Mighty Morphin Power Rangers

Season 1 (1993–94)

The series takes place in the fictional town of Angel Grove, California.^[7] On an exploratory mission, two astronauts discover an extraterrestrial container (referred to as a dumpster as a result of its smell) and breach the unit, inadvertently releasing the evil alien sorceress Rita Repulsa from 10,000 years of confinement. Upon her release, she and her army of evil space aliens set their sights on conquering the nearest planet: Earth. The wise sage Zordon, who was responsible for capturing Rita (and also being enemies back on Zordon's homeworld, Eltar), later becomes aware of her release and orders his robotic assistant Alpha 5 to select five "teenagers with attitude" to defend the Earth from Rita's attacks. The five teens chosen are Jason Lee Scott, Kimberly Hart, Zack Taylor, Trini Kwan and Billy Cranston. Zordon gives them the ability to transform into a fighting force known as the Power Rangers; providing them with an arsenal of weapons at their disposal, as well as colossal assault machines called Zords which can combine into a giant humanoid machine known as the Megazord.^[8][9][10]

The series begins with five teenagers combating Rita and her seemingly endless array of monsters, while also dealing with typical teenage problems and clashing with local bullies Bulk and Skull. However, consecutive failures lead Rita to adopt a new method for conquering Earth and destroying the Power Rangers: by attacking them with one of their own. Using her magic, Rita kidnaps and brainwashes a local teen whose fighting skills prove to equal that of Jason's in a martial-arts contest held in Angel Grove. The new teen, Tommy Oliver, passes Rita's tests, becoming the Green Power Ranger. Entrusted with Rita's Sword of Darkness, the source for the continuance of the evil spell he has fallen victim to, Tommy comes dangerously close to defeating the Power Rangers, especially when Rita causes a solar eclipse that temporarily drains the Megazord's power. However, the Green Ranger is ultimately defeated, and the Sword of Darkness is destroyed by Jason. Now free from Rita's spell, Tommy chooses to use his Green Ranger powers to assist the other Rangers in defeating the evil that gave them to him in the first place. His Zord, the Dragonzord, is reconfigured to enable it to help form more powerful Zord combinations alongside the other Dinozords.^[11]

As time goes on, Rita focuses on eliminating Tommy in order to regain the powers that she believes belong to her. Using a special wax that was touched by Tommy when he was evil, Rita uses a magic Green Candle to slowly remove his powers, returning them to her. In the end, Tommy loses his powers, but he prevents Rita from reclaiming them by transferring them to Jason who, feeling guilt for failing to protect Tommy's powers, accepts them. However, Tommy later returns to the team when the other Rangers' Power Coins are handed over to Rita in exchange for their kidnapped parents. With Zordon's help, Tommy regains his powers and successfully retrieves the other Rangers' Power Coins. However, Tommy's regained powers are only temporary and must be frequently re-charged by Zordon, who warns that the Green Ranger's powers will ultimately fail. Despite this, Tommy remains determined to continue assisting the other Rangers as long as possible.^[12][13]

Season 2 (1994–95)

Lord Zedd, Rita's superior, arrives at Rita's Moon Palace, where he takes her place and throws her into a space dumpster again. He then begins his own campaign to conquer Earth. In order for the Power Rangers to compete with Zedd's monsters, which are superior to the ones Finster made for Rita, Zordon and Alpha upgrade the Dinozords into the more powerful Thunderzords (which combine into the Thunder Megazord). However, Tommy is forced to retain use of the Dragonzord, due to his powers being too weak to support a new Zord.^[14]

After several defeats, Zedd's attack on the Rangers progressively becomes more violent. He focuses his attention on eliminating Tommy, whom he sees as Rita's biggest mistake in giving him the Dragon Coin. The Green Ranger's powers were rapidly deteriorating, but Zedd's efforts had enhanced the process. He eventually does so with a special Green Crystal, using it to take away the Green Ranger's powers. The crystal also powers up Zedd's Dark Rangers, but when Tommy smashes it, the Dark Rangers powers are transferred back to the regular Rangers. Nevertheless, Zedd finally succeeds in taking the Green Ranger's powers (in which Rita Repulsa later uses to empower Tommy's clone to battle against the Rangers before reclaiming it once more). Following the loss of the Green Ranger's powers, Zordon and Alpha create, in secret, a new White Ranger to aid the other Rangers in battle. The White Ranger is revealed to be Tommy, who in addition receives a new Zord, the Tigerzord, and also becomes the new leader of the Power Rangers (replacing Jason).^[15][16]

During the Team Ninja Trials in Angel Grove, the Rangers become friends with three teenagers from Stone Canyon: Rocky DeSantos, Adam Park and Aisha Campbell. During an ensuing battle with Zedd and a magical serpent, Rocky, Adam and Aisha discover the Rangers' identities and, having been entrusted with their secret by Zordon himself, the three newcomers become allies of the Rangers.^[17]

