As we all know, "Power Rangers" is an action/adventure series. Out of twenty minutes of programming, at least fifteen are devoted to martial arts, gargantuan Zords, and evil trickery. Throw in slapstick comedy, a fragile plot, and friendly interaction, and there's very little room for romantic development. Therefore, I'd like to devote this page to Romantic Moments, which take the time to appreciate the spark of teenaged love that Ars Amatoria so eagerly celebrates. Sometimes romance is a theme drawn throughout a show... most often it is found in brief exchanges, easily lost amidst the laser beams and karate chops. And what better place to begin than the foremost Ranger Romance of all? Join me in a nostalgic jaunt through some of my favorite Kimberly/Tommy moments.

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Kim: "He's really cute..."

It was the opening scene in the legendary Power Ranger epic "Green with Evil." Kim was mesmerized by the tall, dark stranger that posed Jason's greatest challenge at the Martial Arts Expo. She stared openly at him, so distracted she murmured her dreamy thought aloud. The guys smirked and rolled their eyes, but Trini did concede that the young man in green was indeed 'gorgeous.' That young man was Tommy Oliver, a transferee to Angel Grove, who dazzled the students with his swift martial arts style. Whenever he appeared, the thrum of a harp reminded us all that Kim was spellbound. And as the series progressed, it was more than evident Tommy felt the same way.

Tommy: "We can help you build a new one."

In "The Spitflower," Kimberly had put her heart and soul into a magnificent float for the Flower Power Parade. However, for some inexplicable reason, Rita Repulsa decided to ruin Kim's hard work. A batch of Putties efficiently destroyed the float, seemingly beyond repair. The Pink Ranger's heartbroken tears moved Tommy to action, first offering comforting words, and then deciding to take the initiative. As the other Rangers tried to cheer up their friend, Tommy collected the remnants of Kim's labor and recreated the float. The quiet, knowing grin on Tommy's face, and Kim's disbelieving stare when she saw her float featured in the parade, was adorable. It was the first (thought definitely not the last) time Tommy went to great lengths to make Kim smile, and his reward was their first hug.

Kim: "I don't think I want to remember that!"
Tommy: "But you've got to. Kimberly, try!"

"Island of Illusion" was an interesting episode. In a bold attempt to exploit the Rangers' weaknesses, Rita banishes our heroes to a magical island where their greatest fears become manifest. If they succumbed to their nightmares, the Rangers would vanish forever. The only salvation was to confront their fears, and the elf Quagmire advised the teens that memories of their greatest challenges could strengthen their hearts and lend them the courage they needed. Kimberly saw a vision of Bulk and Skull acting nice, leading her to conclude that Rita was capable of anything. As she faded before the eyes of her friends, Quagmire reminded her of her triumph against the Terror Toad (which was "Power Ranger Punks," for those keeping track). Kimberly was too agitated to think upon that trial, but Tommy stepped out from behind the other Rangers and urged her to try. Tommy's plea helped Kim find the courage to face her fears, and he was the first to congratulate her when she rematerialized. Considering that this episode is very early in their acquaintance, I find it notable that Tommy's encouragement was so powerful to Kim. His opinion meant a great deal to her even then, and his support helped her conquer all obstacles.

Tommy: "How about I walk you home after school?"
Kim: "You know anything could happen."
Tommy: "Hey, I'll take my chances."

When Kimberly arose from her bed on that suddenly stormy morning, we knew she was in for a monster of a day. And that's why this episode is called "Calamity Kimberly"! After she breaks her hand mirror, earning seven years bad luck, everything that could go wrong went wrong. The dress she wanted to wear was burned, her hair was a tangled mess, her umbrella broke in the winds of the storm, and her pep rally plans were ruined. And moments after she steps into the building, staring into her locker mirror in a desperate attempt to salvage her hair and makeup, Tommy descends the stairs. She's horrified to see him in such a state, but rather than cringe at her appearance, his easy grin put her at ease. And when Bulk and Skull tried to humiliate her, the dashing hero came to her rescue. His presence definitely eased her frustration, and his eagerness to walk her home... apparently at great risk :), was simply adorable.

