run a poll to find out what people think… Despite the hints Spike is mercifully wearing some form of underwear. Anyway back to the action. Negatron is a fairly competent villain and the appearance of the blind old man driving his car did make me giggle. I laughed more when he flew out of the car! The Rangers arrive and Mike is quick to point out that talking smack about people isn’t cool. Hopefully we’ve all learned a valuable lesson.  We now get to learn a bit about the Rangers and be a little freaked out by the inside the helmet reaction shots. Apparently Mike’s bike had training wheels until he was ten. Kevin gets off fairly easy by comparison as he’s only called boring (there was a time I could have said much worse). Mia gets told she’s a bad cook and she’s sent flying through the wall. Jayden’s is by far the most interesting revelation even if it is delivered in the most cringe worthy offensively patronising way. Jayden is a liar and has a secret. Now this is perhaps the first really intriguing moment of the series and it will be very interesting to see how it plays out. I guess the biggest problem with a Power Rangers series that basically sticks to the Super Sentai’s storyline there are plenty of people out there in a position to spoil it but on this occasion I’m fairly confident I know Jayden’s secret.

That leaves Emily to take on Negatron alone. Now I don’t normally criticise Power Rangers (okay that’s basically all I do) but this time I really have to say something. I was not impressed here. Not impressed at all. The words Negatron use to harm the Rangers are true and that’s why they hurt so Negatron calling Emily an airhead is a bit grim. Emily isn’t an idiot she blows a mean flute (snigger) and she’s pretty bad ass with the sword and she’s an equally skilled member of the team. This is the 21^st century and Emily should be a strong female character goddamnit! I know it’s largely considered a show for boys but we’re supposed to live in an age of equality and the girls should have heroes they can look up to too. Anyway rant over back to the business at hand. A lot of Negtron’s insults are quite offensive but they have no effect on Emily and I’m pretty pleased to see her stand her ground.

Back at the dojo Ji gives us a rather patronising summation of events. Negatron’s a bully don’t you know? It’s sad that the writers feel they have to talk down to children. Not all of them are morons and there’s no crime in adding an extra layer of depth and sophistication to the storylines and dialogue. There are plenty of shows out there that don’t talk down to kids and the current Power Rangers writing staff could learn a lot from them. Anyway I’ll get off my soap box again and get back to the action. Jayden is quick to make Kevin feel better by pretending he isn’t boring. He’s a good Samurai. And I’m not even gonna make a crack about him being a bad actor. I like Kevin now, he’s enthusiastic. We learn Emily was teased as a kid but she learned from her sister how to ignore bullies but Mike is a bit insensitive and upsets Emily. As Mia says the Nighlok can’t hurt her feelings but he can. Self doubt is the in thing this episode as Spike is doubting whether he and Bulk can truly become Samurai warriors. Bulk being the hero he is gives a rousing speech and the two Samurai wannabes head off to take on Negatron themselves.

Here's a pic of lovely Kevin I created myself.

Back with the Rangers and Emily is blowing on her flute again (snigger). Mike tries to make up for upsetting her and through a flash back we learn the back story of Emily’s flute. Emily’s sister played the flute to help take Emily’s mind off her bullies. It’s nice to see a bit of character development and it’s good to learn a bit more about Emily’s past and how she became the Yellow Ranger. It’s a bit cheesy but it is nice that they directly deal with the effects being a Ranger has on the family of those who take on the mantle. Power Rangers isn’t really a deep show but it is nice to get a bit of background on Emily and her sister. I won’t lie Emily’s revelation about how she vowed to be strong for her sister’s sake and then realising she can’t be strong against those that put herself down if she continues to put herself down really moved me.

