2. Power Rangers Jungle Fury
Year: 2008 (Season 16)
Plot: Three students from the secret Pai Zhua academy of martial arts are chosen as the guardians of Dai Shi - a mighty evil spirit imprisoned within the school - just before he is unleashed and possesses the body of a fellow student. The three are sent to the city of Ocean Bluff to meet their new Pai Zhua master, RJ - a laid-back pizza parlor owner - who furthers their training and grants them the ability to harness their animal spirits and become Power Rangers to fight Dai Shi and his evil allies. The Rangers continue their training as Dai Shi seeks to restore himself to full power and wipe humanity off the face of the planet.
Why It's Worth Watching: As something of a back-to-basics season, Jungle Fury is brimming with the light, fun, playful atmosphere that had been missing from the show for the past few years. Though the story is mostly nothing special, this season has a host of standout characters. These include RJ, a wonderfully amusing and quirky mentor who's about as close to a stoner as they could get on kids' TV, and the Rangers' friend, confidant, and pizza shop coworker Fran. There's also an increased focus on the villains, who are as much main characters as the Rangers are. Villainous lizard lady Camille is especially well-played by Holly Shanahan and has an interesting relationship dynamic with Dai Shi and the human man he is possessing. Finally, the fights have plenty of impressive wirework - as is typical of the Disney-produced seasons - but also incorporate a good amount of exciting martial arts, befitting the season's theme.