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Sentai:

Q: Where does Power Rangers come from?

Power Rangers was a production of the Los Angeles-based MMPR Productions (owned by Saban Entertainment until its buyout by Disney in 2001), from 1993 until 2002.  Since late 2002, it has been a production of Village Roadshow (KP), and filmed in New Zealand.  Each episode generally features a certain percentage of imported footage from a line of Japanese television shows called sentai ("task force"), and many plot elements are regularly imported as well.  Aside from crossover movies, sentai series generally do not share a single universe.  The following series have been imported for Power Rangers:

Series: Kyouryuu Sentai Zyurenjaa (Dinosaur Task Force Beast Ranger)
Products: Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers, Dinozords, MMPR season 1 villains and monsters*, Putties (season 1)

Series: Gosei Sentai Dairenjaa (Five Star Task Force Great Ranger)
Products: White Ranger, Thunderzords, Master Org's costume (PRWF), MMPR season 2 monsters*

Series: Ninja Sentai Kakurenjaa (Ninja Task Force Hidden Ranger)
Products: Rito, Ninjor, Ninjazords, Shogunzords, Master Vile, Aquitian Rangers, Battle Borgs, MMPR season 3 monsters

Series: Chouriki Sentai Ohrenjaa (Superpowered Task Force King Ranger)
Products: Zeo Rangers and Zords, Gold Ranger, Machine Empire villains and monsters, Cogs

Series: Gekisou Sentai Carrenjaa (Racing Task Force Car Ranger)
Products: Turbo Rangers and Zords, Blue Senturion, Phantom Ranger, PRT villains and monsters (excluding Divatox), Chromites

Series: Denji Sentai Megarenjaa (Electromagnetic Task Force Megaranger)
Products: Space Rangers and Zords, Silver Ranger, Ecliptor, Darkonda, PRiS monsters, Craterites

Series: Seiju Sentai Gingaman (Starbeast Task Force Milky Way Man)
Products: Galaxy Rangers and Zords, Magna Defender, Captain Mutiny, PRLG generals and monsters, Swabbies

Series: Kyukyu Sentai Go Go Five (Rescue Task Force Go Go Five)
Products: Lightspeed Rangers (excluding Titanium) and Zords, PRLR villains and monsters, Batlings

Series: Mirai Sentai Timerenjaa (Future Task Force Time Ranger)
Products: Time Force Rangers and Zords, Quantum Ranger, PRTF villains and monsters (excluding Ransik), Cyclobots, future cityscape

Series: Hyaku Juu Sentai Gaorenjaa (Hundred Beast Task Force Growl Ranger)
Products: Wild Force Rangers and Zords, Lunar Wolf Ranger, PRTF villains and monsters (excluding Master Org), Putrids

Series: Ninpuu Sentai Harikenjaa (Ninja Technique Task Force Hurricanger)
Products: Wind Rangers and Zords, Thunder Rangers and Zords, Green Samurai Ranger, PRNS villains and monsters (excluding Lothor), Kelzaks (regular)

Series: Bakuryuu Sentai Abarenjaa (Blast Dinosaur Task Force Outburst Ranger)
Products: Dino Rangers and Zords, White Ranger (excluding evil clone), Zeltrax, PRDT monsters, Triptoids, Japanese TV episode

Series: Tokusou Sentai Dekarenjaa (Special Police Task Force Cop Ranger)
Products: SPD Rangers and Zords (excluding A-Squad), Mobile Command, RIC, Broodwing, PRSPD monsters, robot soldiers

* Note: Footage from 101-DOTD through 143-RSOE was from Zyuranger, while footage from 145-SFsh through 213-GNM2 were special battles filmed in Japan by Toei Company, Ltd. specifically for US consumption.  Rumors of these battles being filmed by Saban using sentai-like techniques are false.

General PR:

Q: What constitutes a Ranger? What constitutes a Power Ranger?

