Dangerous Connections

“Lloyd Garmadon was a hero, a leader, who inspired all of us to achieve the peace we have today. And this is why not only is the First Order of the United Lands to honor of the Legendary Green Ninja, but to honor those who carry on his ideals, never has our world been safer and never has our future been brighter than today.”

Dangerous Connections is the twentieth and final episode of the fourth season of Ninjago: Dragons Rising and the 80th episode overall.

Synopsis

Synopsis[]

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Loyalists disrupt the Merged Lands Summit, as the Weapon of Desolation resists its own destruction.

Extended[]

The classic Ninja make a last stand at the Abyss of Eternal Night to destroy the Weapon of Desolation. Lloyd draws upon his training as the Legendary Green Ninja to try and quell this threat once and for all. At the Merged Lands Summit, the Loyalists make their move and jeopardise efforts for peace. The young Ninja face the Loyalists' most dangerous weapon yet.

Plot

Plot[]

The episode begins of flashback at the blacksmith shop, where Kai and Nya were playing while Jay hides on a pillar. Ray, Wu, and Edna examined the Realm medallion. Ray explains that he hoped someone would know what the mysterious object was, while Wu recognizes it as an old depiction of the realms. Wu explains that the lines on the medallion suggest that all the realms are connected. According to legend, this connection could potentially be exploited to pull or force the realms together, causing them to collide. However, Wu reveals that if the same location in each realm could somehow be aligned, the realms could collide while remaining balanced through unity. Ray remains skeptical of the idea, while Nya interrupts the conversation to invite Jay to join them.

As Jay regains consciousness, Lloyd confronts Zilvar, warning him that the Weapon of Desolation is corrupting him and demanding he destroy it. Driven by grief and desperation, Zilvar refuses and declaring he will use the weapon's power to bring back his lost tribe and realm, even if it means destroying the Ninja. He activates the weapon once more to summon another wave of monsters.

Sora is being escorted as a prisoner by the Loyalists. She mockingly questions why their leader, General Cryptor, is "taking a nap." When the guard defends Cryptor, Sora tricks them into believing they woke him up. As the distracted Loyalists turn around to check on Cryptor who remains deactivated. Sora immediately strikes with Spinjitzu, knocking them out. Surprised that her simple trick actually worked, Sora approaches the device restraining Zeatrix and shuts it down, freeing her. A disoriented Zeatrix asks where she is, and Sora urges her to move quickly so they can escape. As Sora and Zeatrix reach the elevator to make their exit, the knocked out Loyalists regain consciousness. Cornering them with weapons aimed, the lead Loyalist declares that while Cryptor gave orders to keep Sora alive, her trickery proved that was a mistake and decides to take lethal aim instead.

Inside the Cloud factory work-in-progress area, the Nindroid MechDragon powers up, causing immediate panic for Wyldfyre and Euphrasia. The MechDragon taunts them, powers up its weaponry, and opens fire on Wyldfyre, Euphrasia, and Riyu, declaring that they cannot stop what is coming. As they dodge the attack, Euphrasia realizes this beast is what attacked Wyldfyre previously when she tracked it down. She asks if Wyldfyre has been hunting Cryptor this whole time, expressing hope that with them working together, they might stand a chance. Turning to look for her ally, Euphrasia watches as Wyldfyre charges straight into the fray piloting her own mech dragon. Mocking Cryptor's creation as "prime mediocrity," Wyldfyre loudly brags about her superiority as she engages the Nindroid MechDragon head-on.

Sora buys time by sarcastically asking the Loyalists to settle things with an arm-wrestling match. Before they can attack, Arin leaps onto the elevator and uses Spinjitzu to take down a cluster of guards. When two remaining Loyalists aim their weapons, Frak sneaks up from behind and ambushes them, smoothly declaring he’s "still got it." Sora asks Arin how they managed to track her down, and Arin reveals it was thanks to her parents accessing the comms device. Sora instantly realizes what that implies that her parents were caught or exposed and Arin solemnly confirms her fears with an apology. Pushing her grief aside, Sora insists they don't have time to process it yet, noting that Percival is about to hold the vote on the unity agreement while General Cryptor's whereabouts remain unknown. When Frak points out that she managed to stop Cryptor's current plan, Sora warns that villains always have a backup. Urgently needing to reach the summit, the group enters the elevator as the doors close.

As the Ninja continue to battle endless hordes of Elemental Monsters, Kai frustrated by the escalating threat suggests a drastic move: if they can't throw the weapon into the abyss, they might have to lock Zilvar in with it. Lloyd firmly shuts down Kai's idea, refusing to abandon Zilvar or leave the weapon sealed away with him. He insists that their only option is to disarm Zilvar directly and get the weapon out of his hands. Taking action, Cole and Zane fly straight toward Zilvar to disarm him. However, Zilvar retaliates using his laser eyes, striking Cole and Zane mid-air and bringing them crashing down.

