Power Rangers Time Force: The Complete Series

Gr 2–5—This collection contains the ninth season of the long-running TV show. The Power Rangers live far in the future, but they are flung into an adventure in 2001 when a dastardly criminal named Ransik kills their leader, the Red Power Ranger, and escapes to the past. Pink Power Ranger Jen, who was recently engaged to Alex, the slain leader, leads the action across 40 half-hour episodes as the Rangers try to recapture Ransik with the help of Wes, an ancestor of Alex whose DNA grants him the ability to assume the role of the Red Ranger. This season originally aired in 2001, and its special effects and sets have not stood up to the passage of time. Older viewers may have a hard time with the clothing, technology, and green-screen effects of the ostensibly modern adventures set in 2001. While the body count is low, the explosion count is high—the Power Rangers get into violent but bloodless martial arts battles with their foes. Vanquished enemies are frozen and sent to prison rather than killed. The season stands alone and is not part of an overarching story line. (The main Power Rangers are a diverse group; the lead heroes and villains are white.)