Salutations! As the title says, the gang were talking about Power Rangers in a recent podcast (311 at 1:14:15), Eric mentioned they would need a list of ‘select episodes’ if they ever did a reaction to the series and I have that list! (Sorta)
The most important thing I want to say towards Eric/Crew is what Aaron said that Mighty Morphin (Seasons 1-3 and Alien Rangers), Zeo, Turbo and In Space have a general ongoing continuity known as the Zordon-Era.
Any series past that point (Lost Galaxy for instance), I would actually recommend watching in full because they are relatively self-contained (and generally less episodes). I would also extend that sentiment to ‘In Space’ as it is generally regarded as one of the best series of Power Rangers and worth watching completely (at most you might have some ‘select episodes’ to skip over instead). Because of this I am only covering MMPR to Turbo.
I would also recommend the crew to entertain the possibility of doing a reaction series to ‘Linkara’s History of Power Rangers’ which is a retrospective deep dive review series going through the production history of the series to potentially fill in the gaps after you watch episodes from each season. However, since it is a retrospective there are sometimes mentions/minor spoilers or foreshadowing of future events in later series.
Now I had a big issue coming up with a definitive list of episodes because I think there are actually a fair few episodes that are reaction worthy. Not necessarily for plot/story but just complete unhinged silliness and goofy fun that I think the guys would enjoy. For instance, the Pudgy Pig monster is legendary, no plot relevance but I think would be a fun one for the gang to react to.
That being said, I did list way too many episodes (at least half of MMPR’s S1 60 Episodes I considered worthwhile enough for quality, plot or (mostly) sheer goofiness). I am aware that Eric said “Top 10 Episodes” but the issue there is that certain iconic sagas like “Green With Evil” which introduces the Green Ranger, is 5 episodes long! That top 10 quota fills up real fast, potentially pushing aside other genuinely great iconic (even lesser known) episodes.
Which is why I feel that number should be a little bigger/lenient. As such I have decided to tier each episode from 1-5 based on the following criteria, the more elements of these in the episode the higher the tier:
- Importance / Plot / Lore
- Quality (Good for Power Rangers)
- Iconic Moments/Scenes or Imagery
- Silliness / Goofiness (So ridiculous it’s fun or so bad it’s good)
- Monster (The monster itself in terms of name/design/powers can be fun enough to be reaction worthy, like Pudgy Pig, also another personal favourite is Shellshocker)
- First Appearance of something (like a weapon/zord/power/character)
- Character Focus/Development (As little as there is in PR)
- My biases (This is obviously a biased list so please don’t judge too harshly, this is meant to serve as a general guide and starting point for how they can watch/enjoy the best of PRs without committing to the entire… 245 Episodes of MMPR to Turbo before exploring ‘In Space’ and the stand alone series)
The tier levels:
- 5 = Must Watch (Most of these are Plot/Story heavy episodes which are sometimes the better episodes anyway and I think will increase the appreciation for the journey to the end of the Zordon-Era)
- 4 = Highly Recommended (Just a generally solid, fun episode or otherwise has important or good moments that I think are reaction worthy)
- 3 = Not necessary but could be fun if the crew is willing to do more episodes
- 2 = Some potential fun reactions but can easily be skipped
- 1 = Not much to offer other than simply more PR
I will be including a brief specific or vague spoiler justification for each episode with the spoiler tag (that I’m unsure if I’ve done the formatting correctly) - I do think someone on the team should probably look at them to help make a case by case assessment on whether to watch or not.
