Power Rangers Jungle Fury: Race To The Nexus

Welcome back to the Jungle Ranger Fans. Last time, we all breathed a sigh of relief upon learning that Dominic did NOT in fact hide the control dagger, which serves as the key to the mystical and vaguely defined Rhino Nexus, up his ass. However, because Dom is a showboating jackass, the bad guys still got their hands on the dagger and are on their way to the Nexus, our heroes in pursuit. 

After the awesome theme song and a brief recap of last episode, we open with our villains preparing some kind of ritual to release the Phantom Beasts from the Crystal Eyes, only for Jellica to inform Carnisoar that Dai Shi has escaped the dungeon. Grizzaka is more pissed off that usual, especially since he knows that Dai Shi is probably heading for the Rhino

Nexus, and using his Zocato powers, the one thing in this show even more vaguely defined that the Rhino Nexus, he and the other Overlords head to the Nexus themselves to stop him.

Meanwhile, our heroes are also heading out to the Nexus, getting there using the Jungle Master Megazord in Bat Mode. Yeah, that’s way better than a taxi. 

Elsewhere, Camille and Dai Shi spot what to me appears to be The Tree of Life from Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the distance, indicating that they’re getting close. However, as they press forward, something from under the ground, possibly Bugs Bunny given the way it was moving, attacks Camille. Dai Shi jumps in to save her, and once the underground creature sees that Dai Shi has the dagger, it backs down. I want to note this moment, because it’s yet again a moment of Dai Shi showing genuine concern for Camille’s wellbeing. 

It’s not long before the Overlords catch up to Dai Shi and Camille. Well, Jarrod has officially had enough of these guys’ bullshit and starts mixing it up with Grizzaka and is even able to use the dagger to deflect his Zocato blast. Well, Grizzaka isn’t having any of that shit and decides to do what I’m surprised more Power Rangers monsters don’t attempt more often, grows giant sized and tries to squash Dai Shi like a bug. I know I've said it before, but despite his rather generic brand of Power Rangers villainy, Grizzaka is surprisingly smart.

Well, growing huge would have been an effective strategy if The Rangers didn’t arrive at just that moment to engage Grizzaka in the Megazord. What’s interesting here is that The Rangers call out Grizzaka by name despite the fact that up until this point, I don’t think the Rangers have actually met or were even aware of him. Probably that writers strike stuff rearing its ugly head again. Well, in any case, while the Rangers have their hands full with Old Grizz, Dai Shi and Camille run for the tree. Our heroes put up a decent fight, but Grizz is way stronger than your everyday Monster of the Week and overwhelms our heroes, even forcing them out of Megazord mode. Fortunately, the Bugs Bunny monsters from earlier drag the overlords underground. Our heroes run for it, but Carnisoar breaks free and stands in their way, Dominic running ahead while the rest keep the big bird occupied. Unfortunately, Dom has problems of his own as Jellica blocks his path, forcing him into a one on one confrontation. 

Meanwhile, Carnisoar proves that he’s more than a match for four Rangers, including a Pai Zhuq Master, as he easily tosses them around like rag dolls and even shrugs off a powered up blast from the Huge Mother Fucking Canon. Eventually Carnisoar gets bored and sends them into a realm of illusion where all the Rangers keep seeing one another as Carnisoar, causing them to attack one another instead of the real thing. 

Up ahead, Dai Shi has finally reached the entrance to the Nexus and manages to get through using the dagger.

Meanwhile, Dom is getting his ass handed to him by Jellica, who continues to demonstrate why she’s the coolest of the three overlords, taunting Dom with every blow and barely being effected by Dom’s strongest techniques. However, just as Casey is able to break Carnisoar’s illusion, Dom manages to get his second wind against Jellica. Carnisoar grows giant sized and the Rangers call for the Megazord as Dom starts gaining the upper hand on Jellica, taking her down with a Powerful blast. 

At the top of the Tree, Jarrod finds a large statue of a Rhino. Dai Shi tries to take the Power as Dominic catches up to him. Worth noting is that Jarrod recognizes Dominic even though they have yet to formally meet on screen. Unlike the whole Grizzaka thing, this is actually not bad writing but something we’ll be elaborating upon a bit further down the line. Anywho, Dai Shi attempts to unlock the power and is blasted backward for his trouble. Dom takes the Dagger and using his Rhino Spirit, is able to summon a massive Rhino Zord. Interestingly enough, this Zord appears to be a more traditional Robot Zord and not a manifestation of animal spirit power like with the others. In any case, this is the Rhino Steel Zord, and it’s pretty darn cool. It feels very similar to the White Tiger Zord from the Mighty Morphin days, what with it being a large white animal zord that’s controlled with a Dagger and can convert to a more powerful Warrior mode. 

Meanwhile, Carnisoar is still wrecking The Megazord as Dominic arrives with his new toy. Dom transforms the Rhino Steel Zord into Warrior mode, which comes complete with a big honkin’ sword and shield and, after a fierce battle, Carnisoar is defeated once and for all. 

However, our episode ends on an ominous note, revealing that the blast from the dagger has allowed Dai Shi to master his Zocato power, and Grizzaka is still very much alive and looking for some payback.

While this whole Rhino Nexus arc has been kind of a confusing mess, this finale was actually a hell of a fun ride. What helped was the fact that most of this was just various fight scenes, really putting this show’s phenomenal fight choreography on full display. I especially like how powerful the Overlords feel. You can feel how outclassed the Rangers are here and it makes for some excellent fights. Carnisoar in particular gets a chance to shine, as his fight with the Rangers was a definite highlight. It was good to see Carny in action, especially since this episode ended up being his swan song. Even though he’s felt like an afterthought since Grizzaka and Jellica showed up, in this episode Carnisoar shows why he’s one of the big bad overlords in an awesome display. Overall, it feels like the plot is finally moving forward, and we’ll see it continue to do so next time in Arise The Crystal Eyes. Until then, May The Power Protect You