Now that the second (and final) part of Power Rangers Dino Fury Season 2 is on the Netflix, the franchise approaches an unparalleled moment in its history where not only is it about to celebrate its 30th anniversary, but in a historic move unseen since the original Mighty Morphin series: the entire cast of actors will continue to reprise their roles as the series transforms into: COSMIC FURY.
This is an exciting decision for many reasons as it shows the news franchise owners; Hasbro, have full confidence in the long-term future of the series, the adaptation of the sensational Uchu Sentai Kyuranger and the cast themselves who have effortlessly charmed their way into the hearts of fans, and have easily become one of the best Ranger teams in the history of the franchise, and one with unrivalled power and longevity only comparable to the original Rangers and arguably the Megaforce/Super Megaforce team.
With that, and as a way of celebrating the best the Morphin Grid had to offer for 30years, we’re looking through the entire history of Power Rangers: from the Zordon Era, through the Disney years, the Saban renaissance and ultimately Hasbro as a way to make up the PERFECT Ranger team, the only parameter to abide by is the end result must mostly present a brand new formation that mirrors the usual Ranger team. This will include: Pink, Yellow, Green, Black, Blue, Red AND a special leader for the team, usually always named the 6th Ranger to round up the squad, except here it’ll be the 7th Ranger. But each member will be bringing a key element to the group sothe team can work.
PINK RANGER: JEN SCOTTS, TIME FORCE
Jen Scotts is the only Pink Ranger in the history of the franchise to ever lead her team. Few Rangers have gone through the hardship Jen did by losing her fiancé and finding herself trapped in time away from the only life she ever knew, pushing her into a singular focus: her pursuit of vengeance.
This Ranger’s trauma emotionally drives her away from her team, constantly pushing herself to be there for others while never allowing others to be there for her.
More often than not, such powerful journeys of growth allow one to tap into their fullest potential; and once Jen learns to trust in others again, she more than ever before becomes the glue that holds the Time Force team together, making her the ideal heart to carry the perfect Ranger team into battle against evil. Courageous, selfless and compassionate, Kimberly Hart was the template, but Jen Scott perfected the female hero in the franchise, and the worthiest Pink Ranger of all.
YELLOW RANGER: GIA MORAN, MEGA FORCE
Gia perhaps deserves her position on this list for the sole fact on being the only compelling character in her seasons. So much so she has become a Ranger legend in her own right. She is the confidant to every Mega Force Ranger and at times even Gosei, making her one of the most dependable Rangers, and friends, in the entire franchise.
She is intelligent, confident, a stellar martial artist, she is someone who can do it all, even without her Ranger powers.
This is what makes Gia such a key component to any Ranger team: she sees and is able to squeeze out the best in anyone from those closest to her, and even her enemies. She is the living embodiment of the rallying cry the Rangers may need at their darkest hour, plus she has access to all past Ranger powers with the legendary keys, an arsenal that will absolutely be a valid addition to the perfect team.
GREEN RANGER: CAM WATANABE, NINJA STORM
Every Ranger team needs a tech whizz, and not only does Cam fit the bill, but he also very much fills the spot of mentor for this Ranger team, which every team needs, now in place of the late great Sensei, his father. Cam is easily one of the most compelling Rangers for the simple fact that: he was never meant to be one, a cliché in the franchise, but one that is true to real life; because Cam never coveted the power, he is made worthy possess it.
Not being “chosen” never stopped him from sitting in on his father’s classes and learning all he could, and dedicating himself to the team even when he wasn’t a part of it. Cam may not be the most skilled Green Ranger of all, but he more than makes up for it with unrelenting determination, his technical know-how and his willingness to always put the team before him.
BLACK RANGER: Dillon, RPM
The brooding lone wolf with the heart of gold. Dillon’s arc is a tragic one of humility where he grows to realise that it’s okay to depend on others, and we are more than the worst we’ve ever done. Every great hero grows from trauma, and few have emerged so much from the darkness more than Dillon himself.
Despite his initial distrust, Dillon always is respectful of others and of the team dynamic, never stepping over Scott’s toes as a leader, and his sense of duty is wholly uncompromised as every move and decision he makes along his journey is for the purpose of saving his sister, but as he emotionally opens up to others he learns that there is so much more to fight for. He’s a stubborn hot head, but also a very carrying protector of his friends and the necessary muscle of any team, which can result in awesome double teams against any goon squad.
BLUE RANGER: SKY TATE, SPD
A legacy Ranger, and a prime example of character growth as an individual, and as a team member. Sky Tate was perhaps the easiest decision when it comes to “who’s the best blue Ranger”: a literal riches to rags story that mirrors his emotional rags to riches growth.
The only Ranger to initially resent his rank, his faults and interpersonal issues come from societal and familial expectations, it’s only when friendship is offered without expectations that Sky realises that it’s okay to not be perfect.
These lessons not only allow Sky to become a great Ranger, team member, and friend but also eventually leader as he eventually takes up the rank he so desired, once he is ready to trust others with that same rank. It’s why he makes into the perfect Ranger team as the blue Ranger, he is now ready to fight in a team where everyone has equal rank.
Plus, his force fields are pretty cool offensive weapons, and also propulsive blasts.
RED RANGER: LEO CORBETT, LOST GALAXY
Perhaps the toughest choice on the list, but this spot had to go to the ultimate underdog in the history of Power Rangers, and the leader that ultimately took the biggest sacrifice after losing so much.
Leo was not chosen to go onto Tera Venture, he wasn’t meant to be a soldier, he wasn’t meant to be in Mirinoi, his worthiness comes from his altruistic desire to help others at all costs. Even after the loss of his brother, one of his best friends, and so much of the life he knew, Leo is the epitome of what being a hero is: he lives his life for others, and everyone he interacts with is made better.
His crowning achievement come when he takes Trakeena in a one-on-one fight to the death, ready to face the same fate as his enemy as the clock ticks down and his friends, and the people of Earth, escape to their new home in the Lost Galaxy.
6TH RANGER: TOMMY OLIVER: WHITE TIGER, MIGHTY MORPHIN
Who else right? He is the undisputed greatest Ranger of all for a reason. In every anniversary special, Tommy is the one to lead every cross-generational squad across time and dimensions. He embodies the best version of every personal and heroic quality that his other team members, in the franchise and on this list, bring to the table and grew into becoming.
While he makes it onto this list as the White Ranger, he very much is here because he always inhabited so many roles: Green, Red, and eventually Black, Tommy always knew his place in the team, even stepping aside when allowing Connor to lead his squad in Dino Thunder.
Tommy begins his journey as a Ranger with a redemption arc, and even when he lost his powers he never gave up and kept coming back to help his team members and the people of earth.
He keeps coming back not only to teach new Rangers, but to show something incredibly important in storytelling: that he still can learn. After so many years, not even the legendary Tommy Oliver is perfect, that keeps him relatable but allows him, and the audience, to aspire to always thrive for better and to always keep fighting and persevering, to be better than what we were yesterday.
That is the Ranger way and is why the Power will always protect Tommy Oliver.
Across time and even parallel dimensions, heroes come from anywhere and from every circumstance, they change, they grow and they learn to trust and live with their flaws, that’s what has made the Power Rangers franchise so long-lasting and has resonated with so many fans for so many generations. These Rangers are the prime examples of heroism in each of their seasons and the best representation of what each member unique colour-coded supersuits bring to any team.
