Why the Original Blue Ranger is Vital to the Power Rangers Team

Power Rangers recently confirmed the original Blue Ranger as the most important member of the classic Mighty Morphin team. Despite the numerous Ranger teams in Power Rangers history, the Mighty Morphin characters are still considered the most iconic. Jason, Zack, Kimberly, Billy, Triny, and Tommy were the pioneers who defined what it means to be a Power Ranger, laying the foundation for a saga that continues strong even after 30 years. Some of these characters made appearances in later Power Rangers movies and TV shows, while others took years to resurface.

The second generation of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers played a significant role in the franchise, appearing in MMPR, Turbo, and making cameos in other seasons. Among the five Power Rangers in the original Mighty Morphin pilot, Billy Cranston was the only one to stay until the final episode. He also briefly appeared in the beginning of Power Rangers Zeo, before making a comeback 27 years later for two special appearances that solidified the original Blue Ranger's importance.

2023 Confirmed How Important The Original Blue Ranger Is To Power Rangers

Custom image of Billy Cranston and the Cosmic Fury Power Rangers - 2023 Confirmed How Important The Original Blue Ranger Is To Power Rangers

David Yost returned as Billy in 2023, his first appearance since Power Rangers Zeo in 1996. He reprised his role in Power Rangers: Once & Always, a Netflix special celebrating the show's 30th anniversary. The special also featured Walter Emanuel Jones, who hadn't been seen in Power Rangers since Zack left in MMPR season 2. Additionally, second-generation MMPR heroes Kat, Rocky, Aisha, and Adam made appearances, creating a nostalgic experience for fans.

For years, Power Rangers has delighted fans with nostalgia and cameo appearances. Surprisingly, the original Blue Ranger had not made a return to the franchise until now.

Naturally, Once & Always focused heavily on Billy and Zack, the only two original Power Rangers to be featured in the Netflix special. It was a bittersweet moment as not all of the original actors could be part of the Power Rangers reunion. However, seeing two of the most iconic characters back after many years was truly emotional. With the rest of the team captured, Billy and Zack had to take charge and lead a unique Power Rangers lineup including Pink Ranger Kat, Red Ranger Rocky, and later, Yellow Ranger Minh.

While Once & Always was a standalone story, David Yost’s return as Billy extended beyond the special presentation. Billy became a recurring character in Power Rangers Cosmic Fury, the first Power Rangers TV show since Zeo to feature Yost in the cast. In Cosmic Fury, Billy was not just making a cameo appearance. He played a crucial role as a mentor to the Dino Fury/Cosmic Fury Rangers, accompanying them on most of their adventures. Additionally, Billy was instrumental in creating the new Cosmic Fury morphers for the team.

Billy Helped Defeat Rita Repulsa & Lord Zedd Once And For All In 2023

Aiyon, Amelia, Billy, Javi, and Lord Zedd in Power Rangers Cosmic Fury - Billy Helped Defeat Rita Repulsa & Lord Zedd Once And For All In 2023

Billy played a crucial role in defeating Rita Repulsa and Lord Zedd once and for all, a task that the original Power Rangers never accomplished. Despite his mistake that led to Rita's return, Billy redeemed himself by leading the team to rescue captured Power Rangers and delivering the final blow to Robot Rita Repulsa.

After overcoming their original nemesis, Billy faced another classic villain, Cosmic Fury. The Dino Fury Rangers sought Billy's help in tracking down Lord Zedd, and his mentorship was essential in their victory. In Cosmic Fury, Billy even fought Lord Zedd himself, a feat never achieved by the original Rangers in Mighty Morphin.

Power Rangers Needed More Of The Original Blue Ranger After Billy’s Disappointing Exit

David Yost as Billy in Power Rangers Cosmic Fury's intro - Power Rangers Needed More Of The Original Blue Ranger After Billy’s Disappointing Exit

Power Rangers celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2023, a milestone year that also brought back the beloved character Billy, much to the delight of fans who had been eagerly awaiting his return since Zeo. The departure of actor David Yost from the show had always been a sad chapter in the franchise's history, and Zeo's treatment of Billy's character had left much to be desired. From giving away his Zeo crystal to the Gold Ranger fakeout, the original Blue Ranger deserved better in the Mighty Morphin sequel. Additionally, it never quite made sense for Billy to abandon his friends and live on a distant planet.

Despite Power Rangers' long history of nostalgia and cameos, the original Blue Ranger had been notably absent from the franchise for many years. While Billy did technically appear a few times after Zeo, such as in "The Legendary Battle" and "Grid Connection," he was always shown with his helmet on. As the show approached its 30th year, there was a need to pay tribute to the original actors who helped build the legacy of Mighty Morphin. Thankfully, Billy's return in 2023 was a part of this tribute.

The Original Blue Ranger Had Always Been An Essential Power Ranger

Billy and Kimberly using the Power Morpher in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers - The Original Blue Ranger Had Always Been An Essential Power Ranger

Billy may have been the star of 2023, but the original Blue Ranger was always a crucial part of the team, if not the most crucial. He was the mastermind behind various technological marvels like wrist communicators that the Power Rangers relied on. Cranston could whip up anything from flying cars to monster detectors in his garage using just scraps. Many episodes showcased the Blue Ranger saving the day with his inventions, whether they were small gadgets or new Zords.

Billy played a crucial role in helping establish the Green Ranger’s powers, which allowed Tommy Oliver to maintain his Ranger form longer than expected by Rita Repulsa. Despite having a smaller role in Zeo compared to Mighty Morphin, Billy remained essential in defeating the monster of the week.

In Once & Always, it was confirmed that Billy’s genius intellect led him to become a successful businessman who runs a tech company called Cranston Technologies, built on his inventions. The Power Rangers series brought Billy’s story full circle 30 years after Mighty Morphin, between Once & Always and Cosmic Fury.

Don't miss out on watching Power Rangers: Once & Always on Netflix.

WATCH POWER RANGERS COSMIC FURY ON NETFLIX

Editor's P/S:

The article delves into the significance of the original Blue Ranger, Billy Cranston, in the Power Rangers franchise. Despite being absent from the show for many years, Billy's recent return in "Power Rangers: Once & Always" and "Power Rangers Cosmic Fury" solidifies his importance. The article highlights Billy's crucial role in defeating Rita Repulsa and Lord Zedd once and for all, a feat the original Rangers never accomplished. It also emphasizes how Billy's technological genius and leadership skills have always been essential to the team's success.

This article is a testament to the enduring popularity and impact of the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Billy's return not only brings back cherished memories for fans but also serves as a reminder of the show's enduring values of teamwork, courage, and perseverance. It is refreshing to see that after 30 years, Power Rangers continues to honor its roots and pay homage to the characters that defined it.