Later on, Jason, Zack and Trini are selected to represent Angel Grove at the World Peace Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, and the Rangers are faced with the task of finding replacements. In order to transfer the powers of the Red, Black and Yellow Rangers, they must find the Sword of Light, which is located on the Deserted Planet. Zedd pursues them across the galaxy in Serpentera, his massive personal Zord, and destroys most of the Deserted Planet. Serpentera runs out of power before being able to finish the Rangers, and they return to Earth safely with the Sword of Light. Zordon then chooses Rocky, Adam and Aisha to replace Jason, Zack and Trini as the Red, Black and Yellow Rangers, respectively.^[18]

Sometime before the power transfer, Rita had returned to Earth when Tommy made his debut as the White Ranger, and fell into the hands of Bulk and Skull, but the Rangers sent her back into space. She later returns to the Moon while the Rangers are in Australia, and with the help of Finster, she gets a special "makeover" to gain a younger and "prettier" face. She then uses a love potion on Zedd, who is in a deep sleep during his centennial re-evilizer, and he falls in love with her when he wakes up. They get married and thus join forces to make an even more terrible threat for the Rangers, but not even this can prepare them for what is to come.^[19]

Season 3 (1995)

Rito Revolto, Rita's skeletal brother, comes to Earth and, with the help of a group of monsters, destroys the Rangers' Thunderzords and the Tigerzord. As a result, the Dinozords are also destroyed and the Power Coins are damaged beyond repair. Undaunted, the Power Rangers seek the aid of Ninjor, alleged creator of the Power Coins, who gives them new Ninja Coins, providing them with the even more powerful Ninjazords (which combine into the Ninja Megazord) and the Falconzord.^[20]

An Australian girl named Kat Hillard moves to Angel Grove. She befriends Kimberly, and displays an intense affection for Tommy. Later it is found that Rita had captured Kat and put her under a powerful spell, giving her the ability to transform into a normal cat as well as a cat-like monster. Under this spell, she steals Kimberly's Ninja Coin, vastly weakening and nearly killing the Pink Ranger, whose life force, like that of the other Ninja Rangers, is connected to her Ninja Coin. It is during this time that the Rangers acquire their most powerful Zords ever: the Shogunzords (which combine into the Shogun Megazord). Eventually, Kat overcomes Rita's evil spell and returns Kimberly's Ninja Coin to her. A short time thereafter, Kimberly gets a chance to pursue her personal athletic dreams. With Zordon's blessing, she leaves to train for the Pan Global Games, choosing Kat to replace her as the Pink Ranger. Though her initial fear and hesitation keeps her from contributing fully to the fight against evil, Kat eventually becomes both comfortable and capable of fulfilling her duty as a Ranger.^[21][22][23]

After several more battles, Zedd and Rita are joined by Rita's father, Master Vile. Following his failed attempts to defeat the Rangers, he reverses time, turning the Rangers into powerless children. These events culminate in the mini-series Mighty Morphin Alien Rangers.

The Power Rangers

• Jason Lee Scott
  The original Red Ranger (as well as the team's original leader); portrayed by Austin St. John.
• Trini Kwan
  The original Yellow Ranger; portrayed by Thuy Trang.
• Zack Taylor
  The original Black Ranger (as well as the original team's second-in-command); portrayed by Walter Emanuel Jones.
• Kimberly Hart
  The original Pink Ranger and the first Pink Ninja Ranger; portrayed by Amy Jo Johnson.
• Billy Cranston
  The Blue Ranger and the Blue Ninja Ranger, who also becomes the longest-lasting member of the original team; portrayed by David Yost.
• Tommy Oliver
  The Green Ranger and later the White Ranger and the White Ninja Ranger (as well as the team's second leader); portrayed by Jason David Frank.
• Adam Park
  The second Black Ranger and the Black Ninja Ranger; portrayed by Johnny Yong Bosch.
• Aisha Campbell
  The second Yellow Ranger and the Yellow Ninja Ranger; portrayed by Karan Ashley.
• Rocky DeSantos
  The second Red Ranger and the Red Ninja Ranger (as well as the second team's second-in-command); portrayed by Steve Cardenas.
• Katherine "Kat" Hillard
  The second Pink Ranger and the second Pink Ninja Ranger; portrayed by Catherine Sutherland.

