WCAH Episode #13: At The Movies; The Power Rangers Movie

In this episode, it's the return of "At the Movies With About Heroes!" The West Coast crew make a listener's dream come true at the cost of their sanity by watching the Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers Movie from 1995. Grab your copy or obtain a copy by some means (we won't tell) and jump in with us. IT'S MORPHIN' TIME!!!

West
Coast About Heroes - Episode 13

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JUNGLE FURY MEGAZORDS REVIEW

Deluxe Jungle Master Megazord

As you know by now, I’m a huge fan of giant robots. I have Voltron and Robotech to thank for that. The Gorilla WALKS!!! I say again the Gorilla walks in Zord mode. That should be all I have to say in this review in order to get you to buy this figure. There are two other Zords that combine with the Gorilla, they are the Penguin and Antelope Zords and together they form the Jungle Master Megazord. Combining the three figures is fairly simple. In Megazord mode he stands a foot tall and this makes him just an inch taller than the Jungle Pride. As I mentioned earlier on my review that the Gorilla walks on batteries, but this action also makes his torso spin to mimic the attack from the Jungle Fury show. The articulation is very limited when the figures are put together, but they work great when they stand alone.

At first glance at the Megazord, I really didn’t think I would dig it, but I was proven wrong. I actually think this is a better looking figure than all the other figures released in this set. He looks huge and buffed and looks like a powerhouse compared to other Megazords. It really is an excellent figure and the only gripe I have is its limited joint articulation, which is hard to pull off on a figure this size anyway. As always, these giant robots come pre-painted and inside of a big window box. There are pictures of the megazord everywhere on the box as well as its capabilities and its different mode. Bandai still knows how to show their fans love!!! A

Transforming Megazords:
The Transforming line is new this year. I’m not sure if Bandai is trying to have a line against the Transformers, but don’t let the name misguide you, these are still Power Ranger Megazords; just not the deluxe treatment that we are used to. The first wave includes the Beast Master Megazord, Jungle Pride Megazord, and the Roar Max Megazord. They are made of cheaper and lighter plastic and are at a $20 price range. Power Ranger figures can ride on some of the Zords and can even use some Zords as weapons. These are on a smaller scale then what we are used to, but they look great. The boxes are decorated with shots from the show and the figures come pre-painted. I did notice that the lesser quality plastic does make the shaving on the joint and smaller pieces more noticeable.

The Transforming Beast Master consists of five Zords that combine into one Megazord. The five Zords are: Elephant, Shark, Bat, White Puma, and Black Leapord Zords. It stands at 11 inches tall and looks great with the rest of the Deluxe Megazords. There is a compartment that you can open on the chest of the Megazord to store a figure inside. The only thing is that This Megazord is hollow and you almost have to have a figure inside of it in order for the legs to look filled. The Transforming Jungle Pride combines with the Transforming Roar Max and only with the Transforming Jungle Pride, not the deluxe (Trust me I tried and tried). The Jungle Pride is about an inch smaller than the deluxe, but everything else is basically the same. Of course there are no electronics to make him spin and he really looks amazing when combined with the Roar Max. Bandai has designed new Zords that are simplistic in style, but still manage to look great and are durable when the kids play with them. Hey it’s cheaper than paying for the $40.00 Megazord, they can leave that to the collectors. B

Power Rangers Zeo “A Zeo Beginning 1-2”

