Top 10 Times Power Rangers Tackled Serious Issues

Top 10 Times Power Rangers Tackled Serious Issues

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Times Power Rangers Tackled Serious Issues.

For this list, we’ll be looking at moments in the series and comics that tackled the heavy topics we wouldn’t expect them to. Not only will some issues be heavier than others, but expect spoilers ahead.

What do you think was the toughest issue the Rangers faced? Let us know in the comments. Personally, we’re still struggling to know why a group of TEENAGERS is being forced to save the world anyway?

#10: Long-Distance Relationships
“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Pink” (2016-17)

Remember Kimberly’s “Dear John” letter to Tommy in “Zeo” – where she admits that she met someone else, leaving scores of Tommy x Kimberly shippers heartbroken? Well, the 2016 comic miniseries gave us another side of the breakup - one that really opens our eyes to relationships. In this continuity, there never was anyone else; Kim broke it off with Tommy because she struggled with her feelings for him knowing that what they used to have was far behind her. This is, unfortunately, not unlike real long-distance relationships – sometimes, the space proves too much for a couple and they just grow apart. It’s tragic when it happens, but the most we can do is hope they maintain a healthy friendship.

#9: Learning Disabilities
“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” (1993-95)

As cheesy as the original “Mighty Morphin” seasons were, they tackled some rather heavy topics now and then, one of which includes learning disabilities. Rocky’s classmate Alan has been having trouble in school – he’s struggling with chemistry formulas and has trouble reading properly. It turns out that Alan has dyslexia – a reading disorder that makes it hard to read or understands words and letters –especially when under stress. But really, there’s nothing to be ashamed of – lots of people are dyslexic –including Rocky’s uncle. It doesn’t mean they’re not smart, it just means they need a little help. With the right teaching, anyone can work past the disorder and power through school and life.

#8: Divorce
“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” (1993-95)

It’s Parents’ Day at Angel Grove, and everyone is enjoying the festivities… except for Kimberly. She’s nervous about seeing her parents together again since they split up. Yes, it turns out that Kimberly’s parents are divorced, and she’s naturally taking it the hardest. She’s worried that they’ll both be uncomfortable around each other, and she feels like it’s all her fault. Sadly, that is a common mindset for kids with divorced parents – upset over their family coming apart and feeling the need to blame themselves. Fortunately, both Kimberly’s parents are there to reassure her that even though it didn’t work out for them, they’ll always love their daughter –something all children in broken families need to know.

#7: Death
“Power Rangers Lost Galaxy” (1999)

The “In Space”/“Lost Galaxy” two-part team-up was arguably one of the best crossovers in the franchise… but it ended on a very somber note. A violent storm threatens to destroy Terra Venture, but Kendrix puts her life on the line to save her colony. You’d think she’d get out of this miraculously, but no… she gets caught in the crossfire and becomes the first Ranger to die on the battlefield. In reality, Kendrix had to be written off the show while her actress was fighting leukemia, but it gave viewers a grim reality check – not every soldier comes back from war alive. However, that message was made moot with her revival in the season finale.

#6: Free Will vs. Predetermined Fate
“Power Rangers Time Force” (2001)

Arguably one of the deepest seasons of the franchise, “Time Force” raised the question most of us barely ask ourselves – how much control do we have over our lives? With every battle between the Rangers and Ransik in the past, something changes in the future. Knowing that is scary enough, and it challenges the idea that we’re capable of controlling our own destinies – will anything we do matter in the future? Has the future already been decided? …Will there even BE a future worth protecting? Fortunately, we have someone like Wes to inspire us to take charge of our own destinies and make the future our own – not just what fate or someone else decides.

#5: Survivor’s Guilt
“Power Rangers S.P.D.” (2005)

Guilt has been a recurring issue for the series, dating as far back as Season 2 of “Mighty Morphin” where Jason blamed himself for Tommy losing his powers. In “S.P.D.,” however, it’s taken to an extreme new level as Commander Cruger suffers from serious survivor’s guilt. His planet was invaded and conquered by Emperor Gruumm, his wife was taken from him, and he was the only survivor of the brutality. Sadly, trauma like that never truly goes away, and Cruger remains haunted by that terrible battle. Fortunately, it also inspired him to give it his all to defeat Gruumm –as both a mentor and the Shadow Ranger.

#4: Eating Disorders
“Power Rangers Turbo” (1997)

Kat is excited to be performing the lead in the upcoming ballet… until a jealous dancer gets inside her head and makes her think she’s overweight. She starts skipping meals, desperate to “look her best” for the suite until she’s starving and feeling lightheaded – it only gets worse when Divatox’s monster gets involved. Thankfully, a little self-confidence is all Kat needs to ditch the crash diet and give an amazing performance at the show. While we’re glad she didn’t take her anorexic behavior too far, some people, unfortunately, aren’t as lucky, and let their self-image issues reach dangerous levels. Despite this season’s infamy, you’ve gotta hand it to Turbo for daring to tackle this delicate subject.

#3: Loss
“Power Rangers S.P.D.” (2005)

Another big subject S.P.D. wasn’t afraid to take on – loss. As we mentioned earlier, Commander Cruger still mourns the loss of his homeworld; but there’s another ranger coping with a loss - Sky. Sky’s dad was an S.P.D. red ranger and Sky’s idol; but he didn’t make it out of a battle alive one day. Much like Cruger’s move to defeat Gruumm, Sky’s loss drove his desire to become the Red Ranger to follow in his father’s footsteps and honor his memory. Both Sky and Cruger’s stories show how difficult struggling through a loss is and how it can motivate someone to better themselves in honor of their dearly departed.

#2: Environmental Destruction
“Power Rangers Wild Force” (2002)

This issue is pretty much the benchmark of “Wild Force” – pollution and environmental terrorism. The biggest reason the Orgs were able to rise again was that the Earth’s pollution became dangerously high – nature is suffering, animals are getting hurt, and it’s slowly becoming a toxic playground. Yes, this season can be a bit preachy about environmental protection, but it’s not an issue we can simply ignore. The fact is that we need to do a better job of cleaning up the planet, and we don’t have Power Rangers to help us. In addition, we also shouldn’t punish the only ones actually FIGHTING to save the world – seriously, what the hell, Animus?

#1: Racism
“Power Rangers Time Force” (2001)

Taking the number one spot is arguably the HEAVIEST issue the Rangers have dealt with to date… one that, unfortunately, still plagues us today. Society cast Ransik aside solely because of his appearance, which ultimately led to his own hatred of humans. Even Eric, a POWER RANGER, was clouded by prejudice, willing to try and shoot an innocent mutant for being different. The cycle of hatred and racism is a poison that hurts anyone it touches, and the victims of xenophobia suffer the worst. However, one brave soul willing to stand up for what’s right can make a huge difference, and someday, maybe we can finally break the cycle of hatred and live in peace.