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Rocky DeSantos

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 This article is about a/an ranger in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and Power Rangers Zeo.
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For the movie version of this character, see Rocky DeSantos (movie).

Rocky DeSantos was the second Red Ranger and Red Ninja Ranger of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, and Zeo Ranger III Blue of the Zeo Rangers and the second-in-command to the White Ranger and Zeo Ranger V Red until his predecessor Jason Lee Scott's return. He is the fifth longest-serving Ranger overall behind Tommy Oliver, Billy Cranston, Adam Park, and Kimberly Hart.

Retroactively, he is also referred to as the Mighty Morphin Red Ranger or Red Mighty Morphin Ranger, as well as Zeo Blue Ranger or Blue Zeo Ranger, though these are in reference to the show, as opposed to proper labels.

Background

Mighty Morphin Era

As the second Red Ranger

"It's Morphin Time! Tyrannosaurus!"
―roll call as the Mighty Morphin Red Ranger[src]
"Rocky, with your strength and knowledge, you will command the power of the Red Dragon Thunderzord."
―Zordon turned over the command of Red Dragon Thunderzord to Rocky[src]

Rocky first met the Ranger teens after saving a baby along with his friends Adam Park and Aisha Campbell. The three of them lived in Stone Canyon (a fictional city in California) and were visiting Angel Grove to represent Stone Canyon in the Team Ninja Competition. Because of his skill as a martial artist, Rocky became an immediate target of Lord Zedd, and along with Adam and Aisha, ended up kidnapped and thrown in the Dimension of Despair, along with their favorite Stone Canyon teacher, Mr. Anderson.

Luckily, the Power Rangers came to rescue them just in time, but not before Rocky, Adam, and Aisha discovered the Rangers' identities when Tommy Oliver and Kimberly Hart had to take off Billy Cranston's helmet after Billy fought with the Serpent of Darkness, and when Billy's identity was revealed, Kimberly and Tommy took off their own helmets, seeing no further harm in doing so. Rocky, Adam, and Aisha were later taken to the Command Center to meet Zordon and were sworn to secrecy. Rocky (along with Adam and Aisha) eventually moved to Angel Grove permanently.

Rocky was chosen to replace Jason Lee Scott as the Red Mighty Morphin Power Ranger after Jason, and his fellow Rangers Trini Kwan, and Zack Taylor were selected to attend the peace conference in Geneva, Switzerland. Rocky was entrusted with the powers of the Tyrannosaurus Power Coin and the Red Dragon Thunderzord. In addition, he became second-in-command of the team.

Ninja Quest

"It’s Morphin Time! Red Ranger Power!"
―roll call as the Mighty Morphin Red Ranger[src]

In Season 3 of MMPR, Rocky went through one of the most disastrous events for a Red Ranger (despite him not being the leader) when the Thunderzords were destroyed by Rito Revolto and his band of monsters, thus also destroying the original Dinozords and damaging the Power Coins beyond use. Rocky later gained new Ninja powers of the Ape, becoming the Red Ninja Ranger. As a Ninja Ranger, he could perform slide-teleportation, the decoy suit trick, and other Ninja powers. Also, like the other Ninja Rangers, he gained powers unique to his animal: In Rocky's case, enhanced strength and the ability to quickly climb up surfaces. Rocky also gained the ability to pilot the Red Ape Ninjazord, as well as the Red Shogunzord. He was also later granted the power of the Metallic Armor. During this time in his Ranger career, Rocky twice had to face a monster that had incapacitated the entire team by himself, feeling responsible for the creation of Marvo the Meanie and forced to face Centiback by himself after the other Rangers were temporarily turned into footballs by the monster in question.

The Rangers managed to get the Zeo Crystal, but wanted to make sure that Master Vile couldn't get it again, so the Rangers split it into five sub-crystals and sent them to different points in history.

Mighty Morphin Alien Rangers

Rocky turned into a child.

Vile then turned back time using the Orb of Doom, turning the Rangers back into children. The Rangers soon recruited the Alien Rangers to fight in their stead. Billy had then created a device which would restore their them to their old selves. He used the Ninja Coins as a power source, testing it on himself. This worked, but it allowed Rito & Goldar to capture the coins and Rita & Zedd destroyed them.

Rocky's quest for his sub-crystal took him back to Mexico, where he met a young boy who was actually a younger version of his grandfather. The sub-crystal turned out to be the maw of a near active volcano. With some climbing equipment, Rocky retrieved the crystal before the volcano erupted. Bidding farewell to his grandfather and the village, Rocky was the first to return to the present with his crystal.

