Power Rangers: Operation Overdrive (ABC, Toon Disney)

The POWER RANGERS: OPERATION OVERDRIVE story begins when wealthy adventurer Andrew Hartford (Rod Lousich) unearths the fabled Corona Aurora -- or Crown of the Gods -- on an archaeological expedition in Africa. His discovery awakens dormant dark forces, who follow his trail in an effort to steal the crown, reassemble its five missing jewels strewn across the world, and assume unparalleled power over humankind. Desperate to save the world from the bad guys' domination, Andrew enlists the help of four extraordinary teens, giving them Power Ranger status so they can battle the nefarious foes alongside him. But when he's captured by the enemy, his thrill-seeking son, Mack (James MacLurcan), suits up in his place and rescues his dad. Once Mack and the others -- Rose (Rhoda Montemayor), Will (Samuell Benta), Ronny (Caitlin Murphy), and Dax (Gareth Yuen) -- adjust to their enhanced DNA and newfound super abilities, they're a power-packed (and colorful) force to be reckoned with.

The Power Rangers franchise now boasts a mind-boggling 15 incarnations, and it seems the extensive practice has finally paid off. While most of its predecessors suffered from hokey dialogue, overacting, and substance-free plot, Operation Overdrive changes course with a plausible father-son relationship that strengthens through mutual respect, a real attempt at spotlighting teamwork and appreciation for others' individuality, and relatable teen characters played by actors whose skills actually downplay the fantasy series' campiness.

But as tolerable as Operation Overdrive is compared to its many counterparts, the series still suffers from an overabundance of violence, which -- fantasy or not -- makes the show iffy for the little-kid viewers it's aimed at. Young tweens who can grasp the unrealistic nature of the fights are probably better suited for the crusaders' noble quest and their entourage of extreme gadgets and vehicles.