Kim: "We miss you."
Tommy: "You were a team long before I showed up. Everything will be back to normal before long."
Kim: "...I miss you."

Here it is folks... the moment we all had been waiting for! We saw Kim and Tommy dance around each other for weeks, so obviously attracted to one another, but hesitant to take action. And finally, Tommy found the nerve to take the initiative. At the beginning of "The Green Candle," Tommy had expressed to Zack his desire to ask Kimberly to the upcoming dance, but couldn't decide how to ask her. With a knowing grin, Zack bluntly stated the obvious: "Kimberly is gonna say yes!" but even that assurance wasn't quite enough. He bumbled through a proposition in the park, but Rita's most devious scheme to date stopped him in his tracks. He didn't get the chance again until the devastating battle was over, and the Green Coin laid lifeless in Jason's care. He'd gone to the park, seeking isolation... but Kim wouldn't let him. She tracked him down, and gave him the opportunity he needed. Her gentle confession surprised him, her shining gaze enthralled him. His fear subsided, and he took her hand, leaning in for that sweet kiss. This was the perfect romantic moment that made the doting pair an official couple.

Kim: "Down the road, we never know,
"What life may have in store,
"Winds of change will rearrange,
"Our lives more than before...
"But you'll never stand alone, my friend,
"Memories will never die,
"In our hearts, they'll always live,
"And never say... goodbye..."

After a few weeks of struggling against Rita with only five Rangers, Zordon found a way to re-energize the Green Ranger, and restore him to active duty. The return was triumphant, but temporary... for Zordon warned that eventually the Green Ranger powers would wane. Though for a while Tommy seemed invincible, Lord Zedd focused his strategy on wearing the Green Ranger down. Day after day Tommy's powers weakened, leaving him anxious, nervous, and solemn. Moved by compassion and love, Kimberly set out to lift Tommy's spirits, and sought Zack's aid to write a song in "The Song of Guitardo." It was a heartfelt gift, and a tender moment as Kim serenaded her boyfriend with her sweet voice and gentle guitar, reaffirming that no matter what the outcome of his service as a Ranger, he would always be one of them. The song moved Tommy, and the rest of the team, beyond words.

Tommy: "C'mon, Beautiful... time to wake up."
Kim: "I don't believe it... I must be dreaming. Is it really you?"
Tommy: "In the flesh."

The final destruction of the Green Ranger was a slow, arduous process, sapping the Rangers of their spirit during the first handful of episodes in the second season. Finally, Lord Zedd succeeded, and another tearful (though not quite as devastating) power loss drew Tommy away from the team... leaving Kimberly far more morose than we've ever seen her. Though thankfully, this time Tommy's retirement was brief, for Zordon had a contingency plan! His secret project, revealed in "White Light," shocked all the Rangers, though none more than Kim herself. Okay, I admit... her fainting spell was waaay over the top. But it did create the opportunity for Tommy and Kim to have a private moment. The other Rangers watched on, soft smiles on their faces, as Tommy urged her to consciousness, using the fan-beloved nickname "Beautiful" for the first time. She hugged him so tightly it seemed she was almost afraid he'd disappear right in front of her... as if his restoration could only be a dream. It was a short, tender moment; icing on the cake of Tommy's return to the Power Rangers.

Zedd: "So, teenage love is in the air. How sickening!"

A whole episode devoted to Kim and Tommy's date! We know they've dated, and they even went on one on-screen (in "An Oyster Stew,") but this time we got to see more. In "Two For One," we relished Kim's overwhelming enthusiasm as she modeled her perfect outfit and makeup for Trini. And we watched the reunited pair jaunt through the park, sharing a picnic and strolling on the sidewalk. We even saw Tommy give Kim a piggyback ride! True, a little more childish than I'd expect for 16 year olds, but it was cute.