Negatron’s back and he’s still being a dick. Luckily the Rangers are there to take him down. Unfortunately Kevin gets another dose of his vicious tongue when he’s called Mentor’s pet which is so true. Negatron is only interesting in facing Emily but as they often say it’s Rangers together and if they’re gonna win this one they’ll need to work together. Negatron continues to try and hurt Emily with his words getting close to succeeding by bringing up her sister and saying she’s never be as good as her. But it’s no good and this Nighlok’s days are numbered. Jayden whips out the old fire smasher before combining the disks to finish his first form. And we all know what that means…

Words can never do a zord battle justice but here are a few words that will help you imagine how epic it was. Boom. Bang. Whizz. Whoosh. Krokading. There’s even time for Spike and Bulk to turn up and feel relieved that they don’t have to take care of the super sized Nighlok. We also get to see the newly acquired Beetle zord again and they also manage to fit in a few more lines of cheesy dialogue. Once Negatron kisses existence goodbye we learn that his attacks on Emily were not as ineffective as first assumed. Each verbal assault took its toll on her and she’s in a pretty bad way. The brave girl battled on no matter how much she suffered. What a star. Mike valiantly carries the unconscious Emily home as the Rangers discuss just how awesome she is raising a smile on the now faking Emily. But there’s on ice cream van in town and no one wants to miss out on ice cream and Emily is the first in the queue. Let’s all go and eat ice cream to celebrate another excellent adventure with the Samurai Rangers . Be sure to vote in the boxers or briefs poll and join me here next time for more pointless reviewing.

Next time: Kevin goes fishing in A Fish Out of Water! 

Most pictures from Samurai Power Rangers Gateway which is an awesome site. Image of Kevin created by me using print screen and paint and I did it without any training in computing.

Power Rangers Samurai Episode Commentary #5

Episode 5: Day Off

Written by: David Schneider and Jill Donnellan

Directed by:  Luke Robinson

Episode 5 already! I wonder what our favourite Samurais will be up to today. Well according to Mike (carrying a skateboard ‘cause he’s cool like that) Ji has given them the day off. Hopefully nothing will interrupt their well earned break and we can have a nice relaxing 25 minutes. Not likely though right dudes? I wonder what terrible monster they will face this week. What lessons will they learn? Who will be the worst actor? What will Bulk get squirted in his face? To find out the answers to these questions and more read on!

Kevin is disappointed because they’ve just started their training session and he demonstrates this with a very impressive kick to the punch bag. Typical Kevin. I’ve decided that after four episodes of ripping into Kevin and his acting I should lay off him for a bit. He’s making it very hard but I’m gonna try. He’s a good guy really. With that in mind this could be a very short review. Jayden won’t be joining them for a day of fun. He’s got Samurai stuff to do. He’s got a new disk to master and he looks very serious about it.

The rest of the gang are off to the amusement park. It’s time for Emily to stake a claim as worst actor of the episode. She’s very loud you know? Mia isn’t exactly Meryl Streep either. Kevin’s worried it’s all a big test because Samurai’s never take a day off. Except for like the last few centuries. Anyway look who else is at the amusement park it’s only Bulk and Spike! I wonder what interaction they’ll have with the Rangers this week? None like usual? Probably.  I think Spike may be a bit slow. He seems to feel the need to announce everything he’s going to do. He’s seen his favourite game, “Splat-a-rat,” and he announces he’s going to play it.

Elsewhere Jayden is practicing with his new disk. It makes his sword go all fire-y (that’s the technical term people) and apparently it isn’t an easy thing to manage judging by Jayden’s face. Ji doesn’t believe Jayden is ready to use the Beetle disk yet and I fear he may be right as it just sent young Jayden flying. Imagine if he tried to use that in battle he’d be completely boned. He’s literally playing with fire says Ji. Jayden lacks balance in his life. Apparently Jayden used to have fun when he was younger and that’s something that’s holding him back now. Ji is worried and so am I. Damn you Jayden why can’t you find the balance you need to succeed as the Red Samurai Ranger? Why? WHY?

