Kip's Private War

Young Kip (B. G. Norman), resentful of Rocky's role in jailing his father, wages a war of pranks against the Space Rangers that escalates into a potential life threatening situation at the hands of villainous Pinto Vortando (Ted Hecht) on the planet of Apollo Minor. The episode clearly targets kids, with Bobby playing a major role, much of the plot/humour coming from youngster 'putting one over' on the grownups and a predictable 'edifying' ending. Kip is a typical 50s-style lightweight JD and Pinto is a vaguely Asian-Mexican-bandito-type miscreant who leeringly eyeballs Vena while posturing in front of Rocky. Initially Kip's pranks are plausible but once on the rocket they stop making much sense and the carefully telegraphed 'climatic' solution to the crew of the Orbit Jet's problems is somewhat ridiculous. Although likely acceptable to the target audience at the time, this outing of the Space Ranger's makes for less interesting retro-viewing than do the more action orient 3-episode story arcs.