Power Rangers Samurai Episode Commentary #20

Episode 20: The Ultimate Duel

Written by:  Jonathan Rosenthal

Directed by: Akihiro Noguchi

At long last we reach the gripping finale of the first season of Power Rangers Samurai. It’s been one hell of a ride for us all. We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve fallen in love with Kevin and we’ve waited with baited breath to see Red Ranger Jayden battle the bearded warrior Deker in the ultimate duel. As you can tell from the title of this episode we’ve finally arrived at that point. We know there’s a second season to come so unfortunately we will not be seeing the downfall of Captain Half Arsed today. Hopefully Super Samurai will see the final downfall of the idiotic Master Xandred, but it is not with future events we should concern ourselves; now is the time for the ultimate duel. Can Jayden defeat Deker once and for all? Will Bulk get a face full of goo? If he does will I remember how many times it’s happened previously? Will I follow this review with a review of that pointless Halloween clip show? For the answers to these questions and more read on!

We kick off exactly where we left off last time. Mia and Emily are facing off against a rather pissed off Dayu who is still annoyed at Mia’s intrusions in her dream world. Emily’s in a bad way. They really don’t make Ranger suits like they used to do they? One hit from Dayu and Emily is de-morphed and severely injured. This wouldn’t have happened in Zordon’s day. She’s not the only one in a bad way. As Antonio points out, Jayden is far too exhausted to  take on Deker. He expended a lot of symbol power getting Mike and Kevin into the dream world then he had that whole Megazord battle. Typical Deker turning up at the worst possible moment and demanding a duel. But as is always the case with these things something else comes up. This time it’s a group of Moogers. Damn you Xandred this duel promises to be the most epicly epic thing ever! Why do you ruin anything that even threatens to defeat the Rangers? Why do you suck so hard? Anyway, Deker wants the Red Ranger for himself so these Moogers are going down. As Antonio points out they’re not even a challenge for the well groomed swordsman. How can Jayden possibly defeat such a foe? Rangers don’t fight for the sake of fighting but looks like this time he ain’t got no choice. Deker has given Jayden 24 hours before they will duel. He’s threatened to unleash his Nighlok half on the innocent if Jayden fails to show. Looks like the duel is on. Noon tomorrow. By the sea. Sweet.

You know what I really don’t care about? What’s happening with Master Xandred. Guess where we’re kicking off post credits? Yep with that whiney, useless red burke. The brain box has realised that if Deker defeats the Red Ranger then the sealing powers will be gone forever. Hear that Xandred? That’s the sound of my slow hand clap as you realise the obvious you gosh darn imbecile! Speaking of complete losers the previous episodes Monster of the Week Rhinosnorus is still hanging about. Xandred points out he completely failed his mission last time out. So what are they gonna do with him? Oh they’re gonna send him back.

What’s going on at Shiba house? Well Mia’s fussing over Emily. She’s feeling guilty about hesitating when it came time to battle Dayu leading to Emily’s injury at the hands of the tormented Nighlok. Mia thinks she can no longer let her feelings get in the way of the mission, but there are more important things to discuss. The gang have a meeting to discuss Jayden’s upcoming duel with Deker and nobody is happy about the Red Ranger battling the bearded swordsman alone. Kevin especially has major issues with a one on one duel- it’s not the samurai way gosh darn it! But is there any other way? Deker will only be satisfied by his one on one duel against Jayden and the cost of not duelling him is just too high. Mia’s on Jayden’s side she now realises the well groomed one will not stop until he fulfils his destiny and experiences that ultimate duel. Kevin’s seeing the big picture; Jayden is the only one who can seal Master Xandred away once and for all. For a change Mike is on Kevin’s side but Jayden’s having none of it. He storms out leaving Kevin devastated, a look of deep love on his face.

Dayu is still devastated at the loss of her harmonium. She’s lamenting her loss in some tropical forest when who happens upon her? None other than ex husband Deker!  Is he her ex husband? I don’t know how it works. Does becoming a half Nighlok with no memory of his past life nullify their wedding vows? If any lawyers are reading this and know of a precedence for this please let me know.  Deker is surprised to see the ex. in the human world. What’s she doing there? Well what’s he doing there? His answer is his ultimate duel is on tomorrow. I think he’s a bit slow.