Back at the amusement park Spike’s splatted enough rats to claim his prize, a stuffed panda which he’s decided to name Sam (short for Samurai) and Bulk thinks they should adopt it as their mascot. A fascinating little scene I’m sure you’ll agree. We’ve had a whole seven minutes of this episode without any sight of a monster but it’s too good to last. It’s nice to mix up things up a bit now and then and today’s monster doesn’t get the traditional introduction on Master Xandred’s ship. We avoid the usual terrible dialogue involving Octoroo’s face. The Monster of the Week is a little disappointing. Dreadhead is perhaps the lamest looking villain in Samurai so far. He appears to be some sort of ginger Rastafarian who talks like Yosemite Sam. Unfortunately the Ranger’s Spin Swords won’t work against the annoying git so he won’t be going down anytime soon. Hey I wonder if Jayden’s new disk will help in this situation that has just happened to occur on the day he’s trying to use it…

Jayden arrives to save the day! But his sword doesn’t work on Dreadhead either. Something the other Rangers are quick to explain to use just in case we aren’t following the complex plot (note to Saban kids aren’t idiots). Even united their swords do no damage against the Monster of the Week so what can they possibly do? Well apparently I’m psychic because Jayden’s just cracked out the Beetle disk. I bet you’re all really impressed now eh? Unfortunately before he has chance to use it Dreadhead dries out and departs. The Rangers head back to base and Emily tries to rally the troops by telling them they should concentrate on taking down the Monster of the Week. That’s when Jayden reveals he’s been trying to master a new power and we learn that there are lots of hidden disks out there. It’s almost like they put these things in so they can release more and more toys… Unfortunately to master this new disk Jayden needs twice as much Samurai Power as he has now. Jayden is determined to master this disk and that leads to his inner monologue and he pulls a thoughtful face. And that’s when I see it. I suddenly realise just who Jayden looks like.

Alex Heartman's first leading role?

That’s right our fearless leader is a dead ringer for Gary from Team America: World Police who is considered to be a very, very good actor. Most amusing I’m sure you’ll agree. Anyway he’s determined to master the disk so let’s check in with Master Xandred. The Sanzu River is filling up. Yay. Back to Jayden and his attempts to master the beetle disk. For some reason Ji is hiding behind a big rock as he watches his student train. He pops out at one point for a motivational speech which for some reason he doesn’t give to Jayden himself he just sort of says it to no one in particular. Samurai’s work in mysterious ways I guess. Apparently Jayden’s been at it all night as it’s suddenly the next day and the rest of the team go to meet Dreadhead who’s on a rampage in downton…where the hell are they exactly? Looks like Ji left Jayden to it because the next morning he’s lying unconscious in the garden. Good mentoring there Ji! Jayden’s a bit worse for wear but he’s off to join the rest of the team with his big massive red sword. At first he’s reluctant to use the new disk but in the end he conquers his fears and heats things up with some flaming sword action and with the joint power of the other Rangers he’s able to send Dreadhead straight to hell. For a second at least. We all know what that means…

It’s time for the Megazord! But there’s a problem. Even when they’ve been super sized their weapons have no effect on the evil Dreadhead! What the heck can they do? Use the Beetle disk? Oh yeah! It’s only given them access to an all new zord! A Beetle zord! Just in case you didn’t understand what happened Mia is on hand to explain that a zord did indeed come out of the disk. The Beetle zord is a bit more effective against Dreadhead so he calls on some reinforcements. That’s right giant Moogers! This requires a new Megazord combination the Beetle Blaster Megazord! That’s right the Megazord has got a funky new hat made from the new zord!  This new combination makes light work of the Moogers and even without the use of their big sword the Rangers are able to finish Dreadhead once and for all.

That pretty much wraps things off. Luckily Ji has given the gang another day off. Jayden’s coming along too! And he’s even pro cotton candy! The gang then go off to enjoy some well deserved rest and we’re left to ponder on what was a quite shocking episode. I mean Bulk didn’t even get squirted in the face! And I went a whole review without insulting Kevin. Next week’s episode is a key one as the Rangers take on an enemy who shows just how much words can hurt sometimes…

Sorry this review is a bit below par…

Next time: Sticks & Stones

Pictures taken from the Samurai Power Rangers Gateway, be sure to check it out!

