This list contains major spoilers!
Summary
- Power Rangers series do feature Ranger deaths, enhancing the impact of the plot and character relationships.
- Key Ranger deaths include Robo Knight, Solaris Knight, and Trini Kwan - each adding depth and emotion to the series.
- Sacrifices made by fallen Rangers like Steel and Zayto showcase selflessness and courage, contributing to the legacy of Power Rangers.
Saturday mornings always made something very clear: it doesn't matter how strong the bad guys are, the Power Rangers never lose! That is, until a Ranger actually dies in combat. While the idea of a Ranger losing their life in the line of duty is almost unheard of in the early days of Mighty Morphin, a Ranger death has become an unexpected - but never impossible - in some Power Rangers series. And while not as frequent as their Super Sentai counterparts, it's precisely the rarity of the occasion that has made the death of any Ranger rather iconic throughout the series.
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However, some Ranger deaths have become more impactful for the series, whether this had anything to do with the character's relationship with their peers or their role in the story. Whose deaths in Power Rangers hit the hardest, for both fans and the story?
10 Robo Knight
The Amnesiac Protector Of The Earth
|
Season |
Megaforce |
|
Episode of Death |
Ep20 (Megaforce), Ep17 (Super Megaforce) |
|
Reason |
Put his life force into Orion after saving him to repent for the evil he’s done while under Vrak’s control |
Power Rangers Megaforce
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- February 2, 2013
- Directors
- Jonathan Tzachor, James Barr
- Writers
- James W. Bates, Seth Walther
While Robo Knight initially appeared as a cold-hearted warrior, it’s revealed that Gosei created and programmed him to use his advanced weapons and combat skills as a fearless defender. Unfortunately, the toll of waking up in the 21st Century meant Robo Knight had lost his memories - something Gosei suggested he regain by working with the Megaforce Rangers. This proved somewhat of a hit or miss, as Gosei often preferred to work alone. Thankfully, Robo Knight learns the value of trust with the Rangers - something that is short-lived as the Rangers’ defeat after the Messenger’s arrival forces Robo Knight to sacrifice himself to give the Rangers one last chance to use their Morphers to secure the win.
Although presumed dead, Vrak actually finds Robo Knight’s dormant body and steals Orion’s energy to power up a Dark Robo Knight. While initially an opponent, Troy manages to help Dark Robo Knight break free of Vrak’s control. Robo Knight frees Orion from imprisonment to atone for the guilt of his actions as Vrak’s servant. Robo Knight’s last act is giving his lifeforce to Orion, ensuring he survives the destruction of his prison (and Vrak’s lair) and helps save the world as Super Megaforce Silver. Robo Knight’s double sacrifices were difficult to watch, as this meant the noble warrior didn’t even have the opportunity to interact with the people he was programmed to save.
9 Wes Collins
An Often Overlooked Demise
|
Season |
Time Force |
|
Episode of Death |
Ep40 |
|
Reason |
Dies in combat while fighting Ransik in his final assault |
Power Rangers Time Force
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- February 3, 2001
- Directors
- Koichi Sakamoto, Kaizo Hayashi
- Writers
- Judd Lynn, Jackie Marchand
Time travel becomes a regular part of the Time Force story, and the Power Rangers series subtly references the effects of temporal interference throughout its episodes. For instance, because of Time Force’s interference, Alex Drake’s death is reversed when Ransik escapes the Year 3000. However, some tragedies also become big reveals: Wes Collins sends Jen and his teammates back to the future because he wanted to face Ransik’s forces alone and save his friends. Back in 3000, it’s revealed that Wes dies in this face-off.
While Jen and the others go back in time to help Wes fight this big bad one last time, viewers do need to consider that the initial timeline of 3000 did see Wes actually dying at the hands of Ransik’s forces. It’s only thanks to the presence of his teammates that Wes averted this fate, but this also means there are bound to be consequences back in the Year 3000 - ones fans could only hope aren’t tragic. While Wes being alive to even aid the Ninja Steel Rangers is good news, the new sad reality is whether Wes is truly going to live a happier life, or if death is going to come after him in another way.
