Top 10 Worst Things Lord Zedd Has Done on Power Rangers
#10: Usurping Rita Repulsa
“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” (1993-95)
Before becoming one half of the diabolical power couple, Zedd was actually Rita Repulsa’s boss who trusted her with the mission of conquering Earth. But that all changed after he made his terrifying debut in Season 2. Zedd decided that he finally had enough of Rita’s failures and didn't hesitate to kick her to the curb. Not only did he take command of the palace, but he completely stripped Rita of her power and banished her into space seemingly forever. That is an extremely harsh firing process! Zedd’s ruthless introduction proved he was large and in charge by effortlessly usurping the series’ OG wicked witch. Unfortunately for him, Rita would eventually get her revenge on him… by making him fall madly in love with her!
#9: Trapping Civilians In the “Perfect” Utopia
“Boom Studios’ Mighty Morphin” (2020-22)
When Zedd managed to trap Angel Grove under a dome, most of the Rangers were left outside looking in. Once they make it inside, they expect the worst. But the heroes are surprised to find that the city is in one piece and the citizens are living in harmony with Zedd’s monsters. It turns out that he aimed to create a utopia in hopes citizens would turn against the Rangers. The scariest part about all this is that he didn’t need to use any mind control magic. Truthfully, he just needed to emotionally sway the town into embracing his twisted vision of peace. Thankfully, the Rangers managed to bust his scam wide open. But Zedd managed to shake the city’s faith in their heroes.
#8: Blowing Up His Evil Allies
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“Power Rangers Zeo” (1996)
At the very start of “Zeo”, the Machine Empire completely took over the moon while Zedd and Rita were forced to sit on the sidelines in disgrace. The unhappy couple eventually got their long awaited revenge on the family. At first, the duo gives King Mondo’s family a peace offering. Zedd and Rita quickly drive away… right as the gift explodes. While the Royal Machines reel from this double cross, Zedd just cackled evilly and soaked up the win. Seeing Zedd callously destroy evil allies made for a fun scene and stunning reminder. Although the machines would return, It just goes to show that not even villains are safe from the true Emperor of Evil’s fury.
#7: Holding A Young Civilian Hostage
“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” (1993-95)
Unsurprisingly, Zedd isn’t above endangering any innocent life to spite enemies. In one episode, he abducted a little girl named Hallie and trapped her on the elusive Venus Island. Zedd announced that if the Rangers don’t give Tommy up, he’d turn Hallie into his evil minion forever. The situation became even more grim when his new monster captured four of the Rangers. At one point, Tommy almost considers giving himself up just to save the child. Fortunately, he managed to rescue her before it came to that. The wildest part of this scheme is that Zedd put the team through all this emotional turmoil JUST because they made fun of his putties. Yeesh, and we thought Rita was petty.
#6: Recreating Jason’s Biggest Failure
“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” (1993-95)
The fact that Jason wasn’t able to save Tommy’s green ranger powers is a failure that still haunts him. Naturally, Zedd decided to toy with the red ranger’s guilt by repeating history. He took a page from Rita’s book and created four candles of his own to match the powers of several rangers. Zedd then forced Jason to fight his newest monster alone. After the red ranger is tasked with facing a monster without his friends, he fights to prevent their powers from melting away. Zedd was naturally happy to cause Jason so much pain. Thankfully, the red ranger emerged victorious. But he very nearly fell to Lord Zedd’s manipulations.
#5: Brainwashing The Blue Ranger
“Power Rangers Dino Fury” (2021-22)
Our jaws hit the floor when Lord Zedd returned in “Dino Fury.” In this comeback episode, he ended up clashing with Blue Ranger Ollie before disappearing for several episodes. When Zedd returns, his first act is to even the score with the hero with one of his oldest tricks - brainwashing. He has one of his new generals infect Ollie with a mind control poison that turned him into his willing slave, or as Zedd puts it, his “pet.” The villain even made Ollie BOW to him and fight his own friends despite their hesitance. Thankfully, the spell is broken eventually. But it just goes to show that Zedd is still pretty petty.
#4: Ending the Green Ranger
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“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” (1993-95)
Once Zedd took charge as the main villain, his first act of deviousness was to finish off Green Ranger Tommy. For several episodes, every fight was a slow burn as it used up more and more of Tommy’s powers. Zedd was also relentless in putting Tommy through the wringer. While the Rangers beat the big bad in every battle, he does succeed in winning the war. Tommy’s powers run out and the team is left without a Green Ranger. This huge setback was far from the end of the ranger’s heroic career. However, it did go to show that even when Zedd loses, he wins in the long run.
#3: Blackmailing His Way Into the Command Center
“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” (1993-95)
To make a deal with Zedd is to make a deal with the Devil himself. But when he and Rita kidnap Kimberly and start draining her life force, the Rangers have no choice. They allow Zedd to enter the Command Center. There, he makes them an offer they can’t refuse. If they ever want to see Kimberly alive again, they must agree to pilot his evil zords and follow his commands. The sight of Zedd in the Rangers’ most sacred sanctuary is haunting enough. All the while he’s just gleefully relishing the fact that he’s holding all the cards. Miraculously, the Rangers find a way around Zedd’s insidious blackmail. But they could never change the fact that the villain stepped foot in their sanctuary.
#2: Forcing Goldar to Do the Unthinkable
“Boom Studios’ Mighty Morphin” (2016-20; 2022-)
Goldar’s loyalty to Lord Zedd is unbreakable. During a changeover, the winged monster turned on Rita in favor of his new boss. The Boom Studios comic “Only the Strong” showed just how deep said loyalty is. Thousands of years ago, Goldar and his brother Silverback were his elite warriors. They fought side by side until one fateful meeting with their boss. When Silverback questioned Zedd’s tactics, the big bad mortally wounded the subordinate. But the pain wasn’t over. Zedd then encouraged Goldar to finish off his own brother. Although the general was conflicted, he followed his orders to a tee. The fact that Zedd constantly belittles Goldar after this incident showed how heartless this baddie truly is.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Teaming Up With Brainiac, "Justice League/Power Rangers" (2017)
He Collaborated With One of DC’s Biggest Alien Threats to Capture Angel Grove
Unleashing Ivan Ooze, "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie" (1995)
All the Carnage Ivan Caused Was All Because of Zedd
Destroying the Power Coins, "Mighty Morphin Alien Rangers" (1996)
With Rita’s Help, Zedd Reduces the Ranger’s Power Source to Dust in Seconds
Recreating Himself, "Power Rangers Super Legends" (2007)
It’s Terrifying to Think That A Version of Zedd Recreated Himself From Beyond the Grave
#1: The End of Rafkon
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“Power Rangers Dino Fury” (2021-22)
After tons of searching, Zayto and Aiyon found their long-lost planet, Rafkon. It was safe for 65 million years…until Lord Zedd set foot on it. He used the planet’s core to power his insidious machine. Once Zedd teleported away with the device, the planet destabilizes… and explodes. With this one reckless action, he single handedly destroyed an entire planet without needing to use a Zord. For Zedd, this is just business as usual. But seeing Zayto and Aiyon’s remorse at losing their home forever cements this as one of the Prince of Darkness’ most despicable deeds. It’s a testament to the damage he can cause without thinking twice. And if given the chance, we bet Zedd would do it all over again.
What do you think was the Emperor of Evil’s most despicable act? Let us know in the comments, and may the power protect you.