From The Archives #1 Cybertron

Here we have a very special clip. This is the pitch reel for Saban's Cybertron which went through a great many changes before eventually airing as VR Troopers. What's most interesting about this clip is just how different things could have turned out. Though it seems to annoy a great deal of Power Rangers fans these days Jason David Frank was a very major part of the show's success and things could have turned out quite differently. Would Power Rangers have been as successful as it was if JDF had left permanently to star in Cybertron/VR Troopers? Would there have been a film version? Would Power Rangers still be going now? Would VR Troopers have a longer, more successful run? Most likely the answers to these questions would be no but we will never know for sure but Cybertron sure looked like a fun show.

Power Rangers Samurai Episode Commentary #4

Episode 4: Deal With a Nighlok

Written by: Jill Donnellan and Jonathan Rosenthal

Directed by: Luke Robinson

The pre credits sequence is enough to make my blood run cold. Is this going to be a Mike-centric episode? It certainly looks that way; Mike asks “what’s up with Kevin?” and apparently the answer isn’t that’s he’s just a terrible actor. Kevin’s acting a bit odd, first he’s rubbing Emily’s face in the fact that she has a possibly terminally ill sister, then he’s quick to patronise Mike who’s finally learned how to draw his symbol properly. Mike once again proves himself the best actor in the series by giving the exact reaction I would have when Kevin touches him on the shoulder in a very smug manner. In a rare moment of not being completely soulless Mia is quick to dismiss Kev’s offer of hel,p and this is very much the highlight of her Ranger career so far. Even Ji doesn’t know what’s up with Kevin, but if we’re lucky we’ll get to spend the whole damn episode finding out.

Post credits and it’s time to introduce our Monster of the Week. This time up its Doubletone who likes to make the humans cry. He also appears to have been involved in some sort of freak accident that led to him having a dead tiger stuck to the side of him. Doubletone is a Nighlok that makes people give up their dreams and it looks like he’s found his first victim. Joy of joys it’s a bad child actor! And he’s ginger. I can already tell this is going to be one of my all time favourite episodes ever. This Nighlok’s out to make a deal but it seems highly unlikely this deal will result in any convincing acting from this child…

The child is easily taken in by the freakish monster with the dead feline draped around his neck, and quite frankly if he’s that stupid he deserves to get screwed. Add to that his abysmal acting performance I can only wish misery and pain on this child. His acting is so bad that I don’t feel it’s fair to use the Kevin’s Dad Acting Scale to judge it, so let me introduce a special new scale to judge the acting of children. Yes it’s the Blake Foster Scale! So what rating does little ginger Ryan get:

The Rangers arrive to fight and everyone seems a bit concerned that the Nighlok maybe some sort of sex offender. Luckily Ryan doesn’t need to worry about stranger danger as the Samurais are here to kick butt once again. But we don’t watch Power Rangers for the action packed fight sequences do we?

Luckily they know what we really want and they’re ready to give it to us. The scene cuts to our favourite comedy duo Bulk and Spike. How can the writers keep things fresh with the whole Bulk getting crap squirted in his face? Will they even do it this week? Don’t worry dear readers we don’t have long to wait to find out. Bulk and Spike are still training to be Samurais and are out in the park jogging. Oh no Bulk’s out of drink! Luckily Spike has plenty to share but he’s not so keen. Sharing’s important kids, hopefully you’ve learned that from this scene. Spike is very sensibly worried about the passing of unpleasant diseases and quickly grabs his drink from Bulk, unfortunately squeezing it in the process. Bulk gets a face full of gunk and we can chalk up another hit on the scoreboard. That’s three episodes in a row people!