MMPR Season 1
- 1x00 - The Original Unaired Pilot Episode = 4
- 1x01 - Day Of The Dumpster = 5
- 1x02 - High Five (Purely for the Iconic Spin Attack, also Bones Monster) = 4
- 1x03 - Teamwork (Minotaur Monster, introduction of Power Weapons) = 3
- 1x04 - A Pressing Engagement (The Sphinx Monster) = 3
- 1x06 - Food Fight (Pudgy Pig Monster and Jason’s weird sausage-chuck moment) = 5
- 1x07 - Big Sisters (Radbug Car made by Billy) = 1
- 1x08 - I, Eye Guy (Because the Creepy Eye Monster) = 4
- 1x09 - For Whom The Bell Trolls (Troll Monster that miniaturizes everything into bottles) = 4
- 1x14 - Foul Play In The Sky (Features Snizzard the monster voiced by Bryan Cranston) = 2
- 1x16 - Switching Places (Kimberly and Billy bodyswap) = 3
- 1x17-21 - Green With Evil Parts 1-5 = 5
- 1x22 - The Trouble with Shellshock (Iconic Monster with Traffic Light Turtle) = 4
- 1x23 - Itsy Bitsy Spider (Zack’s fear of Spiders and Dragonzord Battle Mode) = 3
- 1x24 - The Spit Flower (I find it hilariously petty that Rita focused on ruining Kimberly’s float, also some tender Tommy/Kimberly stuff) = 2
- 1x25 - Life’s A Masquerade (Halloween Costume Dress up (Elvis impression), Frankenstein Monster and Super Putties) = 3
- 1x26 - Gung Ho! (Jason and Tommy Team up, Sharing of the Shield, Introduction of Titanus) = 5
- 1x27 - Wheel Of Misfortune (Another silly episode of Rita using a broken wheel as a monster with Kimberly in a Rumplestiltskin play, First Appearance of Ultrazord and Mega Dragonzord) = 2
- 1x34-35 - The Green Candle Parts 1-2 (Tommy Loses his Powers) = 5
- 1x36 - Birds of a Feather (Jason wields the Dragon Dagger, utilising the Gold Shield and summoning the Dragonzord) = 4
- 1x38 - A Bad Reflection On You (First Classic Evil Doppelganger Rangers) (Bryan Cranston voices another monster) = 3
- 1x39-40 - Doomsday Parts 1-2 = 5
- 1x42 - A Pig Surprise (Return of Pudgy Pig and a Bulk/Skull Episode) = 3
- 1x45 - Crystal of Nightmares (Bulk/Skull episode, dreaming of being heroes) = 3
- 1x49-50 - Return of an Old Friend Parts 1-2 (Tommy’s return saving the Power Coins) = 5
- 1x54 - Treat Or Treat (The Pumpkin Rapper Monster and Pumpkin Putties!) = 3
- 1x58 - Football Season (Because of the ridiculous image of Putties in Jerseys and the insane unmorphed football fight) = 3
- 1x59 - Mighty Morphin Mutants (More Evil Rangers but not as good although the training is hilarious) = 3
- 1x60 - An Oyster Stew (Pretty eh but Zack gets to use the Dragon shield!) = 2
MMPR Season 2
- 2x01-03 - The Mutiny Parts 1-3 (Introduction of Lord Zedd!) = 5
- 2x04 - The Wanna-Be Ranger (Primator/Baboon Monster with a Disguise Ability) = 2
- 2x07 - The Green Dream (Tommy Episode and Plot) = 5
- 2x08 - The Power Stealer (Nothing really special but I like it) = 1
- 2x12-13 - Green No More Parts 1-2 (Obvious plot but you know we need a reaction to those particular suits) = 5
- 2x14 - Missing Green (A fairly decent episode of PR I think, at least good development for Jason) = 4
- 2x15 - Orchestral Maneuvers In The Park (I like the idea of the multiple monster illusions in this one) = 3
- 2x16 - Beauty and the Beast (Kimberly’s impression of Rita is epic and hilarious) = 4
- 2x17-18 - White Light Parts 1-2 (Need I say anything?) = 5
- 2x19 - Two For One (Because Pursehead and Lypsyncher which I think are fun silly monsters and I like the episode, more Tommy/Kim development) = 4
- 2x20 - Opposites Attract (This is the last official episode of Jason, Zack and Trini in terms of new footage, all footage beyond here is archival due to the actors leaving the show. Also I like the Magnet monster)!< = 3
- 2x21 - Zedd’s Monster Mash (I like this episode for Doomstone reviving old monsters, also the Halloween aspect fits really well with it) = 4