Back at Shiba house Jayden is training hard. Kevin’s still trying to talk his leader out of taking on Deker alone but the Red Ranger is having no of it. This is Jayden’s destiny and not even the awesomeness of Kevin can sway him. Kevin being the legend he is finally accepts Jayden’s decision and agrees to help him train. What a guy. The rest of the gang are discussing the impending duel. Antonio believes they have no reason to worry- Jayden can beat anyone. Emily and Mike agree but Mia’s gone all dark on us. I like this new Mia. She’s a lot more dedicated to death and destruction. Deker has to be finished! Even Ji’s in agreement. Deker is prowling around outside confident tonight will be the final night of his curse **SPOILER ALERT for those that have yet to see Super Samurai** he obviously hasn’t read a synopsis for next season snigger snigger.

It’s the morning of the duel and Jayden’s looking rough but determined. He leaves Shiba House knowing it all depends on him now. As he walks the grounds the other Rangers wish him luck and encourage him to succeed. Just as he’s about to leave the worst possible thing happens. The Nighlok sensors have gone off! NO! Why now? This is the worst possible time for it. Rhinosnorus is back! Jayden has to face Deker so he has only one choice. He must hand over leadership of the Rangers to his most trusted lieutenant Kevin! He hands over the discs necessary to form the Megazord. With the rest of the Rangers now ready to take on Rhinosnorus, Jayden must leave to face his destiny.

Rhinosnorus appears to have tracked down Woody Allen and apparently didn’t enjoy Midnight in Paris because he’s attacking him. Now I hate Owen Wilson as much as the next guy, that annoying voice that stupid face god damn him, but I personally think Rhinosnorus is a little out of order. Luckily for Woody the Power Rangers have arrived and manage to pull some awesome poses, especially Kevin. I guess the episode is running a little short because we’re treated to an extended transformation sequence. As the Rangers duel Rhinosnorus Deker awaits the Red Ranger on the beach. Deker is quick to compare the Red Ranger to himself something annoys Jayden. As Deker says at last the time has come. Fight!

This is what we’ve been waiting for such a long time. The ultimate duel is finally under way. Jayden is still trying to talk Deker out of fighting. He doesn’t truly understand that Deker has no choice. It is his destiny to have the ultimate duel and Jayden is his destined opponent. The battle is intense and the two warriors are fairly evenly matched. Deker realises that Jayden truly is his equal and today will be the end of his course. As the two warriors continue to duel we head back to the other Rangers as they continue to battle Rhinosnorus. He’s proving quite a difficult foe for our Ranger chums but Kevin soon sorts him out with his Hyrdro Bow and we all know what that means…

Antonio is too weak to join the others in a spot of Megazord action but I can’t see Rhinosnorus being too much trouble for our heroes. Kevin’s getting a bit flustered in his first battle as leader but Emily believes in him and so do I! And our faith in the Blue Ranger is soon justified as they finally defeat Rhinosnorus. Now that’s over we can focus on why we’re all here. The ultimate duel.

Deker and Jayden continue their clash of swords with neither of them truly winning the encounter. There’s lots of rolling around and swooshing of swords. Deker is ready to end this duel and he strikes the Red Ranger. The blow appears deadly and it forces Jayden to drop his sword. Surely it’s over now? NO! As Jayden’s sword falls he catches it with his other hand and attacks an unsuspecting Deker. His second blow breaks Deker’s sword into two pieces. The duel is over Jayden has won. Deker is released from his curse and falls from the Cliffside before disappearing forever (no spoilers here). The battle’s taken a lot out of Jayden but he’s won and that’s the important thing. The other Rangers run to his aid. Back at Shiba House Jayden thanks Kevin for leading the Rangers in his absence and Kevin is pleased but makes it clear that they need Jayden. Looks like Antonio has prepared a fish super for the celebrations. Absolutely golden. Jayden admits to the rest of the Rangers that part of him wanted to fight Deker to prove he’s meant to be the Red Ranger (foreshadowing?). That’s Deker finished but Master Xandred is still free and will continue to cause more havock, but that’s a tale for next season. We’ve got time for just one more “Rangers together Samurai forever”  before we sign off.