8 Solaris Knight
The Frog Prince Who Becomes The Mystic Mentor
|
Season |
Mystic Force |
|
Episode of Death |
Ep32 |
|
Reason |
Saves Leanbow from the Master’s attack despite being depowered, resulting in fatal damage |
Power Rangers Mystic Force
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- February 20, 2006
- Directors
- John Laing, Charlie Haskell
- Writers
- Bruce Kalish, John Tellegen, Jackie Marchand
Fairy tales and mythological concepts become a highlight in the story of Mystic Force, and Daggeron takes the form of the Frog Prince. Sealed initially to prevent Calindor's escape years ago, a kiss from Madison (Blue Mystic Force Ranger) transformed him to his stern but noble human form. While not “officially” their sixth Ranger in the form of a Gold Ranger, Daggeron practically filled the role as the Solaris Knight - wielder of the power of the Sun. It’s revealed that Leanbow, the original Red Mystic Wizard, trained him in combat. Daggeron’s experienced nature made him an invaluable teacher in the mystic arts, and it was befitting that he was teaching Leanbow’s son Bowen (Nick), even though the latter didn’t know his true parentage for much of the series.
Being a skilled magical practitioner, Solaris Knight often dealt with the more “serious” aspects of the Rangers’ mystical problems, resulting in him and a reformed Leanbow confronting Octomus the Master in the Mystic Mother’s dimension. The fight effectively depowers Daggeron of his Solaris Knight powers, but he still saves Leanbow from the Master’s attack - an attack that eventually kills the honorable warrior. It’s only through Leelee’s request that her mother Necrolai managed to revive Daggeron, allowing him to aid the Rangers in destroying Octomus once and for all. While his sacrifice was short-lived, Solaris Knight proves one can still help save the world even without magic - a worthwhile lesson from the series.
7 Alex Drake
A Tragic Death That Set The Tone In The Series
|
Season |
Time Force |
|
Episode of Death |
Ep1 |
|
Reason |
Died at the hands of an escaped Ransik |
Power Rangers Time Force
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- February 3, 2001
- Directors
- Koichi Sakamoto, Kaizo Hayashi
- Writers
- Judd Lynn, Jackie Marchand
Fans consider Time Force one of the more mature Power Rangers seasons for its shocking premiere , where the main villain, Ransik, brutally kills Time Force Red Alex Drake before traveling back in time in an attempt to rule Earth from the past. While dying in Jen’s arms, he entrusts her with his Morpher and the mission of capturing Ransik, and he believes in her capabilities. This prompts Jen to assemble and lead the Time Force Rangers and their Zords as Time Force Pink, travel back to the 21st Century, and inadvertently pass down Alex’s Morpher to Wes Collins - his distant ancestor.
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Time Force’s interventions in the past affected the timeline, revealing that Alex was alive and helping them in secret through the Time Shadow Megazord and Shadow Winger Zord. He becomes an active rival of Wes at some point, as he once attempted to take command over the Time Force Rangers. It’s revealed that Alex also knew Wes was going to die in combat in the future, an act that Jen and the others prevented from happening. Despite living to fight another day, Jen eventually breaks off her engagement to Alex in favor of Wes, something that Alex takes in stride. It’s implied that Alex currently leads Time Force in the 3000s.
6 Magna Defender
A Warrior Swallowed By Vengeance
|
Season |
Lost Galaxy |
|
Episode of Death |
Ep15 |
|
Reason |
Throws himself into the same energy pit he created, stopping the destruction of Terra Venture and releasing Mike Corbett from his control |
Power Rangers Lost Galaxy
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- February 6, 1999
- Directors
- Jonathan Tzachor, Worth Keeter
- Writers
- Judd Lynn
The true origins of Magna Defender are a mystery, as even the person beneath his helmet is never revealed in Lost Galaxy. Believed to be a protector of the Lights of Orion, Magna Defender will live a life of vengeance when Scorpius kills his son Zika and destroys their homeworld. And when a fight with his archenemy Treacheron sends Magna Defender into a stasis for thousands of years, it’s only through the arrival of Mike Corbett that Magna Defender finds a new lease of life: he possesses Mike’s body. As a result, the Magna Defender becomes a fierce rival to the Rangers as the former doesn’t care if the Rangers or civilians get affected to quench his vengeful thirst.
