Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers (ABC Family)

Based on the Japanese children's television show Kyoryuu Sentai Zyu, MIGHTY MORPHIN' POWER RANGERS tells the story of five ordinary teens who are hand-picked by alien leader Zordon to become superheroes. Zordon provides the Rangers with the ability to morph into ninja warriors so they can save the universe from the evil Rita Repulsa and her hench-monsters. While there's plenty of hand-to-hand combat, the end of each episode leads to an ultimate showdown in which the Power Rangers head to their dinosaur mecha robot vehicles, combine to form as massive super mecha, and destroy the menace.

Power Rangers is based on that flourishing formula of robots, martial arts, and sci-fi action that children -- especially boys -- find so intoxicating. While it has enjoyed years of success (including a massively profitable line of merchandise and numerous series incarnations), the series is still iffy due to its violent nature. Each episode does reinforce certain positive aspects such as the importance of teamwork and friendship, but these moments are brief, as the show's focus tends to be on action and fighting. Furthermore, the meager positive messages are overshadowed by the fact that this show serves as an outlet for a major marketing effort to sell toys and other Power Rangers merchandise.

Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers isn't altogether bad for kids. But before they watch, young viewers should be old enough to understand the difference between real and fantasy violence. In the end, there are plenty of better TV choices for kids out there -- and even better ways for them to spend their free time.