Power Rangers Once and Always is a Netflix special that takes a deep dive into the iconic Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series. The special features interviews with some of the original cast members, including Jason David Frank, Austin St. John, Walter Jones, and Karan Ashley, as well as behind-the-scenes footage and clips from the show.
The special is divided into several segments, each focusing on a different aspect of the show’s legacy. In the first segment, the cast members reflect on their time on the show and the impact it had on their lives. They discuss the challenges they faced, such as long hours on set and grueling fight scenes, as well as the friendships they formed and the lessons they learned.
Kick It Likes It’s Old School
One of the most touching moments of the special comes when Austin St. John, who played the Red Ranger, talks about the impact the show had on him. St. John reveals that he was homeless before he was cast in the show, and that the opportunity to play a superhero on television helped him turn his life around. It’s a powerful reminder of the impact that the show had not just on its viewers, but on the people who created it as well.
The special also explores the cultural impact of Power Rangers, including its influence on pop culture and its role in breaking down racial barriers. Walter Jones, who played the Black Ranger, talks about the significance of having a Black superhero on television in the 1990s, and how it helped to change the way people saw representation in media.
Legacy
The special also touches on some of the darker aspects of the show’s history, such as the fact that the cast members were underpaid and overworked, and that some of them experienced racism and harassment on set. While these issues are important to acknowledge, the special focuses more on the positive aspects of the show’s legacy and its impact on its viewers.
Throughout the special, there are clips from the show, as well as behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the show’s creators. These elements help to give viewers a sense of what it was like to be a part of the Power Rangers phenomenon, and to understand why the show has endured for so long.
It’s Morphin Time
One of the most fascinating segments of the special explores the science behind the show’s special effects. The Power Rangers were known for their colorful costumes and their giant robots, and the special shows how these effects were created using a combination of practical effects and computer-generated imagery.
Overall, Power Rangers Once and Always is a must-watch for any fan of the series. It’s a touching tribute to a cultural phenomenon that has touched the lives of millions of people, and a reminder of the importance of representation in media. While the special does have some flaws, such as its tendency to gloss over some of the darker aspects of the show’s history, it’s an entertaining and informative look back at one of the most iconic television shows of all time.
