The Unmatched Evolution of Tommy: 10 Must-Watch Power Rangers Episodes

Tommy Oliver's journey as a Power Ranger extends far beyond the story of the Green Ranger in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Widely regarded as the most significant character in the franchise's history, Tommy, portrayed by the late Jason David Frank, joined the team after breaking free from Rita Repulsa's magic. From that point on, he created a remarkable Power Rangers legacy that greatly influenced the show.

While the Green Ranger in Mighty Morphin is undeniably iconic, Tommy's legacy encompasses much more than just that. In fact, the Green Ranger form is considered to be his weakest Power Rangers incarnation. Here are 10 crucial episodes about Tommy Oliver that delve into his journey beyond the Green Ranger.

10 Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Season 2, Episodes 12-13, “Green No More”

Tommy permanently lost his Green Ranger form in the episode "Green No More," after previously losing his powers temporarily in "The Green Candle." The Green Ranger only appeared in 27 episodes of Zyuranger, which is why the character had to be written off from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. If not, all scenes involving the Green Ranger would have to be created using original American footage. Initially, Tommy had given his Green Ranger powers to Rita Repulsa, who was secretly working for Lord Zedd. Consequently, Zedd held a personal grudge against the reformed Green Ranger.

The Power Rangers were aware that Tommy's Green Ranger powers had an expiration date. To prolong the lifespan of his powers, Tommy began to participate less in the team's missions. In the "Green No More" storyline, Tommy had to come to terms with the fact that he would not be a Power Ranger indefinitely. In a final battle to save his friends, the Green Ranger fought valiantly before permanently losing his powers. Although "Green No More" marked the end of the Green Ranger's journey in Mighty Morphin, it was just the beginning of Tommy's enduring legacy as a Power Ranger.

9 Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Season 2, Episodes 17-18, “White Light”

Tommy's loss of his Green Ranger powers caused him to distance himself from his friends in Angel Grove. The true value of being a Power Ranger for Tommy lay in the camaraderie he shared with his friends, rather than the powers themselves. Luckily, Tommy's absence was short-lived, as he made a comeback after just a few episodes. However, this time, he faced a tougher adversary in Lord Zedd, prompting Zordon and Alpha to create a new Power Ranger. With the immensely powerful White Light, Zordon bestowed the power of the White Ranger upon Tommy. The identity of the new Ranger remained a mystery to the rest of the team, making Tommy's return all the more exciting.

Although not as well-known as his Green Ranger form, Tommy's transformation into the White Ranger was arguably his most significant in his Power Rangers journey. As soon as he assumed the mantle of the White Ranger, Tommy also took on the role of the team's leader. From a storyline perspective, Zordon was aware that Jason was preparing to depart from the team. Moreover, the White Ranger possessed even greater power than any of the other Rangers, surpassing Tommy's previous Green Ranger form. The White Ranger also made an appearance in the non-canon Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie.

8 Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Season 2, Episodes 44-46, “Return of the Green Ranger”

The original Green Ranger powers came to an end in "Green No More," but the significance of the Green Ranger continued in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. In the three-episode arc titled "Return of the Green Ranger," the Rangers traveled back in time while Tommy battled a malevolent clone of himself. This clone possessed proxy Green Ranger powers, setting the stage for a thrilling confrontation between the White Ranger and the Green Ranger. Witnessing Tommy's two Ranger forms engaged in combat was an exhilarating crossover event. Moreover, it showcased Tommy's growth beyond his days as the Green Ranger, as he now referred to it as "evil."

7 Power Rangers Zeo Season 1, Episodes 1-2, “A Zeo Beginning”

The pilot episode of Power Rangers Zeo, titled "A Zeo Beginning," holds significant importance in Tommy's Power Rangers journey. As the Power Coins were destroyed and the Zeo Crystals were introduced, it marked a pivotal moment for the Rangers to undergo color changes. Originally, Zeo only had five colors, and Billy made the decision to retire as a Power Ranger. Consequently, Rocky, the Red Ranger, took on the role of Zeo's Blue Ranger, while Tommy assumed the position of Zeo's Red Ranger. Despite already being the leader of the Power Rangers at the end of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, the Red Ranger title held its own symbolic meaning for Tommy, separating his leadership role from his identity as a Red Ranger.

