In case you’ve been encased in ice for the last half-decade, streaming-only “reunion” shows have become pretty in-vogue amongst those looking for a good way to capitalize on an IP without having to spend much money beyond a camera, whatever fees the more famous members of the cast may demand, and a semi-recognizable set. There was a Friends reunion, a Harry Potter reunion, a Martin reunion: if it exists, it probably has some sort of a reunion special attached to it. But only a few have actually gone out and turned their streaming-centric “reunion” into a genuine episode of the show they’re ostensibly paying tribute to — there’s only so much craft services talk that one can really stomach, after all, no matter how iconic the person is who’s talking about it — and that’s why we kind of admire the approach Netflix has taken with Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once and Always.
Yep, that’s right: Netflix and Saban have brought back four of the original Power Rangers and resurrected Rita Repulsa and Alpha 5, and boy howdy is this just a hit of pure uncut nostalgia bait for anybody over the age of… 27? Regardless, it’s cool how faithful they’ve been to the style and tone of the original episodes rather than doing, like, a dark and gritty reboot or something, and based on this trailer that the streamer dropped on Wednesday, it looks like a barrel of fun for those so inclined to watch.
Peep it:
Here’s a longer synopsis, via the good folks at The Hollywood Reporter:
“Thirty years after the wise and powerful Zordon formed the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, the team comes face to face with a familiar threat from the past. In the midst of a global crisis, they are called on once again to be the heroes the world needs. This 30th anniversary special is inspired by the legendary mantra from the franchise ‘Once a Ranger, Always a Ranger,’ meaning once you become part of the Ranger family, you are always welcome back.”
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once and Always will arrive on Netflix on April 19. In the meantime, maybe go to your local Reebok store and see if they have these surprisingly dope Power Rangers kicks. Honestly, we’d probably pick up a pair, but we’re worried that they might have light-up bits in the heel, and that’s a big no-no for Cannes. Also, even though all of the OG Power Rangers series is available on Netflix, if you’re in the need for a real Super Sentai fix (which was the Japanese show that Saban took all of their costumed action from), you can check out all of those shows on ShoutFactoryTV. They’re a lot of fun!