Ashley: "Do you think you could teach me?"
Andros: "You teach me pool, and I'll give you some pointers on telekinesis."
Save Our Ship

After their first adventure as a team, the Space Rangers return to Earth to restock the Mega Ship. Andros lingered behind his friends, but Ashley stayed with him, outlining all the wonderful sites and activities Earth had to offer. While on Earth, Andros watched the natives interact with avid interest, even discreetly exercising his telekinesis to teach Bulk a lesson in sharing. He also saw his first game of pool, though he didn't participate. Later on, when the Rangers returned to the Megaship, Ashley capitalized on his interest in human activities, and invited him to play pool. At first, I thought Andros would decline, but Ashley's eager smile won him over. And as they prepared the Simudeck, Andros openly demonstrated his ability to move objects with his mind. Awed, Ashley asked if he could teach her, and the two struck a deal. This moment helped set a foundation between Ashley and Andros. A foundation of mutual interest in each other's worlds.

Ashley: "What are you thinking about?"
Andros: "My sister, Karone. The last time I saw her was in that park down there."
The Barillian Sting

This wasn't really an overtly romantic moment, but I do feel it was pivotal. From the very beginning, Andros was distant with his fellow Rangers. He never spoke about his personal affairs, and left the Megaship in secret to find clues about his lost sister. Carlos only learned the story of Karone by overhearing the recording of her capture on Andros' disc. But in this rare instance, Andros laid his feelings bare. This was the first time Andros had been back to his home planet of KO 35 in years, and it weighed heavily on him. He stood alone atop one of the abandoned buildings of KO 35, memories of his sister's kidnapping playing like a broken record. But Ashley wouldn't let him revisit his pain in solitude. She followed him, and softly asked what was on his mind. It was one of the many instances that helped embed the empathetic Ashley Hammond into Andros' stubborn heart.

Andros: "We don't celebrate birthdays on KO 35..." Ashley: "You didn't have to get me anything. I don't expect you to know all the weird customs here on Earth."
Andros: "Actually... happy birthday, Ashley."
Invasion of the Body Switcher

If there was ever any doubt that Andros and Ashley were attracted to one another, this episode made it clear as crystal. The Rangers celebrated Ashley's birthday in the park, and when Ashley made her wish, Cassie teased her with a knowing grin in Andros' direction. Ashley didn't even bother denying her best friend's intuition, and proceeded to deliver the first piece of cake to the quiet Red Ranger. With a proud grin on his face, he delivered a very special present: a beautiful necklace with a rare gem from KO 35. Ashley immediately wrapped him in a grateful hug, and wore the necklace ever since.

Ashley: "Maybe it'd be too boring for you, since you do come from space, but..."
Andros: "Do you want to go check out Haley's Comet with me?
Ashley: "I'd love to."
Red With Envy

Ashley's consistent interest in Andros was one of my favorite threads in this series. She took every opportunity to try to connect with him, even if it just meant spending some time in his stoic presence. With time, her spirit and charm won over Andros, and the isolated leader of the Power Rangers was faced with a conundrum... what to do about his growing feelings. As it turned out, the catalyst was the presence of Zhane, the handsome lady-killer, and Andros' best friend. Zhane had appeared to take a special interest in Ashley, sending Andros into a fit of jealousy we had never seen on Power Rangers before. Thankfully it was all cleared up, and Zhane frankly stated that in their time together, Ashley was always asking questions about Andros. A surprised Andros was immediately faced with said Yellow Ranger, who fumbled through a somewhat lame invitation to a date. The tension hung in the air as Andros spit out his own invitation, that he'd been practicing the whole episode. The two smiled at each other in relief that their feelings were finally confirmed, and thus they walked off the bridge together as a couple.

