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A superhero show is only as good as its villain, and just as the titular Power Rangers have evolved from season to season, so have the enemies they face. The monster of the week formula has yet to grow tired, as Power Rangers presents an eclectic array of beasts for the heroes to best. Usually, by the end of the episode, the monster grows larger into a kaiju-like creature, forcing the Power Rangers to jump into their arsenal of Zords and thwart those that threaten the planet. There have been some truly iconic and standout foes across the show's history, and the likes of Lord Zedd have certainly stood the test of time. But without one particular villain, Power Rangers might not have grown into the popular series that it is today. It's of course, Rita Repulsa who should be gaining so much of the credit for setting the tone of the show.

When thinking about Power Rangers villains, the most memorable ones come to mind. A common misconception is relating their icon status to them being the best villains in the franchise. Sure, Rita Repulsa (Machiko Soga and Carla Perez) – with her maniacal cackle and her gray hair tied up in knot-horns – is one of the greatest villains, but the best? No. Perhaps Lord Zedd (Ed Neil) with his skinless menacing look and fierceness could be the prime villain? Wrong. Or maybe even Paul Freeman’s purpley and gooey Ivan Ooze from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie could fill the spot? Wrong again. For purist fans, this might be blasphemy, but the number one Power Rangers villain came a bit later than all those previously mentioned.

Stan Lee has helped Marvel create a multimedia empire, an empire he once hoped would include the Power Rangers until his plans were canceled. Marvel has had a massive influence on media production over the last few years, with their movies, TV shows, and comic books depicting a number of characters and stories. However, the Power Rangers franchise is unique in its equal popularity, depiction of superheroes, and avoidance of falling under the Marvel or DC umbrella. While it’s good that the Power Rangers were allowed to become its own franchise, it’s interesting to consider an alternative universe where this did not happen.

The Power Rangers franchise was first broadcast in America in 1993 as an adaptation of the Japanese Super Sentai series Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger. The show began as a mix of original footage shot with American actors intermixed with Japanese footage of the fight scenes and monsters.

Warning: Contains minor Spoilers for Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once And AlwaysWhile Rita Repulsa is a tried-and-true Power Rangers franchise villain, her evil is explained by a truly tragic backstory. Although a rushed villain redemption arc can feel unearned and ham-fisted, Rita’s eventual purification and redemption came after several seasons of villainy and history with the Power Rangers and their mentor, Zordon. While suddenly flipping Rita’s allegiance from good to evil might have felt too sudden to work well, her life makes her road to the side of right all the more compelling, especially alongside Lord Zedd.

The original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Rita Repulsa was an evil, intergalactic sorceress who attacked the Earth multiple times and assisted Lord Zedd with his evil plans. Rita remained an antagonist in this way for three seasons and was a major antagonist in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie...

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers villain Rita Repulsa has returned in action figure form to continue her efforts to finally conquer the earth, and she's brought her brainy husband Lord Zedd along with her. As revealed in a new retro-style video ad from Hasbro, an all-new Rita Repulsa action figure has been introduced as part of a 2-pack action figure set for the company's Power Rangers Lightning Collection line. Though Lord Zedd has previously been released as a solo figure, the 2-pack marks Rita's introduction into the toy line, and the detail given to the figure will instantly trigger nostalgic memories for longtime franchise fans.

The Rita Repulsa/Lord Zedd 2-pack releases this year to commemorate the 25th Silver Wedding Anniversary between the two Power Rangers villains. If you need a refresher, Zedd and Rita got hitched in the three-part Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers episode "The Wedding," which originally aired in...

Back in November, we reported that a new Power Rangers film was in the works based on the original characters from the '90s Fox TV show. Now, Cinema Blend is reporting that one of the series' main villains, Rita Repulsa, will also be featured in the movie adaptation.

Beginning in season two, Rita Repulsa was played by Carla Perez on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

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