Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Season 1 for Fans

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Season 1, Vol.

Ranking among the vibrant highlights of the 1990s, Fox Kids' Saturday morning action-adventure series, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, captivates audiences with its eclectic blend of colorful characters and thrilling narratives. The story kicks off when the nefarious intergalactic empress, Rita Repulsa (voiced by Barbara Goodson and portrayed by Soga Machiko), breaks free from her Space Dumpster. Donning an outfit reminiscent of Flash Gordon's Ming the Merciless and cackling like H.R. Pufnstuf's Witchiepoo, Rita devises a scheme to conquer Earth.

To counter her evil ambitions, Zordon (David Fielding), a projection echoing the Wizard of Oz, enlists five courageous high school students: Jason (Austin St. John), Zack (Walter Jones), Billy (David Yost), Trini (Thuy Trang), and Kimberly (Amy Jo Johnson, known for Felicity). A sixth ranger will join their ranks later. Zordon transports these teens to his mountaintop command center, where they meet Alpha, an endearing automaton known for his exclamations of "Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi." Alpha provides the Rangers with special belt buckles, allowing them to morph into fighting machines clad in stylish spandex.

Equipped with powerful Zords inspired by dinosaurs—the tyrannosaurus, mastodon, pterodactyl, triceratops, and saber-toothed tiger—the Rangers can unite to form the formidable Megazord, not to mention wield the Megasword in battle. The premise, though unconventional and humorous, delivers entertainment that is as delightful as it is absurd. Between fending off Rita's goofy putty patrol, which consists of bumbling men in shiny silver bodysuits, the Rangers enjoy leisure time at the Angel Grove youth center. Here, they engage in gymnastics, practice martial arts, and trade playful banter with local troublemakers Bulk and Skull (Paul Schrier and Jason Narvy).

Billy, the group's intellectual powerhouse, often crafts ingenious devices to assist them in their constant struggle against evil. His inventions include communication gadgets and the Rad Bug, a turbocharged Volkswagen. Meanwhile, Rita’s monster-maker, Finster, brings to life myriad whimsical creatures, such as gnomes and toads, to challenge the Rangers. The dialogue throughout the series is delightfully cheesy, and the low-budget special effects echo the exuberance of the slapstick realm inhabited by Sid and Marty Krofft.

Despite concerns regarding cartoonish violence, this Japanese-American co-production primarily offers harmless entertainment. However, some adults may find the incessant food fights, a high-decibel metal guitar soundtrack, and the repetitive storyline—where the Rangers consistently thwart Rita's plans and deal with bullies—frustrating. In summary, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers is a cherished classic that encapsulates the spirit of 90s television, combining adventure, camaraderie, and humor in a way that continues to resonate with fans of all ages.

—Kathleen C. Fennessy

product information: