We will now be returning to The Mighty Morphin Retrospective trilogy. The chapters I wrote in November and December were dedicated to Trini and Lord Zedd respectively. This last chapter features a Tommy story. Many PR fans got excited by "White Light" ; The story where Tommy officially becomes the White Ranger. I definitely will talk about Tommy's White Ranger days in the future but today I want to focus on a different story. This Article is about the 2-part MMPR event "Green, No More." For you see Tommy had to first prove that he was worthy of becoming the person who could be that ultimate Power Rangers leader that we know him as today. However "Green, No More" was about more than just that. Lord Zedd had been targeting the Green Ranger since early in the second season. This story was the culmination of his master plan and he almost won. It's a terrific story that literally puts you on the edged of your seat, apart from one small missed opportunity. This event was also used to introduce a new side character on the show; Curtis Taylor, cousin to the Black Ranger, Zack Taylor. At this time JDF (Jason David Frank) was being offered other parts and the series was trying to set up other possible candidates for who could receive the new powers. Lord Zedd tried to stop the Rangers' plans in their tracks. He recruited his own group of Dark Rangers in this story. Curtis was not selected for this team. How wild would that have been though? cousin vs cousin! That would've been a great way to make this 2-parter even more dramatic! Curtis only remained on the show until The White Ranger appeared. He was played by Joel Rodgers.
The story begins with Tommy and Kimberly receiving a message from the future. A projection of Tommy appears on the school basketball court and tells them Tommy will need his communicator in the final fight. Shortly after that is the scene where Zack introduces billy to his cousin Curtis. (See above) Incidentally this is also a story in which Angel Grove high feels a bit more real. Including Curtis, Richie, the kid that Tommy and Billy help who was referred to as Stewart, plus Bulk and Skull and the mean kids and the six Rangers; that's enough teens for a real school. If in contrast you look at the regular cast of only eight characters, does a town really need a High School for only eight teenagers? Anyways the new kids in this story were introduced as bullies and troublemakers, which is why they caught Lord Zedd's attention. Zedd also reveals the Green Crystal in this event which has been feeding off Tommy's powers over time and is ready to collect the last of them after his next fight. It is also interesting to note that the dark duplicate of Kimberly looks nothing like her. The rest of the Rangers and Dark Rangers could easily be twins but the pink girls could not. Also Tommy faced some confidence issues and felt like his power was all that made him special. This is something many young viewers can relate to, when you feel there is only one great thing about your life and the rest feels insignificant. Next Lord Zedd creates Turban Shell. An evil crab monster with a deadly energy staff. Turban Shell was voiced by returning actress Barbara Goodson who we also know as Rita Repulsa. Tommy's powers are getting weaker and Zordon reminds him of the danger of going into this fight, but he joins his friends anyway. The Dragonzord makes its first appearance in a long time having been out of action for many fights. Even with the Dragonzord and Thunder Megazord fighting together, Turban Shell was too powerful. Tommy used up the last of his powers and when there was an open moment Zedd kidnapped him. Tommy awakens in a field of wild reeds. Turban Shell is determined to finish Tommy off. His powers and his confidence are gone. The other Rangers are captured as well but summoned before Lord Zedd; He introduces them to his Dark Rangers. Lord Zedd's evil plan is succeeding and the world is in ultimate danger. This ends Part 1. I have lots to say about part 2 but I will save that for next time. This story remains an ultimate favorite of mine from the Second Season of MMPR. Keep on reading and May the Power protect you!
You left this one as a well cliff hanger. It will be interesting to see how the Green Ranger becomes the White one. So many photos this time. And your story is really thorough and well explained. I would just suggest shorter blog posts with a few pictures, and do more. So you could make this 4 posts instead of just one. Anyway, great job, Gimothy Ranger!