Ashley: "Here, let me show you."
Mission to the Secret City

This moment is brief and completely frivolous, but I think it does nicely highlight the relationship that's begun to bloom between Andros and Ashley. Taking a break from their Ranger duties, the pair shared cartons of Chinese food. True, the other Rangers have joined them, but Ashley and Andros eat at a separate table, heedless of their friends' presence. Andros struggled with his chopsticks, urging Ashley to casually feed him from her own meal, and then demonstrate how to use the utensils. The best part is the expressions of amused surprise on T.J., Cassie, and Carlos' faces.

Andros: "You look very nice. You look like Stella Quazinella."
Ashley: "Really? Who's Stella Quazinella?
Andros: "She's an intergalactic star! She was in all the big holographic films.
A Line in the Sand

The opening of this episode is the kind of scene that I search for in Power Rangers: a few moments of normalcy amidst the flashy battles. Andros and Ashley went on a real date, and unlike the Haley's Comet date, we got to see part of it! The happy couple had gone to the movies, and strolled hand in hand down the street. Andros even complimented Ashley's outfit, and compared her to an intergalactic actress. Before this episode, I wouldn't have though Andros ever watched films of any kind. It's nice to see him opening up, revealing to Ashley and the audience more of his personality beneath the red helmet. Then they happened upon a group of kids playing hopscotch, and I'll admit, watching Andros skip was really a sight to behold!

Ashley: "Andros, you can't... leave."
Andros: "I have to try. Look, if I don't see you again-"
Ashley: "I will see you again."
Countdown to Destruction, Part II

"Countdown to Destruction" was a landmark two-part episode. The Power Rangers had never been so close to defeat, as Astronema's armies occupied Angel Grove, reducing its buildings to rubble and leaving the populace in a panic. The Rangers had lost their Megazords, and struggled to develop a plan of action before Astronema's deadline had expired. Andros broke away from his team, meaning to sneak onto the Dark Fortress and take matters into his own hands... but Ashley noticed his departure. She confronted him, but rather than argue with his risky plan to face Astronema alone, she expressed her faith in him. She knew he'd survive, and return to her.

Ashley: "I never thought I'd have to say goodbye."
Andros: "I know."
Countdown to Destruction, Part II

The Rangers were victorious. Karone's true personality was restored, and all evil aliens threatening Earth and her allies had been either freed from the darkness, or destroyed. The Rangers traveled to KO 35 to help the Kerovans restore civilization to their battered planet. As they prepared to leave, Ashley lingered with Andros. The couple shared a few precious minutes together, and Ashley invited him to return with her to Earth. But he'd made his decision: KO 35 was his home. After a tearful farewell, the Megaship took off from the planet surface. A long-faced Ashley took her station, coming to grips with the prospect of life without the man she loved, when suddenly, Andros walked onto the bridge. I was disappointed they didn't kiss, but at least they had a Kodak moment: an exuberant hug. As Andros watched the hangar door of the Megaship close, he had come to an epiphany: KO 35 was no longer his home, and it hadn't been for years. His home was with his friends. His home was with Ashley.

Astronema: "Thanks for saving me."
A Date with Danger

Astronema and Zhane had a very fleeting attraction that was only featured on one episode: but emotions were definitely stirred in this one! After taunting Astronema, Zhane's heroic nature led him to rescue her when her monster turned against her. He then brought her to a secluded park, and attempted to nurse her back to health. The Princess of Evil was puzzled as the Silver Ranger offered her soup, and when his back was turned, she approached with her Wrath Staff. Zhane was vulnerable, and yet he showed no fear as Astronema threatened him. Instead, he stuck a marshmallow on the tip of her staff, and demonstrated toasting it. Astronema cautiously sampled the treat, and for the first time, we heard her giggle. Zhane caught a glimpse of the true Karone in that moment, and he was drawn in.