Arin, Sora, Frak, and Zeatrix arrive at the Summit of the Merged Lands while Percival prepares to address the crowd before the vote. Arin scans the area and notes there are no visible signs of Loyalists, but Sora warns that they could be hiding anywhere and instructs the group to spread out and keep their eyes peeled. Taking advantage of the team's distraction, Zeatrix covertly grabs a pad, breaks it, and hides beneath a tray cart. Unaware of the underlying tension, Percival continues his speech on the importance of working together to protect everyone's rights. Spotting Zeatrix, he proudly introduces her as a shining example of unity announcing that Zeatrix Vespasian-Orus of Imperium's royal family has returned not to rule, but to serve and help build peace.

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In the midst of Zilvar's attack, Lloyd tells Jay to wait for his cue. On Lloyd's command, Jay unleashes his lightning power to blast the Weapon of Desolation directly into the Abyss of Eternal Night. However, the victory is short-lived. The Weapon of Desolation begins to levitate back out of the abyss, continuing to corrupt Zilvar. Taunting the Ninja, the weapon mockingly points out that while Zilvar has limitations, a "primordial artifact of dawn" cannot be destroyed simply by throwing into a pit. The weapon then summons a fresh wave of Elemental Monsters to overwhelm the heroes.

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The Ninja continue fighting the elemental monsters as the weapon taunts the ninja by boasting that it cannot be destroyed because it draws power directly from the sources themselves. As the monsters grow rapidly stronger, Kai admits he is out of ideas, while Nya points out that touching or attacking the weapon directly could make the creatures even more dangerous. Remembering how he previously connected with the ground back in the Whispering Wood, Lloyd recalled how his power allows him to stabilize powers. Ignoring Kai's doubts and protests, Lloyd made his way toward the Weapon of Desolation, banking on luck to neutralize it with his powers as the ninja cover him. Lloyd managed to pull the weapon from Zilvar's reach, which freed him from its possession. Lloyd stabilized the weapon, successfully shutting it down and drawing all the Elemental Monsters back into it, whilst effectively stabilizing the Elemental Powers.

While held by Loyalists as cocoon bots approach, the young ninja realise their Elemental Powers are stable again, using them to destroy the cocoon bots, forcing the Loyalists to retreat. The Nindroid MechDragon blasts Wyldfyre, but grabs a piece of her mech's wing right as her Elemental Power stabilises. Declaring the fight unfair for her enemies, she blasts the MechDragon’s wing. Meanwhile, Euphrasia uses her Wind powers to break out from inside the Nindroid MechDragon's chest, freeing herself, P.I.X.A.L., and Acona. Acona covers their back by shooting the cocoon bots. When the Nindroid MechDragon attempts to strike Wyldfyre with its laser sword, Riyu arrives just in time to strike down the dragon's hand, defeating the MechDragon and causing the cocoon bots to shut down. Beatrix screams a final threat "This isn't over, ninja!", to which Sora sarcastically replies, "All hail the Good Empress," as the fight ends and the Loyalists fall back.

With the Weapon of Desolation inactive, Kai and Nya were both relieved and impressed, questioning how Lloyd had known his plan would succeed. Lloyd confessed he had no certainty but reflected on his ability as the Green Ninja to form connections between forces. However, before he can finish his thought, an overload of energy occurs. Lloyd explodes into pure Life energy, destroying his physical body and scattering sparkles everywhere. As the Weapon of Desolation falls away into the Abyss of Eternal Night, all the remaining ninja's Draconus Forms glow before being de-transformed. The Ninja mourn Lloyd, acknowledging that he risked everything to save them. Zilvar snaps out of his state, confused about what happened to his summoned people. Kai furiously turns on him, but Jay intervenes, reminding Kai that Zilvar was possessed and unaware of his actions. Horrified by what he has done under the weapon's influence, he feels immense guilt, while Cole admits the team shouldn't have made Zilvar carry the weapon in the first place. He sadly realizes that the Green Ninja is gone. Devastated by Lloyd's absence, Jay refuses to accept that he is gone especially now that Jay has finally recovered his memories of the team. As the Ninja notice their Elemental Powers stabilizing, Jay hopes it means Lloyd is still out there helping them, though Nya gently suggests it might be his final gift to them. Zane recalls that since the Temple of the Green Ninja, Lloyd had possessed a new and different energy, but he can no longer sense it.

