The Rangers are forced into an unexpected battle when an old face from Merrick's past returns.
Tropes:
- Achilles' Heel: After the Predazord uses the Armadillo Zord to break off Zen-Aku's horn, it's able to finish him off.
- An Aesop: "We're a team, Merrick. We have to fight together."
- Big Damn Heroes: Merrick is saved at the last minute by the Wolf Zord. Also earlier, he is rescued from being destroyed by Alyssa.
- Big "NO!": Merrick when the other Rangers first try to intervene in the fight.
- Big "YES!": Shayla after Zen-Aku is destroyed.
- Breather Episode: Taking a break after Adler being exposed and Mandilok taking over.
- Came Back Strong: Zen-Aku, who was already a powerful threat, has returned stronger than ever. Princess Shayla notes that it's because the Wolf Mask's power was previously split between Merrick, his three Zords, and the mask. Now, Zen-Aku has all the power to himself.
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Channel Hop: The first episode to air on ABC. - Chekhov's Gun: The trick pool shot that Willie shows Merrick. It later gives Merrick the idea how to attack Zen-Aku during the Zord fight.
- Enemy Without: The Wolf Mask previously being destroyed freed not just Merrick, but also Zen-Aku and allowed him to exist without a human host.
- Flashback: A brief one to when the mask was broken.
- Flat "What": Zen-Aku's confused reaction to Alyssa suddenly saving Merrick from a swipe.
- Hates Being Alone: When Zen-Aku is asked by Merrick what he wanted with him if he no longer needs a host to exist, Zen-Aku replies he felt alone and rejected when Merrick separated from him and wanted to remerge with him.
- Hidden Depths:
- Willie is an expert pool player.
- Turns out Zen-Aku's much more alive and sentient than previously thought, he's not only a real separate Org from Merrick but he also desires companionship due to being rejected by his fellow Orgs and humans alike, seeking to possess Merrick again so he is no longer alone, even if he has to force him to join back together.
- Honor Before Reason:
- Merrick doesn't want the help of the other Rangers because he's responsible for Zen-Aku being in the world.
- At the camp site, Zen-Aku gives Merrick the chance to peacefully surrender rather than strike him in the back.
- Impaled with Extreme Prejudice: Zen-Aku is put down after getting impaled with the Predazord's Revolver Phantom.
- It's Personal: Merrick sees taking down Zen-Aku as his responsibility. Also, presumably why Merrick's Zords attack the grown Zen-Aku without being summoned.
- Little "No": After both Merrick and Zen-Aku disappear over the side of a cliff, Merrick's Cool Bike reverts to an animal crystal. Fearing the worst, Taylor has this reaction.
- Make My Monster Grow: Zen-Aku is so powerful now he can do this to himself.
- The Power of Friendship: Merrick learning to accept help from others is what saves him from Zen-Aku.
- The Reveal: Orgs can be destroyed if their horns are broken.
- Pre-Mortem One-Liner: "You're history, Zen-Aku!"
- Reduced to Dust: Zen-Aku crumbles to dust after being hit with the Predazord's Revolver Phantom.
- Shut Up, Kirk!: After the Rangers curb-stomp Zen-Aku by working together.Merrick: You're finished! It's over.
Zen-Aku: You haven't even seen a fraction of the power I now possess! [hits his chest] - Sour Supporter: Merrick angrily refuses the others' help for much of the episode. Though learning the value of teamwork, he's still not much of a party guy, so he passes on the party the others are having. He prefers to have a quiet game of pool with Willie.
- This Cannot Be!: The general reaction to Merrick fighting Zen-Aku.
- We Can Rule Together: Zen-Aku wants to remerge with Merrick, not only to have a companion but also to be invincible together. Naturally, Merrick refuses.
- We Meet Again: How Zen-Aku greets Merrick.
- "You!" Exclamation: Merrick after Zen-Aku first appears before him.
