Season 12, Episode 18: Bully For Ethan

"Bully For Ethan"
Episode 18
Air Date: June 12th, 2004

Honestly, the most remarkable part of this episode is not even the main plot with the rangers and the villains, it's actually the sub-plot with Ethan that really shines and showcases the character in such an awesome way that it's unreal that this is an episode of Power Rangers.  Let's be real, when it comes to realism, this show even makes typical fiction say "Really??" O_O  But occasionally, certain episodes of this show like Turbo's "Cars Attacks" or Wild Force's "Secrets and Lies" show there are rare times where the writing can embrace more realistic approaches to the modern day situations the rangers find themselves in civilian form.  Derrick is your stereotypical jock when he unexpectedly kicks his ball into Ethan's laptop; breaking it.  What I love it while Derrick is making fun of him and antagonizing him, Ethan is surprisingly confrontational and doesn't make down; even making Derrick want to actually fight him if not for Connor breaking it up.  You would think that was just a fluke, but Ethan continues to defend himself and even gets under Derrick's skin to the point where Connor has to keep jumping in to cool them both off.  Once again, it's a tremendous showcase of Ethan's personality NOT making him a pushover as he uses his obvious intellect to outsmart and stand his ground against bullies like Derrick.  It's a rarity where we see the teen getting bullied fight back without actually fighting back and the resolution to the episode's dilemma is done so well with Ethan of course, using his smarts to make peace with Derrick and resolve the animosity between them.  It's something more shows and TV should do instead of making the nerd/geek so passive and pathetic; needing to be miraculously saved in the end by someone stronger than him.  Nice! :)

As for the main plot, it's rather sub-par really but it's nice to get some more plot movement when it comes to the villains and their own personal machinations against the rangers or specifically, Zeltrax and is random beef with Tommy all season. O_o  We learn from Tommy while sorting out some old photos (including an awesome shot of the original 6 rangers!!! Great callback! :), Tommy made friends with another paleontologist named Smitty but when it came to being Anton Mercer's partner for their experiments, Tommy beat out Smitty for the job and they both strangely loss touch quickly after.  Well it turns out, that old Smitty IS Zeltrax and has been holding a grudge against Tommy since one of his experiments cause a serious accident that left him almost dead but luckily, Mesagog was able to save him and transform to him to what he is today, hence his hatred toward Tommy and serving Mesagog......HUH??!! o_O But Tommy wasn't directly responsible for you making a serious mistake and almost killing yourself!!! Just because he got the job and you didn't, he's suddenly responsible for the way you are now?!? Would have made more sense if Mesagog lied to Smitty like Lothor lied to the Blake and Hunter last season as at least here, Mesagog could have manipulated Smitty more easily as he became Zeltrax to make him believe Tommy was responsible but wasn't.......yeah..... I STILL don't get it and honestly, hate this plot point because it makes absolutely no sense.  So are we suppose to feel sorry for Zeltrax or something???  Even Tommy after that revelation isn't really stunned or surprised but more confused and in a dazed.  Like seriously, the writers could have found a MUCH better excuse for this and is by far the weakest aspect of the season so far.

But what did help the plot a little was Trent's very sneaky and clever manipulation of Zeltrax to fuel his rivalry against Tommy.  Honestly, this White Ranger arc, on the other hand, is being handled so well as Trent becomes more overtaken by the power of the white dino gem and keeps playing not only our heroes but the villains this season in such a smooth way.  Once again, it adds a refreshing new angle to usual evil ranger arc this show loves doing thanks to Sentai but using it to their full advantage when adapting it for the US.  I also LOVE how Mesagog comes in at the end to shocking mentally torture Trent before revealing he knows that Trent knows he's his father as well as warning Trent that even though they are blood, he will have no problem destroying anyone who stands in his way.  Wow, I'm getting Queen Bansheera flashbacks!!! "That's you son!" O_O  But it just emphasizes the whole take no prisoners approach to the main villain this year who may be weakened by his humanity but the monster within is called the shots.  Also, the whole evil ranger being the son of the main villain turn of events is so cool and is truly keeping me so invested in the show.  All and All, "Bully For Ethan" stands apart because it has really strong and genuine characterization in a situation that feels not only real but tangible in how most teens would deal with it at the time or today.  Ethan is becoming a great character who doesn't need his powers to save the day in his school life and that is what being a ranger is all about! :)

Final Morph: A-