Time Force - A fight against fate

"The future isn't written in stone. We each make our own destiny."
- Wes Collins (Power Rangers Time Force)

Till today, Time Force has been the PR series that left the deepest impact in my life.

The characters and plot are simply awesome.

The story begins in a utopian-like future, in the year 3000, where all criminals have been captured, except for one - Ransik. Alex, the Time Force red ranger, finally manages to capture Ransik, but one mistake changes history, literally.

Assisted by his daughter and accomplices, Ransik breaks free while being transported to jail by Jen, Lucas, Katie and Trip. In a final showdown with Ransik, Alex is struck down, Ransik and his gang escape to the year 2001 and Jen (Alex's fiance) makes a promise to Alex to capture Ransik.

Together with her team, Jen, Lucas, Katie and Trip chase after Ransik into the past, where they are outnumbered by the robot army. Soon, they cross paths with Wes, a good fighter who offers them his help, and who looks uncannily like Alex.

<<< Warning: Spoilers >>>

What I've learnt from the characters

Wes - He is a spoilt rich kid with a father who puts work/money before family. After Wes meets Jen and her team, he soon learns the meaning of hard work and sacrifice, of putting others before self. He eventually learns to overcome his ongoing struggle between living up to the expectations of his father of taking over his company business and being true to himself. He strongly believes in choosing his own destiny.

Jen - She is a tough and serious leader who is bossy and goes by the book. After meeting Wes, she learns to trust her friends more and lighten up. She also happens to be a bad cook, but at least she tried.

Lucas - A race car driver with a talent for driving any vehicle/machine. He is a serious but vain person who makes sure his hair is always gelled. He eventually learns the hard way that looks can be deceiving, self-obsession is not healthy, and that he is not too bad at dealing with children once in a while. Also, a race car driver's licence from the future will often get you in trouble with the traffic police officers from 2001.

Katie - a ridiculously strong lady who can lift objects many times her weight. She often defends Trip whenever he gets intimidated by others and is an upright and reliable friend. After some time of living in 2001, she becomes homesick and almost loses hope of ever seeing her family, but regains her courage  and determination eventually.

Trip - an intelligent green-haired alien with the intelligence to build robots and handle technology and a gem in his forehead that gives him the gift of foresight. A person of low self-esteem, he tries hard to blend in like normal humans and be as good a fighter as his friends, but learns to develop confidence and self-respect.

Eric - Wes' closest rival and high school classmate at a private school who came from a poor background. He is highly ambitious and hardworking and rose quickly through the ranks to become the leader of the Silver Guardians, another one of Wes' father's business ventures. He eventually learns to trust and depend on his friends. After crossing paths with Trip, he learns that not all aliens/mutants are bad and overcomes his xenophobia - his fear and distrust of aliens.

Mr Collins - Wes' father. He is a self-centred and ambitious workaholic who learns to help others for free and respect his son's decisions. The "Dawn of Destiny", "Fight Against Fate" and "Destiny Defeated" trilogy episodes are must-see tear-jerkers.

Power Rangers Time Force (Season 9)

Reflection Guide

Episodes 1-2 - Force From The Future Part 1 & 2

- What do you think the future will be like?

- What would you do or change if you could go back in time?

Episode 3 - Something to Fight For

- Give an example of a time you/someone made a sacrifice for someone else. (e.g. time, effort, giving up an item you/they had etc.)

- Do you believe in giving others second chances? Why?

Episode 4 - Ransik Lives

- Does Ransik’s sad past justify/excuse his revengeful actions? Why?

- Should humans clone babies from DNA?

Episode 5 - A Blue Streak

- Why is it important to obey traffic laws or other types of rules (e.g. country laws, school rules)?

Episode 6 - A Parting of Ways

- How do you decide the right thing to do when making difficult decisions?

- What is the difference in the choices made by Mr Collins and by Wes?

Episode 7 - Short-circuited

- What are some qualities/characteristics about Trip that you admire?

- Do you trust people easily like Trip? Or are you a good judge of character?

- Is it a good thing to always look for the good in others?

Episode 8 - Jen's Revenge

- "Forgive and forget." Do you agree with this statement? Why?

- Why is it harmful to keep/harbour anger and hatred towards others?

Episodes 9-10 - The Time Shadow; Future Unknown

If the decisions you make today can change the future drastically:

- What actions would you take/change to achieve your goal?

- What good habits would you keep?

- What bad habits would you change?

Episode 11 - Uniquely Trip

- What are some strengths/qualities that you possess that makes you unique?

