Power Rangers DinoThunder

Pretty bad to admit this, but my daughter and I used to watch the original Power Rangers together. We quit watching Power Rangers after Zeo Rangers because none of the other actors or story lines really captured our interest. Recently, when I had free time early in the morning, I happened to be going through the channels for something to do and saw an episode of DinoThunder with Jason Frank in it. Well, of course I told my daughter(16), and she wanted to see it and asked me to tape it. Now we tape it every morning to watch together at night. We like DinoThunder, but the original Power Rangers was the best. Actually, I don't know if I should be happy or sad for J.D.F. It's great he's back as a Power Ranger, but in something like 10 years in acting he's -still- a Power Ranger! Poor guy, isn't there something meatier for him!

I stopped watching Power Rangers after Power Rangers In Space, and totally forgot about the show. Then I came across the new series, Dino Thunder, and I began watching it again, basically because of Tommy returning! Tommy is now a high school science teacher, and has given three students of his, Connor, Ethan and Kira, Dino Gems, which turns them into Power Rangers. Connor is the leader and knucklehead of the group, Ethan is a computer genius and video game freak, and Kira is sort of an outsider and a good singer. Tommy later gets himself a Dino Gem of his own, making him the Black Dino Power Ranger! Now, this new team of Power Rangers must stop the evil Mesogog and his henchmen from taking over the world! Score: *****/*****

I actually stopped liking Power Rangers when I was around 9 years old, back when they started adding all the new series. So, saying that, I just think it's awesome that they brought Tommy back. I never liked him as the Green/White Ranger (he took over Jason's spot as leader >.<). But seeing him again reminds me of the good ol' days. Also! I'm a huge fan of NZ TV shows, especially The Tribe. James Napier, one of the hottest men on earth if I do say so myself, plays the red ranger. I think that's awesome *squeals* Well anyway, just wanted to clarify that, lol. See ya!

I've seen episodes of Abaranger before Dino Thunder premiered and I wondered how Dino Thunder was going to be like Americanized. And after hearing that Tommy (Jason David Frank) one of the greatest rangers ever was going to be in it, I was really excited and looking forward for the premiere. Dino Thunder has gotten off on an amazing start. It's greatly remixing dinosaur concept and putting its own rhythm to it making a great story. Tommy is back as the black ranger and teacher to the three new rangers and possesses stealth powers. The new rangers are awesome as well. Connor the red ranger (James Napier) is a proficient Soccer Player and has incredible speed powers. Ethan the blue ranger (Kevin Duhaney) is a expert gamer and has the power to activated a special dino skin shield. And Kira the yellow ranger (the beautiful and cute Emma Lahana) is a talented musician and has the power to emit powerful scream waves. I've seen pictures of the white dino thunder ranger and the Triassic ranger and they look awesome, can't wait to seem them on the show. Hayley (Islay Johnston) is a great ally to the ranger, and cute as well! There are also funny characters as well. Like Cassidy Cornell (Katrina Devine) as Reefside High's school reporter. It's cool to see Katrina Devine in another ranger series after she was in Power Rangers Ninja Storm. The villains are great as well; Mesogog has the quiet evil, which makes him scarier and more threatening. Elsa is pretty treacherous as well like Scorpina from Mighty Morphing, Trakeena from Lost Galaxy, Nadira from Time Force, and Toxica from Wild Force. Dino Thunder is truly a great series and has such a strong connection to the Power Rangers history. It has a great story, awesome fight sequences, and amazing Zords. A promising new series indeed.

Sometimes the past has to resurface to remind us why we loved it in the first place." Power Rangers DinoThunder (2004) captures that essence, merging the nostalgic legacy of earlier seasons with a fresh narrative for a new generation. What makes this installment stand out is its ability to balance continuity with innovation-particularly by reintroducing Tommy Oliver, now in a mentor role, bridging past Rangers with the DinoThunder team.

From a storytelling perspective, the season is more character-driven than many of its predecessors. Each Ranger is given meaningful arcs: Conner's transformation from a self-centered athlete to a dependable leader, Ethan's growth as a tech-savvy problem solver, and Kira's balance of individuality and teamwork. These arcs, while sometimes formulaic, provide a depth that resonates with older fans as much as younger viewers. The villain, Mesogog, is a surprisingly layered antagonist, offering higher stakes and a darker tone compared to the often campier threats of the franchise.

Visually, the dinosaur-themed Zords bring excitement with inventive designs, and the battles are enhanced by strong choreography and practical effects, even if some CGI feels dated. Where DinoThunder succeeds most is in its thematic continuity: the season emphasizes responsibility, teamwork, and maturity, echoing the long-standing DNA of the franchise while revitalizing it.

Overall, Power Rangers DinoThunder strikes a compelling balance between action, character development, and nostalgic callbacks. It doesn't reinvent the formula entirely, but it strengthens it in ways that made the series memorable once again.

Rating: 7/10 - A satisfying revival that honors the past while carving its own path.