Season 16, Episode 29: Maryl and the Monkeys

 

"Maryl and the Monkeys"

Episode 29

Air Date: October 14th, 2008 (Jetix)/October 20th, 2008 (TV)

Meh!!! I guess we'll squeeze out one more filler before the end of the season before the main story gets an epic conclusion???!!! Idk...just seems random for Camille to hatch some plan that involves some random scientist's formula that clones monkeys and yes, it just clones monkeys....not to mention, the side effect is the original getting all itchy!??? O_o  I swear this show can be equal parts serious and silly beyond comprehension.  I mean I guess the episode does succeed in two aspects of the story in progressing Dai Shi's conflict with the Phantom Beasts which actually ends shockingly and gives some excitement for the upcoming final 3 episodes.  Then of course, there's that budding romance between Dominic and Fran that gets some development here and pretty much spells out she has feelings for him, which makes sense given how she grew so fond of Dominic when everyone else had their doubts about him.  It doesn't help that he seemingly falls for the scientist that Camille steals the formula from; leading him on a one man mission to get close to her and Fran constantly mentioning how NOT pretty she is!!! Lol  But I actually find his sudden infatuation with the doctor kind of disturbing, especially how he literally stalks her at first to get information out of her. Yikes!!! At least he had to common sense to tell her he was a ranger so she would trust him unlike Casey with that archaeologist several episodes prior.  Of course, Dom can't help but be himself and spoil his mission by making him seem like an overzealous jerk who can't wait to get into his pants while the others try to warn him she's right behind him.  Ha!!! That was just priceless and legit one of the best comedy moments of this series that felt so natural; like you could def see this on a sitcom. :)

I know we're suppose to feel bad for him but I'm actually glad the writers handled the situation in a more realistic way.  Instead of nice ending where everything works out for everyone, the doctor doesn't meet Dom for lunch despite getting her to finally help him despite his selfish, misogynistic claims of he being her hero.  It leads to a moment that feel earned from Fran by showing her appreciation for Dominic even when he messes up bringing their relationship much closer as friends.  Awwww, I have so much hope for those two!!! :_(

Meanwhile, the two Phantom Beasts who are left conspire against Camille after Dai Shi approves of her formula plan.  They actually convince Grinder to make himself valuable to the rangers so her plan can fail unlike what she originally told Grinder to do.  It leads to the 5 rangers reuniting and managing to destroy him after once again, an intense zord battle that takes all of their zord arsenal to put an end to one of the Phantom Beasts warriors again.  I guess I haven't got much to say besides it was mediocre at best.  Seems the Jarrod/Dai Shi parallel is showing more of itself as the humanity within him maybe taking more control than Dai Shi is.  Certainly about time given the season's about to wrap up and Jarrod needs resolution as well as the rangers' final fight with Dai Shi ahead so....  Oh and I find it funny how when facing the ending clones of Grinder, THIS is when the rangers decide to bring the Spirit Rangers back for assistance.  A shame such awesome ranger designs are being wasted...meh! :( 

Final Morph: D+