Zeo Era

As Zeo Ranger III

"It’s Morphin Time! Zeo Ranger III: Blue!"
―roll call as Zeo Ranger III: Blue[src]

Rocky in Zeo.

All the Rangers returned with their sub-crystals, save Aisha, who chose to stay in Africa and help save the animals there; she sent a young girl named Tanya Sloan in her place and also took the Yellow Zeo Crystal. When he returned back to his adulthood the second time, Rocky and the others had to escape the doomed Command Center from a planted bomb by Rito and Goldar. From the wreckage, the Rangers found the Zeo Crystal and the entrance to the Power Chamber, where Zordon and Alpha were still alive. However, a new threat to Earth came in the form of King Mondo and his Machine Empire.

With their old powers destroyed, the Rangers had to harness the Zeo Crystal for new powers to battle the empire. The Triangle sub-crystal allowed Rocky to become Zeo Ranger III Blue. During this time, Rocky faced a new set of villains and adventures. He also became fast friends with Tanya, along with helping her adjust as an adult (as she was a child when she first arrived). Rocky took up an interest in baseball, which Mondo once used to get rid of him. When Mondo and the Empire started getting stronger, Rocky and the Zeo Rangers were assisted by the mysterious Gold Ranger. At first, Rocky and the others assumed Billy was the Ranger (as Billy retired), but it was later revealed he was an alien named Trey, from the planet Triforia. When Trey's powers were threatened, as Billy couldn't take on the powers, Rocky's predecessor, Jason Lee Scott, came back to assume the powers.

With Jason as the Gold Ranger, Rocky soon began to feel left out and also felt he was being replaced by the Ranger he replaced, as everyone seemed to want to do something with Jason instead of Rocky. Trying to prove his worth, he attempted to take on King Mondo by himself. It was only afterwards he realized he was an important part of the team, as well as a friend to Jason.

Turbo Era

Departure

"Yeah, but I got a lot of stuff to do in karate school and... I don't know. I think the power is in good hands."
―Rocky DeSantos

Rocky after his departure.

It's with this enthusiasm towards everything, that during a practice match, Rocky threw himself into a kick and wounded up landing and causing his spine to go further into his back, hurting him. While he recuperated in the hospital, his friends were facing a new danger and Zordon had to recruit a new Ranger of a young boy named Justin Stewart who Rocky chose to take his place.Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie Rocky never begrudged the fact that he was unable to become the Blue Turbo Ranger. Instead, he was relieved that his era of being a Ranger was over. He also declares to Justin that his powers are in good hands. After seeing his friends off at graduation, Rocky opened up his own Karate School. After many years in service as a Ranger, Rocky is enjoying his post-Ranger life teaching karate. Shift Into Turbo

Legacy of Power

Rocky was featured in a chronicle of Power Ranger history compiled by Tommy Oliver shortly after he formed the Dino Rangers, which was found by the nascent Ranger team in the Dino Lab. Legacy of Power

Super Megaforce

Zeo Rangers in Legendary Battle

Rocky returned as a Zeo Ranger with Tanya, Adam, Trey, and Kat, as part of the army of Legendary Rangers, led by Tommy as the Green Mighty Morphin Power Ranger. After retiring as a Ranger, it appears in the years that followed he has physically healed from the injuries he suffered. He then helped the Mega Rangers defeat the Armada once and for all, fighting in a huge battle against hundreds of X Borgs and dozens of Bruisers. Legendary Battle

Super Ninja Steel

"Your invasion ends here, Draven!"
―Dimensions in Danger

Rocky fully morphed into the Red Ranger.

Rocky was kidnapped by Lord Draven along with Katherine Hillard, T.J. Johnson, Trent Fernandez-Mercer, Antonio Garcia, and Gia Moran and sent to his dimension. Lord Draven used them to make robotic clones of each Ranger. They were soon rescued by Wesley Collins, Gemma, Koda, Tommy and the Ninja Steel Rangers. Rocky joins the final fight with the Ninja Steel Rangers and the veteran Rangers using his restored Red Ranger powers. After the battle Brody Romero the Ninja Steel Red Ranger says that this team still has Madame Odius to take care of. Rocky tells him "she doesn't stand a chance, not with the Super Ninja Steel Rangers on her tail". Rocky returns to his dimension with the rest of the Rangers. Dimensions in Danger


Family

Personality

Rocky loved to have fun and enjoyed going to dances, carnivals, mystery parties, luaus, and hanging out at Ernie's. He was more than willing to join in a scavenger hunt, helping in clean-up projects, and even become a stuntman in a sci-fi movie. Rocky liked to stimulate his mind as well. He attempted to teach a chemistry class, enjoyed computer science, and botany classes and going to museums and learning about other cultures.

