[Sh Ranger]

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Originally Posted by DreamSword

Episode 33: Rexor's Secret Manuver

Episode 34: Iron Mask's Identity

Although while I don't think Black Lord fully thought out this plan of his, it does bring back an aspect of the Power Stones that we haven't seen in a long time: That being how they can absorb emotions. Remember, that was a whole part of Rasputin's' plan in building Grand Gator. But more than just thematic symbolism, there's also a very direct reason as to why Iron Mask is a Satria; And that's because he was one. Infact, he's the original Torga. And in ages past he decided he was beyond the very people he'd been chosen to protect, and had to be put down by Bima Legend. Which in turns helps explain his beef with Bima.

This adds an interesting new angle to Topeng Besi's undying hatred of the Satrias. Even when he was revived as a cyborg without his memories, that hatred was the only thing driving him. Now he lives only to get revenge on the Satrias, for denying him the power to change something that wasn't his place to change, the exact details of the event that got him excommunicated being yet another mystery saved for later. There's so much lore with this guy, it's crazy!

Just like Thunder and Ice Mode, Evil Torga is another cool variant of the Torga suit! Black Lord is kind of a genius for figuring out from Rasputin's old plan that he could make a synthetic Power Stone as strong as a real Power Stone simply by imbuing it with strong emotions, the undying hatred of Topeng Besi being easily enough for the job.

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Originally Posted by DreamSword

But no, it is still the Thunder Stone, which works alot less smoothly.

And the suit is dark. Poor Azazel.

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Originally Posted by DreamSword

Episode 35: The Strange Master

Episode 36: The True Power of the Master's Training

Unfortunately, the actual dialogue of the entire scenario instead makes the claim that somehow, the fight against Evil Torga made our heroes lose sight of the reason they fight in the first place. Which is frankly very stupid given that their struggle against their new found foe isn't treated any differently than any other threat to Earth that they've fought so far.

I guess the moral is that a Satria shouldn't seek power for the sake of destroying the enemy, which is what separates Ray, Reza and Dimas from Topeng Besi who lost his way a long time ago.

Anyway, I thought it was humorous how Dimas performed especially poorly at training, since he was literally introduced in training scenes.

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Originally Posted by DreamSword

Now, the episodes aren't a total wash: There's some decently interesting stuff done with the villains here. Such as Rexor reviving Draconer as zombie, Iron Mask making an alliance with the Vudo Empire, and Mossa's' powers working how they logically should.

Zombie Draconer sure did happen.

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Originally Posted by Mesnick

Yes, the Iron Mask/Evil Torga biography is truly insane. He connects with the main characters on so many levels.

For sure, that's what makes him such a memorable and iconic villain!