Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always is almost experimental in its nostalgia. It doesn’t nudge or wink at the viewer, and it shows that it isn’t “in” on any meta jokes or gags. And, it doesn’t feature outsiders trying to copy an older property (ala The Three Stooges). Instead, this exclusive hour-long special for Netflix, made by people who are more than experienced with this long-running show, plays out like a two-parter without Saturday morning commercials. As someone who grew up with the first series from the 90s (and was apprehensive after watching the cheesy trailer for Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always), I had a really good time watching this throwback which commemorates the 30th anniversary of the franchise.

Original Rangers Billy (David Yost) and Zach (Walter Emanuel Jones) find themselves in danger as they face a new villainous incarnate of space witch Rita Repulsa. Robo Rita (also voiced by Rita’s original Barbara Goodson) summons other metallic versions of her flunkies and proceeds to zero in on teams of Power Rangers around the world in order to consume their strength (a subtle hint towards other spin-off shows in the canon without making this special only speak to superfans). Billy and Zach, still mourning the loss of a fellow Ranger on their team, agree to return to their old headquarters and devise a plan with some old friends (including an incarnate of trusty robot Alpha voiced by returning voice actor Richard Horvitz).

The choices made behind-the-scenes of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always are very deliberate to recapture the excitement of the costumed children’s show. The filmmakers allow the viewer to enjoy it in whatever way possible – ironically or unironically – which shows admirable confidence. If the special has any flaws (like some of the wooden performances), the blemishes are embraced and morphed (no pun intended) into charming ingenuity that is on brand with the special’s tone. 

The initial utilization of a drone during an early climactic fight is a neat add-on that provides lots of coverage of the choreography, but it isn’t used consistently. Then again, most of the fights in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always take place indoors or in tight quarters. While I still enjoyed the action, it would’ve been really neat to see more outdoor battles. But, I suppose the big, cheesy, intergalactic battle towards the end is supposed to make up for that.

If Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always was a one-and-done sort of project, I’m completely and utterly okay with that. It works as its own standalone extended episode, and pays respect well to the franchise and to tenured actors of the series that have passed away. However, if this special is successful with at-home viewers and there’s a demand for more nostalgia, what the heck, I’m down for that as well.

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Addison Wylie: @AddisonWylie