Such were the depths that Magna Defender was willing to dive into that he even activated an energy pit inside Terra Venture to destroy Scorpius, even if it meant also destroying the space colony. Even his loyal Torozord felt disgusted by the act and forcibly expelled Magna Defender, much to his anger. It took the pleas of Lost Galaxy Red Leo, the essence of Mike inside him, and a vision of his son for Magna Defender to realize the error in his ways. Magna Defender decides to sacrifice his life by dropping into the very pit he created, stopping its activation. This destroys his life essence and frees Mike from his control. And in one final act of redemption, the Magna Defender passes his powers onto Mike - effectively making him into an Extra Ranger.
5 Steel
A Robot Who Proved To Be Just As Human
|
Season |
Beast Morphers |
|
Episode of Death |
Ep44 |
|
Reason |
Sacrificed himself to chase Venjix to Tower One, only to be thrown away to the ground - causing himself to be depowered |
Power Rangers Beast Morphers
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- March 2, 2019
WHERE TO WATCH
Originally just a mere head of a Beast Bot among Nate Silva’s equipment, the robot that would be known as “Steel” was forcibly assembled to become the new “host” for the evil super-intelligence Evox to possess - an act that the genius Nate stops by fusing the bot with his own Human DNA. Now effectively half-human, this bot named himself “Mr. Fantastic Super Handsome Strong as Steel” - or Steel for short. This Beast Bot also possesses Scarab DNA, allowing him to morph into Grid Battleforce Silver.
While introduced as more of a self-obsessed robot, he constantly strove to be the brother figure that Nate always dreamt of and even expressed a desire to become fully human. Despite others constantly expressing doubts as to the validity of Steel’s feelings and expressions, he willingly makes the ultimate sacrifice by offering himself to the Ranger’s enemies to save their own. Steel even faced Evox alone to create an act that will effectively depower the super-intelligence even at the cost of his own life. This sacrifice motivates the Grid Battleforce Rangers to finish the fight against Evox, and the Morphin Masters are so moved by Steel’s gesture that not only do they revive him but also turn him human.
4 Zayto
In Service Of A Greater Destiny
|
Season |
Dino Fury, Cosmic Fury |
|
Episode of Death |
Ep44 (Dino Fury), Ep10 (Cosmic Fury) |
|
Reason |
Sacrificed himself to fend off the Nemesis Beast, and then his eventual ascension as one of the Morphin Masters |
Power Rangers Cosmic Fury
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- September 29, 2023
WHERE TO WATCH
It’s not a new concept for an alien to take the lead of a Power Rangers team, as is the case with Zayto the Rafkonian’s leadership of the Ancient Dino Fury Rangers millions of years ago in the Great Sporix Wars. After being woken up from stasis in the present day, Zayto takes up the mantle of Dino Fury Red once again, training a new generation of Rangers to fight the Sporix. Unfortunately, the final fight with the Void Queen’s Nemesis Beast had all of their Megazords broken down - prompting Zayto to use what remained of their Zords’ strength to finish the monster with the Dino Master Saber, even at the cost of his own life.
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This heroic sacrifice was a shocking moment in modern Power Rangers, especially as a means of defeating the “big bad.” And while Zayto makes a triumphant resurrection as the Zenith Ranger, it’s because of a new mission: to chase Lord Zedd and finish him once and for all. Unbeknownst to his teammates, Zayto’s newfound strength is also limited time on Earth, as the Morphin Masters revived him with limited power. After stopping Lord Zedd’s attempts at becoming a Morphin Master, Zayto is offered a permanent position among them, which he accepts. This meant a permanent goodbye to his team, and Amelia took full leadership of the Cosmic Fury Rangers. And while Zayto departure from the team was tragic, the Rangers are at least sure that one of them is among the Morphin Masters in charge of safeguarding the Morphin Grid.