Zhane: "Wow..."
Astronema: "What?"
Zhane: "For a minute there, I thought you were somebody else."
A Date with Danger

I know... I'm stretching this episode for all it's worth! But Astronema and Zhane are one of my personal favorites, and this episode was truly a landmark in the development of Astronema's character. After the meaningful encounter in the park, both Zhane and Astronema spent their time daydreaming about each other, to the concern of the Rangers and Ecliptor. When Astronema learned that the Rangers were on Earth, she jumped from her lounge, sprayed on perfume, and went down to meet him. She watched the Rangers exit the movie theater, and for some reason, she decided to approach Zhane. Her magic flashed, and her attention-grabbing costume was replaced by her natural beauty. This was the first time we saw Karone's true face, and I can't help but wonder why she revealed herself. Did she wonder if Zhane would recognize her without her makeup and lavish hairstyles? Did she wonder if he would be drawn to the person beneath? Well, if that was the question, she certainly got her answer! After "accidentally" bumping into Zhane, his gaze lingered in her eyes, and he held her hand much longer than necessary to help her stand up. Astronema was even more captivated by the handsome Ranger, and when she discovered he carried a photograph of her, she realized the strength of his interest in her. Motivated by this discovery, she decided to take another bold step: she invited him on a date.

Zhane: "Can't we talk about this?"
Astronema: "There's nothing to talk about. I never want to see you again."
A Date with Danger

After such a great start, things went horribly wrong! Ecliptor decided to send the HorrorBull back to Earth, forcing Zhane to postpone his to save his friends' lives. The delay cost him dearly, for as he battled alongside his fellow Rangers, Astronema waited with a picnic spread, growing increasingly frustrated by the second. When he finally arrived, she blasted him with a volley of purple energy, reducing his roses to cinders and leaving him blackened and soaked with pond water. She refused to listen to Zhane's excuses and returned to the moon, leaving the Silver Ranger despondent. Still, while her words were harsh, I don't think she was really as upset as she let on. She could've killed Zhane with those energy blasts, but instead she just roughed him up. And when she learned that Ecliptor did in fact send a monster, she had to understand. Even though the date ended on a sour note, we know a seed had been planted, for Astronema kept the photograph of Zhane.

Leo: "I'm sorry!"
Quasar Quest

This is one of the many formulaic attractions that pepper the Power Rangers universe: the awed gaze into each other's eyes. This time, the victim of Cupid's arrow is Leo Corbett, an intruder trying to get aboard Terra Venture. As he races to evade security, he crashes headlong into an officer, knocking her to the ground. Without thinking, he bends to help her up... and then their eyes lock. Leo grins mutely as he first beholds Kendrix Morgan, and surely would've stayed if not for the approaching security officers. He leaves in a hurry, leaving a peeved Kai and an intrigued Kendrix behind.

Leo: "See? No one could forget you."
Double Duty

This was a fleeting, but tender moment between the Pink and Red Galaxy Rangers. The Rangers had met Caroline, an arrogant actress who bore a remarkable resemblance to Kendrix. While Caroline was less than interested in the quiet scientist, when an injury made it impossible for her to complete the movie, the director sought Kendrix's help to serve as a stand-in. Caroline and the Rangers managed to convince Kendrix to try it out, and it turns out Kendrix enjoyed her stint as a starlet. However, Kendrix did more than just help Caroline out of a jam, she also taught her compassion and responsibility. Later, the Rangers gathered to watch an awards ceremony, and Caroline acknowledged Kendrix in her acceptance speech. Kendrix was shocked that Caroline ever remembered her, but Leo wrapped his arm around her shoulder, and said the above.

Kendrix: "Don't even think about it!"
Orion Rising

I don't know if this would really count as a romantic moment. It definitely wasn't pivotal, either. But it was, what I consider, mild flirting between this potential couple. Kendrix put every effort into making preparations for Damon's birthday party, including a perfect cake. After watching Kendrix frost the treat, Leo casts a mischievous gaze at the neat icing. Just as he reaches for a taste, Kendrix slaps his hand away. The look on his face was priceless as she snatched the cake away. And even as they left, the hurt puppy-dog expression earned an indulgent sigh as Kendrix took his hand to inspect whether she did any damage. This was one of the silliest, most frivolous flirty moments on Power Rangers, and as it happens, one of my favorites.