Amidst the destruction at the Damaged Summit, Percival despairs, declaring the meeting the ultimate disaster and believing that any hope for a unity agreement between the realms has been reduced to dust. However, the Bone Regent steps forward with a surprising shift in perspective. Admitting that he initially arrived with no intention of cooperating with "surface dwellers," witnessing the selflessness of the Ninja who risked their lives to protect others convinces him of the necessity of unity. He declares that the Underworld is ready to unite for their common defense and challenges the other leaders to do the same. Moved by the Bone Regent’s speech and the Ninja's bravery, all present factions agree to band together. Pontifex Magicus confirms their unanimous decision as everyone cheers, bringing a rare smile of hope to Percival’s face.

While Arin and Frak restrain Zeatrix’s body, Sora works quickly to program the machine. Beatrix, who is currently possessing Zeatrix’s body protests in defiance as the device is activated to swap their minds back into their original bodies. Upon regaining control of her own body, Zeatrix immediately voices her deep hatred for her sister. When Arin checks to see if the machine successfully worked, Zeatrix confirms that Beatrix’s mind has been sent back to her own body. She insists that Cyrus Borg must heal Beatrix so she is fully conscious and aware while enduring her punishment: rotting in Imperium Prison. Hearing her ruthless declaration, Arin dryly remarks that they can definitively tell the real Zeatrix is back.

At the Monastery of the Never Kingdoms, Zilvar expresses guilt, warning the Ninja that they are far too quick to forgive him after everything he has taken from them. Nya quickly reassures him that he isn't to blame for what happened. Jay backs Nya up, pointing out that Ras was the true mastermind behind his actions. Drawing from his own experiences, Jay warns that Ras is a master of manipulation who took advantage of Zilvar. Refusing to make excuses, Zilvar insists on taking full responsibility for his choices. Declaring that he must find a way to make amends for his actions, he bids the Ninja farewell. As the Ninja depart, Jay turns back one last time to watch Zilvar go off on his own path toward redemption.

Upon returning to the Monastery of Spinjitzu with Frak and Sora, Arin tries to defend Sora's parents, pointing out that they ultimately turned on the comms so the team could locate her. Upset, Sora rejects the defense, insisting her parents only used her. As Sora holds a note left behind alongside some brownies, her parents' voiceover reads the letter as they board a bus at the Crossroads. They admit they originally sought refuge at the Monastery to hide from authorities. However, their time spent with Sora, the Ninja, and Arin's parents showed them a better way forward. Acknowledging their past mistakes and confusion, her parents express how truly proud they are of the impressive young woman Sora has become—wishing they had realized it much sooner. Expressing their love while acknowledging they may not deserve hers in return, they bid her goodbye. Touched by their words, Sora sheds tears as she reads the heartfelt letter.

Arin and Sora visit Dr. LaRow in Imperium Prison to confront her. Arin reveals that they caught Johnny Courageous, who was the Loyalist that infiltrated the Imperium Guards, smuggling out LaRow's orders. Sora points out the irony: while LaRow had the intelligence to direct the Loyalists, Cryptor, and Operation Mentax, she was blind to how dangerous and unpredictable Beatrix truly was. LaRow justifies her reliance on Beatrix, explaining that while she herself can organize and manipulate, she lacks the ability to inspire followers like Beatrix could. Sora sharply counters, noting Beatrix never inspired anyone she merely ruled through demands. LaRow warns them that sharing power among everyone dilutes it and that the new United Lands will inevitably collapse under its own weight. Standing firm, Sora rejects her worldview, asserting that unity makes them stronger, not weaker. With that final exchange, Arin and Sora walk away, leaving LaRow behind in her cell.

Lloyd's memorial

Lloyd's memorial

The original Ninja return, greeted excitedly by Frak and Sora. However, the joyful reunion quickly turns somber when Wyldfyre and Arin notice the veterans' sorrowful expressions and ask what happened and where Lloyd is. The realization of Lloyd's loss leaves the entire team heartbroken. In a formal gathering, Percival delivers an inspiring speech honoring Lloyd Garmadon was a hero and leader whose vision made their current peace possible. He announces that the first official business of the United Lands is to honor the legendary Green Ninja and all those who carry on his legacy. Percival concludes by thanking the team, declaring that the world has never been safer or its future brighter. As the crowd applauds, the Ninja bow in quiet reverence, carrying forward the memory and ideals of their fallen friend.

In the courtyard of the Monastery of Spinjitzu, Jay stands beneath Master Wu's portrait, next to a newly hung portrait of Lloyd. Speaking aloud to Lloyd's memory, Jay reveals why he skipped the formal ceremony: he firmly refuses to attend a memorial for someone he is convinced isn't actually dead. Just as Jay speaks, Lloyd's "ghost" form suddenly appears before him. Jay follows the ethereal manifestation, which leads him toward Master Wu's library by way of a hidden pillar. He presses a secret button concealed inside the pillar, unlocking a hidden compartment. Inside, he realizes two key artifacts are missing: the Icon of the Source Dragon of Motion and the Realm medallion, the very same medallion he remembered seeing years ago at the blacksmith shop.