Supporting characters

• Zordon
  An inter-dimensional being trapped in a time warp, he is the wise mentor of the Rangers, who also bestowed their powers. 10,000 years ago, Zordon led the fight against the forces of evil, specifically Rita. Finally, he was able to imprison the evil witch and her minions in a dumpster on the moon. He once had a corporeal human form, but now appears as a floating head in an energy tube. Initially voiced and portrayed by David Fielding, and later voiced by Robert L. Manahan.
• Alpha 5
  A multi-functional semi-sentient automaton from Edinoi, Alpha was Zordon's trusted robotic assistant, responsible for the daily operations and upkeep of the Command Center. Portrayed by Sandi Sellner; voiced by Richard Steven Horvitz.
• Farkas "Bulk" Bulkmeier and Eugene "Skull" Skullovitch
  Two bullies at Angel Grove High School. Bulk, the leader of the duo, was prone to dragging Skull into wacky schemes, which usually failed miserably and ended in humiliation or injury. In the second season, the two decide to discover the identities of the Power Rangers after they were saved by the Rangers in "The Mutiny". In the third season, they enroll in the Junior Police Force in order to impress girls. Thanks to the efforts of their superior officer, Lt. Stone, the duo become good-natured goofs. Portrayed by Paul Schrier (Bulk) and Jason Narvy (Skull).
• Ernie
  The owner and proprietor of the Youth Center, he could often be seen behind the counter of the Juice Bar, and would sometimes dispense advice to the teens. Portrayed by Richard Genelle.
• Mr. Caplan
  The very stern and disciplinary principal of Angel Grove High School, who often encouraged his students in their extracurricular activities. He wore a toupée to cover his bald head, which serves as a common running gag during seasons 1 and 2. Portrayed by Henry Cannon (uncredited).^[24]
• Ms. Appleby
  A teacher at Angel Grove High School. Portrayed by Royce Herron (uncredited).^[25]
• Angela
  The girl of Zack's affections, he was constantly attempting to impress and go out on a date with her, much to her annoyance. She would often demean Zack for his attempts. She later disappeared in Season 2. Portrayed by Renee Griggs..
• Jerome Stone
  A Police Lieutenant with the Angel Grove Police Department. Portrayed by Gregg Bullock.
• Prince Dex/Masked Rider
  A warrior from Alpha's home planet of Edenoi who leads a resistance movement against its ruthless dictator Count Dregon, an acquaintance and rival of Lord Zedd. Portrayed by T.J. Roberts.
• Ninjor
  The creator of the original 5 Power Coins and Dinozords that were used by the original 5 Power Rangers, even though it was Zordon who distributed them. Portrayed by Hideaki Kusaka and voiced by Kurt Strauss.
• Alpha 4
  A fictional robot and the predecessor to Alpha 5, and has exactly the same voice (performed by Richard Steven Horvitz) and body design, with the exception that the yellow lights on his chestplate on either side of the lightning bolt were slightly farther apart.
• Wild West Rangers
  The Old West ancestors of Rocky, Adam, Aisha and Billy, and temporarily obtain Ranger Powers when Kimberly is transported to their time. As Rangers, the Wild West Rangers have outfits identical to those of their descendants, except for the addition of cowboy attire.

Antagonists

• Rita Repulsa
  Portrayed by Machiko Soga in Season 1, and Carla Perez onwards; voiced by Barbara Goodson.
• Lord Zedd
  Portrayed by Ed Neil (uncredited) and voiced by Robert Axelrod.
• Goldar
  Portrayed by Takashi Sakamoto, Kazutoshi Yokoyama and Danny Wayne Stallcup (former two uncredited) and voiced by Kerrigan Mahan.
• Rito Revolto
  Portrayed by Kenichi Endō and Danny Wayne Stallcup, and voiced by Bob Papenbrook.
• Scorpina
  Portrayed by Ami Kawai in Season 1, and Sabrina Lu in Season 2 (1 episode only); voiced by Wendee Lee
• Finster
  Rita's chief monster maker in the first season. Portrayed by Takako Iiboshi (uncredited) and voiced by Robert Axelrod.
• Squatt
  One of Rita's henchman. A short, fat, blue creature who resembles Bulk. Usually blamed for Rita or Zedd's failures. Portrayed by Minoru Watanabe (uncredited) and voiced by Michael Sorich.
• Baboo
  One of Rita's henchman. A tall, bat-like creature who wears a monacle that resembles Skull. Usually chastises Squatt when Rita's plans fail and too is often blamed. Portrayed by Hideaki Kusaka (uncredited) and voiced by Dave Mallow.
• Master Vile
  Portrayed by Hidekatsu Shibata and voiced by Tom Wyner (both uncredited).
• Lokar
  Portrayed by Masahiko Urano (uncredited) and voiced by Robert Axelrod.
• Hydro Hog
  Voiced by Brad Orchard (uncredited).
• Putty Patrollers
  Warriors made of clay who act as Rita Repulsa's foot soldiers, the Putties are often sent to wear the Rangers down before a monster battle, as well as for sabotage and other special missions. In Season 2, Lord Zedd upgrades the Putty design, completely replacing Rita's original design. Zedd's Putties are superior to the original Putties and are more expendable. However, Zedd's Putties also have a big weakness—striking the Z-logo on their chests causes these Putties to explode into pieces.
• Tenga Warriors
  Crow-like soldiers that are able to speak, they are introduced in Season 3 when Rito Revolto takes them with him to the Moon as a wedding gift, and replace Zedd's Putties in attacking the Power Rangers. The Rangers normally use their Ninja Ranger powers to fight them. Unlike the Putties, the Tenga Warriors are not expendable and they return to the Moon when defeated. The Tengas originated in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie (going by the name "Tengu Warriors") under the command of Ivan Ooze. The name changed between the movie and television show was because of copyright complications with the movie's producer 20th Century Fox.

