Top 10 Shocking Power Rangers Scandals

Script written by Jonathan Alexander

“Power Rangers” is a colorful, action-packed kids show, but there have been more than a few disturbing scandals behind the scenes. For this list, we’ll be looking at the biggest controversies that stirred beneath the spandex of this beloved franchise. Our countdown includes Cast Members Walk Out During a Crossover, Ricardo Medina Jr. Is Convicted of a Fatal Crime, Dangerous Working Conditions, and more! Did we miss any Zord-sized scandals? Let us know in the comments below!

#10: Morphin’ Rangers Are Banned in Malaysia

As early as the series’ very first season, these multicolored superheroes were facing monsters, Rita, and bans. At one time in Malaysia, the show wasn’t allowed to be shown. But this wasn’t due to the teenagers fighting or complaints about all the weapons they used. The ban actually came down to the series’ name itself. While the show’s title use of “morphin’” as slang for “morphing” was harmless, Malaysian officials were concerned it sounded like the narcotic, “morphine. It was only allowed to broadcast in the country after “Morphin’” was completely dropped from the title.

#9: Dangerous Working Conditions

It turns out that beating monsters, foiling evil plans, and saving the Earth is risky work both on and off-camera. The tight production schedule, shoestring budget, and non-union cast led to a lot of cut-corners in the early seasons. The original cast has been very outspoken about their experiences and mishaps. According to various reports, stunt-work was rushed and unrehearsed. Actors were often worked to exhaustion. And in one instance, a faulty prop caught on fire while actors Amy Jo Johnson and David Yost were in a body swap machine. Thankfully, they were unharmed at the end of the day. But it was still shocking to learn that a “Freaky Friday” machine could’ve caused real damage.

#8: Rangers Are Forced to Put their Blade Blasters Away

While overseas pushback was certainly a headache, the series’ stateside squabbles required more than just a quick name change. In the opening seasons, the Rangers used a rotating gauntlet of brightly colored weapons to battle evil. But their battle gear looked a little too real for parents. Parents aimed specific scrutiny at the laser-like Blade Blasters. Although they didn’t fire bullets, adults didn’t want kids idealizing any form of gun. Under mounting pressure, the show made it so the rangers hardly ever used the Blade Blasters during fights. It also helped that the team got ninja powers to sneak right past having to rely on the controversial weapon.

#7: Cast Members Walk Out During a Crossover

When members of the “Lost Galaxy” cast appeared for two crossover episodes after their run ended, they had to participate in battles and fight for screen time. During production, Saban realized the returning Rangers weren’t in the episodes very much. This caused the company to reevaluate the team’s already agreed-upon salaries. The pay dispute caused Amy Miller, who played big bad Trakeena, to walk off set. As a result, the episodes had to throw together a silly reason for the character to now wear a mask. Although “Lost Galaxy” Red Ranger Danny Slavin reportedly walked too, he’d completed enough scenes that his absence was barely noticeable. The “morphenomenal” mess behind-the-scenes of these episodes makes it a wonder this crossover happened at all.

#6: Monica May’s Burlesque Career

Following the conclusion of “S.P.D” in 2005, the actress behind street-smart Yellow Ranger Z found success in front of the camera and onstage as a burlesque dancer. But some people couldn’t see her as anything but a Power Ranger. A vocal minority of fans have ridiculously criticized May for “ruining their childhood” just because she does risqué performances. In 2020, she even took to Twitter to directly clap back at people who were trying to judge her choices. Since May has still been seen and invited to official Ranger fan events, it’s clear that many people don’t see anything wrong with May’s burlesque. So while some viewers might want to call “S.P.D” to step in, there’s no emergency here.

#5: Alleged Relief Embezzling

Almost thirty years after he was catapulted to stardom, original “Mighty Morphin’” Ranger Austin St. John found himself in the limelight again. But it wasn’t because he was rocking a red suit. St. John was arrested alongside seventeen other individuals for conspiracy to commit fraud. According to reports, he and the other people charged allegedly took advantage of special loans for COVID relief to make money. St. John’s representatives claim that the actor was manipulated into taking part in the scheme. Before this news broke, he’d been making steady appearances at Ranger conventions and returned to the franchise on a few special occasions. But after this controversy, St John might not be welcomed back to ranger events again.

#4: David Yost Faces Prejudice On Set

While the heroes stood for equality and fairness, Blue Ranger David Yost found that this sunny superhero series was a toxic and unaccepting workplace for him. Years after his departure from the franchise, he came clean about one of the major reasons he left the popular show. Yost reported that he faced relentless ridicule for his sexuality. After being demorphed from a Ranger to a mentor, he stuck it out for a while before abandoning the role in “Zeo” without filming a goodbye. The production used archival footage and a hasty bit of exposition to explain his absence. While his exit was shrouded in darkness, Yost is thankfully now appreciated for the hardship he endured for the sake of the franchise.

#3: Ricardo Medina Jr. Is Convicted of a Fatal Crime

Ricardo Medina Jr.’s onscreen charm and prowess for stunt work made him a standout as the “Wild Force” Red Ranger. He was so good that he was later invited back to play the conflicted character Deker in the “Samurai” season. However, Medina Jr’s. noteworthy status as one of the few actors to play multiple roles in the franchise was tarnished when one serious event. In 2015, he was sentenced to six years in prison for voluntary manslaughter. Medina Jr. pled guilty to fatally wounding his roommate during a heated confrontation. Since the weapon he used was a sword hanging on the wall, rewatching his “Samurai” scenes can be uncomfortable.

#2: Pua Magasiva's Death

Years after actor Pua Magasiva played red ranger Shane in “Ninja Storm”, he was convicted of domestic violence. This shocking report was followed by the tragic news that he took his own life. In the aftermath of Magasiva’s passing, a diary he allegedly wrote highlighted that he struggled with self-loathing, dependency on alcohol and feelings of inferiority. His issues with self confidence are eerily similar to problems his character faced in “Power Rangers.” It’s understandable why fans may be reluctant to revisit episodes that explore Shane’s psychology today. Even though the red’s ranger’ struggles were fictional, seeing Magasiva portray him feels real and very heavy.

#1: The Original Cast Departure

The original series was an instant success upon release. Unfortunately, all wasn’t well behind the scenes. In the midst of criminally low pay, harsh working conditions, and no end in sight, three of the original Rangers tried to push for better conditions. Red ranger Austin St. John, yellow ranger Thuy Trang, and black ranger Walter Emanuel Jones teamed up to get more from the show. But talks failed and the three abruptly left the series in the middle of the second season. The show used a variety of techniques to obscure their absence until new Rangers could be cast. While the transition may have gone over our heads when we were younger, it’s difficult to unsee how messed up the trio’s exit was as adults.