Written by: Douglas Sloan
Directed by: Isaac Florentine

“Stronger than before! Go Zeo! Powered up for more! Go Zeo! Even up the score! Zeo, Power Rangers!” Man the PR Zeo theme song is great; it really captures the transition from MMPR to PR Zeo. After three years and one movie, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers has come to an end. But the saga of PR is far from over, thus the Zeo series is born. The story opens with the command center a pile of rubble, the Zeo Crystal missing (Goldar and Rito stole it) and Alpha 5 and Zordon presumably dead. Tommy brings the audience up to date with this scene of carnage and destruction---
“The events that have transpired over the last few moments were almost beyond belief. Somehow, Goldar and Rito were able to penetrate the security of the command center and plant an implosive device. And to make matters worse, they were able to steal the Zeo Crystal, the only thing capable of restoring our powers! But little did we know how soon our world as we knew it would come crashing down, and our lives as Power Rangers would come to an end!”
As our powerless heroes stand in shock and awe, on the moon and Rita and Zedd are celebrating their victory. Still, their celebration is short lived when Rita and Zedd come under attack by the forces of King Mondo and Queen Machina. The Machine Empire arrives and sends Rita, Zedd and crew running away to Master Vile’s home in a distant galaxy. Zedd is infuriated with this development, he hates Master Vile and he hates having to run and hide from King Mondo. Zedd promises that he will return one day and reclaim his throne. King Mondo and Queen Machina arrive with their machine empire and quickly set up shop on the moon. Along with their son Prince Sprocket, and their minions Klank and Orbus, the Machine Empire prepares to target Angel Grove as their first target on Earth.
Back at the ruins of the command center, the rangers discover the Zeo Crystal amidst the rubble. It seems Rito and Goldar didn’t steal it after all. The power of the Zeo Crystal sends the rangers into the tunnels running below the command center. On the surface, the power of the Zeo Crystal rebuilds the structure of the command center. As the rangers walk through the deserted tunnels, they hear a familiar voice—Alpha Five’s! Alpha tells the rangers to walk through a green portal. The rangers follow Tommy through the portal and are shocked not only to see Alpha alive, but also to see the Interior of their new Power Chamber. The Power Chamber has always been hidden below the command center in case there was ever an attack on their base. Alpha tells the teens that Zordon is fine as well, and everything seems to be working out for our heroes.
At the machine skybase, King Mondo begins to manufacture his cog army. He sends a squad of Velocifighters and Cogs to Angel Grove to test the Earth’s defenses. At the power chamber, Billy tells his friends that there are only five Zeo sub-crystals, thus he must step down from being a ranger. Billy agrees to continue building and manufacturing weapons in the new Power Chamber in order help the team and also keep contributing to the good fight. Zordon then informs his team of the Machine Empire. As the rangers learn of their new enemy, they also learn of their new powers. The rangers are given their Zeonizers in order to call upon their new Zeo powers. The Zeo sub-crystals appear over the five power teens. Zordon informs his rangers of their new colors and powers---
“Katherine, you shall become Zeo Ranger 1, Pink. Tanya, you will now become Zeo Ranger 2, yellow. The remaining sub-crystals will bestow upon you new powers and colors. Rocky, you shall become Zeo Ranger 3, Blue. Adam, the power of Zeo Ranger 4 Green shall be yours. Finally, Tommy you shall become Zeo Ranger Five Red.”
As the rangers remove their helmets they are thrilled with their new powers. The PR Zeo theme music plays in the background as the original MMPR suits and Weapons appear on display in tubes on the back wall of the Power Chamber. Zordon once again congratulates his team---
“Rangers, the power of the Zeo Crystal now resides within you. It shall bestow upon you powers beyond your wildest dreams. As power rangers, you served your planet well. But the power rangers as you knew them are gone forever. You have now become the Power Rangers Zeo, the next step in the fight against evil!”
Billy and Alpha run a test to make sure the Zeo powers are fully functional and then the Zeo Rangers morph into action against a fleet of Cogs. The rangers quickly make short work of the cogs and realize they are back and stronger than ever. King Mondo is not upset at this loss; it has been centuries since someone has given him a fight. He vows to crush the rangers and claim Earth as his in future battles. Meanwhile, Rito and Goldar have amnesia and run into Bulk and Skull. Bulk and Skull trick the duo into being their personal maids in return for a place to sleep and some food. Back at the juice bar the rangers tell Billy it isn’t the same fighting without him, but Billy tells his friends he is still helping out even if he isn’t fighting beside his friends. The Zeo Rangers are born and ready to protect the Earth from King Mondo’s forces.
Thoughts/Comments:
Wow! I never ever thought PR would change so drastically. During this time I knew nothing about Sentai so this just blew my mind. I mean, MMPR was over. This was the next step, Zordon even claimed so in part two. Everything was new from the command center to the costumes and even villains. But despite this huge change, it still worked. Tommy and crew were still there despite having new colors and powers. I have to admit at first I didn’t care for the Machine Empire but they really grew into a serious threat as the series progressed. My biggest complaint was Billy not being a Zeo Ranger. Yes, I know there were only five zeo crystals but I still thought Billy would be the Blue Ranger. I thought Tommy would become the green zeo ranger and thought Rocky would be the red ranger. Boy, was I surprised when Zordon announced the new colors and powers. Also, one of my all time favorite bloopers was from this episode. When Zordon tells the rangers to guard and protect their Zeonizers like they did their power coins, Jason David Frank states, “But we didn’t protect our power coins! We lost them!” All in all, this two-part episode receives a solid A. The saga of the zeo rangers begins with a bang!

