I guess it was sort of weird for me at 5 years old to have a black Power Rangers backpack — it was probably better suited for a boy. That was just it, though: I didn’t just like the Pink Ranger like the rest of the girls in my class. I loved each one equally.
Although there are numerous series featuring these masked heroes, the one that stands out most in my mind is “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” — the original, of course, which first aired in 1993.
This show started out with the five original rangers: Jason (red), Billy (blue), Kimberly (pink), Trini (yellow) and Zack (black). Later in the first season, Tommy Oliver, who has appeared in five “Power Rangers” incarnations, shows up and becomes the Green Ranger (later white). Although the first three seasons went through some lineup changes, none of the other series in the franchise have even come close to “MMPR.”
“MMPR” was actually based off a long-running Japanese TV series, “Super Sentai.”
For you kids who don’t remember the show’s premise, Rita Repulsa is an evil sorceress released from a space capsule after 10,000 years, and she and her fellow space aliens are bent on conquering Earth. As a result, robot Alpha 5 seeks to find “teenagers with “attitude” who can fight Rita. The Rangers were then given their powers by the sage Zordon. They have access to these powers via their Power Morphers, which at the beginning of the series let them transform into different “Dinozords.” These would combine and form a “Megazord,” which could battle many supersized monsters.
Over time, the Rangers would also end up becoming Thunderzords, Ninjazords and Shogunzords.
In other words, “MMPR” kicked major alien ass.
This was only one of two series in the “Power Rangers” franchise to spawn an original movie (featuring the gregariously evil Ivan Ooze), even though it received mixed reviews from critics. Who cared? I know my 5-year-old eyes saw only awesome.
McDonald’s even included “MMPR” toys in their Happy Meals, and we can’t forget the pogs they had as well.
The Ninjazord Power Coins from Season 3 of “MMPR.” I had all of these. Which ones did you have?
After two years of airing on Fox Kids, “MMPR” unfortunately ended in 1995, and “Power Rangers Zeo” succeeded it in 1996. There have been over 15 different series since, including “Dino Thunder” (huh?) and “Mystic Force” (whatever). Naturally, I never watched the show again.
The new logo released in 2010, when ABC Family rebroadcast the show with extra special effects. We all know what the better logo is.
Although “MMPR” may have had more violence than most kids’ shows did, it also showed how teamwork could help save the world. Not too shabby, eh?
Finally, I must ask you all: Who was your favorite ranger?
Posts in Gator Golf appear on Tuesdays.
The original “MMPR” logo from 1993 to 1995.
