REVIEW: Dino Super Charge 8 "Riches and Rags"
Every season of Power Rangers has had a member of the team who gets added later than the original members. Some seasons have multiple instances of this, such as Ninja Storm, SPD and Mystic Force, or even the current season, although usually in that case there’s one specific Ranger who is considered the “true” Sixth Ranger. A season can do one of a few things with such a character, although most of the time after that Ranger’s overpowered introduction he or she (sadly, usually he) fades into the background and just becomes another person, sometimes even weaker than the rest of the team. So let’s see how Dino Super Charge handles the Gold Ranger in “Riches and Rags.”
One of the more delightful aspects of this season has been the strong character portrayals and consistent writing for them, especially in their quirks and eccentricities--and this team has many of both. For Ivan, being from 800 years in the past makes for some fun humor moments such as in the beginning of the episode when he’s picking up his training dummy. However, there was a bit of a misstep in this episode, at least in my opinion, with regard to Ivan’s character. When it’s revealed that the training dummy he had been practicing on was actually the mannequin wearing a donated suit of armor, I don’t think that a chivalrous knight would be so flippant or unapologetic as he is. I want to put this more on the writing than the acting or directing, because there’s little one can do to make Ivan seem less blase if the words coming from his mouth suggest that he is. As for more character moments, we got another later on in the form of Fury and Ivan facing off and acknowledging their long past together, though it was a short moment.
I do think that the main problem Ivan has is a good example of what I felt was missing in last week’s episode. As a result of his annihilating the $2 million artifact, the museum has to cough up the change or risk being shut down in favor of the donor, Mr. Smith. Setting aside the issue of a priceless artifact not being insured, I did enjoy Ivan’s efforts to come up with a solution to the problem, especially since they were so funny. His offer to be Mr. Smith’s sworn sword with every other Sunday off was perfectly delivered, as was his attempt to provide ID at the bank which led to an inadvertent armed robbery attempt. I’m also always up for opportunities to allow suit actors and stunt doubles their time to shine on screen, and Keeper’s suit actress did a great job as the ferocious Ms. Sandra. And once Ivan inspires Mr. Smith not to be so greedy, when he chooses the good of the museum and the community over his own good, we get a great moment where the two of them attempt in increasingly hilarious ways to give each other the money for the suit of armor back.
This plot dovetails quite well with Heckyl’s attempt to infect the Rangers with greed in order to steal their Energems while they’re distracted. I did find it oddly coincidental that Ivan refuses to use Spell-Digger’s gold pieces to pay his debt because they are evil, or...something, and only gets over this issue as soon as Spell-Digger is destroyed and his gold along with him. If it had been a question of not wanting to touch the gold because of the spell associated with it, and not wanting Mr. Smith to be even greedier than he already was, it would have been one thing, but it doesn’t seem like Ivan is avoiding taking the gold for any reason other than plot. Speaking of the infected gold, Tyler and Chase’s subplot where they succumb to it seemed like it had one scene too many devoted to hijinx and silliness. I don’t really mind humor--indeed, I enjoy it--but when it’s essentially the same joke every time it gets old. At the same time, I understand that this might not be the case for the target audience, if my days of being a youngster were any indication.
Although before I end, it’s incredibly necessary to point out the more interesting plot thread of Singe contacting someone in secret regarding the Energem search. I have enjoyed the way that the story has built up the uneasy relationship between Fury and Singe. It’s interesting, because in the first season while Fury and Poisandra didn’t get along, it always seemed so petty in comparison on both of their parts. Now, the rivalry between these two generals actually feels like a real rivalry. I’m very excited by this potential reveal; I’ve seen spec that it’s some new threat based on Kyoryuger suits, or even possibly Sledge, hiding out after the ship crashed and plotting revenge. Whatever the case may be, I’m ready to see where it goes.
I’m not sure if I agree with this episode being the midseason finale to go out on; earlier in the season I felt that James showing up was shoehorned into the Tyranno Super Charge storyline, and now I feel like that could have been a stronger story to break on. Still, “Riches and Rags” was a good standalone episode on its own. I especially enjoyed the aspect of a Ranger having the chance to lead by example, and the surprising appearance of Prince Phillip at the end was of course a highlight, even though some issues with understanding how money, insurance and banks work tugged on my suspension of disbelief. All in all, I think the Dino Super Charge ship has been righted after a few episodes that rocked the boat just a little. Now, apres moi, le hiatus.