3 Mack Hartford
Created As An Android, Died A Human
|
Season |
Operation Overdrive |
|
Episode of Death |
Ep32 |
|
Reason |
Mack uses the last of his power in the final fight to destroy Flurious once and for all |
|
Series |
Power Rangers Operation Overdrive |
|
Episodes |
32 |
|
Airing Date |
February 26 to November 12, 2007 |
When prolific billionaire and adventurer Andrew Hartford is captured by Lava Lizards by the recently-awakened Moltor and Flurious, his son Mack accidentally turns into the Red Overdrive Ranger. While Andrew is initially hesitant to let Mack become the Ranger that he was supposed to be, the father relented as he saw his son become an excellent leader. Unfortunately, their relationship as father and son is tested when Mack is revealed as an android all along - his body and memories were all manufactured, all to fulfill his father’s desire to have a son.
Although initially disappointed in his father, Mack forgives him when he learned Andrew traded the coveted jewels of the Corona Aurora for Mack’s life. This prompts Mack to join the final fight, forcing him to use what’s left of his power to defeat Flurious once and for all - an act that damages him beyond repair. This was such an epic scene and a pretty admirable heroic sacrifice, even if Mack’s android reveal was relatively quick (and the signs perhaps too subtle to catch). Such was the gravity of Mack’s heroism that the Sentinel Knight uses the Corona Aurora to revive Mack - not as an android, but as a full human.
2 Kendrix Morgan
The First Time A Ranger Died On-Screen
|
Season |
Lost Galaxy |
|
Episode of Death |
Ep31 |
|
Reason |
Absorbed the full brunt of the Savage Sword’s energy to save Cassie (Pink Space Ranger), resulting in her demise |
Power Rangers Lost Galaxy
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- February 6, 1999
- Directors
- Jonathan Tzachor, Worth Keeter
- Writers
- Judd Lynn
Known for her keen intellect, science officer Kendrix Morgan of Terra Venture was the ever-analytical Pink Lost Galaxy Ranger - among the most loyal and brave characters in the franchise. Although fans regret her character didn’t develop as much as her other companions, Kendrix gets her much-needed spotlight in “Power of Pink,” the second half of the two-parter team-up that saw the Lost Galaxy Rangers and Space Rangers fight the revived Psycho Rangers. When the Pink Psycho Ranger was about to land the killing blow to a powerless Cassie (Pink Space Ranger), Kendrix takes the full brunt of the Savage Sword’s energy, effectively killing her but saving everyone else.
This sacrifice is the first time a Ranger is seen actually dying in a Power Rangers series, making Kendrix’s death extremely historic. Not only that, her caring spirit persisted in the afterlife, ensuring she entrusted the right person - Karone, formerly Astronema - to become her replacement. While Karona is just as worthy of her status as Pink Lost Galaxy Ranger, Kendrix is revived by the Quasar Sabers at the end of the series and some point may have gotten her Morpher back.
1 Trini Kwan
A Heroic Sacrifice That Honored Her Legacy
|
Season |
Mighty Morphin |
|
Episode of Death |
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always |
|
Reason |
Saved Billy (Mighty Morphin Blue) from an attack by a revived Rita Repulsa |
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always
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- Release Date
- April 19, 2023
Although Trini Kwan had served a brief stint as the Yellow Mighty Morphin Ranger, her selection to attend the World Peace Summit meant she couldn’t perform her Ranger duties as often, prompting a power transfer to Aisha Campbell. However, it’s revealed that Trini remained an active team member afterwards, serving as the team’s Yellow Ranger well into their adult years. In fact, Trini remained the Yellow Ranger even after having her daughter Minh and asked the team to help her keep their nature as Power Rangers a secret.
When an attempt to revive Zordon revived Rita Repulsa instead, this Robo Rita aimed a blasting spell towards Billy - something Trini took full-blast instead. This move proved fatal, as it completely disintegrated the Yellow Mighty Morphin Ranger, much to the horror of her teammates. It’s no surprise that Rangers are willing to risk their life just to save their friends and Earth, but Trini’s sacrifice was particularly shocking as she’s survived by a daughter - one who Billy and Zack decided (through arguments) might be better off not knowing the truth. Initially feeling betrayed by her uncles, Billy and Zack, for hiding her mother’s secret life as a hero from her, Minh was resentful of her mother’s Ranger past until her inner hero shines and takes on Trini’s Morpher to live on as the new Mighty Morphin Yellow.
