Mighty MorphinPower Rangers, the original Power Rangers show, has hundreds of episodes, but only a few of them are essential to the main storyline and cannot be deemed as filler. Given the episodic nature of the show, it is safe to say MMPR has more “filler” than it has plot-heavy episodes. The same applies to most seasons in Power Rangers’ chronological order, although later entries had more overarching storylines compared to Mighty Morphin.
Almost every MMPR episode follows the same formula, which would then be applied in all other seasons. Naturally, much of it is inspired by the Super Sentai shows, which also had a very defined rhythm to them. Still, for those looking to watch only the biggest events of the original Power Rangers show, going through hundreds of self-contained episodes can be frustrating. From the arrival of the Green Ranger to the quest for the Zeo crystals, some Mighty MorphinPower Rangers episodes are essential viewing and should never be skipped.
12 “Day of the Dumpster”
Power Rangers season 1, episode 1
There is no better Power Rangers’ starting point than “Day of the Dumpster,” Mighty MorphinPower Rangers’ first episode. It introduces all the main characters, from Zordon and Alpha to the “five teenagers with attitude.” Rita Repulsa’s backstory is also established in “Day of the Dumpster,” which features the first confrontation between the Power Rangers and their ultimate nemesis. Mighty Morphin’s first episode quickly creates a connection between audiences and the Rangers, each of whom has a unique personality. Most of the Power Rangers tropes, many of which are still part of the franchise, trace back to this episode.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Original Cast | |
|---|---|
Actor | Character |
Austin St. John | Jason/Red Ranger |
Amy Jo Johnson | Kimberly/Pink Ranger |
Walter Emanuel Jones | Zack/Black Ranger |
David Yost | Billy/Blue Ranger |
Thuy Trang | Trini/Yellow Ranger |
Jason David Frank | Tommy/Green-White Ranger |
11 “Green With Evil, Parts I-V”
Power Rangers season 1, episodes 17-21
The first few MMPR episodes follow the monster of the week formula, yet everything changes with the arrival of Green Ranger Tommy Oliver. “Green With Evil,” a five-episode Power Rangers arc, introduces the character who would become a legend within the saga. Still, before he was one of the best Power Rangers of all time, Tommy was the greatest foe the Rangers had ever faced. “Green With Evil” starts with Tommy being captured by Rita Repulsa, leading to the creation of the Evil Green Ranger, and it ends with the character joining the Power Rangers.
10 “The Green Candle, Parts I-II”
Power Rangers season 1, episodes 34-35
Most of the non-filler Mighty MorphinPower Rangers season 1 episodes are tied to the Green Ranger, a character whose appearances were limited to those of his Super Sentai counterpart. There was only so much Green Ranger footage the show could use, which is why “The Green Candle” establishes that Tommy’s powers come with an expiration date. Despite being a Tommy-centered arc, “The Green Candle” highlights the leadership skills of Jason, the original Red Ranger, and confirms how important Tommy has become to his friends. Although the villains ultimately failed, Tommy’s Green Ranger run was coming to an end.
9 “Return Of An Old Friend, Parts I-II”
Power Rangers season 1, episodes 49-50
Tommy returns in “Return of an Old Friend,” a two-episode MMPR arc that concluded the show’s first season. With the help of Billy and Zordon, Tommy is able to morph into the Green Ranger again. With Rita Repulsa kidnapping all of the parents in Angel Grove, including those of the Rangers, the heroes have to play by her rules. While not so different from other Power Rangers episodes, “Return of an Old Friend” does feel like a finale for the show’s first season and should not be skipped.
8 “The Mutiny, Parts I-III”
Power Rangers season 2, episodes 1-3
Mighty MorphinPower Rangers changes drastically between seasons 1 and 2, which is why “The Mutiniy” should never be skipped. The three-episode arc sees the arrival of Lord Zedd, who was introduced as the much more evil and powerful boss of Rita Repulsa. MMPR season 2’s premiere raises the stakes for the show by presenting a villain that felt less like comic relief and more like an actual threat to the Power Rangers. To establish how powerful Lord Zedd was, “The Mutiny” sees the destruction of the Rangers’ original Dino Zords, setting up the introduction of the Thunder Zords.
