Why You'll Enjoy Power Rangers Once & Always

Like many kids in the 90s, I grew up on a steady diet of Power Rangers. So when David Yost and Walter Jones announced the 30th anniversary special, I was excited. With these two original Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers returning after over 25 years, this special doesn't disappoint. So here are a few of my thoughts as to why any Ranger fan would enjoy Netflix's "Once & Always".

Respect to Canon

For whatever reason, when there's a Power Rangers event on the horizon like this, I worry that there'll be something that contradicts Power Rangers canon in a big way. I mean, it's a kids show that's been running for 30 years; there are a lot of details to keep track of and you wouldn't expect kids to keep track of the continuity throughout all these years. But instead, even when they could get away with it, Power Rangers stayed true to it all: Billy's love interest on Aquitar (first referenced in Zeo's "Rangers of Two Worlds"), Tommy and Kat's marriage and family (seen in a flashforward during Zeo's "A Season to Remember"), Zordon's death and purifying wave (which happened in Space's "Countdown to Destruction"). 

Returning Rangers

Five dino Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers were seen in Beast Morpher's dino-themed crossover "Grid Connection", but only Jason appeared unmorphed. This time, all but four of the Mighty Morphin' Rangers appeared (face and all) in this special. Some have appeared over the years, like Adam (last seen in Operation Overdrive's "Once a Ranger"), Kat (last seen in Super Ninja Steel's "Dimensions in Danger"), and Rocky (also seen in "Dimensions in Danger"). But the others hadn't been seen since leaving the show. For Billy, it had been 27 years since his departure in Zeo's "Rangers of Two Worlds" (David Yost hadn't appeared as Billy since the story before, "King for a Day"). For Zack and Aisha, their last appearances were in the Mighty Morphin' Era ("The Power Transfer" for Zack and "Hogday Afternoon" for Aisha). With how involved these six have been in fan events and showing appreciation for those fans, it was beautiful to see them in character again.

Easter Eggs and Cameos

Not only was this special a treat for the original fans of Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers, but there were lots of easter eggs and cameos to satisfy the long-term fans of the franchise as well. For example, if you look at the initials on Adam and Aisha's uniforms, it says "SPA" short for "Space Patrol Alpha" which is very likely the predecessor to SPD's title organization. Also, if you look closely at Alpha's computer you'll see the homes of past Ranger teams, including the Space's Astro Megaship, Dino Thunder's Reefside, and Wild Force's Turtle Cove (to name a few). Likewise, on Rita's machine you can see captured Rangers from various teams, including Ravi (Beast Morpher's Blue Ranger), Carlos (Space's Black Ranger), Trent (Dino Thunder's White Ranger), and Tanya (Zeo's Yellow Ranger), among several others.

Darker Moments

Even just watching the trailer, you knew this special would be darker. Robo Rita literally talks about killing the Rangers in the trailer. Yes, Rangers have died before (Kendrix from Lost Galaxy died midseason and came back at the end and Alex from Time Force supposedly died) but never anything like this; all they were missing was a mangled body. Even on the side of good it was darker: talk of revenge (even just in the trailer) after a Ranger's death (no spoilers here, but you can guess). So the stakes are higher guys. Power Rangers is getting serious! I can only hope this translates over to the series itself, but that's unlikely. 

Tribute to Fallen Rangers

Two of our original Mighty Morphin' Rangers had passed prior to the release of this special. Thuy Trang (who played Trini, last seen in "The Power Transfer") died in a car accident in 2001 and Jason David Frank (who played Tommy, last seen in "Dimensions in Danger") was lost to suicide last year. Both Rangers were honored in this special, despite not being seen unmorphed. Their stories were beautifully told and (to some extent) wrapped up. It's sad that we won't seen Trini or Tommy again. But it was touching to see them honored at the end of the special.

If you made it this far in the post, what are you still doing here? Go watch Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers: Once & Always.

Once a Ranger, Always a Ranger: The Legacy of Jason David Frank

As I was about to settle in for a Sunday nap, I got a text from a friend that Jason David Frank, one of the original Power Rangers and one of my childhood heroes, died this weekend, reportedly from suicide. Normally celebrity deaths don't rock me too much (don't get me wrong, all their deaths are sad). However, I've met Jason David Frank and even after all these years he's still Tommy Oliver to me (even more since meeting him). 

He began his legacy in Power Rangers as the evil Green Ranger. After being freed from Rita's control, it wasn't long before he led the Ranger team as the White Ranger and later the Red Zeo and Turbo Rangers. But to those familiar with the franchise,  there's no  red to rehash his character's life story.

When I met JDF at Salt Lake FanX 2016, I was impressed by his love for his fans. He said he wanted the 100th person in line to feel just as important as the first. He's the standard to which I compare all celebrity meet and greet (Well, him and Catherine Tate). His legacy goes deeper than his long history as a Power Ranger. To many who treasure the franchise, he raised them when their parents were busy working or were otherwise unavailable. He taught kids to stand up for themselves and yet to still be kind. He taught how to be a leader and a mentor. It's strange to think there can be no more Tommy Oliver surprise appearances in the future of Power Rangers.

While still unconfirmed, it's rumored that he died by suicide. This pangs me even more… he gave to his fans and wanted them to feel special and important… yet he had internal anguish and pain that was never resolved. 

Suicide is very preventable cause of death… and men are four times as likely to die this way. I want to ask all men (and women) to step up. If you've contemplated or attempted suicide, I'm glad you're still here. If you are currently dealing with depressive, anxious, or suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. The world has already lost one hero this week, we don't need to lose you too. 

To Jason David Frank, Tommy Oliver will live on in the hearts of Ranger fans forever. Once a ranger, always a Ranger!

Power Rangers Binge List: Mighty Morphin

The nostalgia is strong for 90's kids and one of the popular franchises we grew up with was Power Rangers. Most people I talk to who watch the show still have love for the original Power Rangers, but WOW talk about filler. Other than a handful of story arcs, the first three seasons of Power Rangers nothing but filler.

Since you've probably got ample time at home right now and all of Power Rangers is in Netflix, here's a binge list of important episodes that you'll actually care about. No filler needed.

1. Day of the Dumpster (1 episode - about 20 min)
The one where they become Rangers. You know the story: Rita gets unleashed, so Zordon recruits the original five Power Rangers to take her on. They also get their zords here. If you're doing the binge, you can't leave this one out.

2. Green With Evil (5 episodes - about 1 hour 40 min)
After a few defeats, Rita makes her own Ranger: Tommy Oliver, the Green Ranger. We all know him. He ends up being a Power Rangers legend. But first we have the original evil Ranger.

3. The Green Candle (2 episodes - about 40 min)
One of the few smart moves that Rita ever pulls. She uses her magic to take away Tommy's Green Ranger powers.

4. Birds of a Feather (1 episode - about 20 min)
This one is more optional, but it features Jason using Tommy's power coin for the first time. So that's kind of cool.

5. Return of an Old Friend (2 episodes - about 40 min)
One of the few times in early Power Rangers that we see parents. Rita captures them and uses them as leverage to get the power coins. So Zordon has to bring Tommy back with temporary powers.

6. The Mutiny (3 episodes - about 1 hour)
Season 2 premiere--not that season 1 had a proper finale. Lord Zedd boots Rita out and the Rangers have to step up their game by getting new powers and new zords.

7. Green No More (2 episodes - about 40 min)
After his powers slowly dissipated, this story finishes off that arc. Tommy loses his powers again, never to be seen again (jk, obviously).

8. White Light (2 episodes - about 40 min)
So after Tommy takes off for a while without his powers, this story bring him back in as the famous White Ranger to keep the Rangers from being outmatched by Lord Zedd.

