Power Rangers is one of the oldest and most popular American takes on the classic Japanese Tokusatsu genre. Power Rangers is a direct adaptation of the Japanese Super Sentai series. The American version began in the early 90s, with a team of five iconic teenagers. The most iconic of these young adults was Jason Lee Scott, the original Red Ranger. That said, Scott doesn't remain the Red Ranger for the entirety of his morphing career.
Throughout his time as a Power Ranger, Scott has held two different distinct Ranger positions, with several interesting power-ups. In addition to serving as the Red Morphin' Ranger, the former team leader would also return as the Gold Zeo Ranger after his retirement. Jason might've missed out on many of Mighty Morphin's interesting forms, but he sets the Red Ranger precedent for the entire franchise.
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3 Armored Red Ranger Mode Feels Like a Copy of the Green Ranger
First Appeared in Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers Season 1, Episode 26
When the Green Ranger was first introduced, he was visually distinct from the other Rangers. In addition to being another color, Tommy Oliver had a gold shield further protecting him from harm. The Dragon Shield was functionally and aesthetically fantastic. Obviously, the "shield" has been long since correlated with the Green Ranger, but he isn't the only one to wear it.
In the beginning, Tommy Oliver, the Green Ranger, has the ability to provide any Ranger with his Dragon Shield. Oliver has to do so willingly, and he usually gives it to injured members of the team. This version of the Power-Up is primarily defensive, and is meant more as a support option than anything else. Some of the notable rangers to be given the shield are the Blue and Yellow Rangers, but this system for the Dragon Shield wouldn't stick for long.
As Tommy Oliver's powers began to fade, he would end up giving the remaining use of his abilities to Jason Lee Scott. This would provide Scott's Red Ranger with the ability to summon the Dragon Shield and Dagger at any time. Instead of solely being a defensive power-up, the Red Ranger would grow incredibly powerful while accessing the Dragon Coin. Unfortunately, Scott wouldn't have long to use the abilities.
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The Red Dragon Shield Ranger is incredibly iconic, but doesn't really fit Jason. At the end of the day, the Dragon Shield belongs to the Green Ranger, and many fans weren't pleased with the show's current transition. This dissatisfaction would only grow as several core members would leave the team, some never to return. This dissatisfaction would only grow as the Dragon shield was quietly retired.
Rocky DeSantos would never use the Dragon Shield and the form is forever associated with the original Mighty Morphin' era.
The Dragon Shield certainly doesn't belong with the Red Ranger, but it makes the form somewhat special since Scott is the only Red Ranger to fully utilize it. Sadly, since this was far before the time of Batilizers, this is the only significant power-up that Scott would ever receive as the Red Ranger. Subsequent Red Rangers were known for their exclusive and powerful forms, usually used for marketing toys, but that trend wouldn't begin until Andros from Power Rangers Lost in Space.
2 Gold Zeo Ranger Serves as Jason's Temporary Ranger Return
First Appeared in Power Rangers Zeo, Season 1, Episode 34
Tommy Oliver is the original sixth Power Ranger and would go onto lead the team after Jason's departure. Originally, he would lead the team as the White Ranger. He would even give orders to Rocky DeSantos, who was the Red Ranger after Scott. Eventually, the Mighty Morphin' Rangers would become the Zeo Rangers and Tommy would finally become the Red Ranger he had always dreamed of.
The Zeo Rangers would encounter a being known as Trey of Triforia who would become the Zeo Gold Ranger. Trey would fight alongside the Zeo Rangers for some time, before suffering an injury. At that time, Tommy made it clear that one of his old allies would be returning to take up the role. Many fans weren't sure who it could be, with some even speculating that Zack might make a return. The Power Ranger who would make their return would be none other than Jason Lee Scott.
This entire situation is incredibly ironic as Jason Lee Scott would become Tommy Oliver's Sixth Ranger, mirroring their original dynamic in a fascinating way. Many fans were extremely elated to see their favorite Ranger return, but not everyone was as pleased to see Scott take second fiddle to Oliver. That said, Tommy would often defer to Jason's wisdom, and their dynamic felt much more like a partnership than anything else.
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Unfortunately, Jason would be forced into another retirement. The Gold Ranger powers simply were not meant to be compatible for humans, and began to tear Scott a part every time he tried to morph. He would go on to transfer the powers back to Trey of Treforia, who was the only one capable of handling them. Sadly, instead of receiving another morpher or crystal, Jason Lee Scott would become a normal citizen once again.
Jason's Power Rangers return is beloved by fans, but the reasons surrounding it are somewhat controversial. The actor left Power Rangers at its peak after failing to negotiate a better contract. He was asked to return to Zeo after a significant dip in ratings left the season at a loss. His appearance was enough to boost the ratings, but it still makes some fans feel his appearance is slightly disingenuous.
1 Jason Lee Scott's Original Red Ranger Form Remains His Most Iconic
First Appeared in Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers Season 1, Episode 1
Jason Lee Scott is THE Red Ranger. He was the first, and arguably still one of the most popular. Many consider his time in the Mighty Morphin' days as the franchise's peak. While this is somewhat typical for classic fans, it's even the case among several newer ones. There is just something so iconic about Scott's initial performance, and its echoes can be witnessed throughout the rest of the franchise. Nearly every Red Ranger after Scott is a stoic, martial-arts-loving tough-guy with a secret heart of gold.
Jason would lead his team of Rangers against the iconic Rita Repulsa and even face off against the most iconic ranger, Tommy Oliver's Green Ranger. In every situation, Jason brought his Rangers to a successful victory. Even when the Rangers took a loss, (although Jason took it harder than mos)t, he still knew how to rally the team. He might not have had all the special abilities and power-ups that modern Rangers have had, but the actor himself has said several times that Jason simply didn't need them.
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The first Red Ranger is not only the archetype for all Reds to follow, many have argued that he could be the most powerful. Aside from Tommy's Red Zeo Ranger, Scott's original is one of the few without a Batilizer form. Although the toy promotions simply hadn't taken off at this point, it's possible that Scott wouldn't have needed to use the power-up if he had one. He is one of the most competent combatants in the history of the franchise, and regularly takes down powerful enemies. Access to the morphing grid is all Jason needs to begin ridding the world from evil.
Although Oliver has somewhat replaced Scott as the de facto Ranger, many argue that is just because Oliver had more screentime in the series. Tommy participated in more than four iterations of the franchise, while Jason really only had cameo roles after being the Gold Ranger. However, this hasn't prevented Jason's legacy from undoubtedly standing the test of time. He is still the first person many consider when thinking of the Red Ranger, which speaks to his incredible tenure more than anything else.
Ultimately, Jason Lee Scott has had many different forms during his time as a Power Ranger, but none of them are as iconic as his original Red Ranger gear. There is just something so definitive about his time in the role that truly makes it special. There have been more than twenty other Red Rangers since, but it says a lot that Jason is still the first person that many fans think of. Jason's time as the Red Ranger is nothing short of iconic and is one of the major reasons the franchise has continued to this day.
