Power Rangers S.P.D. Randomized: Samurai

PRSPD "Samurai"

Now that Beast Morphers is on hiatus, I'm filling the Power Rangers gap by continuing my randomized trip through the long history of the show. At hand is the S.P.D. episode "Samurai", not to be confused with the season Power Rangers Samurai.

The titular samurai is Katana, a rubber-suit "monster" who turns out to be an honorable warrior. When Red Ranger Jack Landors is disarmed, Katana won't fight an unarmed opponent, and returns the laser blaster. And when Jack uses the Morpher's Judgment function, Katana is found not guilty. Significantly, the action of the episode takes place in Kyoto. So for once, Japanese Super Sentai footage with native iconography actually makes sense in a Power Rangers context!

There is sloppiness and, of course, silliness in the episode. Emperor Gruumm's evil mech Morato technologically scoops up entire buildings, and when defeated, returns them perfectly in place. The way the Delta Base transports itself from New Tech City to Kyoto is unclear. It appears to accelerate fast on a freeway, and then just appears in Japan? And Bridge says Katana is not controlling the evil zord Morato, but when Morato's pilot is revealed, why is everyone surprised it's not Katana?

Amid such strangeness are a few nice touches. Gruumm promises Japan to Broodwing if their plan succeeds, which is a fun practical detail. And Gruumm's plan to divert S.P.D. resources to Japan bears fruit, as he steals iridium from New Tech City. A little forward momentum for your villain keeps them looking semi-competent. And the main thrust of the episode is Jack's growth. He's convinced wielding the Shadow Saber will make him victorious in battle, so when Doggie Cruger disguises a regular blade as the Shadow Saber, it works as a placebo to give Jack confidence.

An episode that flits between good and bad attention to detail. An acceptable outing, but I'm not a fan of the jittery aesthetic of the episode. 4/10.