The Beast Morpher Power Rangers have new allies in the form of the Gold and Silver Rangers. While their longtime friend and technologically expert Nate Silva has finally come into his own as the Gold Ranger. He is accompanied by his newly born brother the Beast-Bot human hybrid known as Steel. Steel escaped his fate as a vessel for sentient computer virus Evox, who still plans to capture the novice Silver Ranger with a restored Cybergate. When Grid Battleforce learns of this scheme, Nate and the Rangers do everything they can to protect Steel from Evox...and an overly-cautious General Burke.

“Silver Sacrifice” in a lot of ways is a more philosophical episode of Beast Morphers, though somewhat watered-down philosophy. Steel’s human DNA gives him sentience above a regular Beast Bot, Grid Battleforce shouldn’t have the authority to treat him so brazenly. However, the dangers of Evox obtaining his body, not to mention the Morphin Grid with Steel’s Silver Ranger powers, are considered by General Burke to outweigh respect for Steel’s agency. Burke doesn’t even consider Silver to be more than the Beast Bots anyway. Laughing at the familial connection between Nate and Steel outright, to his daughter Betty’s dismay. There’s a lot of interesting dynamics going on here that again, are tragically only tackled on a surface level.

 While this episode definitely stretches itself outward in terms of what the show can be, that same swing also means higher scrutiny for critique. It should be noted however that writers deserve credit for bringing back the Cybergate an episode after its destruction. Considering how built up the gate was in leading up to “The Cybergate Opens,” it’s total destruction in the mid-season finale seemed anti-climatic. It’s good to see them open up that plotline one more time and put it down in a way that makes narrative sense.

On a technical level, there are also some issues with the episode, specifically General Burke, who has very noticeable ADR issues. His actor Mark Wright, however, does a tremendous multi-layered performance with Burke illustrating the general as both a strict tactician and a loving father. But as great of a supportive performance as that may be, the real acting MVP is Abraham Rodriguez’s performance as Nate. Rodriguez has been doing great work throughout the series in his supporting role but shows excellent ability as a heart-wrenching lead. The scenes of his bonding with Steel have a sincere sentiment and joy to them, which makes the audience connect that much more to the fear and dread he displays in the third act. We want Nate to have this dream brother of his, and are sympathetic that he is being taken away by the Rangers’ leader and arch-enemy. 

“Silver Sacrifice” has a lot of intriguing ideas and powerful performances, but still could’ve been taken further by the series creatives. With Beast Morphers entering the season half-point, just being better than Ninja Steel and Megaforce is starting to lose its appeal.

B