Top 10 Times Power Rangers Went Too Far

Top 10 Times Power Rangers Went Too Far

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Times Power Rangers Went Too Far.

For this list, we’ll be looking at moments within the franchise where major lines were crossed, whether by the villains, the Rangers themselves, or even the writers. We’ll only be examining the instances that occurred in-universe, so we won’t be discussing any behind-the-scenes drama… even though there’s a lot to talk about there. These moments will be plot-heavy, so expect spoilers ahead.

Think we missed any outrageous moments? Let us know in the comments where you think the Rangers crossed the line.

#10: Animus’ “Test”

“Power Rangers Wild Force” (2002)
It turns out that Kite, the Wild Force Rangers’ child ally, was actually the resurrected god-like Megazord, Animus, in disguise. And what’s the first thing he does after revealing himself? He turns his back on humanity and takes away the Rangers’ Wildzords just because the Orgs tricked him. Actually, it turns out that his little hissy-fit was just a test to see if the Rangers truly were dedicated to protecting the Earth… because apparently, selflessly fighting to save the world on a weekly/daily basis isn’t good enough for him. Even if it was just a test, this act of self-righteous idiocy really destroyed Animus’ reputation and likability in our eyes.

#9: Koragg’s Dishonorable Actions

“Power Rangers Mystic Force” (2006)
Of all the villains in Mystic Force, Koragg prides himself on fighting with honor – which is more than his fellow baddies can say. And yet, for all his talk about being noble, he chose to play dirty in the episode “Whispering Voices”. For starters, he used magic to mess with Nick’s head for a majority of the episode. What’s even worse, he stole the Rangers’ combining power - meaning they couldn’t form the Megazord - and kept it for himself. While the Rangers did get the power back next episode, this paints Koragg as a bit of a hypocrite – preaching about fighting with honor when he himself has no qualms about cheating.

#8: “I’m Astronema”

“Power Rangers in Space” (1998)
At long last, Astronema has accepted that she’s Karone and that Andros is her brother, and she is more than willing to help the Rangers find the missing Zordon. Unfortunately, Dark Specter isn’t having any of that – he lays a trap to capture her and has her enhanced with cyborg implants that brainwash her into being evil again. The whole situation is nothing but tragic – Andros spent the majority of the season looking for his sister, only to lose her again to the darkness. Ironically, Dark Specter’s brainwashing works too well because Cyborg Astronema starts secretly scheming to overthrow the Evil Monarch and take his place. Serves him right, to be honest.

#7: Goldar’s Ransom

“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” (1993-95)
If you want to defeat the Rangers, you have to hit them where it hurts. That’s what Rita decides when she kidnaps the Rangers’ parents and has Goldar ransom them in exchange for the Power Coins. With the lives of their parents on the line, the Rangers have no choice but to surrender their Power Coins… only to be backstabbed by Goldar. It was kind of expected since Goldar is pure evil, but it was still a low blow to trick our heroes while using their loved ones as bait. Thankfully, the teens learn not to fall for the same trick twice and have Tommy help tip the balance of power back on their side.

#6: Drakkon’s Nasty Surprise

“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” (2016-20)
To be honest, there are no lines that Lord Drakkon from the Boom Studios comics wouldn’t cross. However, this one really takes the cake. Planning a massive invasion of the Power Rangers multiverse, he ambushes Tommy and stabs him in the back, leaving him for dead. Murdering ANY Ranger is unforgivable, but to bump off the most legendary of all? That’s a new kind of low – made even more twisted by the fact that Drakkon is Tommy from an alternate universe. Miraculously, Tommy returns to life near the end of the arc to help put an end to Drakkon’s insane takeover once and for all.

#5: Trakeena’s Invasion

“Power Rangers Lost Galaxy” (1999)
With her sanity destroyed after fusing with Deviot, Trakeena orders an all-out attack on Terra Venture to destroy the Rangers for good. That alone is insane, but Trakeena takes it a step too far by strapping bombs to her Stingwingers to blow up the colony and the Zords. Even if they are just foot soldiers, turning your own troops into bombers is just reckless and deprived. Even the loyal Villamax is disgusted by his princess’ ruthlessness. We have a feeling this wouldn’t leave the cutting room floor if it were filmed today.

#4: Everything Venjix Has Done

“Power Rangers RPM” (2009) & “Power Rangers Beast Morphers” (2019-20)
The Venjix Virus succeeded where most Ranger villains failed - enslaving the world. And he committed every heinous act under the sun with his newfound power. This included, but is not limited to, abducting and experimenting on innocent humans –turning them into robotically enhanced sleeper agents or brainwashed servants. He even single-handedly managed to delete Rangers out of existence. What’s worse is that even when he’s seemingly defeated, he comes back deadlier than ever as Evox. You could argue that this is all Dr. K’s fault for creating Venjix, but she didn’t want or expect all this to happen… she just wanted to go outside.

#3: Karone’s Trial Outcome

“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Anniversary Special” (2018)
In Boom Studios’ special 25th anniversary comic, Karone is put on trial for her many crimes as Astronema throughout the galaxy. Unsurprisingly, it doesn’t go well for her… until the “real” Astronema attacks the court… Excuse us, what? In reality, this other Astronema was a decoy made by Andros to clear Karone’s name. While you CAN understand Andros wanting to protect his sister, he went about it the wrong way. He deceived an entire courtroom of grieving citizens, and robbed Karone of her chance to face justice for all the wrongs she committed. And she was more than willing to accept any punishment they had for her. Unfortunately, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

#2: Eric’s Prejudices

“Power Rangers Time Force” (2001)
Time Force really pushed the envelope of kid-friendly programs by including mature themes such as discrimination. This is especially evident in the episode “Trip Takes a Stand”, where Trip takes a risk to protect an innocent mutant from Eric, the Quantum Ranger. Eric is convinced that all mutants are bad, and don’t deserve the same justice as humans, and he’s more than willing to try and SHOOT one of these “freaks”. The Rangers are supposed to be a symbol of equality and goodness, so to see one of them act with extreme prejudice against someone for their looks is just unsettling. Thankfully, Eric doesn’t follow through with shooting the mutant thanks to Trip’s bravery.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

The Omega Rangers Lie About Going to a Peace Conference
“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” (2016-20) & “Saban’s Go Go Power Rangers” (2017-20)

Psycho Green’s Slaughter
“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” (2016-20)

Alphabet Soup Makes Children Work
“Power Rangers RPM” (2009)

Mandilok Betrays Toxica
“Power Rangers Wild Force” (2002)


Mirloc’s Mockery
“Power Rangers S.P.D.” (2005)

#1: Tasteless Illustration

“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” (2014)
Before Boom Studios published their critically acclaimed Rangers comics, Papercutz had a short-lived line of Power Ranger graphic novels. While nothing impressive really happened with this series, the book “By Bug… Betrayed” left a sour taste in our mouths thanks to one single panel. This panel shows Trini getting hit in the leg by a car. Trini’s actress, Thuy Trang, tragically passed away in a car accident in 2001... do we even have to spell out why this is wrong? Thankfully, the picture was edited in the digital re-release, but it’s a sad case of too little too late. While it may not have been intentional, this one illustration crossed a line by inadvertently disrespecting a departed actress.