The Team Unites

Mike leaves the team during training and faces a monster on his own.

Summary
The Rangers are seen training, but Mike can't seem to sense Jayden or Kevin's attacks. Mike soon leaves practice to hang out with his friends, telling them of his struggles. However, the city is attacked by the Nighlock Rofer, sent by Xandred to raise the Sanzu River's water levels with Human fear. Even in his ranger form, Mike is no match for Rofer as the others arrive as the monster falls back to rehydrate. Jayden explains to Mike that being a Samurai Ranger is the ultimate sacrifice and must stay away from his friends and family to protect them. After giving it thought, Mike gets an idea and starts to train himself as Jayden undergoes his own training. The next day, when Rofer resumes his attack, Mike once again takes on the Nighlock on his own, tricking him into tangling up his arms. Mike then executes the finishing move. When Nighlock is revived and enlarged, despite Mike's intent to finish him off himself, the Rangers form the Samurai Megazord and use Jayden's training to finish the monster off.

Story and production

 * This episode is virtually a direct translation of Act 3: Skill Extermination Contest of Samurai Sentai Shinkenger, written by Yasuko Kobayashi, including plot points, characterization, and footage.

Cast and characters

 * This episode marks the first appearance of Paul Schrier as Bulk on Power Rangers Samurai. His last appearance was in Forever Red, nine years earlier.

Continuity

 * This was the first appearance of the Mega Mode. The footage is meant to replace the stock cockpit footage from Shinkenger. However no explanation is given as to why.

Starring

 * Alex Heartman as Jayden
 * Najee De-Tiege as Kevin
 * Erika Fong as Mia
 * Hector David Jr. as Mike
 * Brittany Pirtle as Emily
 * Rene Naufahu as Ji

Guest stars

 * Felix Ryan as Spike Skullovitch
 * Leand Macadaan as Matthew
 * Chris Campbell as Reese

Special appearance by

 * Paul Schrier as Farkus "Bulk" Bulkmeier