Season 2, Episode 31: When Is A Ranger Not A Ranger?

"When Is A Ranger Not A Ranger?"
Episode 31
Air Date: November 15, 1994

You all know I've given Bulk and Skull a VERY hard time since I started reviewing this show and after this episode, I'm sure I will continue too. But every once and a while, the writers try to make an effort to try to develop these live action nitwits and at times, it can be genuinely heartwarming. So far this season, all Bulk and Skull have been trying to do is find out the identities of the Power Rangers. From making cement footprints to catching the teens turned superheroes on video to even aas stupid as using a metal detector to search through the freakin' lake!!! Seriously, what was up with that??? O_o All they wanted to do was find out they were for personal gain aka fame and fortune. So it's surprising when the rangers are left powerless and helpless in front of the monster of the day, Scatterbrain and it's Bulk and Skull, who finally discover the rangers' identities decide to not run and tell the world but help save them. It's shocking, but then you understand that while those two have always seen Tommy and others are dorks, dweebs, whatever, when it comes down to it, the rangers have done a lot to save the world and it was about time that someone or a few people that they have saved, returned the favor. It's a true precursor to their selfless and self sacrificing moment during the final moments of "Countdown to Destruction" and it's so good to see that development so early on in the show's second season.

Meanwhile, it's cool seeing a kind of reverse of with the new rangers and old rangers. When Tommy, Kimberly and Billy are the first to lose their memories, it's up the newbies to help them out and try to save the day. Of course, the dialogue can be forced and clunky at times (Since when are Kimberly and Aisha ALREADY best friends??? -_- They just met each other weeks, maybe months ago and Aisha already thinks they're that close??? Ummmm what about Trini!!?? O_O) Also there was that moment when Adam and Billy are in Billy's garage and Adam asks him is he remembers where the prisms are!!! Dude, he can't even remember his name at the moment, how is he suppose to remember that....remember??? BAH!!! But it's just refreshing to see the new team already having to pull the team together by protecting their veteran teammates. Of course, they fail in the end but that is expected since Rocky, Adam and Aisha are still learning to be adequate rangers.

As for Lord Zedd's plan and monster, Scatterbrain was a good idea as it would be a monster that would leave the team mentally and physically defenseless by scrambling their minds and leaving the with severe memory loss. I swear if this was yet another episode where he wanted evil powers, I think my head would explode! -_- This eventually leads to a decent megazord/monster fight where the Thunder Megazord easily defeats the monster with it's finisher. Also, I really liked how the episode ended.  The teens know they can't reveal their identities to Bulk and Skull but they try to thank them in their own way and it's hilarious how Bulk and Skull think they would have a date with Kimberly and Aisha but ultimately get turned down by them. Awwww, I kind of felt bad for them.  This was a good episode, especially for Bulk and Skull, showing that there is some depth and courage under their wanna-be tough guy exterior. It's too bad I'm gonna back to pretty much hating them after this episode....I just know it!!! Sigh.....

Final Morph: C+