- Everyone has weaknesses and makes mistakes. What can we do to encourage ourselves/others when we/they make mistakes?

Episode 12 - Worlds Apart

- Why was Mr Collins disappointed with Wes?

- Why did you think Mr Collins suddenly changed his attitude towards Wes?

Episodes 13-14 - The Quantum Quest; Clash for Control Part 1

- How would you describe Eric's character?

- What are some qualities/characteristics that you like/dislike about Eric? Why?

Episode 15 - Clash for Control Part 2

- If you were given an attractive offer to change to an elite/high standard school which has incredible facilities of your dreams, luxury swimming pools, etc., on one condition - you have to pledge your loyalty to the school and work for the school after you graduate, would you take up the offer?

Episode 16 - Bodyguard in Blue

- Even when someone keeps irritating or pestering you, what can you do to keep calm and be patient with others?

- How do you feel about Holly's action of protecting Lucas? Would you do the same when you see others being bullied? Why?

Episode 17 - The Legend of the Clock Tower

- What are some interesting legends/myths/stories that you have heard of/read?

- How would you change the ending of the story?

Episodes 18 - Trust and Triumph

- Why is important to have people you can depend on?

- Why is teamwork important?

- How can you play a part in the different teams you are in (e.g. class groups, project groups, CCA groups, etc.)?

Episode 19 - Trip Takes a Stand

- "Do not judge a book by its cover." How far do you agree with this statement? Why?

- How did Eric's xenophobia [zen-uh-fou-bia] (dislike or fear of foreigners/aliens/strangers) affect/influence his actions?

Episode 20 - Quantum Secrets

- Would you keep a secret to protect your friend?

- What should you do if you found out about someone's embarrassing secrets?

- What should you do if you found out about someone's secret that could harm himself/herself or others?

Episode 21 - Lovestruck Rangers

- Have you ever been jealous of someone?

- What were you jealous of?

- What were some things that you did as a result of jealousy?

Episode 22 - The Last Race

- What would/should you do if you caught your best friend breaking the law (e.g. stealing, cheating, skipping classes, vandalising)?

Episode 23 - Full Exposure

- What would you do if you could earn a reward for exposing your friends' secrets?

- Would you choose your dream job that pays poorly or a job that pays a lot but is not something you are interested in?

Episodes 24-25 - Movie Madness Part 1 & 2

- Who are your favourite TV/movie stars?

- What are some of your favourite movies?

- What types of movies do you enjoy? (e.g. action, adventure, science fiction, fantasy, horror, drama, romance, etc.)

Episode 26 - Time Force Traitor

- Why did Jen choose to deal with the problem on her own?

- What do you think could have happened if Jen did not have her friends to help her?

Episode 27 - Frax's Fury

- Why did Ransik hold a grudge against Venomark?

- How did the city get the cure for the venom?

Episodes 28-30 - Dawn of Destiny; Fight Against Fate; Destiny Defeated

- What would you do if your loved one told you of their hope for you to become a doctor/lawyer/architect/a job that they wanted you to have?

- What would you do if you were told that your loved one would pass away the next day?

- Would you try to fulfil your loved ones' hopes for you or would you do whatever you can to change the future?

Episode 31 - Undercover Rangers

- What would you do if you were offered something that seemed too good to be true? (E.g. a free gift by a stranger or salesperson, a tuition package that promises 100% A grades, a vitamin drink that guarantees to boost your brain power or strength, etc.)

Episode 32 - Beware the Knight

- What do you do when you are pressured by your friends into doing something you do not want to do? Do you give in to them or do you refuse?

- If a loved one experienced a first-hand incident that sounds far-fetched or ridiculous, would you believe him/her?

Episode 33 - Time for Lightspeed

- Why is it good to have other people to depend on besides your group of friends (e.g. family, teachers, friends from other classes)?

- What are some steps you can take to make new friends?

Episode 34-35 - Reflections of Evil; Nadira's Dream Date

- Why is obsession with your own looks unhealthy?

- Do you believe in superstitions or old wives' tales? Why?

- How do you clear up misunderstandings between you and other people?

Episode 36 - Circuit Unsure

- If a loved one asks you to tell them the truth about a subject, but the truth could discourage them or hurt their feelings, do you tell them the truth or hide it?

Episode 37 - A Calm Before the Storm

- What do you miss about your childhood?

- Where do you see yourself 10/20 years from now?

Episodes 38-40 - The End of Time Part 1, 2 & 3 (Finale)

- How much are you willing to sacrifice to save the lives of others?