Jason was selected to be the Red Ranger by Zordon. He drew power from the Tyrannosaurus Dinosaur and pilots the Tyrannosaurus Dinosaur. Jason was made leader of the original ranger team. Jason like his friends was reluctant to be a Ranger at first. Although he seemed mildly interested in the idea. Once pushed into the role Jason did well and agreed to protect the universe as leader of the Power Rangers. Jason quickly became a great leader for the team. Jason was a master at Karate and was a teacher to many other teens and young children. His superior martial arts knowledge a long with his smarts as leader helped him to defeat many of Rita's monsters.

After a few battles Jason soon meant his match. He tied with  a new kid named Tommy during a martial arts match. Tommy soon fell under the evil spell of Rita and became the evil Green Ranger. With Zordon missing Jason had to help keep the team together during the hard times they faced against the Green Ranger. Jason even found himself battling Goldar in Rita's Dark Dimension during the trials. The Green Ranger soon relieved Goldar of his duties and began to fight Jason un morphed. Fortunately the Rangers were able to bring Jason back to the Command Center. Once they found out the Green Rangers true identity (and Zordon was back) the Rangers new what they had to do. They had to destroy Tommy's evil sword to free him from the spell Rita cast. Jason fought Tommy in hand to hand combat and was able to get his sword away from him. Jason used his blade blaster to destroy the sword. Tommy was freed of Rita's spell and Jason asked him to join the team.

Jason and Tommy had trouble working together at first but quickly became great friends. When Tommy's powers were threatened by the Green Candle Jason hurried to Rita's Dark Dimension to destroy the candle. Unfortunately he was forced to fight Goldar. Jason had to retreat so he could help his friends save Tommy from one of Rita's monsters. The Green Candle burnt out and Tommy lost his powers. Jason would always feel guilty about not getting to the candle in time. Tommy didn't blame Jason at all and gave what was left of his powers to Jason. When in battle  Jason could call upon Tommy's old battle shield and call forth the powerful Dragonzord. Jason did his best to continue to lead the team.

Rita captured the Rangers parents and blackmailed them for there power coins. The  Ranger turned their power coins over to Goldar. Jason however still had the Green Ranger Power. Tommy took the power coin and got the rangers coins back (while gaining a temporary power boast to allow him to rejoin the team). Jason was happy for his friend and wanted to see him stay permanently.