A Ranger is a human or humanoid warrior who "morphs" from a natural, unpowered form (often using a device called a "Morpher") into a superhuman form clad in a full-body costume (irreverently called spandex on more than one occasion but actually an unknown composition), as well as a helmet with an opaque visor, which in many cases serves to protect his or her identity.  A morphed Ranger generally possesses superhuman strength, durability, and hand-to-hand combat ability; unmorphed Rangers may possess other innate abilities (such as telepathy, superspeed, invisibility, etc.) which are usually not directly related to his or her Ranger powers.  Rangers appear to retain their original physiology beneath their suits when in morphed form, as Rangers' helmets have been seen removed or broken on numerous occasions, revealing his or her natural form underneath; helmets aside, the suits are donned and removed nearly instantaneously with a glow of light or some other effect.  Rangers are known to "de-morph" involuntarily due to some magical effects or powerful physical attacks, with potentially life-threatening injury to the Ranger's natural body.  In rare cases, a Ranger has remained morphed for an extended duration (such as several weeks, or in one case several years), but physiological needs such as sleep and eating in this form have not been addressed.

Rangers regularly operate in teams of five, with the occasional presence of a special sixth Ranger (or more); occasionally a core team of three will later be joined by two or three additional Rangers.  Each Ranger's suit and energy spectrum will match a specific color, with red, yellow, and blue being joined by some combination of pink, green, black, white, or silver.  Rangers may be named after their respective colors, such as Red Ranger, Blue Ranger, etc., but numbers or other names may also be used (such as Zeo Rangers One through Five, Titanium Ranger, Quantum Ranger, etc.).  There is usually no more than one Ranger of a given color on a team, but exceptions of this rule are generally given alternate names (such as Navy for an alternate blue, and Crimson or Quantum for an alternate red).  In addition to the main color, the Ranger's costume will also bear white sections, as well as other possible colors such as silver, black, or gold.  The team's costumes are nearly identical aside from color and perhaps a number designation; any additional Rangers (such as the standard sixth Ranger) will regularly have additional costume modifications, often including a gold vest.

Rangers generally function as a battle squadron to combat superhuman threats to humankind and other life forms.  (Evil Ranger teams also exist but are generally seen as a perversion or counterpart of the original "good" Rangers.)  Rangers traditionally follow codes of honor which include self-sacrifice for the protection of others and the use of minimal force in combat.  When necessary, Rangers are often capable of calling upon giant fighting machines known as "Zords" (although some villains have also constructed Zords of their own).  Zords within a particular Ranger team may combine in various ways, such as forming a robot warrior known as a "Megazord," while Zords across different Ranger teams are not generally compatible.

Power Rangers, a specific category of Rangers, are generally human Rangers (and frequently Earth-based); evil and alien Ranger teams have never been referred to as "Power Rangers."  Furthermore, there seems to be only one prominent Power Ranger team at a time, during which other human Ranger teams retire that title.  (In other words, the team on which the show is currently centered will be known as "Power Rangers," while all others will simply be "Rangers.")

Q: Which Rangers and Zords still exist?

Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers (Dino)

The original Power Rangers' dinosaur Power Coins, including those used by Tommy (White Ranger), Rocky (Red Ranger), Adam (Black Ranger), Billy (Blue Ranger), Aisha (Yellow Ranger), and Kimberly (Pink Ranger) were overloaded beyond repair in battle with Rito Revolto (304-NjQ1).  Of these damaged coins, the Black Ranger's coin was briefly used by Adam (with nearly fatal consequences) in 625-AACh, and the others are presumed to be in a similar state.  The original Red Ranger Jason, however, used a seemingly fully-powered Power Coin in 1034-FRed; an argument could be made that original Red, Yellow, and Black Rangers Jason, Trini, and Zack still retain their coins while the red, black, and yellow coins ruined in battle with Rito were duplicates created during the power transfer (228-PTr2).  The Green Ranger powers were last used by Tommy's clone who remained in the colonial past (246-RGR3); whether he kept his powers is unresolved.

The Rangers' Thunderzords (which were converted from the Dinozords) were destroyed in battle with Rito, although Tor was not shown destroyed.  Titanus was later converted to combine with the Ninjazords, below.  The Dragonzord was left to slumber in the ocean near Angel Grove, and its fate probably hinges on the fate of the Green Ranger, above.

Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers (Ninja)

The Rangers' ninja Power Coins were destroyed by Rita and Zedd (335-CEvF), apparently permanently.  Following the destruction of the Power Coins, the Rangers' Ninjazords and Shogunzords were adopted by the Aquitian Rangers (below) during their stay on Earth; the Zords' fates following the Zeo Crystal's restoration of time (343-HdA2) are unknown.

Alien Rangers of Aquitar

The Alien Rangers are still believed to actively protect Aquitar.  Red Ranger Aurico was last seen in 1034-FRed, while the others were last seen in 642-CTD1.  They are presumed to retain their Battle Borgs, used to fight giant monsters.

Zeo Rangers

The Zeo powers appear to remain accessible despite their retirement following the conversion to Turbo powers (500-TPRM), as Tommy successfully used his Zeonizer to morph into Zeo Ranger Five in 1034-FRed. At other points, however, the former Zeo Rangers (namely, Adam in 625-AACh and Tommy in 1204-LgOP) did not seem to have use of their Zeo powers, perhaps due to the Zeonizers being held in storage for special missions.  The Gold Ranger appears to remain in action, helping those in need across the cosmos.  The fate of the Zeozords and Super Zeozords remains unknown.

Turbo Rangers

Although the Turbo powers vanished after the fall of Eltar (545-CIS2), Blue Ranger Justin and Red Ranger T.J. were later able to morph (618-TBTR and 1034-FRed, respectively); Justin's Turbo Morpher was provided by the space car Storm Blaster, while it's likely T.J.'s was provided by Lightning Cruiser.  No other former Turbo Rangers are known to retain their powers.  The Phantom Ranger was last seen protecting the universe in 643-CTD2.  The Rescue Megazord was destroyed in battle with Goldgoyle (544-CIS1), and the Turbo Megazord crippled; Artillatron was not shown destroyed.

Space Rangers

Red Ranger Andros has been seen patrolling the cosmos on numerous occasions, equipped with a new Megaship Mark II and aided by Alpha Seven (1034-FRed) after the original Megaship was destroyed in 744-End2.  The other Space Rangers are presumed active but may have taken an auxiliary role following the destruction of Dark Specter and Zordon in 643-CTD2.  Zhane was last seen in the aforementioned episode, while the remaining four helped the Galaxy Rangers in 730-TenP and 731-PPnk before returning to Earth.  The Delta Megazord and Mega Voyager were destroyed, while the Mega Winger was presumably salvageable.

Psycho Rangers

The Psycho Rangers were destroyed, apparently permanently, by the Space and Galaxy Rangers.

Galaxy Rangers

The Galaxy Rangers live on the planet Mirinoi, their Quasar Sabers stored in a magical stone.  Some members of the Mirinoi population have apparently migrated to Earth since 745-End3, but Leo was still living on Mirinoi and able to reclaim the Red Ranger mantle in 1034-FRed.  The Magna Defender's powers and Torozord were destroyed, while the Rangers' five Galactabeasts survived; the Centaurus and Stratoforce Megazords were destroyed on Mirinoi's moon, but the Zenith Carrierzord apparently was not.

Lightspeed Rangers

The Lightspeed Rangers stand ready to defend Mariner Bay, although most have moved on to various careers.  Red Ranger Carter appears to remain most active in his Ranger duties, calling on his teammates when necessary.  The Lifeforce Megazord, Omega Megazord, and perhaps the Lightspeed Megazord and Max Solarzord were all destroyed, while the Supertrain Megazord was merely crippled.

Time Force Rangers

Wes and Eric retain their powers as the heads of the Silver Guardians; when emergencies arise, they are able to call on the remaining Time Force Rangers, who live 999 years in the future.  All Time Force Zords remain in operation in the future, while the Quantum Ranger's Q-Rex remains in Silver Hills.

Wild Force Rangers

Following the destruction of Master Org (1040-EPR2), the Wild Force Rangers have retired, their powers and Wildzords kept by Princess Shayla aboard the Animarium until they are needed to protect the Earth once more.