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers “Master Vile and the Metallic Armor 1-3”

Written by: Mark Litton
Directed by: Robert Radler

The transition from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers into Power Rangers Zeo begins with this mini-series. This mini-series introduces Master Vile, Father to Rita Repulsa and Rito Revolto. This also introduces the Metallic Armor power up, despite the armor not being used very often in the remaining episodes of the season. Still, this mini series is full of incredible action, sensational zord battles, and uses a ton of Kakuranger Sentai footage.
The story begins with the rangers riding horses on a beautiful day in Angel Grove. Lt. Stone is sponsoring the event which means Bulk and Skull have to tag along despite their fear of riding on horseback. Suddenly, a surge of pure evil arrives at Rita and Zedd’s lunar palace. The sky quickly darkens and the rangers must teleport to the command center at once. At the lunar palace, Lord Zedd demands the intruder leave his throne room while Rita announces that this isn’t just any villain, this is her father Master Vile. Vile is furious that Rita has married Lord Zedd, stating, “Why couldn’t you have married someone with a skull!” Vile quickly takes control promising to destroy the rangers for good. He calls upon his Skull sky base and instructs Squatt and Babboo to feed the Tenga Warriors a special root that will make them unstoppable.
At the command center, Zordon tells his team that a being of pure evil has arrived on the moon. The rangers quickly meet Master Vile while looking at the viewing globe. Zordon states that Vile is the father of Rita and Rito and he has been conquering other galaxies many light years away. Adam is getting tired of Rita’s family stating, “Some family tree. First Rito and now this!” To combat this new threat, the rangers are given their new metallic armor. The metallic armor is basically a shiny gloss like material sprayed onto the regular ranger costumes. The armor will make the rangers unbeatable, but it must be used in only emergency situations. Suddenly, the Tenga Warriors begin their attack and the rangers quickly morph into action. The rangers are quickly surprised at the new strength and savagery the Tenga warriors posses. Tommy instructs his team to activate the metallic armor, and with their new armor the Tenga Warriors are defeated. Master Vile isn’t about to quit and creates his first monster, the Blue Globber. Vile instructs Globber to begin attacking Angel Grove. Back at the command center, Zordon tells his rangers that Master Vile is after the Zeo Crystal. The Zeo Crystal is a source on unlimited power and Vile must not get his hands on it. The Zeo Crystal is stored in the Caves of Deception under Zedd’s lunar fortress. Still, the Zeo Crystal is not unprotected. An energy field surrounds the Zeo Crystal and it will destroy anyone with even an ounce of evil within them. Any person who once committed an act of evil will be destroyed by the crystal’s force field. Tommy volunteers to go after the Zeo Crystal and Kat decides to join him. She is going to pretend to be evil once again in order for Tommy to get into the caves of deception unnoticed. The two morph and teleport to the Lunar Palace and Katherine removes her helmet and tells Rita and Zedd she wants to become evil once again. Tommy sneaks off to the caves of deception and Zedd tricks Kat into stepping into a device that will turn her evil once and for all.
Back on Earth, the other rangers call upon their Shogun Zords and combat the Blue Globber. The Globber drains the Shogun Megazord of its energy and Billy creates a device that will allow the rangers to summon their Ninja Zords. The Ninja Megazord doesn’t fare any better as the Globber drains the Ninja Megazord of its powers as well. Ninjor shows up to help the rangers but Globber is ready for him. The Globber drains Ninjor’s powers and takes Ninjor prisoner. What’s worse, the rangers can’t hit the Globber without endangering Ninjor. Since Ninjor is now connected to the Blue Globber all damage inflicted on the monster will also damage Ninjor himself. Master Vile watches the battle from his Skull Base and Lord Zedd can’t believe that Rita’s father is actually winning!
In the Caves of Deception Tommy faces many illusions as he nears the Zeo Crystal. Tommy confronts the following illusions on his quest: Goldar, his fellow rangers (who claim to have lost and decide to work for Master Vile) the Green Ranger (a very cool cameo) Rita Repulsa, Master Vile and eventually Katherine. Tommy reaches for the Zeo crystal but the force field attacks his body. For those not keeping score, Tommy was evil for a brief period. Clips are shown of evil green ranger Tommy from the Green With Evil mini-series from season one, followed by clips of Tommy fighting the good fight as the Green and White ranger. Due to the goodness in his heart, Tommy retrieves the Zeo Crystal. He teleports inside Rita and Zedd’s throne room and saves Katherine along with the captured Falcon Zord. Katherine and Tommy morph back into action, store the Zeo Crystal inside the falcon zord and show up to help their friends. With the Falcon Zord entering the game, the Blue Globber is caught off guard and things seem to be looking up for our heroes.
