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There were over one-hundred fifty episodes of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. It is by far the longest running of the Power Rangers series, and the most influential. Of course, with so many episodes, it may be easy to miss a few. That's why I've compiled this list of must-see Power Rangers episodes. For those of you who are new to Ranger Fanaticism, maybe you'll get lucky with well-chosen episodes of Power Playback. These are the episodes I felt were the most note-worthy. This list is different from my Most Memorable Moments because it judges the episodes as a whole rather than a particular moment. Still, expect some overlap, since obviously the best episodes have very memorable moments in them.
Episode #10: Switching Places
Kim: "We've undergone spacial personality displacement."
Boy, is that an understatement! This is easily my favorite of the pre-Green Ranger section of MMPR, and I think the reasons are obvious. True, it's not a terribly original plot. The whole brain-switch thing has been done on many shows, as well as movies. Still, I found this a very entertaining, smart, and funny episode. For those of you who aren't familiar with the plot, Billy creates a machine that is intended to help a person read another's thoughts, and prepares to test it using himself and Kimberly as guinea pigs. However, the machine malfunctioned, switching his brain for Kim's and vice versa. In this episode, we're treated to a very comical rendition of Kimberly (with Billy's brain), techno-babbling the day away while trying futily to apply make-up and prepare a soufflé. Also, we're introduced to what is, in essence, Bubble-Head Billy, who is more interested in keeping his nails intact than teaching his computer student. At this point in the series, all of the characters were so stereotypical it hurt... especially Kim the air-headed Valley Girl and Billy the shy and uncoordinated genius. Fortunately, these stereotypes cooled down as the series progressed, and these characters became people instead of labels. But, it was definitely fun watching the gender-polarized stereotypes flip for an episode. I'm sorry, but even now, years after I first saw this episode, I still crack up when I see Billy (with Kim's brain) stride around the hallway and sit cross-legged. Ha!
Episode #9: The Mutiny
Kimberly: "You mean... there's someone worse than Rita?"
This thriller was the second-season premier, lighting up all our screens during prime time! And it was not a disappointment... not by a long shot. It featured one of the biggest surprises that smacked us all in the face. Rita Repulsa, the wicked witch who battled Zordon for millennia, wasn't the ultimate evil. Not even close. She was just another servant, devoted to the mighty Emperor of Evil... Lord Zedd. The intimidating, chronic-headache suffering Rita was punished for her season of embarrassment at the hands of the Power Rangers, and then Zedd takes matters into his own hands. Finster's useless Putties are replaced by more powerful ones. The Rangers had to morph in order to beat them! And Zedd's first monster, Pirantishead, freezes all the Dinozords, forcing Zordon to create a new fleet of zords to deal with the intense threat. And finally, the dreaded prediction came to pass... Tommy's power began to fade. When he returned in "Return of an Old Friend," Tommy was warned that his power boost was only temporary. Sooner or later, the energy flux would fade. Then, the last few episodes of the season showed us an amazingly powerful Green Ranger, complete with his own battle theme! Suddenly, he became the other Rangers' rescuer! But thankfully, Saban didn't forget the ominous words of Zordon. Tommy's power began to fade, and he was not strong enough to pilot a Thunderzord. This episode marked the introduction of who is easily my favorite major Power Ranger villain (although I do like Astronema of PRiS). He was twisted, maniacal, and powerful! Anyone who could make Goldar tremble was certainly someone to be noticed. And once he set his sights on Earth, he relentlessly attacked the Green Ranger, knowing he was the weak link in the Ranger chain. This guy puts Rita to shame, and it also gave us a much-needed break from the terrible English dub of all the moon scenes. Finally, PR episodes didn't have to fit into the mold of a Sentai episode. Wow, room for creativity?
Episode #8: Plague of the Mantis
Trini: "He's right. I was afraid."
