This year, Power Rangers celebrates its twentieth anniversary. The legions of fans that have been watching since 1993 are reveling in the success of the Saban fueled series that has gone on for many years. Hell, even Shout! Factory is releasing a deluxe 98 disc set featuring the first twenty seasons.
I was fortunate enough to enjoy the craze of Ninja Turtles and watch as Power Rangers was also ushered in to take our attention, and for many years I watched Power Rangers religiously. I still am very fond of the series, and watch whatever iteration is on. It’s always been a fun and exciting bit of fantasy fare for kids and teens, and I may just tune in for the upcoming twentieth season.
Did we miss any of your favorites? Let Us Know!
Power Rangers SPD Emergency
Sure, many fans of “Power Rangers” prefer the original team, but SPD is easily my favorite. Apart from the immensely bad ass theme song, everything about this iteration is superb. The stories are solid, the acting is good, and the conflicts are engrossing. The power ranger suits are also really sleek and look great in action. I also really loved the dynamic between the team members, as well as the genuine conflict between them. It’s rare that Power Rangers features a team with tension between a few members, but SPD had its own. Blue Ranger Sky comes from a long line of Red Rangers, and aspires to be one, but when newcomer Jack takes over as the Red Ranger, Sky is resentful. Thus their rivalry and hatred reflect through the entire season as they gradually build a respect for one another. This is the most watchable of the iterations, and I love it.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
The original and perhaps one of the most exciting of the iterations, this is the most controversial of the bunch, as well as some of the best genre television. Say what you want, “Mighty Morphin” is great, even with its undercurrent of racism and fat shaming. Damn you for criticizing it. “Mighty Morphin” is set in Angel Grove, a group of color coordinated friends are chosen to become mystical costumed warriors with dinosaur spirits who fight the evil Rita Repulsa, and then Lord Zed. This era garners the wonderful introduction of the original rangers, the evil Bizarro Ranger known as the Green Ranger, and then the induction of the White Ranger. You have to love it. Is there anyone more bad ass than the green ranger? I think not!
Alien Rangers
The Alien Rangers were a unique detour for the Mighty Morphin as they would soon become Zeo Rangers. After becoming children by Rita, her brother Rito, Zedd, and Rita’s father Master Vile, the Aquatic humanoids known as the Alien Rangers inevitably stepped in to take on evil and help the Rangers regain their ages. Billy is able to retain his youth and then inevitably goes back to the Alien Rangers’ home world, tending to the weaponry for the Power Rangers, and leaving the series.
Power Rangers Zeo
This is where the Power Rangers dropped off, but hey, at least it’s the last hurrah for the group before they became hot rodders with a snot nosed kid on the team. After embodying the spirit of dinosaurs, and then jungle animals, they then took on the spirit of Zeo crystals. Allowing them basic shape helmet designs, they’re able to take on the Machine King and his army of robots. This is the time the gorgeous Kat took over for Kimberly, and of course, when the Zeo rangers introduced their next gimmicky team mate: The gold ranger! Who is the Gold Ranger? None other than Jason the original T-Rex Ranger. It was a welcome treat seeing Jason return, but it’s only for a limited time. His Zeo power eventually faded, and he went off to live happily ever after with his hot girlfriend.
Power Rangers Dino Thunder
Dino Thunder may not be the best of the iterations, but it does have some high points. The best of all, Tommy Oliver, the original Green Ranger, returns to reprise his role. He’s now a professor who teaches at the school our trio of Power Rangers attend. And, he’s also a power ranger to boot. A Black one. “Dino Thunder” is a solid and very entertaining iteration that goes back to the Dinosaur mold while also avoiding repeating the original Mighty Morphin dinosaur formula. Not to mention the costumes for the trio of new Rangers looks quite bad ass. It lacks that white offset, but they’re still sleek.