Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: 30 Years Later

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: 30 Years Later

I was 5 years old when the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers as we know it came to be. I don’t know when exactly I became aware of it but it definitely wasn’t that much after it premiered. Unbeknownst to me, this was a series from Japan that was much beloved even before I set my big, blue eyes on the brightly colored costumes and vile villains of Angel Grove. Those lucky ducks.

Like many, unfortunately, I did not have the easiest upbringing. My mother was injured in a car accident when I was 6, and the network of friends and family we had built in my few short years opted to go back into the woodwork. I found myself in a position where I needed guidance, to learn how to be a little human, but lacked a lot of the support that a growing child needed. Enter 90’s television.

TMNT taught me about family, dedication, and accepting yourself for who you are when others wouldn’t. Batman taught me about the definition of justice, and how it differed from vengeance. X-Men and Star Trek taught me about being unique, and proud.

Spider-Man taught me about responsibility, and fighting for people when they weren’t willing to fight for themselves. The Simpsons taught me that you can be imperfect, but still loved. Power Rangers taught me about teamwork, the importance of friendship, and what a legacy meant. 

There have been many iterations of the much-beloved series over the years, but one thing has always stayed the same- teamwork, friendship, and legacy. The cast of characters has changed, the outfits, and the baddies but the heart has stayed the same. My mother recently said I remember events in my life differently- I remember how I felt first and foremost. To an extent that is true. I don’t remember much of that period of time but I remember how I felt. Safe. Understood. Welcome. 

I’m 30 years older now, and I still feel that way when I watch or read The Power Rangers. We’ve grown together, and while not as dedicated as I was as a wee lass I’m never not going to hold a place in my heart for the original six. I don’t have children, but the thing I’m most excited about is to one day sit my kiddo down and let them experience the shows that helped me be who I am today and let them experience their guiding hand in their own way. 

Happy Birthday, Power Rangers. Here’s to many more.

Sabrina A. Clark

Do I know Sabrina? Sabrina…Sabrina….Oh, you mean her? Yeahh. She’s wild. Homegirl throws solo dance parties in her bedroom. She writes like nobody’s reading…because they aren’t (yet). She is an award winning baker, and has seen every episode of every season of ALL the Star Treks, and Stargates except Stargate Universe because it wasn’t right. Perpetual teenager. 4’11 of sass and sarcasm. She’s obsessed with cats. Single if you can believe it. All around nerd, and just too weird for her own good. AND SHE’S PROUD OF IT?