Trini has always been an incredible Power Ranger. She's so unlike any other. Unfortunately, she was so reserved that she usually took a back seat to the others. There are very few Trini episodes, and then I get chills when I remember episodes like "For Whom the Bell Trolls." Ech! However, there was one dynamite Trini episode, that focused on the concept of honor. The Mantis monster is created to take advantage of the code of honor Trini respects thanks to her Kung Fu training. It challenges Trini to a one-on-one duel, pointing out that Trini betrayed her honor by calling backup during their last confrontation. Trini is hesitant to trust the monster, but she can't deny that she tipped the odds in her favor by calling in her friends. So Trini puts personal safety and her better judgment aside, choosing to trust in the honor of her opponent. She confronts the Mantis alone, without alerting her friends to her decision. However, the Mantis decides to take advantage of Trini's naiveté by summoning some Putties for backup. Trini holds her own until reinforcements do arrive, and she also learns an important lesson. The forces of evil have no honor. We get to see some confusion on Trini's part, as she decides the worth of her honor, and the honor of evil. I was quite impressed by this episode. We were shown how low evil will go to exploit the purity of the Power Rangers.
Episode #7: The Power Transfer
"It's like a whole new beginning."
Sorry, but when I compiled this list, I forgot who uttered that quote. I'm thinking Alpha, but since I'm not sure, I left it blank. Anyway, no MMPR fan could forget this jam-packed three-part episode, that marked the very first time a Ranger was replaced. Of course, we've said goodbye to a Ranger (Green) and welcomed a Ranger (Green and White), but this time the Ranger remained, while the teenager left. No, I wasn't shocked when I discovered that Zack, Jason, and Trini were going to be leaving the show. Ever since the White Ranger showed up, the plots seemed to revolve around Kim, Billy, and Tommy, and the others were reduced to cameos. And then Tommy started wearing green again (so the producers could recycle old footage for Power Chamber scenes), and when the Yellow, Red, and Black Rangers fought, their voices were wrong. Well, our hypotheses were right: Thuy, Walter, and Austin had departed. But still, considering the fact that these actors were gone way before the actual retirement of their characters, I think Saban did a good job with this. The Rangers had to go on a quest to the most distant galaxy to retrieve a magical sword, which would act as a conduit to transfer the energy signatures of the departing Rangers into three new candidates. While the Rangers were away, Adam, Rocky, and Aisha proved themselves again by protecting Angel Grove. I found this to be an entertaining episode. It's not up here because of its incredible wit, but it marks a turning point in the history of Power Rangers. Considering how many teenagers have been Rangers, a very important fact was transmitted here: the Power can be given to someone else when needed. Of course, I found it rather funny that Trini, Zack, and Jason had to go on this huge quest to transfer their powers, while Kimberly simply handed Katherine the pink coin.
Episode #6: Return of the Green Ranger
Clone: "I know all about you. All of your secrets and weaknesses. So why don't you make it easy on yourself and surrender to me?"
This episode didn't change the face of the Power Ranger team or anything, but it was a crucial episode to the personal development of Tommy Oliver. Also, it brought a refreshing return to the diabolical and cold Evil Green Ranger, as well as shed a little bit of light onto Tommy's psyche. Okay, a quick recap: Tommy first joined as the Green Ranger, chosen not by Zordon, but by Rita. Obviously, that raises a few questions about whether he should be a Ranger. He does get over this self-doubt, but then he's forced to retire thanks to the Green Candle. Then, he comes back. Then, he retires again. Then, out of the blue, he becomes the White Ranger and leader of the Power Rangers. Suddenly, that complex and isolated character is transformed into the leader. While I like the idea of Tommy's personal growth, I personally didn't think that he had truly come to grips with his darker side. But in this fabulous episode, his dark side stared him right in the eye! Yes, an evil Tommy clone, given the incredible power of the Green Ranger! And to make it even better, the other Rangers were shipped into colonial Angel Grove! Okay, I'm not going to sit and wonder how the heck Angel Grove (which I assumed was in California) was a colonial village, but it did mean that all his friends were gone. No one to help him stand against the evil within. And of course, instead of killing off his dark side, he helped the clone realize that he too was a complete human being, capable of being good or evil. It's a powerful reminder of our own culpability, and responsibility for our own actions. Yes, sending his clone two hundred years into the past did create a time anomaly that can only be solved in fanfiction, but it was the only way to get rid of the clone while not destroying him. Personally, I would have preferred Tom to remain in the present day, and create a new life for himself. That way, he could've returned on another episode. Well, that would have been nice, but still, I loved this episode. And yes, the little side-plot with Adam and Marissa was sooo cute. It's nice to see someone other than Billy have a crush.
