The Complete Power Rangers Journey of Jason David Frank's Iconic Character, Tommy Oliver
Tommy Oliver, a true Power Rangers icon, has left an indelible mark on every Power Rangers show and movie From the classic Mighty Morphin era to the recent 2017 film, explore his legendary journey through time and space
Summary
Tommy Oliver, portrayed by Jason David Frank, is arguably the most iconic character in the world of Power Rangers, appearing in multiple TV shows and movies.
Tommy initially appears as the villainous Green Ranger and poses a significant threat to the rest of the Power Rangers. However, he undergoes a transformation and ultimately becomes a valuable ally and an essential member of the team. Jason David Frank has effectively portrayed Tommy Oliver across various Power Rangers series, ranging from Mighty Morphin to Super Ninja Steel. This extensive portrayal not only highlights his enduring influence but also reflects his enduring popularity within the franchise.
Tommy Oliver, portrayed by Jason David Frank, is a highly influential character in the Power Rangers universe. Appearing in numerous TV shows and movies, Tommy is considered one of the franchise's most powerful and iconic characters. Since its inception in 1993, Power Rangers has evolved into a multi-faceted phenomenon encompassing various forms of media including TV shows, movies, comics, toys, video games, card games, and even plays. However, the essence of this multimedia franchise would not be complete without the presence of Jason David Frank's character, Tommy Oliver.
Best known as the original Green Ranger and the primary protagonist of the original TV series, Tommy Oliver is an emblematic figure in the Power Rangers legacy. He was also the first evil Ranger to be controlled by the villainous Rita Repulsa, demonstrating his exceptional combat skills by nearly defeating the other Power Rangers during that time. The original Green Ranger's reputation as a legendary figure in the Power Rangers universe is further solidified by the numerous forms of Tommy Oliver Power Rangers that exist. Jason David Frank's portrayal of Tommy has left a lasting impact, being featured in various Power Rangers movies and TV shows.
10 Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
Jason David Frank's initial appearance as Tommy Oliver occurs in the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series. Entering the Power Rangers' narrative as a manipulated pawn under the control of Rita Repulsa, Tommy's exceptional skills almost overpower the remaining Rangers. Fortunately, upon Jason's victory in a one-on-one confrontation, where he obliterates the Sword of Darkness, Tommy is liberated from Rita's enchantment. Subsequently, he joins the Rangers and becomes an indispensable member of the team for numerous years. Within the Mighty Morphin era, Tommy fulfills the roles of both the Green Ranger and later the White Ranger, leading the team for nearly two seasons.
9 Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie
In the 1995 spinoff film, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie, Tommy Oliver, portrayed by Jason David Frank, assumes a pivotal role. With the Power Rangers engaged in a battle against the sinister Ivan Ooze, Tommy joins forces with his fellow Rangers to seek assistance on the planet of Phaedos. Their aim is to reclaim their powers, which have been compromised by Ivan's actions that leave Zordon incapacitated. After their triumphant return to Earth, Tommy emerges as one of the most crucial characters in the narrative, being both an esteemed Ranger and a significant contributor to Ivan's defeat. Curiously, it should be noted that Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie is not considered part of the official canon.
8 Power Rangers Zeo
7 Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie
The Power Rangers Zeo is the direct continuation of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series. It showcases the Rangers' transformation into the Zeo Rangers after their command center is destroyed. With the newfound power of the Zeo Crystal, the Rangers not only undergo a name change but also switch their colors. Tommy takes on the role of Zeo Ranger V — Red, leading the team. The Zeo Crystal holds immense significance throughout this chapter of the Power Rangers franchise, and Tommy wields the Zeo Power Sword as his primary weapon.
Tommy Oliver also makes an appearance in the 1997 movie, Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie. This film acts as a bridge between Power Rangers Zeo and the subsequent TV series in the franchise, Power Rangers Turbo. Once again, Tommy Oliver assumes leadership of the Rangers as they face off against the malevolent Divatox (Hilary Shepard). In order to vanquish their formidable enemy, Zordon and Alpha bestow upon the Rangers the Turbo powers. Ultimately, Tommy and the other Rangers save the day by combining their strengths to form the Turbo Megazord. However, Divatox manages to escape.
