And the biggest selling Power Ranger toy of all time. . . . the flip heads. . . . I remember kids at school arguing over MMPR toys at school, and who got to be the Green, White, or Red ranger. Then there were those few individual kids that were "too cool" for Power Rangers. . . . This particular episode of "The Toys that made us" was like reliving my childhood, and i'm sure that you would agree. It was nice to hear a little bit on the history. Its weird watching the show and remembering every single characters name. . . . Even the monsters from a single episode. I mainly grew up with the original season, the thunder season, and the ninja and Aqua Rangers season. Watching the MMPR episode of "The Toys that made us" made me feel like I aged as fast as Billy.
Power Rangers Zeo changed everything, but it was still a good show with the Machine Empire. But how many of us wanted Rita and Zed to come back? Zed was the best villain that Power Rangers ever made. I remember some parents complaining that he was "too scary" but us boys thought that he was awesome, that is, until they turned Zed and Rita into a joke. Who remembers them driving around in a camper on the moon in MMPR Zeo? . . . . Sure, all the episodes had bad cheesy comedy (Bulk and Skull). I stopped watching Power Rangers somewhere around Turbo. Lets be honest, it wasn't as interesting after that and I believe the show lost its spark (especially when sold to Disney). I mean, Mystic Rangers? Come on. . . . I lost track after that.
Over all, those first few seasons were great. I liked the new toys every year, and I was willing to mow lawns all summer to have them. Everyone wanted the Zords which costed around $50-$60 at times. The original Zords and the Thunder Zords from season 2 were probably the most iconic in my opinion, especially Jason's Dragonzord and the White Tiger Zord. Remember the 20 minute VHS tapes of the classics? The belts/morphers, the gloves, costumes with a one sided mask, and thin spandex like fabric that you had to wear a coat over in order to Trick or Treat in the cold. . . .
Without Power Rangers, I probably would have been one bored kid. There was no mention of MMPR: The Movie, which I remember seeing in theaters. The Ninja Zords had bad early computer animation, but it didn't seem as bad as a kid. I even remember collecting all of the McDonald's Power Ranger toys. I wish I could go back in time and relive those days when life was more simple, when boys were boys. Back then kids played video games, but we played outside and road our bikes and went on adventures just as much.
