Season 9, Episode 26: Time Force Traitor

"Time Force Traitor"
Episode 26
Air Date: August 4th, 2001

You know, what I'm really liking about this season so far (among MANY things) are there is a constant connect between the rangers and the mutants that they have to battle each episode.  There was Dash and Lucas, Trip and Notacon and now Jen once again has this past with this latest mutant named Steelex.  I LOVE how the episode begins with Steelex just stalking Jen in broad daylight as well as in the middle of the night which just gave this episode some MAJOR creepy vibes.  I like seeing Jen, who's been this tough center of the group, being vulnerable once again.  Now having to deal with her past when one of her former partners on Time Force seeks revenge after she brought him in.  Turns out, Steelex, who is a mutant I might add, was passing on top secret information of Time Force to mutants like Ransik.  It's funny how we once again see a mutant that was put in a possession of trust and responsible like Steelex but ultimately proving to humanity in 3000 that most, if not ALL, mutants are criminals.  In just ne episode, Steelex puts Jen through the ringer by not only stalking her, but capturing her morpher, playing mind games with her and beating her up mentally as well as physically.

Another aspect of the episode I ADORE is seeing Jen once again (I'm saying that ALOT, lol) having to be dependent on her team instead of doing things so like she did in "Jen's Revenge".  Once again (dammit!) we are seeing the softer side of Jen shinning through, especially with Wes, after she gets put under a spell by Steelex and he has to break it.  It's the only real misstep of the episode for me as I just can't believe it was Jen's trust and yes, LOVE, for Wes that broke the spell but this is Power Rangers and you have to just come to expect the absurdity of these type of storylines.  It's just a minor plot point that doesn't work just because of how serious and intense the plot was up to that point. But anyway...

The episode concludes nicely with all 5 rangers as well as Eric coming in once again to be a dick and join them to defeat Steelex.  We get an awesome zord battle as the Q-Rex and Shadow Force Megazord Mode Blue combine forces to defeat as well as recapture the former Time Force officer for good.  Also, it seems that mysterious guy back in the year 3000 is Captain Logan's superior and seems to imply he might have to go back in time to "step in"....hmmmmmmmm.....Overall, this was a superb character centered episode about Jen and her past.  The writers are doing a tremendous job f incorporating the season's deeply complex themes, mature storytelling and compelling character development so well.  Goodness!!! :)

Final Morph: A+