Conception

While on a business trip to Japan, Haim Saban came across a broadcast of Choudenshi Bioman, later learning of a popular French-language dub aired on Canal+.^[26] Based on the franchise's popularity both in and outside of its native country, Saban realized there was potential for an American adaption. He and his business partner Shuki Levy quickly produced a pilot entitled Bio-Man in August 1986,^[27] which featured an early appearance by actor and martial artist Mark Dacascos in a leading role.^[28] According to Levy, they "shopped it around for at least five years, but nobody wanted it." Levy and Saban later re-edited the pilot using footage from the then-contemporary Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger, entitling the pitch Galaxy Rangers.^[29] Eventually, the pilot was picked up by Fox Kids decided to pick it up with a 40 episode order, after which point it would be determined by the network whether or not to renew the series for additional episodes.^[30]

Casting

Due to the action-oriented nature of the show, many of the lead actors cast had background in either martial arts, dance, or other physically-intensive activities. Amy Jo Johnson (Kim) and David Yost (Billy) were former competitive gymnasts,^[31][32][33] Austin St. John (Jason) held a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo,^[34] and a first-degree black belt in Judo.^[35] Walter Emanuel Jones (Zack) was a dancer, and Thuy Trang (Trini) was a kung fu practitioner.^[36] Actor Jason Narvy (Skull) originally auditioned for the role of Billy.^[37]

Filming

The series was shot on location in Santa Clarita and Los Angeles, California.^[38] Recurring locations included Grant High School, Placerita Canyon State Park, Puddingstone Reservoir, and Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park. The House of the Book at Brandeis-Bardin Institute was used the exterior location for the Command Center.^[39] Due to its unusual, futuristic architecture; the building had previously been used in the films Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country and The Lawnmower Man.^[40]

As part of the initial licensing agreement between Saban and Toei Company, the producers of the Super Sentai, additional footage and insert shots of the villain characters (particularly those played by Machiko Soga, Ami Kawai, and Hideaki Kusaka)^[41] were filmed in order to allow more in-depth, extensive scenes of the villains who would be unable to interact with the main cast due to the nature of the show.^[42] The additional footage included close-ups of the actor speaking English-language lines phonetically in order to more make the necessary dialogue looping more seamless.^[42]

Episodes 39-40 (Doomsday Part 1-2) were originally intended as the season (and potentially series) finale, with the producers' intending to bring in actress Machiko Soga to reprise her role as Rita in new footage where she would interact directly with the main cast.^[43][44] Due to the unprecedented success of the show and its merchandising, Fox Kids ordered an additional 25 episodes. Since all available stock footage from Zyuranger had been depleted for use in the first 40 episodes of season one, Saban commissioned Toei to produce 25 new monster costumes and new battle footage using the existing Zyuranger suits. Saban was able to produce 25 additional episodes using new monster suits. This new footage has been referred to as "Zyu2" by Power Rangers fans. Saban used the first 15 in the rest of season 1 then the remaining suits and footage for the first 13 episodes of season two.^[45]

Following production of the first 20 episodes of season two, Austin St. John, Thuy Trang and Walter Emanuel Jones left the show over contract disputes.^[46] To disguise this incident, a combination of body doubles, voice doubles and stock footage were used to continue featuring the characters Jason, Trini and Zack for eight episodes. The subplot of those three Rangers leaving Angel Grove for the World Peace Conference was made to bridge the transition to their replacements (Rocky, Aisha and Adam). While the reasons for their departure was debated for many years, in 2014, Austin St. John would confirm that the departure was due to the low salaries the stars were being paid; St. John stated "I could have worked the window at McDonalds and probably made the same money the first season. It was disappointing, it was frustrating, it made a lot of us angry."^[46] In a 2012 interview with Amy Jo Johnson, she stated St. John, Trang and Jones wanted to become part of a union; this led to them being replaced.^[47]

After the casting of Steve Cardenas, Karan Ashley and Johnny Yong Bosch, the production moved to Sydney, Australia for roughly four months to shoot Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie, which was released the following summer before the start of season three.