At the Monastery of the Gates, Master Wu remains trapped inside a Protective container with the Realm medallion glowing and floating above him. Ras emerges from one of the portal gates, carrying the Icon of the Source Dragon of Energy in his possession. Addressing the captive Wu, Ras taunts him, declaring that whatever small win Wu’s underlings think they secured was merely a minor skirmish. He asserts that true victory is closer than ever and that his master will ultimately triumph. Leaving Wu behind, Ras steps out of the Monastery of the Gates and into the Land of Eternal Dawn. Raising his Dragon Icons high into the air, he lets out a powerful roar while glaring toward the Shadow Dojo, setting up the next phase of his and his master's scheme.

Appearances

Appearances[]

Characters[]

Cast[]

Non-speaking[]

Mentioned[]

Creatures[]

Items[]

Vehicles[]

Events[]

Locations[]

Species[]

Trivia

Trivia[]

  • Morro can be seen at the memorial of Lloyd. This is the first time the original ninja, aside from Lloyd, have seen Morro post-Merge. However, no interactions between them have occurred yet on-screen.
  • This episode marks the fourth time a ninja's physical body was destroyed/disappeared the other times include:
  • The ending of this episode is very similar to that of "Birthright", as both feature Ras emerging from the Monastery of Gates with a new Source Dragon Icon as he goes to the Shadow Dojo.
  • The pose of Lloyd's memorial statue is similar to that in the Part 1 intro and the stance he's in before transforming into his Draconus Form.
  • This is the final appearance of Draconus Form, having been lost due to Lloyd's physical body being destroyed/disappearing.
  • Arin's line, "Together forever, right?", is the same line as in "The Shatter Dragon".
  • It is currently unknown who will serve as the formal leader for all the remaining ninja.
  • This is the final episode in which 'The Merged Whip' appears in the intro.

Cultural references[]

Continuity[]

  • The flashback in the cold open shows Wu already in his old appearance before Ray and Maya's capture. Due to the Battle Between Brothers and formers' capture happening close to each other, it is not fully clear if this is an animation error, or Wu had rapidly aged after Garmadon's banishment.
    • Alternatively, it's possible Jay's memories were slightly altered due to the time passage between the event and Jay's recollection. This occurred similarly with Lloyd during his recollection of his training session with Wu.[2]
    • It is also possible that Ray and Maya's capture by Krux happened after Garmadon's banishment to the Underworld as it has been implied that Wu's rapid aging happened after Garmadon's banishment.
  • In said flashback, Wu, Edna and Ray are looking upon an item that depicts the realms. Wu mentions that a building that's similar across all of them can help connect the realms and stabilize them. He's referring to each of the Monasteries across each of the realms.
  • Lloyd's sacrifice is similar to Zane's in "The Titanium Ninja" where after shutting down the Weapon of Desolation, Lloyd's mortal body was inadvertently obliterated just like how Zane's original body was after absorbing the power of the Golden Armor.
    • Another similarity to the aforementioned episode above, is that a statue is built in Lloyd's honor just like Zane once had and there is a picture of Lloyd but it's at the Monastery rather than at the memorial like Zane's picture was.
    • There is a similarity as well to "Endings".
      • In that episode, the ninja return to the Monastery just after losing Cole and Wu asks them what's wrong, the same thing happens in this episode where after losing Lloyd, the young ninja see something is wrong and Wyldfyre is the one to ask what happened, both times the ninja are struggling to keep it together.
      • Similarly again, both episodes also seem to show that both ninja are not fully dead as Cole survived his fall into the Oni cloud and Lloyd was able to appear to Jay in a similar Sprite form to Wu.
  • Lloyd's "ghost" form leads Jay to Master Wu's library.
  • Jay said he has finally recovered his memories of the team, suggesting that he now remembers everything he's been through as a ninja, hinting that he also had recovered memories of Skybound, events that only Nya was able to remember between the two of them.

Errors[]

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Videos

Videos[]

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Translations

Translations[]

Language Name
Chinese (Simplified) 危险的联系
Finnish Vaarallisia yhteyksiä[3]
German Gefährliche Verbindungen
Spanish (Latin America) Conexiones Peligrosas
Spanish (Spain) Conexiones Peligrosas
References

References[]

  1. ↑ https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/lego_ninjago_dragons_rising/s04#episodes
  2. ↑ "The Calm Inside"
  3. ↑ https://www.ruutu.fi/ohjelmat/lego-ninjago-lohikaarmeiden-nousu