Forever Tommy
Wow where to start? Well if you’ve followed my LiveJournal long enough (think about 2004/2005) you’ll see that my love for Martial Arts had a rather common start. Especially for many children of the 90’s. Watching 5 multicolored spandex wearing super hero’s week after week known as the Power Rangers because a staple of my childhood.
Enter the 6th ranger, Tommy. Played by actor Jason David Frank. Tommy was an instant hit as the Green Ranger. His Zord, Dragon zord was a legend. Activated by a flute dagger, Tommy often showed up to help the rest of the team in their time of need.
At the time, I wasn’t a huge Tommy fan. But seeing how Tommy stuck with the show through Mighty Morphing, Zeo, part of turbo I began to appreciate Tommy for the legend he was. The Greatest ranger of all time.
Years later, Tommy returned to lead a team of red rangers against the last of the Machine empire. This was in Forever Red, the 10th anniversary of Power Rangers and I was blown away by how great to have Tommy back was. If only just an episode.
Well, my prayers were answered with Dino Thunder, Tommy became a major roll and the black ranger. A recurring roll with Tommy again was awesome.
After a long hiatus, during which Jason David Frank began a career doing conventions. The legendary battle took place where Tommy returned again. This was also the 20th anniversary of the show.
5 years later, Tommy returned for what will be his last time as a ranger for the 25th anniversary.
As the 30th anniversary approached, people asked JDF if he was gonna be in it to which he replied he was officially done with power rangers. An argument about direction with Hasbro. However, this allowed his creativity to flow and he crowd funded his own movie titled “Legend of the white Dragon.” Which is scheduled to be released in 2023.
This all came crashing down on November 19,2022. The actor, Jason David Frank committed suicide. He shocked the world. Ranger fans from all over and a generation mourned the loss online. His death paused the Internet for much of the following day or so.
Personally, I owe my love of Martial Arts to this show and in particular, JDF. The finality of his death, the method in which it happened is all very difficult to imagine. And leaves us with that feeling that we wish to just rewind the clock. We wish to show him the outpouring of love and support. Maybe he’d reconsider.
We’ll never know what went on in his head those final hours. I pray for his family, his friends and that Jason David Frank is finally at peace. Rest in peace hero.
“I will be gone, but my spirit shall forever live in all that is good.”- Zordon. Fitting quote for a real life hero.