Rocky is a guy with a big appetite for both food and life and keeps his energy going by staying physically active. He enjoys working on his karate, running with the other guys, playing volleyball, football, snowboarding, even doing splits. He also channeled his energy into serving as a lifeguard.

Ranger Forms

Ranger Costume

As The Red Ranger of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Also retroactively known as Mighty Morphin Red Ranger or Red Mighty Morphin Ranger (unofficial titles). During Season 3, his suit changed slightly, showing the Ape Ninja Coin in his Morpher, rather than the Tyrannosaurus Power Coin.

Zords

Arsenal

Appearances: MMPR S2 Episodes 28-38, 40-43, 46, 47, 49-52, MMPR S3 Episodes 1-4, 6-15, 18, 20-24, 26-33, SNS Episode 10


Red Ninja Ranger

As The Red Ninja Ranger of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

Arsenal

Techniques

  • Super Speed: This allows the Rangers to move extremely fast and avoid attacks by their enemies. This also gives them the ability to leap to great heights quickly as seen by Rocky in Wizard for a Day. It has also been used by Rocky in Final Face-Off.
  • Merging: This was first used by Rocky to merge with a tree. He then attacked the Tenga Warriors from inside the tree when they inspected the tree to figure out where he went in A Ranger Catastrophe.

    Rocky merging with a tree

    Rocky attacking from within the tree

  • Slide-teleportation
  • Decoy suit trick

Also, like the other Ninja Rangers, he gained powers unique to his animal: In Rocky's case, enhanced strength and the ability to quickly climb up surfaces.

Appearances: MMPR S3 Episodes 6, 8-10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 24, 25, 27


Metallic Armor

When the Red Ranger dons metallic armor, the white in his suit is replaced with a light silver coat. The red in his suit becomes metallic. In this form he can execute high speed martial arts moves with added metal-like impact.

Appearances: MMPR S3 Episodes 29-32


Ranger Costume

Zords

Arsenal

Attack

  • Zeo III Spinning Power Punch

Appearances: Zeo Episodes 2-14, 16-22, 24-28, 30-41, 43-50, SM Episodes 20 & LBEV


Ranger Key

The Zeo Ranger III Blue Key.

The Zeo Ranger III Blue Key is Rocky's personal Ranger Key. This key along with the majority of the Core Ranger Keys are seen lining the Command Center's interior walls. This key is mainly used by Noah Carver (Super Megaforce Blue) who uses it to fight as Zeo Ranger III Blue.

Power Rangers Zeo Calendar

Academic Calendar Magazine 1996/97. Power Rangers Zeo: Back to school with the Zeo Rangers

  • RANGER: ZEO Ranger III
  • NAME: Rocky DeSantos
  • AGE: 18 years old
  • BIRTHDATE: April 1st
  • BORN: San Diego
  • FAVORITE FOOD: Everything
  • FAVORITE SUBJECT: History HOBBIES: Sports

Appearances


Appearances in other media

Behind the scenes

Rocky is played by Steve Cardenas. In Ohranger footage for Zeo, his suit actor was Yasuhiro Takeuchi (竹内 康博 Takeuchi Yasuhiro). In the US footage for Zeo, his suit actors are David Wald, Danny Wayne Stallcup, and Shun Hirosawa.

