Well, I was really hoping to do the reviews before the other parts aired, but I wasn't that lucky. It's now exactly a week after part 2 of this incredible finale aired. But, my opinion hasn't changed. To me, this finale far surpassed "Countdown to Destruction" and has earned the spot of my all-time favorite PR eps.
Let's start from the beginning. We start by seeing Deviot (Boy this guy survives a lot! He's like Darkonda incarnate!) crawling back into Trakeena's palace, "thanking" her for saving him from Captain Mutiny and his slave camp. Of course, Trakeena has wisened up since her last encounter with the backstabber, and now knows him for the traito he is. She send Villamax after him.
Deviot, being the eternal coward he is, runs away, coming across the cocoon. But Villamax catches him before he can enter it, and gives him quite a beating.
These fights were pretty cool, though I did think one segment was awkward. The part when Villamax tripped Deviot seemed a bit off, though I can't really explain how. But, overall it was very well done. I did think Villamax seemed a bit rougher than usual, though.
Getting to Trakeena, She's now my fave PR Villaness. I liked how she evolved throughout the series from Pampered Princess, to Vengeful Queen, into her Psychotic stage brought on by her merging with Deviot. Her acting's gotten much better, too. Though it was never as bad as First Season Astronema's.
Well, after Trakeena merges with Deviot, she comes out looking more wicked than ever! I loved the new look. The makeup artists did an excellent job in making her look pale. She was also given Deviot's braids and Blaster. The Mechanical overtone added to her voice was also cool. This was my fave incarnation of her. My second fave would have to be the insect mode.
Well, now that's she's merged with Deviot, she also gets a bit looney in the head, and plots to Destroy Terra Venture.
As for Terra Venture, as per previous episodes, The engines are out and they are "going nowhere, slowly". But, by luck or fate, Commander Stanton informs them that they have found a world that is perfectly suitable for human life.
These were some of the best moments of the finale. When Stanton informs Terra Venture's citizens that they have found the world and of their 212 day journey. Then when everyone celebrates. I loved the little touches of emotion, like the girl who shed a tear, and the father who held his kid in the air. The effects were also awesome such as when the false atmosphere faded away to show the new world.
Here's soemthing else you may not have noticed: Did anyone think of Kendrix when Maya mentioned "Beaches without a single footprint, like they were just born"? You shoud've. That line was meant to be said by Kendrix. Right before LG preimered there was an article on the new Power Rangers in the FoxKids Club magazine that said that one thing that Kendrix wanted to do when she got to the new world was walk on beaches that had never had a single footprint. on them.
Well, of course Trakeena won't let Terra Venture arrive of the New world unscathed. She soon attacks, and some kickin' effects and directing ensue. I loved how you saw in her eye the damage and destruction being caused to Terra Venture, and then she noticed Damon down there. The direction, effects, and music were perfect in this scene.
I also loved how you saw the Scorpion Stinger flying overhead and then Damon said what, in my opinion, was the funniest line in this whole Finale, "Why am I always the deccoooy!!".
In these scenes you could truly see just how far Power Rangers has come in terms of Special effects and music, and direction. I loved the part when you could see green Ranger's reflection in Leo's Visor when he was running. The explosion scene was also cool.
Did I say the music was awesome during these scenes? ;)
Next was one of the big scenes from the commercials. Terra Venture was now officially out of power and had to crash on the planet's moon. One word...AWESOME! Power Rangers has truly come far in Special Effects. These far surpassed the effects of last year's "Countdown To Destruction"
Whoa! Destruction everywhere! They did an excellent job throughout the finale of making the streets of California look like Terra Venture in chaos.
I liked the scene when the father reasured his son that they would make it. But, the son's acting was a bit awkwards.
Then came one of the great scenes. When Commander Stanton had to stand up to High Councilor Brody. I liked it. He's defiantely one of the best adult actors PR has ever had.
Then they proceed to evacuate Terra Venture. Overall, I was very satisfied with part one of "Journey's End" It was full of great music, acting, plot, etc.
Ciao!
Donte