Although later seasons (beginning with Season Three) tend to host far more Zords (be they individual entities or combining configurations) the premiere season kept things relatively simple with just seven Zords and four different configurations (five, if you include the Tank Mode).
And while we’ve already provided an extensive list of key episodes you’d need to watch to best get to know the Rangers and follow the overall arc, here are some other favourites that didn’t quite make the cut. Most of these instalments are character-centric pieces, allowing viewers to learn more about their favourite Ranger(s).
01×04 – A Pressing Engagement
Jason takes on both a fitness record as well as the iconic King Sphinx!
01×08 – I, Eye Guy
Billy’s young friend is kidnapped, forcing the introverted hero into action.
01×10 – Happy Birthday, Zack!
Rita exploits Zack’s dismay when he thinks his friends have forgotten his birthday (spoiler, it’s a surprise party). While the episode itself lacks much significance for lore, it does establish Zack’s capabilities and lays some base for the character in the comics.
01×11 – No Clowning Around
Trini’s cousin is kidnapped by Rita’s Putty Patrollers, but the real highlight is watching the individual Zords in action!
01×12 – Power Ranger Punks
A fan favourite, Rita turns Billy and Kimberly bad–okay, let’s face it, it’s a fan favourite ’cause every 7 year-old fell in love with Bad Girl Kim in this episode. What is important though, is that this episode introduces the tendency of Rita trying to make Rangers go bad–something she somewhat perfects with Tommy.
01×13 – Peace, Love And Woe
Billy’s girlfriend is mistaken for a Power Ranger and is seized to another dimension. Wielding the combined powers of the five Dino gems, Billy traverses time and space to rescue her. This is especially important to long-term viewers as the Triassic Ranger of Dino Thunder (Season 11) functions similarly.
01×14 – Foul Play In The Sky
Kimberly’s forced to handle a literal situation in the skies when her uncle is poisoned by Rita’s goons during a leisurely flight. In addition to featuring the one instance of a monster being defeated by a lone Power Weapon (Kim’s Power Bow), this episode works as a possible explanation as to why Kim’s pretty competent with flying Zords (a total of three different flying Zords in the span of her Ranger career).
01×25 – Life’s a Masquerade
Rita attacks the Rangers’ Halloween party while pulling of a heist to secure superior quality putty–the same type that will later be the basis of her Super Putty Patrollers.
01×28 & 01×29 – Island of Illusion
In a convenient recap episode, Rita forces the Rangers to face their fears on the Island of Illusions. Each Ranger take on their own troubles with the power of flashbacks to times when they each overcame adversity.