Number of times Bulk has been squirted in the face this season: 3

Bad acting is pretty much the norm in Power Rangers but the scenes between Kevin, Mia and Ryan are on a whole new level. I imagine in a few years time watching these scenes on repeat will replace water boarding as the torture of choice for the American army. Pairing Kevin and Mia, probably the two worst actors in the series, with the awful child actor is just a terrible idea. It gets worse because Kev decides to bare his soul. We get to hear all about how much Kevin loves swimming, which isn’t a surprise as he’s an incredibly wet character. The writer’s are feeling playful and tease us with an appearance by the king of bad acting Kevin’s Dad. Luckily for us it’s only a non-speaking cameo so we’re saved a potentially universe ending episode of bad acting. We learn Kevin had Olympic dreams and he’s very sad he gave them up. I for one wouldn’t mind if he gave up the Samurai life to go back to swimming…

I may rename this blog "We Need To Complain About Kevin"

They’ve decided to try and shoe horn some character development for Mia. She’s a bad cook and she’s making some crap food for Kevin who is sad. I’m personally keeping my fingers crossed for a case of lethal food poisoning (I’m just kidding Kev, I love ya really). Now for those who are a bit slow, Mike and Emily have some very clunky dialogue that explains exactly what’s going for those who haven’t quite managed to follow the complex plot. Kevin is keeping watch on the kid in case the Nighlok returns (yeah I’m sure the police are gonna buy that) and Mia wants to make some food to cheer him up. But she’s crap at cooking. And Kevin has to eat it. Oh my god Kevin has to act like he enjoys the food can you imagine how bad this is going to be? Well if you can’t you don’t have long to wait to see the full horror of the scene. The faces Kevin pulls are very similar to those you’ll see on the face of a beloved elderly relative as they suffer that final fatal stroke that takes them from this world. In many ways Kevin is mocking your grandfather. The sick, insensitive bastard.

Kevin changes my opinion of him in just 3 pics

Ignore the review Kevin really is just awesome.

Looks like Kevin and Mia have spent the night together on the bench outside the kid’s house and completely failed in their mission. Kevin looks a bit pleased with himself when he sees the sleeping form of Mia. It’s the kind of look that makes you think you probably shouldn’t accept a drink off him. But Kevin has a different kind of creepy on his mind now as they need to chase after a boy they’ve only just met and don’t actually know. Looks like the Nighlok’s won; little Ryan is throwing away his dreams quite literally by throwing his baseball gear in the nearest wheelie bin. Unfortunately this prompts Ryan into speaking which is never good. Someone needs to tell Kevin there’s an ‘E’ in the word equipment but that’s not really relevant to the story I just enjoy picking on Kevin because he’s a terrible actor and he’s in the TV so he can’t kick my arse for it. Anyway we learn that the Nighlok has promised Ryan something in return for giving up baseball. Hopefully acting lessons or a hair transplant or a dental plan, to be honest I could spend all day insulting this perfectly innocent child and I won’t feel bad for it because I give money to the NSPCC. Not sure sending Kevin to negotiate with Ryan was the best idea. Kevin only inspires anger. Just what is the special thing Ryan wants? Oh it’s his dad who is in the army and had to “go far away” which I imagine means he’s off hopping landmines in Iraq. I much prefer the Sentai episode this is based on where the kid’s granddad is dead and the kid gets a painful injury. I’d have enjoyed a scene with Ryan breaking his leg or whatever. I feel Power Rangers really dropped the ball there.

Anyway it’s time for a long winded transformation sequence and a battle. Luckily the rest of the gang arrive and the Monster of the Week calls out the Moogers, so we have plenty of dreadful puns to enjoy. Mike even has a rhyme to make the battle a bit different to the exact same battle they have every single episode. It’s down to Kevin and Mia to take down Doubletone which they did because he made Ryan sad apparently. Kevin claims there’s nothing worse than a liar but I wouldn’t mind seeing what he has down on his CV under his profession because if it’s actor he’s a pretty bad liar himself. Anyway the first form is down so we all know what that means…

