6) Zordon’s Three Rules
The character of Zordon is another one who’s significantly changed from the original TV show. Television Zordon appeared as a head in a tube, or an “inter-dimensional being trapped in a time warp.” In the movie, he’s a face in the wall – or the “essence” of the last Red Ranger, downloaded into the ship’s matrix.
One element of his character that’s exactly the same though is his three rules for the Rangers. Here’s how it goes in the original show:
“First, never use your power for personal gain. Second, never escalate a battle unless Rita forces you. And finally, keep your identity a secret. No one may know that you are a Power Ranger.”
This is recited verbatim in the movie, except the mention of Rita is swapped for “your opponent.”
Moreoever, Zordon’s initial confrontation with the Rangers plays out very similar to Mighty Morphin‘s pilot episode “Day of the Dumpster.” On both occasions, the Rangers are freaked out by what’s going on and try to leave. Jason, however, convinces them to stay and listen to what Zordon has to say.
5) Zeo Crystal
The Macguffin of the Power Rangers movie is the Zeo Crystal. Zordon explains at one point that every inhabited planet in the universe has a Zeo Crystal buried within its crust. If retrieved, it’ll give the wielder the power to create and destroy whole planets.
This is an intriguing reboot of the Zeo Crystal from the TV series. It doesn’t actually appear in Mighty Morphin but rather, er, Power Rangers Zeo. In that, it’s the source of the Rangers new Zeo powers. However, it’s also sought after by Rita’s father Master Vile. To prevent it from falling into his hands, the Rangers split it into five and spread it throughout Earth’s history.
The inclusion of the Zeo Crystal here is presumably a set-up for future movies. Perhaps the next instalment will adapt Power Rangers Zeo and give the heroes a brand new power set?
