The Power Is Back!

This great news came at quite a surprise! Especially for long-time fans!

Who would have thought that this was possible?! In short, it's like a MIRACLE!

--

To keep things short, Haim Saban (the original creator of the iconic 90's hit series "Power Rangers") bought back the rights from the Walt Disney Company, which took control of the franchise back in 2001. The deal is worth about US$100 million, according to a person familiar with the situation though Saban declined to comment on the price.

The new series of Power Rangers will be set to air in 2011 on Nickelodeon, which is Disney's primary rival in the kids' TV business. Currently, 20 new episodes have been confirmed. The catalog of 700 episodes (MMPR-RPM) will also be aired on the Nickelodean network.

A short flashback: "Power Rangers" was one of the most popular shows on the cable channel Fox Family that was acquired by Walt Disney Company in 2001 for US$3.2 billion. The acquisition included rights to the show, which later transferred to smaller cable channel Jetix, now known as Disney XD, as its popularity faded and now airs on ABC stations at different times.

"I think this property has significant legs going forward if it's in an environment where it is nurtured and supported as opposed to being part of a huge portfolio," Saban said. "I think 'Power Rangers' can flourish and be more impactful than it has been for the past five years."

[I totally agree with Saban's saying because Power Rangers definitely suffered badly during the Disney era.]

Now, let's listen to what Disney has to say: "The Power Rangers don’t fit with the Disney brand or with our long-term programming strategy," a company spokesman said in a statement.

[In that case, "Why hang on to the franchise for so long and let it die?" The better question is, "Why bought it in the first place?"]

For Nickelodeon, the "Power Rangers" deal is part of a push to air more programming that appeals to young boys. The Viacom Inc.-owned network recently made a similar deal to relaunch the popular 1980s cartoon "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles."

"This fits in nicely as we are doing more things specifically for boys, and we are excited to add proven properties to our original slate," said Nickelodeon President Cyma Zarghami.

Zarghami added that although "Power Rangers" was somewhat controversial in the 1990s for its violence, she didn't think the show's campy martial arts would bother many parents today.

--

Now, let's look forward to the new series in 2011!

In case you are wondering whether Shinkenger or Goseiger will be adapted, there is no confirmation on this issue, except that a Bandai Representative mentioned that the show will go back to adapting the new Super Sentai Series starting with the Samurai theme.

Just so you know, I totally hate the reversioned Mighty Morphin Power Rangers! Gosh, the effects are so god-damn retarded!