Next time: Party Monsters

Pictures taken from Samurai Power Rangers Gateway.

Power Rangers Samurai Episode Commentary #19

Episode 19: Broken Dreams

Written by: Jill Donnellan

Directed by: Akihiro Noguchi

The ultimate duel is nearly on us! Yes we’re fast approaching the end of the first season of Power Rangers Samurai. It’s been one hell of a ride and there’s still a few exciting adventures to be had before we say goodbye Samurai and hello Super Samurai! What does this penultimate episode hold for us? Will we finally find out the truth about Deker and Dayu? Can we make it through a whole episode without Deker stroking his sword and banging on about the ultimate duel? Will Bulk ever get covered in goo again? For the answers to these questions and more read on…

At Shiba House the Rangers are in training. There’s a whole lot of stick-whacking going on. Jayden has a look of grim determination; he’s still being haunted by Deker’s words. Warped. Twisted. These words appear to be hurting Jayden more than any blow from the part-Nighlok’s blade ever could. The other Rangers are concerned about their leader. Kevin is worried about the after-effects of Jayden’s time as Deker’s prisoner. Emily lets him know that they’re all there for him. Before they get chance to delve further into the troubled psyche of their leader Mia arrives with dire news. She’s cooking for them all tonight! Hiding his distaste quite excellently, Kevin asks what’s the occasion? and Mia explains it’s for Antonio who has been working so very hard on repairing the Black Box. Jayden’s not in the mood for such things and storms off. Mike, ever the funny man, makes a crack about how it’s a bummer for Jayden first being poisoned then having to deal with Mia’s cooking. A remark that doesn’t impress Emily.

Post credits and we’re back with Master Xandred the half-arsed incompetent king of the Nighloks. What’s he doing? I hear you ask. Well he’s complaining as usual. What’s upset Captain Half Arsed this time? Well he’s pissed off that Dayu didn’t even try to destroy Deker after he ordered her to. Well why don’t you try and do something yourself for a change? You useless, annoying gimp! You’re really starting to grate my cheese now. I’m eagerly awaiting your demise. I will laugh as you are finally defeated by the Samurai Rangers in the series finale you putz! Octoroo tries to defend Dayu but she’s feeling pretty down and tries to persuade Xandred to destroy her. Xandred, showing a rather nasty side he should probably use against the Rangers, decides to destroy her in a different way and takes his anger out on her harmonium. Apparently Dayu chose to give herself up to the darkness and that can never be reversed. There is a flashback to a human Deker and we are left once again wondering just what the heck is going on? Dayu is devastated by the loss of her beloved harmonium flees the ship leaving Xandred and Octoroo. It’s time to whip out the monster of the week. This time round its Rhinosnorus. Who I’m sure will be just awesome.

You know what I’m wondering right now? That’s right I’m wondering what our loveable incompetents Bulk and Spike are up to! Well the answer appears to be eating- the lucky sods! I’m pretty damn hungry myself right now. Although apparently that’s all we’re seeing of the comedic duo for now as we’re off following the rampage of a very angry Dayu. She’s only gone and attacked a busker who was innocently strumming his guitar. I personally hate buskers so this scene is very enjoyable. She needs the filthy hobo’s musical essence to repair her instrument (snigger). Luckily for him Mia just happens to be out doing her grocery shopping and is there to save the day. She sneaks off to Morph which brings me back to the importance of secret identities in the Power Rangers universe which I first raised in the previous review.

 

Mia hides when she’s morphin but surely everyone knows they’re the Rangers as they all live in the Shiba House which is obviously the home of the Power Rangers. Anyway, as usual that doesn’t actually matter. The fight between Mia and Dayu isn’t long but at least Dayu finally finds a decent use for a busker, using him almost as a human shield before throwing him at the Pink Ranger. Maybe we should all try using buskers as human shields in conflicts, it’ll make walking through our town centres a lot less awkward. What this poor street urchin needs now is a distraction…

It’s time for the Monster of the Week to show us what he can do. He passes gas apparently. Perhaps not a farty gas but it’s enough to knock out Bulk and Spike. He also gasses the hobo, freeing him from repairing Dayu’s instrument. Luckily for us the rest of the Samurai Rangers have arrived to assist Mia. As the Rangers tackle the villainous Rhinosnorus Dayu makes a run for it, dragging the stinking, unconscious, guitar-strumming hobo with her. Luckily Mia notices and chases after her. Jayden saves Emily from a blast of monster gas and sends her to assist Mia. These guys could really do with some backup. Luckily for them Antonio is on the scene and tells them to leave it to him. But before he’s even had chance to morph he’s got a face full of gas and he’s down for the count. Not so golden this time eh Antonio?

