The Dual Nature of Haim Saban: Creator of Power Rangers

Many people have varying opinions on Haim Saban, the creator behind the iconic Power Rangers franchise. While many love the shows and the excitement they bring, others often question his methods and choices. Let's delve into the reasons behind these mixed feelings.

Reasons for Controversy

One of the major reasons for disliking Haim Saban is the inaccuracies of the T. rex toys. The dinosaurs in the show, particularly the T. rex, have three fingers on each hand, when in reality, T. rex only had two. This discrepancy has led to criticism, as some viewers appreciate the accuracy in the portrayal of animals and historical figures. Another point of contention is the color representation in the Rangers. The Power Rangers teams do not feature all seven colors of the rainbow, including the indigo ranger, which was particularly disappointing to some fans who grew up hoping for the complete spectrum.

Additionally, there is the disproportion between male and female characters in the teams. The balance of characters has not maintained a 3:2 ratio, which some perceive as sexist or less inclusive. These points have been raised frequently, and while the franchise has many loyal fans, these discrepancies have certainly fueled some negative opinions.

Awareness Beyond Dislikes

It's important to recognize that Haim Saban's criticisms are not solely based on these points of weakness. His business acumen and adaptation of the Super Sentai franchise into Power Rangers have brought joy to many. Growing up in 1982, the show had a significant impact on my life, especially the episode from 'Super Ninja Steel' titled 'Sheriff Skyfire' where the character explains why following rules is important. This episode resonated so deeply with me that it taught me valuable lessons about responsibility and the importance of supporting safety measures. It is these positive aspects that have also garnered Saban a following.

In addition to his business moves, it's worth mentioning that Saban's initial plans to give the original cast low pay due to their inexperience was a pragmatic decision. Historically, inexperienced actors or teams are not offered union pay, as they might not be reliable enough to maintain the standards required by the union. Saban made a reasonable offer to the original cast, but they chose to leave under the guise of a joke, showcasing what many see as a lack of professionalism and responsibility.

Disavowal and Accusations

A common misconception about Haim Saban is that he created Power Rangers. In reality, while he played a crucial role in bringing it to the global audience, the original show was created in Japan by Saburo Hatte under the Super Sentai franchise. Saban's contribution, however, was significant: he adapted and westernized the show, making it more accessible to a global audience. His efforts to bring the franchise to the Western world, including marketing and syndication, have made a huge impact on popular culture.

Both the positive and negative aspects of Haim Saban's work and business decisions have left a mark on the Power Rangers franchise. Whether one loves the show or dislikes it, there are certainly lessons to be learned from his methods and the impact of his creative vision.