Notes

  • Rocky is the only Ranger to retire due to an injury.
  • Rocky was the only Red Ranger not to appear in Forever Red. His actor, Steve Cardenas, was contacted and he apparently agreed to be in the episode, but he was moving houses at the time and contact was lost. Word from Forever Red writer Amit Bhaumik has it that had Rocky been in the episode, it would have only been in a civilian cameo as Tommy's butler, though he would have been implied to have still been the Blue Zeo Ranger. Rocky would have only participated in the battle as MMPR Red Ranger if Austin St. John proved unable to make filming. There is no in-universe explanation as to why Rocky was absent or was never contacted.
  • Rocky was written off because Steve Cardenas wanted to leave the show to start his own karate school. This is reflected back onto his character's post-Ranger life.
  • Rocky was one of the first Rangers to change designation, going from Red to Blue.
  • Rocky is the first Red Ranger to not be a leader, followed by Aurico (MMAR) and Wes (Time Force).
    • Rocky is the only one of these three whose leader wasn't a woman.
  • Rocky, along with Tommy, Billy, Adam, Kimberly and Jason are the only Rangers to appear in more than 100 episodes.
  • Of the first three replacement Rangers, Rocky was the only one who fought in the same team with his predecessor.
  • Rocky's season 3 morph sequence from Ninja to Red Ranger has an error. During the sequence, the Morpher does not open.
  • Rocky is the second Blue Ranger to not join his team in the next installment (Turbo). The first was Billy Cranston (Zeo) and he was followed by Justin Stewart (In Space)
  • Rocky is also the first second-in-command Blue Ranger, followed by T.J. Johnson, Kai Chen, Chad Lee, Sky Tate, Flynn McAllistair, Kevin and Ravi Shaw.
  • As Rocky returned during The Legendary Battle as Zeo Ranger III Blue and as the second Mighty Morphin Red Ranger in Dimensions in Danger. How he reclaimed both powers is currently unknown.
    • However, like his friend and teammate Adam, Rocky's Tyrannosuarus Power Coin might possibly been restored by the Sentinel Knight.

See Also

References

Red Rangers
Identities
Jason • Rocky • Aurico • Tommy • T.J. • Andros • Leo • Carter • Alex • Wes • Cole • Shane • Conner • Jack
Sky • Bridge • Nick • Mack • Casey • Scott • Jayden • Lauren • Troy • Tyler • Brody • Devon
Rocky (1995 movie) • Jason (2016 comic) • Britt • Jason (2017 movie) • Marv • Grace

Secondary Rangers
Eric • Hunter • Leanbow
Twin Man • Justin • Rocko • Farai • Robo T.J. • Crash • Psycho Red • Red Cyborg Ranger • Evil Time Force Red
Lion Shadow Ranger • Evil Shane • Evil Hunter • Charlie • Officer Tate • Evil Red Mystic Ranger
Evil Red Overdrive Ranger • Mr. Shiba • Grand Shogun • Dane • Mick • Robo Red Ranger • Blaze

Power Sets
Red Ranger • Red Aquitar Ranger • Zeo Ranger V Red • Red Turbo Ranger • Red Space Ranger
Galaxy Red • Red Lightspeed Ranger • Time Force Red • Quantum Ranger
Red Wild Force Ranger • Red Wind Ranger • Crimson Thunder Ranger • Red Dino Ranger • S.P.D. Red Ranger
Red Mystic Ranger • Wolf Warrior • Red Overdrive Ranger • Jungle Fury Red Ranger • Ranger Operator Series Red
Red Samurai Ranger • Megaforce Red • Super Megaforce Red • Dino Charge Red Ranger • Ninja Steel Red
Beast Morphers Red Ranger
Red Ranger (movie)

View • Talk • Edit
Blue Rangers
Identities
Billy • Cestro • Rocky • Justin • T.J. • Kai • Chad • Lucas • Max • Tori • Ethan
Sky • Bridge • Madison • Dax • Theo • Flynn • Kevin • Noah • Koda • Preston • Ravi
Billy (1995 movie) • Billy (2016 comic) • Serge • Billy (2017 movie) • Eddie • Nikolai

Secondary Rangers
Ninjor • Auric • Blue Senturion • Blake • Shark Ranger • James
Billy Putty • Putty • Bobby • William • Billy Clone • Stanford • Blue Shadow Ranger • Robo Justin • Blue Creep
Psycho Blue • Blue Cyborg Ranger • Evil Time Force Blue • Shark Shadow Ranger • Evil Blake • A-Squad Blue
Evil Blue Mystic Ranger • Evil Blue Overdrive Ranger • Cenozoic era Blue Ranger • Robo Blue Space Ranger
Heckyl

Power Sets
Blue Ranger • Blue Aquitar Ranger • Zeo Ranger III Blue • Blue Turbo Ranger • Blue Space Ranger
Galaxy Blue Ranger • Blue Lightspeed Ranger • Time Force Blue Ranger
Blue Wild Force Ranger • Blue Wind Ranger • Blue Dino Ranger • S.P.D. Blue Ranger • Blue Mystic Ranger
Blue Overdrive Ranger • Jungle Fury Blue Ranger • Ranger Operator Series Blue • Blue Samurai Ranger
Megaforce Blue Ranger • Super Megaforce Blue Ranger • Dino Charge Blue Ranger • Dino Charge Aqua Ranger
Ninja Steel Blue • Dino Charge Dark Ranger • Beast Morphers Blue Ranger
Blue Ranger (movie)

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