7 “Green No More, Parts I-II”
Power Rangers season 2, episodes 13-14
The Green Ranger returned to the spotlight in “Green No More,” a two-episode arc that marked the end of Tommy’s first Power Rangers form. Lord Zedd, who was revealed to be the main force behind the creation of the Green Ranger, orchestrates so that Tommy has to use the little that was left of his powers. To save his friends, Tommy has to join the action and morph into the Green Ranger for the final time. “Green No More” ends with the Green Ranger powers gone forever, leaving Tommy’s future on the show open.
Why Don’t The Villains Attack The Power Rangers While They’re Morphing? (It’s More Complicated Than You Think)
Why the monsters don’t attack the Power Rangers while they’re morphing is one of the show’s oldest questions, and the answer is surprisingly complex.
6 “White Light, Parts I-II”
Power Rangers season 2, episodes 17-19
Three episodes after Tommy lost his Green Ranger powers and left Angel Grove, the character would have a triumphant return in “White Light.” This two-part episode sees Zordon and Alpha trying to create a new Power Ranger out of the White Light, which is described to be even more powerful than the Green Ranger powers. Enters the White Ranger, which was based on a character from Dairanger rather than from Zyuranger. To the Rangers’ surprise, the new member of the team was no other than Tommy himself. The White Ranger was appointed to be the team’s new leader.
5 “The Power Transfer, Parts I-II”
Power Rangers season 2, episodes 27-28
MMPR would never be the same after “The Power Transfer,” which bid farewell to Jason, Zack, and Trini and established Rocky, Adam, and Aisha as the new Red, Black, and Yellow Rangers. Austin St. John, Walter Emanuel Jones, and Thuy Trang were no longer on the show, and all of their appearances in “The Power Transfer” come from repurposed footage and stand-in actors. The two-parter follows the Rangers’ quest for the Power Sword, which would allow Jason, Zack, and Trini to pass on their powers to the new three Rangers. It is the beginning of a new Power Rangers team.
4 “Ninja Quest, Parts I-IV”
Power Rangers season 3, episodes 4-7
Power Rangers‘ status quo changes again in season 3’s “Ninja-Quest,” a four-episode arc that sees the arrival of Rito Revolto, Rita Repulsa’s brother. Revolto easily defeats the Rangers and destroys all of their Zords, making it impossible for them to morph. Enter Ninjor, a mysterious figure who guides the Rangers in their journeys to acquire the Ninja Powers. It must be noted that an alternate version of these events is told in Mighty MorphinPower Rangers: The Movie, which premiered before MMPR season 3 but is not considered canon within the TV show.
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While Power Rangers will always be defined by the TV shows, the saga also includes a few Power Rangers movies, some of which are better than others.
3 “A Different Shade Of Pink, Parts I-III”
Power Rangers season 3, episodes 22-24”
The Power Rangers’ lineup would still go through one more major change before the end of the show. Amy Jo Johnson was leaving the show, meaning Power Rangers would have to replace Kimberly. Catherine Sutherland’s Katherine Lillard, who was introduced as a brainwashed villain working for Rita Repulsa, was chosen to continue’s Kimberly legacy as the new Pink Ranger. Three seasons later, Blue Ranger Billy was now the only of the original five Power Rangers who was still part of the team.
2 “Master Vile and the Metallic Armor, Parts I-III”
Power Rangers season 3, episode 28-30
“Master Vile and the Metallic Armor” introduces Rita Repulsa’s father, who would prove to be the most powerful villain the Rangers had ever faced. Although the Metallic Armors helped the Power Rangers level the playfield, they were still not enough to take down Master Vile. Rita’s father would remain as the show’s main villain until the end of the series a couple of episodes later.
1 “Rangers in Reverse”
Power Rangers season 3, episode 33
“Rangers in Reverse” marks the end of Mighty MorphinPower Rangers, which was followed by a 10-episode miniseries known as Mighty Morphin Alien Rangers. Although some consider Alien Rangers to be part of the original show, “Rangers in Reverse” is the final time the characters wear their classic Power Rangers costumes based on Zyuranger. The Rangers are turned into children by Master Vile, which is why Zordon has to summon the Rangers of Aquitar. “Rangers in Reverse” would lead right into the quest for the Zeo crystals, which would then tie into Power RangersZeo.
Power Rangers
- Created by
- Haim Saban , Shuki Levy
- First TV Show
- Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers
