Season 5, Episode 18: Passing The Torch, Part 1

"Passing The Torch, Part 1"
Episode 18
Air Date: September 10th, 1997

Wow, I forgot how eventful this episode was. A lot happens in this episode: new character introductions, LOTS of action and even Putrapods!!! But I guess my only problems with it is that in introducing two more successors to the Turbo Powers in Cassie and T.J., the Turbo rangers are made to look very incompetent when dealing when with their most dangerous attack yet from Divatox.  I get that they were overwhelmed by the swarms of Piranathron, Putrapods and latest monster of the week, Flamite, but why the hell is it Justin who only seemed to have the common sense to morph immediately when attacked.  The veteran rangers seemed to reliant on not morphing for some reason until the script ultimately called for it and when they finally try to, they get their keys kicked out of their hands. Wait what??? Why are they even morphing this way when they have morphed differently and much faster before??? Like I said, the writers make the rangers look so inadequate in saving the day here just coming off an episode where they were pretty smart about outsmarting Divatox's forces, but I'm getting ahead of myself.

Anyway, Divatox, at the beginning of the episode, is sleeping when is visited by her mother (Apparently, freakin' Medusa! O_o) and she tells her she need to "remove the leader" to finally defeat the Power Rangers.  She sends her Piranathron to attack and capture Tommy; leading to a pretty intense chase sequence that ends with Tommy's car exploding and him getting knocked unconscious. Of course, Katherine can't morph because she dropped her morphing key....but she doesn't know that so at least she could have tried!!! -_- Like I said incompetent writing of the rangers all of a sudden!!! Meanwhile, on a bus, we are introduced like a said to two new characters: Cassie and T.J., who I immediately like right off the bat.  They have nice chemistry and immediately hit it off; becoming fast friends.  We already learn things about them like Cassie wanting to be a singer and T.J. inspiring to be a professional baseball player.  I gotta say though of the two new characters, T.J.is freakin' awesome!!! :)  As soon as the sign of trouble hits, he runs toward the danger; hearing Kat in trouble when she's dealing with the Piranathron.  Though, I don't know why she's having so much trouble...but anyway!!! Cassie, of course, is naturally reluctant but she clearly cares about T.J. already as she misses her bus to join him.

While the two help a confused Katherine, Justin is attacked by Flamite in the woods while the other rangers are setting up camp.  Tanya and Adam deal with a Purtapod while Justin calls out to them for help.  After Tanya outsmarts the Putrapod, they help Justin but get their morphing keys kicked away like Justin's earlier! I gotta say by favorite moment of the episode is when Tanya snaps at Alpha 6 for once after telling them that Tommy and Katherine need help.  Also, another great moment is when T.J. and Cassie are helping Kat fight the Piranathron, I LOVE her reaction to seeing them fight and being so impressed; clearly being inspired and getting the idea of entrusting her Turbo powers to Cassie eventually.  Nice bit of writing there! :)  But of course, Tommy is finally kidnapped by the other Putrapod and Divatox gloats about having him at the end; concluding Part 1! Overall, "Passing The Torch" is a pretty decent first part of the cast switch over.  I already like the soon to be new recruits of the team and the way the writers are handling them as well as their interaction.  It's just the Turbo rangers are written as needy and incompetent because of that which is not good by any means.

Final Morph: C+