Episode #5: Doomsday
Rita: "To finish them off I will use all my power to activate your zord... Cyclopsis."
How can you not love this episode? Honestly, I thought this was the end of the PR saga... just when it began! The Power Rangers were getting ready to celebrate as the mayor declared an annual holiday "Power Ranger Day," honoring the heroes that kept their little town on the map. However, the festivities were doomed as Rita kidnapped all the citizens in Angel Grove, and unleashed the gargantuan zord Cyclopsis. Needless to say, Cyclopsis kicked Megazord tail, and even knocked Titanus! The Rangers were baffled on how to tip their odds in their favor, until finally the idea occurred that they must constantly shift modes of the Megazord to confuse Cyclopsis. Cyclopsis was finally destroyed, and it seemed Rita had taken a substantial loss. It was such an overwhelming victory for the Rangers that Zordon asked if they'd like to retire! Of course, our beloved heroes wouldn't even think of it, as it was assured that Rita would strike back from this devastating defeat. So, the Rangers return to a fully populated Angel Grove, where they are treated to some hero worship and appreciation. And to top off a dynamite, thrill-packed slug-fest, who shows up in the last few moments for a cameo? None other than Tommy, the recently retired yet still devoted former Green Ranger! Wow, I was glad to see his face again, and the Rangers finally got a little recognition for all the hard work they put into protecting Angel Grove. I loved the whole concept of Cyclopsis! Rita's giving Goldar a massive power-boost is far more effective than channeling her energies to create stupid monsters. And can you get a more dramatic title?! Yes, once you saw the title screen fade, you were expecting some major suspense. And for once, Saban really delivered with this gem.
Episode #4: An Oyster Stew
Zack: "I sure learned a lesson. Never try to impress someone with money, 'cause you can't buy love."
I loved this episode. Man oh man, did I love this episode. You've probably noticed that most of the episodes that I recognize on this page are actually several-parters. That's because it's really hard to make a single episode hugely important, considering that, once again, there were 150 individual episodes. But this... this episode was the downright funniest episode of Power Rangers! And it brought to head a mini-theme that was building since the first week of MMPR: Zack and Angela. While it's true that the first relationship that was emphasized was Tommy and Kimberly, there is no doubt that the first major crush belonged to Zack. And here's how it went: Angela would walk into the Youth Center. Zack would try to approach her, intending to impress her with his dancing prowess or smooth words. She brushes him off completely, leaving whatever Ranger is present to laugh at Zack's disappointment. But finally, Zack decides to try something a little different. He's not going to impress her with his amazing personality. No, he decides to impress her with money. So, his plan unfolds. He'd sweep her off her feet with dinner at a fancy restaurant, a romantic serenade of professional musicians, and a magnificent gift... a pair of pearl earrings. Not too shabby! Of course, all of Zack's efforts result in a hilarious catastrophe. The French café he chose featured a menu entirely in French, a language he didn't speak. In a brave attempt to impress, he elects to order for everyone. He winds up ordering very unappetizing frog legs, setting up the dominos for their dramatic tumble. The musicians arrive, only to be Bulk and Skull beating a harsh tune from the guitar. Ha! And then, finally, he gives Angela the pearl earrings he purchased. Only... it's one of Rita's tricks! The pearls freeze everyone present, and once the spell is broken, the pearls evaporate like those Alka-Seltzer tablets. Obviously, Angela isn't very pleased, and begs Zack to just leave her alone. So, at the end, Zack makes one more attempt. No more flashy presents or upscale restaurants. He's dirt broke. Instead, he gives her a handful of flowers, and a sweet song. And he wins a kiss! The lesson? Be yourself. Don't try so hard to impress. And the episode ends on a humorous note as Bulk and Skull once again break out into melody! Who could ask for anything more from twenty minutes?
Episode #3: The Green Candle
Tommy: "It's over... isn't it."