 

Apparently Rhinosnorus is all about the dream eating so I guess we should salute the writers for not calling him “Dreamo” or “Sleepy Monster” although the name Rhinosnorus obviously came from that massive horn on his face. This Nighlok has work to do and his powers are stronger in the dream realm so he jumps into a portal above Antonio’s head and heads off to find Dayu. Elsewhere Mia and Dayu are still battling over the fate of the hobo. Things take a turn for the worse though when Rhinosnorus turns up and gasses the pair, leaving them to face the dream world.

Ji’s got the lowdown on our Monster of the Week. The villainous beast puts his victims to sleep, entices them into a fantasy world and then devours them, preventing them from ever stepping foot in the waking world again. Looks like the remaining Rangers are going to have to enter the dream realm; luckily Jayden has enough power to achieve this feat. In the dream world Mia is apparently aware she’s a bad cook despite the others hiding their disgust so well, but in the dream world she’s a master cook and she’s about to have a dinner party! Unfortunately for Mia that party ain’t happening as she’s not alone. She’s only seen Deker! In a suit! With his beard! Carrying a bride?!?!!? Just what the fudge is going on? Elsewhere, Jayden has used all his symbol power to open a gateway for Mike and Kevin to enter the dream world. It takes quite a strain on the Red Ranger and he is unable to follow them through.

In the dream world Kevin shows the early signs of mental illness as he believes the dream world, people in Victorian style dress in a black and white world, is completely normal. Mike looks worried and he’s not alone in that. Just what the heck is wrong with ya Kev? We live in a multicolour world and I’ve never owned a parasol! Mike doesn’t think it’s normal either Kevin, maybe it’s time to see a psychiatrist. Luckily they’ve managed to track down Antonio in the dream world and he’s still got plenty of terrible gold-based puns to amaze us with.

 

Looks like Antonio’s biggest dream is of catching the biggest fish in the world and winning a trophy. What a lameoid. He could have such better dreams. My own personal dreams involve me and Kevin running hand in hand on a sandy beach whilst Kevin’s dad watches on, commentating in that amazing voice of his. But I digress.

 

We’ve reached what is perhaps the single best moment in the whole of Power Rangers Samurai. Bulk has arrived on horse back in full Samurai gear. And he looks amazing. He makes quite a dapper Samurai warrior and I’m thinking a Samurai Bulk spin off would rock! He is aided by young Spike as his retainer and it’s good the two comedy stooges finally get some quality material to work with. But just as things are getting hilarious that pesky Nighlok bastard Rhinosnorus arrives to try and eat our dynamic duo. He has a really weird arse. What the hell is he? Have bee have rhino?

Luckily for Bulk and Spike Kevin and Mike are able to morph and those super Samurais of ours are ready to take this Nighlok down. Unfortunately Mike’s on his arse in moments and it hurts. Poor guy. Nothing worse than a sore arse trust me. Looks like Rhinosnorus has a few moves- I bet he was a disco king in his youth. He’s throwing magic dream boulders at our Ranger chums and things aren’t looking good for Mike and Kev. It’s a rock.

You know what would be a really clever line to use here? “Talk about being between a rock and a hard place.” It’s a shame these Rangers don’t use cheesy puns and terrible clichés… oh wait Mike just said it. He’s also in the mood for some disco moves himself. He’s decided to use the rules of the dream world to aid his battle against Rhinosnorus. He’s made himself all giant like and is going to play “soccer” (it’s called football and Americans who bleat on about their game being called football, “soccer” actually involves the ball and the foot spending a heck of a lot of time together!).

Well after all that Kevin and Mike awesomeness we should really take a few moments to wind down and go back to the drippy Mia. She remains unconscious in the forest just feet from an equally unconscious Dayu as Emily desperately searches for her fallen comrade. Looks like we’re gonna spend some time in Dayu’s dream world. What shocking secrets will we learn here? Read on dear chums to find out.