Wind Rangers, Thunder Rangers, Green Samurai Ranger

The Wind/Thunder/Samurai Rangers' powers were depleted during their final battle with Lothor's forces (1232-TSm2).  Their Ninjazords and Thunderzords were destroyed, while the Samurai Star Megazord and Mammothzord were not.

Dino Rangers

The Dino Rangers' powers were depleted during their final battle with Mesogog (1238-TSk2).  Their Zords were destroyed.

SPD Rangers

In the year 2020, the A-Squad Rangers are missing in action battling Emperor Gruumm's forces in the Helix Nebula, leaving the B-Squad Rangers to defend Earth.  The fate of other SPD Rangers (such Sky's father, active between 2001 and circa 2007) is unknown.

Q: When has death been featured in PR?

Generally, heroes and villains don't "die"; they are "destroyed," although destroyed monsters and villains have been recreated or resurrected on occasion through various means.  Death, however, is not an impossibility in the battle between Rangers and villains.  Evil plans have included actions which would have killed one or more Ranger teens, and the struggle between the forces of good and evil has the potential for being fatal; indeed, Kendrix apparently died saving Cassie from Psycho Pink, although this was later described as the loss of Kendrix's "powers" rather than her life.  Additionally, people may die of circumstances unrelated to cosmic battles, such as incurable diseases.  The spirits of heroes and villains killed in combat may exist in the form of ghosts, often invisible and intangible; the only known ghost of an ordinary human was Walter Brown's appearance to Katie in the clock tower before she changed history.

The following entries document the three types of mortality, as well as the existence of spirits.

[Click here for Death entries.]

Q: What happens to destroyed monsters?

After a finishing blow, monsters (whether golem, demon, robot, alien, or mutant) will traditionally fall and explode in a large fireball; regular debris from destroyed monsters has been inferred on various occasions but isn't always seen.  When enemies (such as Time Force's mutant foes) are instead captured rather than destroyed, an explosion will still herald the foe's defeat, minus the presence of debris.  Details on individual enemy categories are listed below.

Rita and Zedd's monsters

Magically animated from clay figurines and everyday objects, Rita and Zedd's monsters are considered golems.  They were freely destroyed by the Power Rangers, often reverting to their original inanimate form afterward, and could be reanimated at a later point from another object, retaining the memories of the original monster.  The spirits of these monsters may reside in the Shadow World following their destruction.

Machine Empire robots

Mechanical warriors often created from everyday objects (similar to Rita and Zedd's monsters, but in robot form), these robots were freely destroyed by the Zeo Rangers.  They were not known to exist in any sort of monster afterlife following their destruction.

Divatox's forces

Conscripted forces of unknown origin (possibly alien mutants), Divatox's warriors were freely destroyed by the Turbo Rangers.  They were not known to exist in any sort of monster afterlife following their destruction.

Astronema's forces

Conscripted aliens, Astronema's warriors were freely destroyed by the Space Rangers.  Of these forces, the Psycho Rangers (monsters of unknown origin apparently given powers by Astronema) were shown to have invisible ghost forms which could possess machines.  Other members of her army may reside in the Shadow World following their destruction.

Scorpius's forces

Apparently conscripted aliens, Scorpius's warriors were freely destroyed by the Galaxy Rangers.  The spirits of these warriors may reside in the Shadow World following their destruction.

Bansheera's demons

Ancient evil spirits, Queen Bansheera's demons were freely destroyed by the Lightspeed Rangers and were frequently shown scattering charred bodily debris following their destruction.  These spirits were banished to the hellish Shadow World following their destruction; whether the Shadow World included only the demons or additional monsters from previous villains is unresolved.  Some of Bansheera's generals, such as Diabolico, Olympius, and Vypra, were able to escape the Shadow World through various means.  Additionally, Bansheera sought to unleash all of the demons from the Shadow World using a Golden Key and an eclipse ceremony, but she was sealed within by the Rangers.