It wasn't a question. When Tommy uttered those words, in a weak and choked voice, we knew an era had ended. In one climactic episode (well, it was a two-parter), the unthinkable happened. And I, for one, was completely shocked! Everything was fine in Rangerville. No signs on the horizon of the terrible fate that awaited one of their number. Out of the blue Rita pulls out this magical wax that she had been saving, which had imprinted the Green Ranger's power signature. With it, she attempted to siphon away his power, and create another Evil Green Ranger. She didn't succeed (surprise, surprise), but it wasn't by any means a victory for the Power Rangers. While they managed to prevent Rita from stealing the Green Ranger powers, irreparable damage was done to the Green coin. There would never be another full-strength Green Ranger, and our shy and beloved Tommy Oliver bid farewell to the team. My jaw dropped when I saw the candle flicker and die. I didn't think a show like Power Rangers had the capacity for such a poignant defeat! I was truly very impressed with the deep emotional drama in this episode. And the irony of it hits you like a brick wall. The day Tommy lost his powers was the day he finally shared his true feelings with Kimberly. Wow... I don't know about you, but my eyes were moist.
Episode #2: The Changing of the Zords
Tommy: "We can't let Zedd win this fight. Kimberly's counting on us."
Okay, I'll confess it. Probably one big reason why this episode is so high on my personal list is because it marks the end of Kimberly's career as the Pink Ranger. She stuck around for a few more episodes, but here the bright rose warrior fights her last. But man oh man... does she get a send-off! I personally believe this was the best farewell any of the Rangers' got. In case you didn't see this three-parter, here's the rundown: Rita utilizes a young woman named Katherine, whom she kidnapped from Earth, to be a spy and steal the Power Coins. Katherine, fueled by jealousy towards Kimberly based upon her relationship with Tommy, decided to only steal Kimberly's coin, causing the Pink Ranger to weaken and slowly die. The only cure would be to retrieve her Power Coin, or somehow separate her life force from the coin. But things get worse... not only is Kim's coin stolen, but Zedd goes ahead and kidnaps her too! The Rangers are forced to decide whether to serve Zedd, or let Kimberly die. I just love how diabolical the baddies became in this episode. No more crappy "Let's make a monster to bother the Rangers." Oh no... Rita gets wicked as she uses the fabulous feline felon Katherine. Of course, at this point we weren't treated to the truth behind Katherine's abduction, but several flashes into her psyche reveal that she was a human girl (not a creation), and that she wasn't inherently evil. Still, while Kat fought the spell, she was a magnificent villainess. I don't know... I tend to like the Rangers more when they're evil, and Kat is surely no exception. The look on her face when she ripped apart that photograph and crumpled the piece with Kimberly... gave me chills! This time, the fight got personal. And the stakes were high, too. This episode packed incredible drama, dizzying plot twists, and pulse-racing suspense into a solid hour of Ranger adventure! If only the Turbo movie was this captivating... but I digress.
Episode #1: Green With Evil
Tommy: "Man... why me?"
And what list of incredible PR episodes could be complete without a huge round of applause for the fabulous introduction of the first evil Power Ranger, the Green Ranger! Okay, so it was a mini-series, blowing us away with five action-packed surprise-filled episodes! Who wasn't impressed? It was this very mini-saga that pulled me into the Power Rangers bandwagon. I never knew such drama could be on a kids' show! This episode had it all! It opened with a mysterious (and handsome) new student with a mean karate kick that had everyone talking. He seemed nice enough, but as time passed, he went from sweet and friendly to cruel. I adored the part where he confronted Kimberly and muttered "Reality check, Kimberly... you're not the center of everyone's universe." Ouch, that was cold! And I for one loved JDF as a villain. I think some of his best acting is done when he's on the wrong side. But wait... that's not all! In addition to the fabulous dynamic between evil Tommy and just about everyone, there was still the amazingly powerful Jason vs. Goldar face-off (one of my faves), the tragic disappearance of Zordon, the destruction of the Command Center, and even the introduction of the wicked sting of Scorpina! When it rains in Angel Grove, it really pours! How could any episode compare to this one (or these five, depending on your view of it)? This is where, in my opinion, the Power Ranger series really takes off, and explores and deepens the teenagers as well as the villains. And it'll probably always be my favorite episode.
Once again, let me emphasize the fact that this list is based entirely on my own opinion... no polling involved. These episodes were chosen from the entire list of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers based entirely on their impact on my perception of the show, and the actual development of the show. I'm sure most of you disagree with the actual list, but you must admit... I made some pretty good arguments. :)