Kim: "Who do you think I am?"
Tommy: "I have no idea... but you sure are cute."

Okay, this one is totally frivolous! It had absolutely no significance, either to Kim and Tommy's relationship, or to the series as a whole. But I just adored this little exchange, casually tossed into "When is a Ranger Not a Ranger?" Kimberly, Tommy, and Billy were mind-wiped by Scatterbrain, erasing all of their memories. Befuddled, Kim turned to Tommy, hoping for a clue to her identity. And then his face lit up into that adorable grin, and said the above. I particularly like this brief moment because it reminded me of the moment when Kim first laid eyes on Tommy. I enjoyed seeing Tommy have a similar reaction, gazing at Kimberly for the "first" time.

Tommy: "I know you're expecting me to say that I'm the best man for the job. But the truth is, the best person for the job is standing right next to me... She'll make an incredible president- one that I'll be proud to vote for."

I found "Best Man for the Job" to be a very significant episode. It was underplayed, as Zedd's competitive spell brought Kim and Tommy to each other's throats, but there is definitely an undercurrent of authority to be dealt with. Tommy is the leader of the Power Rangers, and had been for most of a season by this episode. Ever since he became the leader, he seemed comfortable with that authority. Yet this time, he realized that he shouldn't be the leader. It takes a great deal of courage to recognize that someone else is actually better equipped for a leadership role than oneself. And he didn't drop out just to make Kim happy... there's no way just letting her win would accomplish that. He had an epiphany, recognizing leadership qualities in his girlfriend that perhaps, he'd never noticed before. And he shared that epiphany with the student body. I can honestly say Tommy has great faith in Kim's abilities, and always encourages her to excel.

Kim: "I love fairy tales. I've always wanted to be a princess, and get rescued by a handsome prince on a white horse."
Tommy: "Well... how about a white tiger?"
Kim: "That would work."

I really do enjoy the simple, fleeting interactions between these two! The rest of this episode was terrible, but the first scene was inspired. In "Storybook Rangers," Kim and Tommy browse through a collection of books for sale. Kim off-handedly reveals one of her childhood dreams, and Tommy plays right along in the exchange above. The smile on her face really says it all. And just moments later, Kimberly finds a copy of "Grumble: The Magic Elf," a fair tale that charmed her as a child. And of course, the White Knight determines that, if the fairy tale means so much to her, she should have it. So he buys it for her. What a guy!

Adam: "I didn't know you were into plants."
Tommy: "I'm not. See, it's for Kimberly. She's been looking for something really special to finish her garden."

Tommy is always seeking to give Kimberly something. The repeated exchange of gifts is one of my favorite themes among this loveable couple. But out of all the gifts Tommy has chosen for his love, this one tops them all. Could you think of a more thoughtful present? Tommy's father went to Arizona on a business trip, and Tommy requested he purchase a rare, exotic cactus to enhance her garden. Now, we've known since "Bloom of Doom" that Kimberly takes great pride in her garden. I love that Tommy takes such an interest in her hobby! And the way he gave it to her, "Close your eyes I have a surprise" was just icing.

Kim: "Tommy, I'm really sorry about the way I treated you."
Tommy: "I know you didn't mean it."

Wow, did Tommy have one rough day! In "The Potion Notion," love was thrown awry all over Angel Grove High. But no one got hit harder than Kimberly, who fell desperately in love with Skull. Just imagine the look on Tommy's face when Kimberly sauntered to Skull, twirling her hair and asking him to the policeman's ball. Obviously, he knew something was wrong with her, but all he could do was patiently wait for the spell to become undone. Thankfully, it did... but all wasn't well yet. Kimberly left him on the dance floor to apologize to Skull for the way she treated him. And I loved how Adam tapped the abandoned Tommy on the shoulder, and offered him celery. I laughed out loud the first time I saw it!

