Like many other power rangers fans I have my ranking of my favorite iterations of the “Power Rangers” mythology. While “Mighty Morphin” is my favorite, a very close second is “Power Rangers SPD.” It’s a part of the “Power Rangers” continuation of legacy that has nothing to do with the original five team mates, but that never hobbles its premise or concept, thankfully. “SPD” is a great iteration that lasted a very hefty thirty eight episodes and re-imagines the Power Rangers as an intergalactic police force. What’s more is that while the series does offer a new concept with the police theme, it also has a pretty good premise, an engaging storyline, and even packs in a lot of solid performances from its entire cast.
Set in a civilization that’s now packed with all races both alien and human, law is upheld by the Space Patrol. The top tier unit is the A Squad, who spends their time taking down large foes and larger threats, while the B Squad spends a lot of their time trying to earn respect. Their leader Sky is a Red Ranger legacy who is desperate to become a Red Ranger for the unit and lead his group. But his plans are thrown off course when the team is confronted by two thieves Jack and Z, both of whom prove to be worthy crime fighters. When the A Squad goes missing mysteriously, it’s up to B Squad to pitch in and help fight crime in the city. When their leader Doggie Cruger enlists Jack and Z, and makes Jack the Red Ranger, and a rivalry with Sky ensues.
Along the way, they all have to learn to work as a team, and take on a new villanous menace, make sense of an enigmatic new ranger who suddenly appears mid-season, and much more. “SPD” has a great sense of variety with some great supporting characters like the tough but wise Doggie Cruger, Kat Manx, his spunky female sidekick from a breed of Cat people, and gadget inventor/comic relief Boom. “SPD” is a tighter production than previous “Power Rangers” series offering a sleeker and much more action packed series that works well and implements its premise beautifully. The cast all do bang up jobs in their respective roles, including the charismatic Monica May, Matt Austin, and Alycia Purrot. Brandon Jay McLaren and Chris Violette are also quite good, making up most of the series dramatic tension.
McLaren as Jack, who evolves from an anti-hero and slacker in to a very disciplined warrior, is a bonafide scene stealer. Everything in “SPD” is top notch, from its twist on the original theme song, to the fantastic new costumes which keep the Rangers spirit while also evoking the police officer motif with the bold colors and big numbers on the suits. “SPD” holds up shockingly well and it’s one of the few “Power Rangers” iterations I’d love to have seen turned in to a movie. It’s often neck and neck with my favorite of the Power Rangers iterations, and a great addition to the “Power Rangers” collection.