Season 22, Episode 6: The Tooth Hurts

 

"The Tooth Hurts"

Episode 6

Air Date: March 14th, 2015

Seriously, Dino Charge continues to be so strong and refreshing that it surprises how this is really STILL the Neo Saban Era! Of course, I'm speaking too soon and the franchise will inadvertently fall prey to the higher ups aka Nickelodeon wanting the show to be a lot less substantial and entertaining in favor of bizarre, over the top comedic relief that never lands as well as character arcs and stories that become so underdeveloped to the point of mediocrity at best.  But luckily, we have yet to reach that point as "The Tooth Hurts" is yet another standout episode that effortlessly stretches out the ongoing story of the season by also exploring some awesome character dynamics within both sides of the fight.  On the hero side of things, Riley and Chase begin butting heads on how they train themselves for upcoming battles.  I love how we get an immediate callback from Riley about Chase's trouble focusing (Continuity!? GASP! *Faints*) while Chase would rather take it easy and not be so uptight about his training like Riley always is.  It's a great dynamic to explore and makes sense for both characters.  Riley seems to be the perfectionist of the group, especially when it comes to analyzing the monster's cake and figuring out what makes it so powerful.  Meanwhile, Chase has his own way of doing things, which may seem like he isn't taking things seriously and procrastinating but he is in fact getting things done by using his own strategy to pursue the rangers' latest enemy.

Even Keeper once again, steps in when Riley is upset and gives him some advice on working with Chase despite their different views on tackling the situation.  Over the top ball throwing aside, he makes a good point and seriously, the actual mentoring is REALLY scaring the hell out of me! Just stop it! The kids might actually learn something Chip! What's wrong with you!??? :P  On the villain side of things, I love how they are characterizing them as well as portraying their dynamics between each other as well with Poisandra and Fury constantly, hilariously tho, butting heads all the time while Poisandra tries to find the perfect wedding cake in Cavity, one of Sledge's bounties he sends out to rotten the rangers' teeth as well with his cake decay from hell!  Chase actually ends up getting a painful tooth ache thanks to Cavity but the best part is how the writers incorporate the humor of it when the rangers morph and do their roll call.  I really miss that tongue in cheek, self aware humor the show did during seasons like Dino Thunder and especially RPM! Having Riley tell Chase to sit out the roll call while telling the rest of them "Next!" is genuine one of the funniest scenes I've  seen from this show in a while.  Now THAT'S how you make the show enjoyable for young and older audiences! :)

As the fight goes on, Riley and Chase of course, learn to work together despite their different methods and manage to defeat the monster by mixing both their attacks via their dino chargers.  Unfortunately, Sledge makes him grow and we get a megaozrd fight via the Dino Charge Megazord.  I love how the rangers are adding each other during megazord battles on  the ground as well as in the zord itself.  Very reminiscent of the old days for sure! Not to mention, it's just awesome finally seeing all 5 rangers in the cockpit for the final attack to finish off the monster.  "The Tooth Hurts" isn't a masterpiece but it's another superb outing for the show that manages to push the story forward (actual foreshadowing and looking for the gold energem!? WOW! :) and that last scene of the rangers just having fun training is just so heartwarming.  So much life and joyfulness with these rangers compared to the typical "let's go to froyo" post fight scene crap of Mega Forced! HOLY! O_O  No wonder this is in a different dimension....too soon!?? Ooops! 0_0 lol

Final Morph: A-