Master Vile isn’t done yet and the rangers realize they can’t keep fighting Globber as long as Ninjor is placed in danger. Globber finally drains all the zords of their powers and the rangers are kicked out of their own zords. Master Vile sends the zords to the distant planet in the galaxy he ruled over. The atmosphere of this planet creates a layer of corrosive rust that covers the now powerless zords. To make things even worse, Master Vile now has the Zeo Crystal! The Blue Globber then proceeds to drain the rangers of their powers. Tommy instructs his team to call upon the metallic armor; thus the rangers are able to escape. On his Skull airbase, Master Vile and the villains are celebrating their victory. Lord Zedd is clearly unhappy with the outcome of the battle. Zedd is sitting in a chair and very frustrated that Master Vile has defeated the rangers with such little effort. Rita and Rito tell Zedd to cheer up, and Master Vile decides to throw an end of the world party at Ernie’s Juice Bar. At the juice bar, Ernie and Bulk and Skull wonder where the rangers are when Master Vile arrives with his alien army. Master Vile tells the people of Angel Grove that this is the end of the world party. Zedd even joins in the festivities, despite still being bitter that Vile has won so easily. Another thing that is important about this scene is that this is the first time Bulk and Skull actually come face to face with Rita and Zedd. This will later be referenced in the 10th anniversary special, “Forever Red.”
At the command center, the rangers feel drained. Alpha constructs a device to re-energize the rangers. The rangers realize they must get their zords back, save Ninjor, re-claim the Zeo Crystal and stop Master Vile. While Billy, Adam, and Aisha begin to search for the zords, Tommy, Rocky and Kat go to the Juice Bar. At the Juice Bar, Bulk and Skull tell their friends they are really worried about the rangers and Goldar tells the rangers that there is no reason to fight any more since evil has won. Tommy, Rocky and Kat are instructed to return to the command center since Billy has found where the zords are. The rangers all morph back into action and teleport to the alien planet. On the planet, Billy tells the rangers to use their blade blasters to get through the layer of corrosive rust covering the Megazord. This allows the rangers to enter the Megazord. In the heart of the Megazord all six rangers summon the strength from the morphin grid and re-energize their zords. With the zords back in action the rangers return to Earth and prepare to save their world.
Master Vile once again sends Globber to confront the Zords. This time Globber uses the ranger’s own energy that he drained from them in part two. Notice in the sentai footage that the Alien Rangers helmets appear on the Blue Globber. For those who don’t know, the Kakurangers (alien rangers) were the core team in the Kakuranger series, not the Zyurangers (the MMPR power suits). That is why the ranger power helmets that appear on the Blue Globber look different. The rangers realize they must stop Blue Globber once and for all despite putting Ninjor in danger. Just as luck would have it, Ninjor escapes from Vile’s Skull Base and joins the rangers in battle. Master Vile grows angry and decides to grow to giant size and help Globber out. Ron Wasserman’s incredible rendition of the MMPR extended theme plays in the background during this fight. This helps show the severity of the battle and also enforces that the rangers will never give up despite impossible odds. Blue Globber is eventually destroyed and Ninjor is out of danger. Master Vile isn’t finished though and the final fight begins. Vile states, “Monsters may come and go but I Master Vile am here to stay!” Tommy then replies from his Falconzord, “Time to show you how it’s done, Master Vile!” and the rangers summon all their powers to send Master Vile running. The rangers once again gain control of the Zeo Crystal and Vile swears revenge.
In a deserted field, the rangers prepare to split the Zeo Crystal up into five sub sections. The rangers realize they need extra protection they summon the metallic armor. Zordon sends the pieces through a time stream, hiding all the pieces in various locations throughout time and space. By splitting the Zeo Crystal up no one can ever find the crystal and reassemble it. This plot really comes into play in the Mighty Morphin Alien Ranger 10-part mini-series not to far down the road.
With the Earth safe once more, the ranger teens finish their horseback riding event. Bulk and Skull still dread riding on horseback, and the Earth is safe once more.
Thoughts/Comments:
If any of you guys talk to Chris or Omar or Melanie they will tell you that I love the PR Zeo series. I absolutely love it! I mean, I even made Omar, Melanie, Tommy and Manuel all do the Zeo group morph at a bar on my birthday!(I was Zeo Ranger Five) When this mini series first aired I had no clue that the huge transition from MMPR to Zeo was about to occur. I didn’t think the Zeo Crystal would ever reappear and it’s really cool the writers started dropping hints with this mini-series. I love how the full, extended version of “Go Go Power Rangers” plays during the final Zord Fight in part three. I also enjoyed the evil Green Ranger’s cameo in the Caves of Deception. Also, this mini-series was where Bulk and Skull first meet Rita and Zedd. All in all, this is a historic moment in ranger history and I give all three parts a solid A+. I just wish MMPR DVD sets would be released, my copy of this I taped on VHS years ago is old and kind of static in quality. Still, this mini-series is a lot of fun and a great set up for the Power Rangers Zeo series.