Tommy: "There must be something we can do, Zordon. We can't lose Kimberly. I can't lose her..."

I've always loved "Changing of the Zords." The title is misleading, since the upgrade to Shogun Zords is far from the main theme of this three-part epic. Rita and Zedd, through their pet Katherine, targeted Kimberly specifically, using her and her coin to get the best of our heroes. Kimberly had a lot to deal with: forcibly losing her powers, slowly weakening as the Pink energies faded... and yet she refused to stop fighting until there simply wasn't an ounce of strength in her. And Tommy, torn between his concern for his ailing love and the fate of the whole world, had a myriad of tough decisions to make. Could he bring himself to leave Kim in the hands of evil? Could he truly swear to pilot Lord Zedd's personal fleet of Zords? Could he face the Emperor of all Evil one on one? In these desperate moments, Tommy let his heart guide him. He risked everything to save Kimberly from the dark Lord's clutches. And in the end, Kimberly and Tommy strolled along the shore, Kim mourning the loss of her powers. Tommy, ever the dependable hero, offered a kiss and a firm reminder that no matter what she might lose in life, she would always have him.

Tommy: "Hey, don't you know you're supposed to land on your feet?"
Kim: "I thought I'd try something different. Guess I should just stick to what works, huh?"
Tommy: "You had me really scared. With everything we've been through with Rita and Zedd, this has been the worst."
Kim: "Thanks for being here, Tommy."

Just another casual, though deeply touching, exchange between these two lovebirds. Kimberly very well could've died when she fell from the balance beam in "A Different Shade of Pink." Thankfully, Katherine shook the evil spell clouding her mind long enough to get help, and effectively save the Pink Ranger's life. Tommy was at the hospital in no time, offering a stuffed bear and a joke, despite the cold fear that had ailed him since he heard the shocking news. I'm confident he would've stayed by her side indefinitely, had he not been called away to duty. When Kim moved to accompany him, he gently pushed her back on the bed, kissed her forehead, and promised to return. Why? Because Tommy is always there when Kim needs him.

Kim: "This has been a dream my whole, entire life. But when I became a Power Ranger, I made some promises. One of them was to stand by you guys."
Tommy: "Kim, you also promised to be true to yourself."
Kim: "...I really want to go."
Tommy: "I don't want to lose you, Kim. But I can't just sit back and watch you give this up. It... wouldn't be fair."

There it is... the ultimate show of loving support. Kim went through some traumatic experiences in "A Different Shade of Pink," including serious injury on the balance beam (as shown above). She'd sworn off gymnastics completely, until Kat and Tommy convinced her to pursue the sport she loved. Her natural grace and skill won her the attention of Coach Schmidt, and suddenly the opportunity of a lifetime was set at her feet. Would she go? She definitely wouldn't have if not for Tommy. You could see the pain in his eyes as he encouraged her to chase her dreams, all the way to Florida... and away from him. And you could see the love she felt for him, and all her friends, as emotions choked her final moments as the Pink Ranger. It was the most touching, well-conceived and implemented farewell the writers have ever created. The unique bond between Kim and Tommy was very evident in the entire third season of Power Rangers... right up to her departure.

Kim: "I don't know what could make this day any better."

The original airing of "I'm Dreaming of a White Ranger," months after Kim's retirement, led me to assume that Kimberly returned to Angel Grove for Christmas. The actual plot of the story was silly, including saving Santa Claus from Lord Zedd. What made this episode worth watching was my favorite romantic subplot ever (which is why I have so many pictures of it)... the mistletoe! It took three passes under the arch of the Youth Center before they finally fulfilled that lingering kiss, the last lip-lock we see on any Power Ranger series. And they held each other a long time, Kimberly clinging to his jacket and smiling up into the warm gaze of the man she loves. An excellent exit for Kimberly, and a memorable onscreen finale to the greatest Ranger Romance of all.