What follows is basically your run of the mill zord battle with a side order of Megazord. Anyway long story short they win. Again. Like every week. As a treat we get to end the episode with a resolution to the Ryan storyline. Coach has some good news for the little freak. The nice garbage man has handed him a baseball uniform he found. Quite what this guy is doing rooting through people’s bins I don’t know, but I’m pretty sure he should be fired for it. But the important thing is Ryan can now play and they can win the playoffs! Could this ending possibly getting more sickly? Yes of course it could. Jayden decides to use his ancient symbol powers to conjure up Ryan’s dad for a quick pep talk. “Go get ‘em tiger,” profound words indeed. I imagine he calls him tiger because he’s hoping someone will hunt him to extinction. This touching scene sees a lot of surprised faces amongst our Rangers with the obvious exception of Kevin who appears to be constipated. Well there’s still a few seconds left of this episode and Ryan’s up to bat maybe we can squeeze one more vomit inducing moment of magic. Oh here comes Bulk and Spike. I guess that means Bulk is about to get hit on the head with the baseball. How predictable…But wait! The writers have completely flipped it and it’s Spike who gets hit on the head. That just leaves the Rangers to celebrate Ryan’s home run/touchdown (sorry I don’t’ follow American sports) without anyone questioning just why five adults are hanging around a children’s baseball team.

Next time: Day Off

Today's review would not have been possible without the brilliant pictures I found at Samurai Power Rangers Gateway website be sure to check them out!

Power Rangers Samurai Episode Commentary #3

Episode 3: The Team Unites

Starring

Alex Heartman as Jayden/Red Samurai Ranger

Najee De-Tiege as Kevin/Blue Samurai Ranger

Erika Fong as Mia/Pink Samurai Ranger

Hector David Jr. as Mike/Green Samurai Ranger

Brittany Anne Pirtle as Emily/Yellow Samurai Ranger

Paul Schrier as Farkas "Bulk" Bulkmeier

Felix Ryan as Spike Skullovitch

And

Rene Naufahu as Mentor Ji

Written by David Schneider and James W. Bates

Japanese episode written by Yasuko Kobayashi

Directed by Peter Salmon

So here we are then! The episode that aired first. I have no idea why Nick chose to air this ahead of the perfect series opener “Origins” but what ya gonna do? The best bit about this episode is it’s a Mike-centric episode. I’m a big Mike fan as I’ve mentioned before. He’s the only Ranger that may possess an actual human heart beating in his chest. So I’m filled with joy at the thought of an episode dedicated to my favourite Samurai Ranger before quickly falling to my knees in despair when I realise there must be a Kevin-centric episode just around the corner. Probably featuring Kevin’s Dad. But as I shudder worrying about such nightmares let us be brave and get on with today’s episode…

The episode kicks off with a classic training scene. Mike’s not got the skills of his team mates. Yes Kevin might be played by an actor who makes Daniel Radcliffe look like Laurence Olivier, but he is good at the Samurai stuff like jumping around and avoiding being hit with a big stick. This unfortunately leads to Mike getting repeatedly hit with sticks. I’d have enjoyed the scene more if it was Kevin getting the beating but I imagine bashing two wooden objects together could cause a fire. The last thing I want to see is a smug Kevin. To be fair in Samurai Kevin is usually the last thing I want to see. I’m really hoping they’ll have a decent black actor in this series at some point because Kevin and Kevin’s Dad are making me look like a super racist. The training scene does end with Kevin dropping his pants which is just hilarious. Kev puts in another “incredible” performance as he demonstrates how embarrassed he is by revealing his silky boxers to the girls. Mike is apparently as sick of Kevin as I am and he disappears.

It’s business as usual for Master Xandred. He wants to flood the Sanzu River. Monster of the Week blah blah blah. I imagine for the whole run those scenes aren’t going to be particularly exciting. Next up we have another appearance from our comedy duo Bulk and Spike. This can mean only one thing. That’s right it’s time for Bulk to get squirted in the face with something unpleasant. Now I have to commend the writers for their originality. Last week it was a simple ketchup bottle squirt but this time it’s something more elaborate involving a bowling ball and a tray of white paint. Poor Bulk.