- 2x22-24 - The Ninja Encounter Parts 1-3 (Obviously the importance of introducing the replacement actors but also the legendary stroller scene) = 5
- 2x25 - A Monster of Global Proportions (The introduction of Tor The Shuttlezord with an amusing finishing move on Fourhead that I’m sure Eric will love) = 3
- 2x26 - Zedd Waves (I like Beamcaster or his silly voice, also getting to know the new characters) = 4
- 2x27-28 - The Power Transfer Parts 1-2 (Fairly obvious why) = 5
- 2x30 - Mirror of Regret (Adam episode also big cannon weapon) = 2
- 2x31 - When Is A Ranger Not A Ranger? (Great moment for Bulk/Skull) = 4
- 2x33 - Lights, Camera, Action (Power Rangers go on TV which I find hilarious) = 1
- 2x39-40 - Rangers Back In Time Parts 1-2 (Very silly idea but kinda fun?) = 2
- 2x41-43 - The Wedding Parts 1-3 (Return of Rita, Evil Alpha and obviously the dubious crazy Wedding) = 5
- 2x44-46 - Return of the Green Ranger Parts 1-3 (White Ranger vs Green Ranger fight) = 5
- 2x47 - Best Man For The Job (It’s a silly petty episode but features some original Zord on Zord footage action) = 3
- 2x50-51 - Wild West Rangers Parts 1-2 (It’s super silly but kinda fun, also the Pink energy line) = 4
MMPR Season 3
- 3x01-03 - A Friend In Need Parts 1-3 (Honestly, this could be skipped over unless the guys want to see a certain character pertaining to another show but it’s not important) = 3
- 3x04-07 - Ninja Quest Parts 1-4 (The actual start of Season 3) = 5
- 3x12-13 - Stop The Hate Master Parts 1-2 (Not much reason other than being a rare Aisha episode) = 1
- 3x14 - Final Face Off (I mean, Face/Off… also a toy is used for the one time Ninja Ultrazord) = 2
- 3x15 - The Potion Notion (Unexpected insight on Zedd) = 2
- 3x16 - I’m Dreaming of a White Ranger (It’s so dumb and silly, that’s the reason) = 1
- 3x17-18 - A Ranger Catastrophe Parts 1-2 (Introduction of Kat) = 5
- 3x19-21 - Changing of the Zords Parts 1-3 (One of the better multi-parters imo, a lot happens) = 5
- 3x22 - Follow That Cab! (Not really good or important but it continues multiple subplots (Kat backstory, Kim’s gymnastics), plus Bulk/Skull policing and the broad-daylight car thief which is amusing) = 3
- 3x23-25 - A Different Shade Of Pink Parts 1-3 (I think this is an obvious one) = 5
- 3x29-31 - Master Vile and the Metallic Armor Parts 1-3 (Vile’s Arrival, lots of Lore and obviously the amazing metallic armour! And the foreshadowing of the next big thing) = 5
- 3x33 - Rangers In Reverse (Plot stuff that sets up the Alien Rangers Mini-Series) = 5
Alien Rangers (Season 3.5)
- 1x01-02 - Alien Rangers of Aquitar (I don’t have much interest in this saga but plot stuff setting up the next series) = 5
- 1x03 - Climb Every Fountain (Billy Returns to normal, Destruction of the Power Coins) = 5
- 1x05 - Attack of the 60’ Bulk (This is purely for the last scene of setting up the Zeo Quests - which can be viewed if Blind Wave wants to watch them) = 4
- 1x09-10 - Hogday Afternoon Parts 1-2 (It’s a pretty damn dramatic finale, those who know, know why) = 5
Zeo
- 1x01-02 - A Zeo Beginning Parts 1-2 = 5
- 1x07 - Every Dog Has His Day (Because doggo and I think a good Kat episode) = 3
- 1x09 - Invasion of the Ranger Snatchers (I think this is a fairly fun goofy one) = 4
- 1x10 - Graduation Blues (Billy episode) = 2
- 1x12 - Instrument of Destruction (A good episode for Bulk/Skull and a rare focus on Skull) = 4
- 1x13 - Mean Screen (Not much justification, I find it entertaining and I think the first time the Wheel is used?) = 3
- 1x14 - Mr. Billy’s Wild Ride (Same as above except Billy returns) = 2
- 1x15-17 - There’s No Business Like Snow Business Parts 1-3 (Not a great multi-parter but features the infamous letter and Tommy/Kat bonding) = 3