Jungle Fury Pride Fury Megazord Review

If you’ve read my reviews on Beckett Anime Magazine or have known me for some time, you know that I have a fascination with giant robots. Every since Mazinger Z, Robotech, Voltron, and of course Transformers I have been enthralled by these mechanical creatures. Combiners were always some of my favorite ones. I mean what is better than having one robot? Three or five that combine into one of course. From the Power Ranger series Jungle Fury (for some reason I keep calling it Jungle Fever, which would be interesting) comes the Deluxe Pride Megazord which you should be able to find in stores now.

As always these giant robots come pre-painted and inside of a big window box. There are pictures of the megazord everywhere on the box as well as its capabilities and its different mode. Transformation is rather simple and it also features a savage spin action. The Pride Fury Megazord can separate into three different animal zords; red tiger zord, and yellow cheetah zord. This figure can interlock with future (yet to be released) Megazords to transform into different and more powerful megazords. It stands almost a foot tall and the tails from the animal zords can combine to form a staff. Just by looking at the Megazord, I really didn’t think I would be that into it, but I was proven wrong. The only negative things I can say is that I miss the days of five or six separate zords forming into one and like most things, the prices have gone up because of the mechanics that go into making them. But, Bandai still knows how to show their fans love!!! A-

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Super Legends Figures Review

Produced By: Bandai

Last year was a wonderful year to be a ranger fan, and 2008 is shaping up to be even more morphinominal! The current live action series, Jungle Fury, is incredibly good. The rumors of Power Rangers being animated for 2009 have been laid to rest, and next year’s version of the series tentatively titled Power Rangers: RPM will keep the live action series going strong. There are even rumors of a Power Rangers Jungle Fury/Power Rangers Ninja Storm team-up going around online from a very reliable source on the ranger message boards (Hi Poweranimals!) which will only make Jungle Fury even more incredible. But to my amazement Ban-Dai has gone above and beyond the call of duty and produced two chase figures in the current Jungle Fury toy line. The two figures are of the original Green Mighty Morphin Power Ranger and the most menacing villain in all of rangerdom (In my opinon anyway) the diabolical Lord Zedd. Both figures are recreated in the old school Mighty Moprhin Power Rangers toy packaging complete with the original MMPR logo. Both figures are simply gorgeous and the sculpting and colors of the two figures are top notch. But enough rambling, let’s move to the figures themselves:

MMPR Green Ranger:
This figure is amazing, it really makes me stand up and shout “Dragonzord” when holding the figure in my hands. The sculpting of the helmet is dead on just as it appeared on the TV show, and the colors are bright and vivid. The gold dragon shield is just beautiful and the morpher on the belt is even colored gold, just like the suit on the television show. The green ranger also comes equipped with his dragon dagger weapon, and it fits quite nicely in the belt holster attached to the right of the green ranger’s belt. I really hope one of these rare figures ends up in the hands of the legendary Jason David Frank (Mr. Tommy Oliver himself) because this figure is truly amazing. One of the best sixth rangers of all time has finally been given his due and this figure is a must have for any true ranger fan. This figure gets an A+ and I’m proud to have this in my collection.

Lord Zedd:
“Oh Hell Yes!” That was my reaction to opening up this incredible action figure of the great and legendary Lord Zedd. I own a version of Zedd created back in 1994 but it doesn’t compete with this version at all. This Zedd is poseable and much less bulky than his original action figure. The colors are bright and vivid, giving off the evil energies pulsating through this legendary ranger foe. Zedd comes equipped with his incredible “Z” staff and his face is truly horrific for a toy (a good horrific, the toy is incredibly true to the costume on the show). The attention to detail on the sculpt of this figure is perfect, even the bars on Zedd’s mouthpiece are crafted perfectly. I can almost hear Robert Axelrod’s terrifying voice (the voice actor who portrayed Zedd) when I hold this figure in my hands. The greatest villain of PR has finally received his due, once again my hat goes out to Ban-Dai for creating such a perfect Zedd Figure. My only suggestion to Ban-Dai? When are you guys going to produce a figure of Thrax, the son of Lord Zedd and Rita Repulsa (seen on last year’s 15th season team up, Once A Ranger)? With a Zedd figure this perfect I can only imagine how a Thrax figure would turn out. I bet it would be awesome! This Lord Zedd figure receives a A+ as well, I can’t wait to pit this Zedd figure against my white ranger figure to recreate their fight from Season 3’s “The Changing of the Zords, Part 3.”

Overall, these figures are a must have for any ranger fan. Yes, I understand they are hard to find. I understand fans might get frustrated searching for these toys without much luck. But remember what Tommy said in the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers movie, “To those who posses the great power, anything is possible.” I believe all ranger fans have the power within them, so heed those words while searching for your figures. I wish you all the best of luck. Once more, thank you Ban-Dai and thank you Omar for letting me add to morphinominal figures to my collection! I can’t wait until the next two chase figures are released later this year. The next two are of the White Mighty Morphin Power Ranger and the Gold Zeo Ranger. I have no doubt they will be any less perfect, these chase figures are simply amazing.

Power Rangers TV Milestones

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers “The Mutiny” Parts 1-3
Written by: Shuki Levy and Shell Danielson
Directed by: Shuki Levy
Airdate: Prime Time July 1994

This is a new review system I’m creating for my fellow ranger fans. With 15 years of ranger adventures to chose from, I’m starting with my all time favorite season opener. This mini series opened season two of MMPR and introduced the legendary villain Lord Zedd. Back when this aired I was in 5th grade, I knew nothing of sentai and had no idea about Zedd and the Thunderzords so this episode just blew my mind and remains a series classic.

The story was good enough to have been the Mighty Morphin Movie storyline. Rita’s boss Lord Zedd arrives on the moon. Zedd is a total bad ass who is pissed Rita has failed to stop six children who have thwarted her plans to rule Earth. Zedd quickly sets up shop in his castle, restores Goldar’s Wings, and introduces his own army of super putties. Rita begs and pleads but Zedd shrinks her and strips her powers, sending her back out into space in the dumpster she had previously been confined in. On Earth, the rangers are taking part in a four-wheeler event when Zordon summons his heroes to the command center. When the rangers arrive at the command center Zordon and Alpha give their champions the worst news of their careers: Lord Zedd is back and he is pissed. Kimberly states it best: “You mean there is someone worse than Rita?” Zordon informs his team that the zords may not be strong enough to combat Zedd, and Alpha reiterates that “Lord Zedd’s power is unmatched by anything seen before.” Bulk and Skull end up being attacked by the new putties and the rangers morph into action. Our heroes have a tough time with these stronger putties, and Tommy’s green ranger powers begin to fail him in a dire situation. Jason intervenes and saves his friend, and proving that he is one of the best red rangers of all time, Jason quickly finds the new putty patrols weakness: the giant Z’s on their chest. With Ron Wasserman’s incredible battle music playing in the background, the rangers quickly defeat the new putties and save Bulk and Skull. Bulk and Skull begin their new mission to find out who the rangers really are, despite Billy calling Tommy by name earlier in the battle.

