Middleton High is involved in an exchange program. Spending a week in America will be the hunky Hirotaka, while studying at the school in Yamanouchi is...Ron. At the secret school, Ron is schooled in the ways of the ninja, though (as you might expect) it takes a while for it to sink in...though Rufus takes to it like a fish to water. In between the lessons, Ron befriends Yori, a pretty fellow student. Ron also learns of a mystical weapon known as the Lotus Blade. It is a very powerful tool, one that Monkey Fist will stop at nothing to get.
"Exchange" deserves much credit for giving Ron an opportunity to shine...and kick some (monkey) tail. The topic of destiny is explored rather interestingly. The last act features some exciting fight scenes, as well as some amusing anime references.
Where the episode fails to work (aside from the expected Ron-bashing; I mean, did the school really need to be destroyed so many times?) is in the Middleton portions. The scenes of Kim and Monique resisting - and ultimately surrendering to - Hirotaka's charms grow increasingly tedious. However, the scene at Bueno Nacho with the new addition taking Brick to school was a highlight.
Something I found weird: Kim and Monique score tickets to a concert featuring The Bravos (who?). But thanks to some ultra-helpful (not!) post-post production tinkering, the song playing is "I Want it My Way" by the Oh Boyz. So...are the Boyz the opening act for the Bravos, or vice versa? Or are the Bravos are a cover band? Oh well; stranger things have happened.
For the most part, "Exchange" entertains and intrigues.
**.5/****
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