Number of times Bulk has been squirted in the face this season: 2

In this episode we learn a bit about the Power Ranger lifestyle. Mike apparently gets to miss out on going to school. The lucky scamp. This is an episode about responsibility and friendship. Mike’s not enjoying the Samurai lifestyle all that much so he’s hanging out with his bros (I assume kids still talk in this ridiculous manner) at the arcade. Mike’s feeling a little intimidated by the skills of the rest of the team but luckily he has his friends to take his mind off it with their acting abilities (both would get at least a five on the Kevin’s Dad scale). “Who’s Kevin?” asks one of Mike’s chums and it’s a question Mike can’t bring himself to answer. See, I can relate to Mike. I don’t like thinking about Kevin. Just as his friends get a little closer to learning why Mike hates Kevin almost as much as I do the Nighloks attack! This leads to my favourite scene in the episode. Mike’s fat friend screaming “let’s get out of here!” is my highlight this episode. There’s an important lesson about friendship here; as Mike runs to take on the Nighlok his friends attempt to aid him. Can you honestly say you’d attempt to help your friend if he was about to battle a giant monster? I sure as hell wouldn’t if you’re reading friends!

Quote of the Episode:

For those that like their monsters a little bit rapey:

“Hey if you wanna hold my hand try buying me some flowers first you broccoli coloured bum.”

Mike’s no match for this week’s monster who is apparently Stretch Armstrong reincarnated. We learned during the earlier training scene that Mike has yet to learn how to anticipate an attack so Stretch’s ability to use his arms in an underground attack makes him a tough opponent for him (it’s amazing how this all fits together). Luckily Jayden and the others come to save his ass from the Nighlok. As is often the way with a Nighlok he’s drying out so he has to scarper, which gives the Rangers chance to regroup back at their dojo-ish place. Unfortunately this means more Kevin shooting his mouth off. Who made him king of the Rangers? Jayden breaks the news to Mike that to be a Samurai means giving up his friends and it’s quite moving watching Mike looking longingly at his old friends and thinking about how he won’t be able to see them for a long time. I guess no one needed to explain this to Kevin as he has no friends! Oh yeah I went there. Anyway the important thing here is that Mike has learned the importance of training and he spends the night running around and what not which will apparently help him anticipate the monster’s attacks.

So it’s time to throw down with Rofer the Nighlok and the Rangers, minus Mike, turn up to kick some bottom. Then make turns up with a steely look in his eyes, he refuses to give in to this evil beast! But before they can take down the monster of the week they’ve gotta take down a load of Moogers with some awesome sword moves. Then it’s the big one. Mike versus Stretch. Mike’s ready for him this time. He’s out running those stretchy arms, he’s outrunning them good. But Mike has under estimated this vile beasie. Luckily he isn’t alone and Jayden steps in to take the brunt of Rofer’s punch, leaving Mike to deliver the killer blow with his spin sword. Now that the first form of our monster of the week has been taken down we all know what happens next…

Out come the folding zords once again as well as the always delightful Mega Mode. Mike’s determined to take down stretch alone. Apparently he hasn’t watched past seasons of Power Rangers because if he had he’d know the true value of team work. Luckily his friends are there to catch him when he falls and to turn into a kick ass Megazord to finish the beast off once and for all! Mike’s finally realised it’s time to work as team and Mia notes that he “has come a long way.” You gotta love an episode that entertains and educates at the same time. Jayden shows just why he is the leader as he helps Mike prepare for the Nighlok’s deadly attack and as a result they’re able to finally defeat him and the Samurais triumph once again.

That just leaves us with a nice little scene to tie up the lessons of the episode. Mike concedes he couldn’t have done it without Jayden and Jayden is quick to point out they can do anything as a team and I cry a bit at just how right he is. So what did we learn from the third episode of Power Rangers Samurai? We learned Jayden is a worthy leader. We learned Mike has it in him to be to be a great Samurai. We learned that Mia and Emily both look really pretty and have lovely hair. And we learned that I really don’t like Kevin. What exciting things will we learn next time? Well fear not dear reader because we’ll find out very soon!

Next time: Deal With a Nighlok