1.36 Birds of a Feather

Episode 36, Season 1

Birds of a Feather

Writer: Julianne Klemm

Director: Robert Hughes

Episode Summary:

We start off with Zack teaching a mixed martial arts class – apparently he became a certified instructor at Ernie’s Gym and Juice Bar at some point despite no formal martial arts training.  His students are practicing some hardcore striking drills when we get a motivational speech about the upcoming youth Martial Arts tournament to be held later that day! Zack’s protégé is then scurred by Bulk and Skull’s protégé, Biff.  As it turns out, Biff’s got some mad skills for a kid.

 

We skip to the tournament where Zack’s protégé, Cameron, learns a hard lesson that every MMPR kid eventually learns – you can never count on your Ranger to be there.  Ever.  We head to the Command Center where Zordon informs us that Rita sent the Hatchasaurus and Zordon sent the Dragonzord to take care of it . . . without a pilot?  Srsly. The Rangers morph and finish the job with Megazord.  But oh no, the Hatchasaurus is not dead!  Cardiotron (the heart of the monster) is still operating!  And he’s taken the Dragonzord hostage!  His Megareceptors just aren’t working!

Jason hops inside Cardiotron and uses the Dragonshield to take him down from the inside.  Something something something, summon Ultrazord, end of monster. We head back to the tournament just in time to watch Cameron win in the ultimate battle against Biff. 

Facts:

-First on-screen – Zack

-First line – “Ready one, two, three, four, five six . . .”- Zack

-Focus – Zack 

-Last Line – “Proud because you believed in yourself!” - Zack

-Jason uses Dragon Shield in battle

-Zack performs his kata to hip-hop music

Observations:

Pity Tommy didn’t get to be a part of the tournament – he loves martial arts competitions.  This is the first post-Green Ranger episode and it always baffled me that while Tommy is no longer a Ranger, why did they isolate him from hanging out with the team?  Exclusivity much?

It’s also about time we get a Zack themed episode.  The monster and the story don’t necessarily match up, but who really cares?  We get another canned episode about the Power Rangers helping out their community and caring for the local kids until something bigger comes along and then they abandon them.

After all the drama of the Green Candle two parter, you don’t necessarily expect too much from this episode – it’s good to get a breather in from a feel-good episode.  Also, the red looks so cool in the Dragon Shield.