6 Powers Rangers Turbo Season 1, Episodes 1-3, “Shift Into Turbo”

Tommy's journey as the Red Ranger carried on in Turbo as the Power Rangers transitioned into a new phase. The shift from the Zeo powers to the Turbo powers took place in Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie, which served as the pilot episode for Power Rangers Turbo. However, the three-episode arc titled "Shift Into Turbo" provided a recap of the crucial events from the movie, including the introduction of the new Turbo powers, Rocky's departure from the team, and the addition of Justin as the Blue Ranger. Throughout Power Rangers Turbo, Tommy maintained his role as the leader of the Rangers, continuing as the Red Ranger.

5 Power Rangers Turbo Season 1, Episodes 18-19, “Passing The Torch”

Tommy's time in the Zordon Era of Power Rangers came to a close in Turbo's "Passing the Torch," a two-part episode that saw most of the team being replaced. The original cast members who had been with the show since Mighty Morphin/Zeo did not have their contracts renewed, leading to the introduction of a new team midway through Power Rangers Turbo. With the exception of the Blue Ranger, each of the Turbo Rangers was replaced by individuals they had recently encountered and deemed trustworthy and courageous. Tommy, who had been the Red Ranger, was succeeded by T.J. and would only make a comeback to the show five years later.

4 Power Rangers Wild Force Season 1, Episode 34, “Forever Red”

Power Rangers Wild Force's "Forever Red" is often hailed as one of the greatest Power Rangers episodes ever created. There are several factors that contribute to the episode's exceptional status, starting with the incredible Red Rangers crossover. Nearly every Red Ranger in Power Rangers history, with the exception of Rocky, came together for this monumental event. Among them was Tommy Oliver, who made his first appearance since "Passing the Torch" and utilized his Zeo Red Ranger Powers during "Forever Red." Additionally, T.J. returned as the Turbo Red Ranger, marking Tommy's long-awaited reunion with Jason for the first time since Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie.

3 Power Rangers Dino Thunder Season 1, Episode 4, “Legacy of Power”

Two years after the events of "Forever Red," Tommy Oliver returned as a recurring character in Power Rangers Dino Thunder. Having recently graduated from college and now working as a high school teacher, Dr. Oliver took on the role of mentor to a team of three young Rangers who were unaware of his own past as a Power Ranger. In the milestone 500th episode titled "Legacy of Power," the Dino Thunder Rangers stumble upon a recording of Dr. Oliver recounting the entire history of the Power Rangers, including his own experiences. This heartfelt moment of Tommy narrating the events of Power Rangers in the show's 500th episode will always hold a special place in the franchise's history.

2 Power Rangers Dino Thunder Season 1, Episode 5, “Back In Black”

Dino Thunder's "Legacy of Power" was followed by "Back in Black," in which Tommy Oliver once again assumed the role of a Power Ranger. This time, Tommy took on the mantle of the Black Ranger in Dino Thunder, adding yet another form to his impressive repertoire of Power Ranger transformations. Having previously been the evil Green Ranger, the formidable sixth Ranger, and even the esteemed Red Ranger, Tommy's new identity as the Black Ranger can be seen as a fusion of Zordon's wisdom and the additional Ranger archetype. The Black Ranger possessed a considerable amount of power, surpassing the abilities of the other three Rangers. Some may argue that the Black Ranger is the second most potent among Tommy's various Power Ranger colors, second only to his role as Zeo Ranger V Red.

1 Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel Season 1, Episode 10, “Dimensions In Danger”

Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel’s “Dimension in Danger” marked the franchise's 25th anniversary with an epic crossover episode. While numerous iconic Power Rangers returned, the spotlight was on Tommy. This special episode introduced Tommy's Master Morpher, a unique device that allowed him to morph into any of his previous Ranger forms. In a thrilling display of power, Tommy showcased his Mighty Morphin Green, Mighty Morphin White, Zeo Red, and Dino Thunder Black Ranger forms all in one episode. Additionally, it was revealed that Tommy and Kat were married, adding another layer of depth to the beloved character. Sadly, this episode served as Jason David Frank's final appearance before his passing, leaving behind a bittersweet farewell to the legendary Power Ranger.