Zedd isn’t quite finished and creates his first monster, Pirantishead. I’m going to refer to him as PH for the rest of the review so I don’t have to spell his name every time I mention him. At the command center, Zordon informs his team Zedd has created PH and Zack delivers the classic line of “I have a feeling we aren’t going to face Pudgy Pig” before realizing Zedd’s first monster was created from a piranha. This is also incredible because this is the first time we see the rangers morphed but helmetless. Tommy remains in the command center to get his power recharged and the other five rangers morph into action. The rangers summon the dinozords and PH freezes all but the Tyrannosaurs zord. Tommy rejoins the group and summons Dragonzord, but Zedd takes control of both zords and forces them to attack the rangers. The rangers realize they are beat and return to the command center. Zordon then tells his rangers that they need new zords equipped with the power of thunder. Outside the command center, the rangers are introduced to their new Thunderzords. Zordon tells each ranger which new Thunderzord they will command except for Tommy. Tommy’s powers are to weak to support a zord, which pissed me off at the time since I didn’t know he was going to become the white ranger later on. The problem is that the rangers can’t control their new zords until they regain control of the old ones. Billy and Trini go to Billy’s lab to work on a device that will regain control of the old zords while the other four rangers wait in the command center.

Zedd instructs PH to attack the citizens of Angel Grove, forcing the rangers into another battle with the new putty patrol. The rangers now know to aim for the Z, and more incredible Ron Wasserman battle music plays in the background. Bulk and Skull encounter PH once more, and he sends the two backwards on their four wheelers with his magical flute. Zedd grows angry and sends the zords on the rangers once more, and Billy and Trini still haven’t finished their device.

Just as all hope seems lost, Billy and Trini finally finish the device and rejoin the other rangers. Billy doesn’t put the batteries in right, but he finally realizes his mistake and the rangers take back their zords. Lord Zedd is furious by this and uses his magic to send the zords back to the depths of the earth from where they came. Tommy manages to send the Dragonzord back to the sea and safe from Zedd’s magic, despite Dragonzord being used very little from here on out. At the command center, the rangers think they are beaten for good but Alpha somehow saved enough of the remains from the old zords to activate the Thunderzords. Zedd makes PH grow with a magical potion bomb, and the rangers rush into action calling on their new zords. (Poor Tommy has to stay behind with Alpha) The rangers assemble the Thunder Megazord and make short work of PH, saving the day once more. On the moon, Goldar tells Zedd he is sorry his master has failed but Zedd states he has not failed but his minions have failed him. Zedd declares war on the rangers and promises this isn’t over.

At the command center, Zordon congratulates his team for this incredible victory. Tommy feels like his ranger days are past him but the others continue to support him despite his failing powers. All the heroes look at the viewing globe and realize Rita is singing “99 bottles of beer on the wall” while trapped in her dumpster. Back at the four wheeler rally, the rangers set Bulk and Skull’s four wheelers back to normal and all the teens finish the event.

Thoughts/Comments:
By far my favorite season premiere of PR ever. Zedd remains one of the best villains in Power Rangers history and the Thunder Zords were awesome. I was also shocked to see how dark and sinister Zedd was when first introduced; even Goldar was scared of the snake that became his staff. I really wish Disney would release every season of PR on box sets so I could watch this on DVD any time I wanted to. I’ll continue to do more PR TV event reviews for my fellow fans, and if any of you want to join in be my guest! Ray, if you want to talk about PR e-mail me any time at: galaxyblue_99 at yahoodotcom. All in all I give “The Mutiny” a solid A+, this remains one of my favorite PR episodes from all 15 seasons.