9. The Ninja Encounter (3 episodes - about 60 min)

After some behind-the-scenes drama created some rifts between actors and production team, three Rangers had to be replaced. But first we had to introduce their replacements, who would be recurring characters until officially becoming Power Rangers. 

10. The Power Transfer (2 episodes - about 40 min)
Following a few episodes of no-so-subtle absences from Zack, Trini, and Jason, they take off for Europe and their powers get transferred to Adam, Aisha, and Rocky.

11. The Wedding (3 episodes - about 1 hour)
Ever since Lord Zedd claimed the palace, Rita was a bit AWOL, so this story brought her back in and teamed her up with her new husband to take down the Rangers.

12. Ninja Quest (4 episodes - about 1 hour 20 min)
After getting their powers taken away and their zords destroyed, the Rangers get new ninja powers from Ninjor.

13. A Different Shade of Pink (3 episodes - about 1 hour)
Kimberly gets an offer to be coached by a famous gymnastics coach, so Kat (who just finished up her introductory story arc) takes over as the Pink Ranger.

14. Rangers in Reverse (1 episode - about 20 min)
As a pseudo-finale for Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, this episode features Master Vile turning the world back and the Rangers become kids again. This episode leads directly into the 10-episode mini-series Mighty Morphin Alien Rangers (just watch all 10 episodes of that),

Depending on how long the so-called quarantine continues, don't be surprised if I come back with a binge list for the rest of the Zordon era of Power Rangers.

4 Power Rangers "Ships" That Should Have Sailed

Today was deemed Power Ranger Day as it's the 25th Anniversary of the franchise. It's probably one of the longest running children's franchises and it still lasts today.

Tommy and Kimberly (Mighty Morphin)
How many fans were shipping Tommy and Kimberly as kids? Even before shipping was a term. Kimberly had an interest in Tommy from the start and was heart broken when she learned he was the evil Green Ranger. Then broken anew when he lost his powers. She even fainted when he reappeared as the White Ranger. They were meant to be and even dated for a bit, but then Kimberly left for the Pan Global Games. Unfortunately, after she left, Kimberly met someone while training in Florida. There was no mention of this during her appearance in the Turbo Movie, but in the meantime Kat and Tommy got together for a bit (they even appeared married in a possibel future in "A Season to Remember"). But by the time of "Forever Red" and Dino Thunder, Tommy still appeared single.

Zhane and Karone (Space)
It was short lived, but while Karone was Astronema, she had a thing for Zhane, the Silver Space Ranger. She was later revealed to be Andros's sister and (after some brainwashing) she was returned to the side of good. The unfortunate thing is that after Andros, Zhane, and Karone returned to KO-35, we never saw what happened to their relationship. Karone later appeared as the Pink Galaxy Ranger in Lost Galaxy and Super Megaforce and there was no mention of Zhane... so we can only suppose it never worked out.

Wes and Jen (Time Force)
This one was almost like a weird Oedipus Complex. Jen was engaged to Alex, who appeared to be a distant descendant of Wes, while still in the year 3000, but then when Jen wen to 2001 and met Wes... well, it wasn't love at first sight. It was more like shock at first sight. She actually had a hard time taking down her walls with him, because of how similar he looked. But after all the time in 2001, her walls were down enough and she'd become level-headed enough that she was obviously feeling for Wes. But of course to protect the timeline she had to return to 3000.

Blake and Tori (Ninja Storm)
After the Thunder Rangers joined the Wind Rangers, they became a tight knit team. Around half-way through the series though, Blake and Tori seemed to have a little bit of a spark. A few episodes in the last quarter of the season had to do specifically with some jealousy going back and forth for a little bit. After Lothor was defeated, Blake and his brother returned to the Thunder Ninja academy and nothing seemed to happen with Tori. At the very least, nothing significant was referenced in the Dino Thunder crossover or "Once a Ranger".

Who would you have wanted together? Personally, I'd even be satisfied if there's even a reference to an off-screen relationship between any of these. Maybe Tommy or Wes will mention one on the anniversary special tonight? Doubtful, but I can wish.