6 Power Rangers Turbo
The next Power Rangers installment,
5 Power Rangers Wild Force
, features the exciting return of Tommy Oliver, portrayed by Jason David Frank. In this storyline, Tommy and his fellow veteran Rangers complete their high school journey and embark on new adventures alongside a fresh team of Rangers. Initially the courageous leader of the team as the First Red Turbo Ranger, Tommy eventually passes on the mantle to the next generation of Rangers. Notably, this marks Tommy Oliver's final appearance in the Power Rangers universe for several years until his triumphant comeback in Power Ranger Wild Force.
Jason David Frank made his return as Tommy Oliver in the 2002 TV series Power Rangers Wild Force after a five-year break. This series introduced a fresh team of Power Rangers, unrelated to the Zordon Era. Nevertheless, in a special 10-year anniversary episode, Cole joins forces with all the former Red Power Rangers, including Jason David Frank's iconic character, Tommy Oliver. "Forever Red" is renowned for its inclusion of numerous legendary characters, such as Tommy.
4 Power Rangers Dino Thunder
Jason David Frank returns as Tommy Oliver in the dinosaur-themed 12th season of Power Rangers, called Power Rangers Dino Thunder. In this series, Tommy takes on the role of a paleontologist who is tasked with supervising three students in detention. He aids his students in uncovering Dino Gems, which grant them the ability to transform into Dino Rangers. Additionally, Tommy serves as their mentor throughout their journey. As the series progresses, Tommy once again embraces his Power Ranger heritage after discovering and bonding with the Black Dino Gem, which bestows upon him the abilities of the Black Dino Ranger. With the Black Dino Gem, Tommy gains the power of invisibility, further enhancing his skills in the series.
3 Power Rangers Super Megaforce
The 21st season of Power Rangers, Power Rangers Super Megaforce, tells the story of the Rangers' ongoing battle against their formidable alien foe, Emperor Mavro (Mike Drew), and his mighty Armada. Realizing that they are outmatched, the Rangers employ the remarkable Legendary Ranger Keys, which grant them the ability to transform into any previous Power Ranger iteration. This season, filled with a sense of nostalgia, culminates in the epic "Legendary Battle" episode, a special crossover event featuring numerous beloved Power Rangers from the franchise's history. Among them is the return of Jason David Frank's iconic character, Tommy Oliver, who once again dons the mantle of the Green Ranger to lead a team comprising both seasoned and new Rangers.
2 Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel
Jason David Frank made a triumphant return to the Power Rangers franchise in the 25th anniversary season, Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel. In this action-packed series, the current lineup of Power Rangers finds themselves in dire need of assistance when the villainous Lord Draven and his army of Robo Rangers descend upon planet Earth. With their backs against the wall, the Ninja Steel Rangers turn to their former comrades, including the legendary Tommy, for help. Tommy proves once again that his skills as a Power Ranger are timeless, playing a crucial role in the defeat of Lord Draven. This incredible moment, which took place in Jason David Frank's final Power Rangers episode titled "Dimensions in Danger," beautifully showcased the enduring legacy of Tommy Oliver's character and served as a fitting conclusion to his remarkable journey.
1 Power Rangers (2017)
In 2017, a reboot of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers was released, known as the 2017 Power Rangers movie. Although a new version of the character Tommy Oliver is mentioned in the film, he does not play a significant role in the story. However, Jason David Frank, the actor who portrayed Tommy Oliver in the original series, does appear in a brief cameo as one of the residents of Angel Grove. Even though he does not reprise his iconic role, the appearance of Jason David Frank is an enjoyable nod to the original cast that contributed to the franchise's immense popularity. Another familiar face in the movie is Amy Jo Johnson, who played the character Kimberly in Power Rangers.
