Season 14, Episode 11: The Gatekeeper, Part 1

"The Gatekeeper, Part 1"
Episode 11
Air Date: May 8th, 2006

WHAT THE HELL???! :) It's funny, I remember LOVING this two parter the first and last time I saw them, but it NOW shocks me how it's literally a 180 from first quarter of the series.  It's funny how ALL of my reservations and rage over this season is magically (I know! :P) fixed as Part 1 is not only story heavy but a stellar arc episode that focuses more on the biggest stakes at hand than the annoying aspects of the season that the writers seemed to be focusing on: Koragg's dishonorable code of honor, the incompetence of the rangers, idiotic plot points, etc.  Here, the episode jumps right into the story as it is thankfully centered around a character while underused and comedic so far, definitely helps up the quality significantly. :)  Claire really does shine here and I'm glad the writers already had a purpose for her this early in the season by not making her simply comic relief but a character who is essential to moving the story forward and providing the best character development so far this season. Also, I LOVE how the Gatekeeper dilemma gives the writers a wonderful chance to expand on the magical world of the rangers by showing us not only some of Udonna's past but showing why she believes in Claire so much despite her clumsy. dimwitted nature toward magic.

I also adore the scene they share in the woods with Claire feeling like Udonna withheld the truth from her because of how problematic she can but instead of Udonna just trying to explain why, she tells her that she is exactly as her mother was, the original Gatekeeper.  It really gives Claire some hope, not to mention depth to both characters as they are aunt and niece; making their bond stronger.  Of course, things don't go well for long as Koragg kidnaps Udonna and it immediately forces Claire to not be just an apprentice anymore but fearlessly taking on her mom's legacy as the new Gatekeeper.  It really does show Claire to be someone who's willing to take on not only a lot more power but way more responsibilities in a crisis where the rangers' mentor is in danger.  Also, the fight scenes in this episode are strangely epic as hell for the show in a while.  And I'm not talking those annoying, eye irritating Kalishplosions, I'm talking about that awesome 5 against 1 fight sequence between Necroli and the rangers.  I loved the shot of the camera spinning while fending off all 5 rangers at the same time.  Really show just how powerful their villains really are but it's absolutely NOTHING compared to Koragg and the Gatekeeper's fight at a quarry.  And this is no ordinary quarry fight for this show, the wirework looked expensive beyond words, especially the sequence of Koragg and Claire fighting against the side of the quarry, I mine....WOW! O_O I have no words!  In a great way again! :)

Also, I really enjoyed the rangers being secondary, support characters here, only coming in to provide plot movement instead unnecessary, convoluted interactions when the story has been focused on them.  Here, the rangers actually come off as everyday heroes ready to be there for Claire and protect her as they discover her immense destiny like there's as well that edge of your seat moment when they come to save Claire from Koragg.  Also, watching Claire being a badass, using her untapped Gatekeeper powers and managing to hold her own against someone as powerful as Koragg.  Their zord battle was also epic in scale and it's a shame Claire clearly doesn't have a hang of the magnitude of her powers but the fact she could hold up for that long in battle with Koragg as well as own Necroli before, just shows the potential is endless once she hones her magic. :)  I also really enjoyed the Oracle aspect of the story, despite Necroli hilariously kidnapping a random old man in public.  Tho, I wonder how he could see that Claire was the Gatekeeper but knew Tobey wasn't??? O_o Anyway, the phenomenal episode ends with Necroli managing to capture Claire and use her Gatekeeper powers to open the Gate to the Underworld so Morticon can reach the surface.  It really is a dark and suspenseful cliffhanger to an episode that really pushes the supporting character forward to tell the season's grandest story so far and leaves so eager for Part 2 it's shocking! O_O Even those stupid magical boxing gloves appear again and I didn't mind this time cause I was too engrossed in the story.  Mystic Force...THIS good??? I know! :)

Final Morph: A+