[Sh Ranger]

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Originally Posted by DreamSword

Episodes 37+38: Endings

And the timing on this part of the rewatch couldn't have come at a better time, because not only is A-Squad a huge part in all of this, but Greg Aronowitz recently made a post on his socials about another very important aspect of SPD: SWAT.

Namely how, when the show first started production, the US crew had no ideas that SWAT Mode was going to even be a thing, let alone what it'd look like. All they knew at the time was that the super mode for the Power Rangers this time around was going to be called "Super Space Mode."

Some viewers might then immediately que in on something, and that is how Greg got incredibly lucky when designing A-Squad, because their design mirrors SWAT Mode perfectly, lending to some incredible visual symbolism alongside the fated duel between the two Squads. And man is it a firefight to be had! B-Squad proves once and for all that nothing they've done up to now has been a waste.

It's a really great fight too. Of course there's plenty of lazer fire given both sides wield giant blasters, but I have to give a huge shout out to both Syd and Jack here. Not only are their contributions very well choreographed, but both of their duels feature the two pulling out their Deltamax Striker and Delta Blasters, respectively, showing that SWAT Mode does not infact lock off the Ranger's' old weaponry. It makes me like SWAT Mode a little more, honestly.

The producers got lucky for sure with SWAT conveniently resembling A-Squad. Honestly, I think this makes it fit better for SPD than it did in Dekaranger, which is amazing to think about when we remember that this is totally by accident. The climactic B-Squad VS A-Squad fight scene shows how much the former have grown as a team to come out on top and SWAT really emphasizes that fact in the form of a visual parallel. Love to see Red and Pink using their iconic weapons as well!

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Originally Posted by DreamSword

But the final note about A-Squad is that SPD actually had some tie-in comics, and in those it was stated that A-Squad was actually brainwashed by Gruumm. And while some fans liked this angle, I personally never did. Because it flies completely in the face of the entire bit of foreshadowing that's been surrounding the team since the very first episode, and is also far less emotionally impactful than the team deciding to walk down the wrong path in contrast to our heroes. It's a moot point anyway though, because remember, it was established earlier in the show that Morphing with the SPD Morphers undoes mind control. Regardless, as far as I know, those comics aren't ever really considered anymore.

I can see good arguments for both sides. While A-Squad turning evil of their own free will is more shocking and perhaps realistic, them being brainwashed means they can be redeemed and that Doggie's established trait of being a good judge of character is maintained.

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Originally Posted by DreamSword

Oh yeah, The Omni. The giant brain with a tentacle eye. Not much is revealed about it here, but Aronowitz has said that Gruumm's' brain being exposed is an intentional design choice made to subtlely hint at how this creature came to control Gruumm in the first place...

Creepy.

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Originally Posted by DreamSword

Having the actual final fight of the show be a standoff between Cruger and Gruumm is also a great move, given how the two's' rivalry was established very early on. Heck, Cruger himself has a ton of great moments throughout the episode. Like his cold cutting down of Mora's' monsters(and great one-liner when he confines her), and the sheer lengths he goes to in order to not only save his wife, but the world at large.

Mora acting under Omni's spell is also creepy and she was already creepy before. Impressive work from the actress. Shadow Ranger is totally the MVP and most bad*ss here!

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Originally Posted by DreamSword

But of course, the big thing most people remember about how the episode, and the show itself, ends is that Jack steps down from being a Power Ranger, and Sky gets promoted to take his place. It's a great scene that calls back to the test of character that Cruger gave Sky during the very first episode, and everyone getting to meet up again at the very end is very heartwarming after all that's happened. Jack might not officially be in SPD anymore, but he's still very much a part of B-Squad's' found family. But duty calls, and the adventure never ends. I honestly couldn't think of any better way to cap this all off!

Feels like Bridge changing to Blue came out of nowhere though, since there was no implication that he was in line for a promotion while Z and Syd stay the same. Considering how the Deltamax Strikers are the same and the new bikes introduced in Episode 4 were exclusive to Red and Green, seems like Green's equipment is probably better than Blue's anyway. Even the flying Zord doesn't matter anymore since SWAT gave everybody flying Zords. Can this even be called a promotion?

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Originally Posted by DreamSword

Apparently Disney, Aronowitz, and Bruce Kalish had some ideas though, because now I get to talk about what might be the final bit of production trivia I have for this thread: Did you know that SPD was almost the first Power Rangers season since Mighty Morphin' to have a second season? From what I understand, given what Greg himself has said on socials as well as at cons, Disney really didn't like how SPD was being produced at the same time that Dekaranger was, and thus was thinking of calling for SPD to get a second season that would use what little stock footage of Dekaranger they had(including the Dekranger movie), as a means of stalling for time to let Magiranger get further in production.

I have to respect the producers of the Saban and Disney Eras for having to improvise with such limited information and yet still make a lot of great shows, while the producers of the Saban Brands Era had foresight yet often failed to take advantage of it.

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Originally Posted by DreamSword

It's more about the spirit of the action more than anything. Cruger erases everyone's' memories so that no one is treated unfairly by the laws of time travel.

Not that time travel ever made any sense in Power Rangers but, ya know, it's the spirit of things!

I mean, if I were one of those Dino Rangers, I'd honestly feel better knowing that the SPD Rangers remembered how I helped them out, even if I wouldn't. But with Tommy being exempt due to actor absence, the whole scene is kind of pointless anyway. Imagine if he brought up the event later and the others got confused.

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Originally Posted by DreamSword

[CENTER]Power Rangers: Soul of the Dragon

Thus, Tommy begins his own investigation into the matter, only further motivated in how SPD seems to be totally useless on the matter. Sky himself seems to be keeping quiet about the whole ordeal, though it's easy to tell that he doesn't want to. I love how the passage of time has clearly hit every character involved here; with Sky now sporting some scars. It's clear that he's seen his fair share of battles over the years.

Sky can probably relate to JJ, as somebody who also once lived in the shadow of his father and pushed himself too hard.

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Originally Posted by DreamSword

It's another thing that I really love about this comic. It serves as a wonderful send off to Tommy, while also being a great tribute to not just the character, but Jason David Frank himself and just how much good he did for friends and fans. He's fondly remembered for a reason, and this comic does just as great a job at showcasing why as "Once & Always" did for many of the other MMPR alumni.

For sure, it's heartwarming to know that at least Tommy got a happy ending, since JDF's ended in tragedy. Shame that PR is stuck in limbo right now, as I think it would've been interesting to see JJ become the new champion of the franchise in live action.

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Originally Posted by DreamSword

And that, for all intents and purposes is where the story and setting of SPD stop. Hasbro certainly had a few things to say about the characters in it though. That female Blue Ranger? That's Lina Song from Power Rangers Hyper Force.

I'm not familiar with this Lina Song person. She looks good as the female SPD Blue though.