Millennium City mutants

Accidentally created from genetic engineering in the 30th century, the mutants fought by Time Force were regarded as living beings (albeit violent criminals) for whom destruction (i.e. execution) was not morally acceptable by 30th century standards.  Frax's robots, however, were apparently non-sentient and were destroyed freely.

Org forces

The Org were ancient evil spirits which took possession of modern objects to create monstrous physical bodies.  Shocked to discover the Org lacked "hearts" (presumably a soul, or perhaps simply a capacity for compassion), Cole reluctantly led the Wild Force Rangers to destroy the Org monsters.  Leading the Org were "Duke Org" generals, including Jindrax and Toxica, who seemed unique in their ability to choose their own loyalty and make moral distinctions.  The Org were led by Master Org, a former human who had abandoned his humanity in favor of jealousy and hatred, and whom the Rangers ultimately destroyed.  All Org monsters and Duke Orgs reside in a "Spirit World" following their destruction but can be freed through special means involving the energy source which originally destroyed the Org.

Lothor's forces

A mixture of conscripted aliens and various evil entities, Lothor's warriors were freely destroyed by the Wind, Thunder, and Samurai Rangers.  Their spirits were banished to the underworld known as the Abyss of Evil, which filled to capacity as Lothor's forces were depleted.  The abyss was ruptured by Lothor but eventually re-sealed for a time.  Some agents have since escaped, and the current integrity of the abyss remains unresolved.

Mesogog's creatures

Lifeforms created via genetic engineering, Mesogog's creatures were freely destroyed by the Dino Rangers.  They were not known to exist in any sort of monster afterlife following their destruction.

SPD convicts

The various alien criminals apprehended by SPD circa 2020 are regarded as sentient lifeforms and are therefore imprisoned following their defeat in battle rather than destroyed.

Q: When have religious or paranormal phenomena been featured in PR?

Earthen religion in Power Rangers appears to parallel real life: Christianity is widespread in the United States, Baptist churches exist, and some individuals favor Jewish or Buddhist faith (Islam has not been mentioned).  Angels and demons exist, although not necessarily in the traditional Christian sense.  Some members of evil, such as Master Vile, may worship their own diety of destruction, while the forces of good, specifically Zordon and those affiliated with him, tended to invoke something known as "The Power," a vague presence thought to protect those who fight for goodness, and in which they may live on forever in a sort of Valhalla or Nirvana.  Whether these beliefs reflect the nature of the Power Rangers universe or merely localized religions is unknown.

Q: When has sexuality/reproduction been featured in PR?

Sex is hardly a topic given mention in Power Rangers.  A woman in PRTF was shown going into labor and was helped by Nadira, the baby later shown afterward.  Revealing clothing, such as bikinis, appear infrequently, although certain female costumes appear to be designed for a degree of sex appeal.  Male teens are shown shirtless from time to time, with some Red Rangers notorious for arbitrarily tearing off their tank tops in battle.  Underwear has appeared in the form of comical exposure of male boxer shorts or full-body underwear.  Marriage, kisses, and embraces are all acceptable topics, although kisses appear to have been phased out of recent seasons.

[Click here for Sexuality entries.]

Q: Why do the same landmarks keep appearing in so many different places?

The real-life answer is of course a limited number of unique shooting locations used by the production crew (originally in Los Angeles, now in New Zealand).  In-show, there isn't an especially good explanation for these similarities, and they should probably be ignored.  Three major examples are as follows:

Site:	PR uses:	Real-life counterpart:
Double-peaked mountain	Command Center mountain scenery in California desert scenery in off-world Desert of Despair	Vazquez Rocks, near Los Angeles
Halfpipe building	NASADA command building in Angel Grove GSA administration building on Terra Venture building in Mariner Bay building in Silver Hills	Rye Canyon North Lockheed Facility in Los Angeles (Source: Submitted by Chris Peterson)
Orion cave	cave in Terra Venture Forest Dome cave near Mariner Bay cave near Silver Hills (in prehistory)	unknown cave near Los Angeles

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"Ask the Editor."   Updated 5/14/05.
Edited by Joe Rovang.  Content owned by Disney, used without permission.