Season 12, Episode 4: Legacy of Power

"Legacy of Power"
Episode 4
Air Date: February 28th, 2004

Well, this is the 500th Episode of Power Rangers, so OF COURSE, to commemorate such a momentous occasion in the show's decade+ history at that point, we got....A CLIP SHOW???!! o_o  Yeah, I know, "Legacy of Power" gets a lot of flack for being this filler episode that just run's down the previous 11 seasons of the show but honestly, this episode NEVER ceases to put the biggest smile on my face EVERY time I watch it! I like how the writers use the corresponding footage from events from the last 11 years to not only finally reveal how Tommy was a Power Ranger but teaching them about the history of the Power Rangers before them by making them think of various ways they can help Tommy in the present since he's been captured.  I think it's effortlessly done and very clever; not to mention the banter between the trio of rangers once again is priceless.  Conner, of course mentions his "twin brother" that went to the secret Ninja Academy that sets up Ninja Storm's legacy within the ranger history...mostly because James Napier also played one of the three new students at the end of "Storm Before the Calm, Part 1 and 2".  While it kinda makes the whole "secret Ninja Academy" a lot less discreet at this point, it's just cool seeing Conner, Ethan and Kira just watching how far back the Power Ranger line has gone.

Of course, if I had one complaint, it would be that Tommy's run down of the past 11 incarnations of the rangers and their journeys that season can be a little too short and concise at certain point's during the episode, like forgetting to mention the Alien Rangers arc, Tanya, not to mention "Countdown to Destruction, Part 1 and 2" aka the biggest event of the franchise at the point in the series with the whole universe being under siege and Zordon's epic sacrifice to save it??? O_O Jesus!!! -_- But outside of those very important moments being looked over, it's just awesome to see old seasons brought back to our eyes with the music and score from those seasons being played so wonderfully during that footage.  Makes me wonder why during a certain season where former rangers return for a 15th anniversary and they can't apparently get the original music for the MMPR theme song??? WHAT!!? o_O -_- Also, I love how Hayley is revealed to be an associate's of Tommy's from college and explains how after Turbo how Tommy went to college and she helped to develop the rangers' Dino Morphers after he discovered the dino gems. Nice! It's just cool seeing Hayley as a new and unlikely ally but fitting into the role so well.  but Tommy the best ranger??? O_o  Arguable to this day! I would have liked to have had her say "the most experienced" since Tommy was definitely the longest running ranger who assumed 3 different incarnations by leading 3 different teams, but whatever, he's the best in terms of longevity is what I said in my head! :P

Meanwhile, Tommy is captured and is just being a badass as usual without having to throw one flip kick. lol I just love how Mesagog is being all menacing and seriously frightening but Tommy is basically annoyed and adamant about not helping.  Also, "Why can't you just want to rule the world like all the sickos??" is one of the best lines I've heard from the show and only a ranger/character like Tommy could deliver it.  Once again, using the veteran ranger as a mentor plot point this season extremely well and effectively hilarious.  Oh and we also learn what Mesagog's master plan is as he plans to revert the world back to the prehistoric era where dinosaurs ruled the world....WOW! o_o  As master plan's go, it's definitely original and kinda f%^&ed up; making Mesagog even more unique and standout in terms of previous villains.  Not to mention, the way his mouth moves and how he talks at the same time.....*shivers*! 0_0 So with Tommy not wanting to help him obtain some mysterious power source inside of a large stone, Mesagog begins to drain Tommy of his life force as the episode concludes; leading into the next.  Look, "Legacy of Power" may not be an action packed and story thrilling celebration of 500 episodes since the show's conception, BUT it continues the fantastical fun that the season has been in terms of character interactions and priceless dialogue while entertainingly reliving the past 11 seasons for long term fans of the show by helping to develop this new team as rangers.  I think that's pretty amazing honestly! Definitely the best use of the clip show motif this show has ever done! :)

Final Morph: A+