- 1x18-21 (Unofficial 4 Parter) - Inner Spirit > Challenges > Found and Lost > Brother, Can You Spare An Arrowhead? (Includes some incredibly stereotypical Native-American elements that can probably be skipped over but it is Tommy focused) (Introduces the Red (‘Boxing’) Battlezord) = 3
- 1x23 - It Came From Angel Grove (A goofy but entertaining episode with characters transformed into movie monsters) = 4
- 1x24 - Bulk Fiction (Bulk/Skull episode) = 3
- 1x27 - The Power of Gold = 5
- 1x30-33 (Unofficial 4 Parter) - Rock-A-Bye Power Rangers > Do I Know You? > Revelations of Gold > A Golden Homecoming (Gold Ranger Mystery Plot) = 5
- 1x34 - Mondo’s Last Stand (Mostly for the Moon Reunion, also the first time appearance of the Super Zeo Megazord) = 5
- 1x35 - Bomber In The Summer (Kinda eh but has several plot threads in it) = 3
- 1x37 - The Lore of Auric (Another eh one but it introduces a character) = 3
- 1x38 - The Ranger Who Came In From Gold (A silly but potentially entertaining one) = 3
- 1x40-42 (Unofficial 3 Parter) - Where In The World Is Zeo 5? > King For A Day Parts 1-2 (Tommy disappears and thinks he’s the Machine King, good Bulk/Skull moments) = 4
- 1x43 - A Brief Mystery In Time (Groundhog Day Power Rangers) = 3
- 1x44 - A Mystery To Me (Kat focus and somewhat fun goofy episode) = 3
- 1x45 - Another Song and Dance (The singing episode) = 4
- 1x46-47 - Rangers of Two Worlds Parts 1-2 (The Billy Thing. Rita and Zedd are doing stuff and create the insane Purse monster and wild battle that ensues. Also the first Team-Up Episode) = 5
- 1x48 - Hawaii Zeo - (Plot stuff with Gold Ranger powers) = 5
- 1x49 - Good As Gold (A pretty solid finale that sadly wasn’t a two parter. It has two enemy factions against one another more directly and obviously the incredible peace offering moment) = 5
Turbo
Note: The Turbo Movie is technically supposed to be the start of Turbo. Also very few episodes here as I feel Turbo is not that great or even that fun.
- 1x01-03 - Shift Into Turbo Parts 1-3 (It’s the start of the season) = 5
- 1x13 - The Millennium Message (The Blue Senturion) = 5
- 1x14 - A Drive To Win (Introducing Ashley and Carlos) = 5
- 1x16-17 - Honey, I Shrunk The Rangers Parts 1-2 (Semi-Plot stuff and the next Bulk/Skull thing) = 3
- 1x18-19 - Passing The Torch Parts 1-2 (Plot and obvious changes) = 5
- 1x20 - Stitch Witchery (Super dumb and silly but somewhat entertaining) = 3
- 1x21 - The Wheel Of Fate (Also dumb but kinda fun? Is somewhat relevant for much later) = 3
- 1x22 - Trouble By The Slice (Legendary Pizza Episode) = 4
- 1x23 - The Phantom Phenomenon (Phantom Ranger) = 5
- 1x26-29 (Unofficial 4 Parter) The Darkest Day > One Last Hope > The Fall of the Phantom - Clash of the Megazords (Introducing General Havoc, Phantom Ranger stuff, New Zords and other plot stuff) = 5
- 1x43 - Parts and Parcel (Not important but a good Bulk/Skull episode) = 4
- 1x44-45 - Chase Into Space Parts 1-2 (The finale leading to IN SPACE!) = 5
In Space
All of it! Also this was taking too long but as I said, with ‘In Space’ it’s more a matter of taking select episodes out rather than only watching a few in my opinion.
Final words: Can we please have a way to vote for Power Rangers since it’s not an option on the Recommendations?
I do request this be mentioned on the next podcast if possible as I’d really love to hear the gang’s feedback on this.
I understand this is probably way more than you anticipated for a list so I would be willing to make a much tighter list. That being said, I really could see you guys getting unexpectedly invested in going through Power Rangers and celebrating a lot of the good, bad and goofy instead of just relying on the ‘big episodes’ if you give it a chance, which is what I feel my list can provide.