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Pandatown
There’s a lot of very effective character growth, interesting
storytelling, and exciting action with this episode. It really goes to show how even with
simplicity in characterizations and morals, a lot of thought goes into the
show. In addition, the episode turns out
to be one grand shining moment for the only Xiaolin Warrior who still hasn’t
become an Apprentice, Raimundo.
Considering that not being promoted with the others led him to go bad,
it was a nice turn of events that when he redeemed himself, he felt he should
work to earn the title. Even with this
mature mindset, it’s easy to feel for him when all the other Warriors look down
upon him because he’s not up to their level.
This is also where Omi’s egotism becomes a problem where, while it’s
funny at times, he comes off as rather condescending to someone beneath him
who’s trying hard.
As for the
interesting concept, it’s when something other than a newly activated Shen Gong
Wu calls them to action. A team of
henchmen are using Shen Gong Wu in Jack’s possession to commit robberies all
over a shady level of Hong Kong.
Apparently, Jack had traded all his Shen Gong Wu to their leader,
PandaBubba, to get a supply of special robot parts. On the robot end, this is a productive trade
considering he has a new robot who’s keen to serve him and praise him
through cognitive speech rather than his silent warriors.
Overall, this is obviously a very stupid move
on Jack’s part, not to mention careless.
He does think he ripped him off by not mentioning that his supplies are
magical, but carelessness undoes him again when he leaves a clue revealing the
truth. That’s why Jack is easily
ambushed when he tries to steal his Shen Gong Wu back. His path eventually crosses with the Xiaolin
Warriors out to beat PandaBubba in the name of justice. Jack claims he wants to help them since
PandaBubba stole his own Shen Gong Wu. The Apprentices follow him, which makes
sense considering their team-up in the season premiere. However, it turns out to be a trap where Jack
steals their own Shen Gong Wu, but PandaBubba’s ready for them all as he has
them captured, including Jack. By the
way, it’s very impressive how intimidating and successful at crimes PandaBubba
can be in such a short, panda-like appearance.
Now, Raimundo was the only one hesitant not to trust Jack, and it feels
like his friends were foolish to look down on him just because he’s not an
Apprentice. It’s here where Raimundo
really proves his worth by going back to the Xiaolin Temple’s Shen Gong Wu
vault where he knows PandaBubba’s henchmen will strike next. He lets them capture him, and surrenders a
supply of junk posing as fake Shen Gong Wu, while he steals back a backpack of
the real ones.
The third act comes with
a lot of exciting Shen Gong Wu action from everyone, even before the inevitable
Xiaolin Showdown. It’s also a shining
moment for Raimundo where during a boat race, even when he’s knocked off his
boat, he gets a strong handle on his wind powers to beat Jack and PandaBubba. So, it’s all because of Raimundo that the
notorious crime boss is arrested and the Xiaolin Warriors get a large supply of
Shen Gong Wu in their arsenal. I can’t
think of any bigger act to finally grant him the Apprentice title, especially
after all he went through from his friends as well as enemies.
This episode has key factors of success
through engaging the audience with a fascinating story and action scenes, and
ending with satisfaction of a character making legit progress.
A+
The Ranking
1. Citadel of Doom
2. Days Past
3. PandaTown
4. Crystal Glasses
5. The Shard of Lightning
Be sure to stay tuned for the review of the next episode where Omi stars in a standard story about wanting to be taller.
If you would like to check out other Xiaolin Showdown reviews on this blog, click here for the guide made especially for them.
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