 

It’s Deker and his wife who has a gift for him; it’s a sword. Boy he’s sure gonna love that. If there’s one thing that Deker loves its swords, but apparently not in a euphemism for a penis kinda way because he’s married to a woman and clearly not gay! The bearded warrior also has a gift for his fine wife. It looks like some sort of guitar… If I put these clues together do I have an answer to why Dayu’s dreaming about these two…

 

Of course! The woman is Dayu. She was married to Deker! Looks like Mia’s caught up to that idea too. Shit now her house is on fire! She calls out the name of her husband. Apparently Deker is his first name. How odd. I thought it must be second name. I always imagined him as Ray Deker from Illinois. A younger brother called Randy Deker who was accidentally killed during a sword fighting match against a Soviet Warrior leading Deker to dedicate himself to the art in an attempt to avenge his brother’s death. So basically Rocky IV with Samurais. But alas that’s not meant to be.

Their crap hole of a house has burned down and Dayu cradles a coughing Deker in her arms. She’s called for help and a mysterious Nighlok has arrived offering a deal. Dayu obviously hasn’t seen this season’s episode “Deal with A Nighlok” or she’d think twice. She has to sacrifice her humanity and doom herself to an eternity in the Netherworld to save her husband’s life. She’s accepted. Unfortunately there’s a sting in the tail of this deal. Deker is saved from death but now must live as a half human half Nighlok with no memory of his life before. He will never know of the sacrifice Dayu made in the name of love and that just breaks my heart. Now Mia can empathise with Dayu and so can we dear viewer.

I’d forgotten about the poor hobo. He’s just popped out a Nighlok and a couple of Rangers. I’ll be sad to see the end of the Dream World, it was pretty cool. Mike’s made an incredibly insensitive remark about Rhinosnorus’s arse. Now I don’t like bullying, especially from people that are normally quite nice. Casual bullying is not cool kids. It might be a glandular problem or it might even be a tumour. How do you feel now Mike? Rhinosnorus has just told you it’s critical anal cancer and you’re making wise cracks? Shame on you Green Ranger.

 

But back to business! Mike and Kevin have been able to wake all the victims of Rhinosnorus. They’ve cut off his thingy that does the smokey whatsit that makes them go sleepy. The hobo’s awake! The poor guy has had one hell of a day. He looks pretty horrified by the battle that he’s awoken to and he’s off never to be seen again. Rhinosnorus has also made his escape much to the annoyance of our Rangers. Good news gang Antonio’s awake! As are Bulk and Spike! Not sure what’s happened to Jayden whilst everyone else has been in the dream world but I think he should be made to take a drugs test before he’s allowed to drive the Megazord. He looks higher than a hippy on the third day of an open air festival (joke borrowed from Red Dwarf which is much funnier than I am). Antonio’s had to carry him home. Oh god. Octoroo has sent some giant Moogers to attack them and Jayden wants to pilot the Megazord. This is not going to end well. Antonio manages to squeeze in a B-52s reference (Rock Lobster is available on iTunes) what a genius.

After a few sea food based remarks, Antonio and Jayden are able to finally finish these giant beasties for another week. Mia’s awake and apparently didn’t get the concept of the dream world as she’s just asked if she was dreaming. Idiot. Dayu’s pissed about Mia spying on her dreams and I don’t blame her, Mia is the last person I’d want in my dream world. Emily on the other hand…

Speaking of the Yellow Ranger she’s just arrived to save Mia who is pissed off at Dayu; she wanted to help her and she’s betrayed her by attacking her! Ah well the week’s battles are over and we can all relax. Especially Jayden and Antonio. Something bizarre is about to happen. A nearby garage door begins to slowly open revealing a pair of black boots… Who could this mysterious figure be? Well it’s Deker obviously and we know why he’s here but there’s one question that needs answering. Why does Deker own a garage?

It looks like the duel is finally going to happen! Can the exhausted Jayden defeat the part Nighlok sword master? For the answer to that question and more join me for the next episode of Power Rangers Samurai!

Next time: The Ultimate Duel

Pictures taken from the Samurai Power Rangers Gateway