Countdown to Destruction, Part I

Power Rangers in Space, Episode 42

Original Airdate: 11-20-1998

Last Time: The Rangers had to face car that couldn't be bargained with, couldn't be reasoned with and absolutely would not stop until a dune buggy killed it. It was kind of an anti-climax

On some bluff, Dark Specter decides it's time to stop dicking around and time to conquer the damn universe and orders all of his evil forces to attack. Astronema agrees and gives a speech of her own to the Quantrons that promises a universe devoid of happiness, and consisting only of chaos, anger and greed. You know, most empire-builders tend to frown on widespread chaos. Elsewhere, the Machine Empire (those guys from Zeo that no one particularly liked) give a similar speech. Divatox is also on the move fighting those Alien Rangers. Astronema also pulls rank on Zedd and Rita, who probably feel that for nostalgia's sake, they ought to play a bigger role in the grand finale. Astronema also reveals that she's now in possession of Zordon, who's not looking too good. She taunts him by showing the defeat of the Phantom Ranger, although that's not really much of an accomplishment. Credits!

The Phantom Ranger and Blue Senturion are overrun by the Machine Empire in a battle I can only describe as: The skirmish that no one cared about. Zordon tries to reason with Astronema, but it fails. On another planet, Zedd and Rita take out the Gold Zeo Ranger. The Machine Empire also starts attacking the KO-35 rebels. You know, guys, there are plenty of characters that people actually would want to see fight in this final battle, but it sure as hell isn't these guys. Zhane is there and volunteers to go to Earth to get the other Ranger's help. Unfortunately, he gets intercepted by some Quantrons. The Astro Megaship shows up and rescues Zhane.

On the ship, Zhane asks for the other Rangers' help, and Andros reminds him that the entire universe is being conquered. Zhane and Andros reach the bridge and they find out that Astronema has decided to send 1000 space fighter to attack Earth. The Rangers are dutybound to help. But the evil forces reach Earth first and commence their attack on Angel Grove. It gets blown up good. The Rangers arrive, and Zhane decides to keep the space forces busy while the Rangers land on Earth.

Of course, the Rangers can't fight off an army, and get overwhelmed. The Rangers fight back, and Andros uses the Battilizer. Ecliptor has had enough of that shit and finally blows it up. Ashley and Andros are involuntarily demorphed, but manage to get away when the entire army of mooks surrounding them decides to just stand there and watch them escape.

In space, Zhane summons the Mega Winger, and accomplishes nothing but flattening a few more buildings when his zord goes down in flames. The other Rangers also lose and have to run away. Later, the Quantrons are rounding up the population of Angel Grove. The Rangers regroup in the ruins and realize that they could not possibly suck any harder.

On the Dark Fortress, Astronema has decided to deal with the Earth problem once and for all by blowing it up with a super-torpedo. Darkonda decides to steal the weapon for his own purposes. Dark Specter shows up for a status update when Darkonda decides to cut the suspense and fires the super-torpedo at the big guy. Dark Specter goes down, but manages to take Darkonda, who was down to his last life, with him.

The remains of Dark Specter rain down on Earth, and Alpha calls the Rangers to share the good news. Ecliptor shows up in the sky to announce to everyone that Astronema has taken command. Divatox is less-than-pleased with the new management, but the rest of the villains take it in stride.

Astronema is considering what to do with her new power, when Zordon decides to try reasoning with her again. Since Dark Specter is dead, he's back at full strength. It does not work, and Astronema decides to conquer Earth. Can the Rangers turn this around? To Be Continued!

Next Time: The Space Rangers do what they do best, win by default!