Welcome to the inaugural blog for Toon Binge, a blog that will look at one cartoon from the eighties and nineties and give reviews for every episode. Not deep reviews, more like a basic simple paragraph or two, a rating overall and some other stuff that might be relevant to that particular show. Now, this blog isn't going to start with every episode reviewed already and instead is set to put up new quick reviews for each episode every day (give or take times when I am unable). And to kick things off, we're going back to 1987 with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. One of the first cartoons I became a massive fan of as a young kid.
Based on the 1984 comic by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles follows the exploits of four teenage anthropomorphic mutant turtles, Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo who live in the sewers with their sensei, a rat named Splinter. Along with the help of reporter April O'Neil and other characters, the turtles fight crime and defeat plenty of villains including The Shredder, Krang, The Rat King, Baxter Stockman and more. The show became a massive success, not only on television, but in the toy aisle. Not to mention video games, movies and any piece of viable merchandise that you could slap a turtle face on. The show lasted from 1987 all the way to 1996. Ten seasons total, along with 197 episodes. Safe to say this blog will be busy for quite a while.
So, here are the basics I'll cover for each episode review. I'll give my thoughts on the episode, a general rating based mainly on the quality of the show itself. I'll bring up any notable animation errors (and oh boy are there plenty), mention if this is an episode that April gets kidnapped, and mention the many, many weird fetishes that this show created (more on the "for fun" over anything actually gross, obviously). So, let's get this half-shell epic underway.
----SEASON 1----
EPISODE 1: TURTLE TRACKS
Overall, for a first episode, Turtle Tracks does a strong enough job in not just giving us the origin story for all of the show's central characters, but giving us the tone of the show down pat. Compared to the darker tone of the comics, the '87 series is far more sillier and lighter in tone. We don't get too much time to flesh out the characters, but we get the general gist of everyone. Leonardo is the stern leader, Donatello is the technical maestro of the group, Raphael is the sarcastic joker and Michelangelo is the pizza loving Jeff Spicoli-lite. April is the reporter with a heart of gold and actual integrity, Splinter/Hamato Yoshi is the fatherly teacher and Shredder/Oroku Saki is the sinister force in the background who feels more like a threat than he really will as the show goes on.
There are some bits that are still genuinely funny, including the old lady brandishing a freaking machine gun, as well as the Ninja-themed street. Plus there is some solid action, including the foot clan fight and the escape from the flooding security building. I will give demerits to stuff like Shredder seemingly having security cameras everywhere, even when it seems to make less sense unless he bugged the thugs that work for him? Other than that, for a first episode of a 32 year old cartoon. It holds up. ****
ANIMATION ERRORS: When April tries to escape after thinking the turtles were behind the string of robberies, Donatello stops her, but Raphael's voice comes out. This actually kinda works in this episode as there's an entire bit involving April not getting the turtles names right.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes.
FUNKY FETISHES: Mutation/Transformation, Anthropomorphism, Bondage, Ninjas, Robots.
EPISODE 2: ENTER THE SHREDDER
I will say the first half or so of the episode feels kinda dry in comparison to the previous episode, with a lot more focus on searching for the Technodrome. But once the turtles get into the Technodrome, it does lead to one of the show's best action scenes as the turtles battle a slew of giant robots. The episode also sets the important precedent of Bebop and Rocksteady being inept. Also, why did Shredder need just two volunteers when he's facing four mutant turtles?
ANIMATION ERRORS:
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No. Splinter does however.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Mutation, Bondage, Aliens, Robots, Ninjas
EPISODE 3: A THING ABOUT RATS
Like I said before, the strength of TMNT's first season is that the stories all flow into one overarching saga. In this case, we start right off from the encounter with Shredder, Bebop and Rocksteady in the previous episode. This is also another episode for debuts as we not only get Baxter Stockman, but his mechanical mousers and Shredder's module, but we also get the genesis of what would become the Turtle Van. It doesn't hurt that some of the dialogue in this one is genuinely fun (Don: Oh well, you know women. Raphael: No, we don't). In fact, I like the entire scene in April's apartment as we see the Turtles destroy her home, both figuratively and later on physically.
I also like Krang's use in this episode. It could have been a simple case of just using him to remind us about his want of a body, but having him be the one to rescue Michelangelo makes some sense since Shredder is still kind of screwing him over in the body department. In short, I wish most of TMNT had stuck to formulas like this episode where what goes down in the episode actually matters and while things are still silly, there's also a sense of seriousness to things. In the end, one of the best from the show. *****
ANIMATION ERRORS: More wrong voices. Donatello speaks through Michelangelo at one point and at the end Raphael speaks through Donatello.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No. She and Splinter get cornered by mousers, but that's about it.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas
EPISODE 4: HOT-RODDING TEENAGERS FROM DIMENSION X
Well this is the first episode that just feels like an episode. Not that things don't happen, but aside from the creation of the Turtle Van, the reveal of Dimension X and the rock soldiers (which to my knowledge will not play any significant role in the series save for maybe another appearance every now and then), this feels like the most skippable one of the bunch. In fact, this episode feels really backdoor pilot-ish with how much backstory they give the Neutrinos and Dimension X. I doubt there were plans, but maybe they were hoping the characters would be popular enough to drum up interest? Then again, the only Neutrino they even name in the episode is Kala. There are some good fight scenes and lines, but otherwise for this whole arc, it's the weakest. I'd give it ***...
but it earns an extra star regardless for being the origin of this gif. ****
ANIMATION ERRORS: Nothing to report
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Daddio-Esque lingo
EPISODE 5: SHREDDER AND SPLINTERED
And we've reached the finale of season one and its main arc. This is a strong way to finish the season with a lot more stakes involved. The retro-mutagen gun being introduced as the possible solution to turning Splinter back, Krang finally getting his body, the birth of the Turtle Blimp, exposing the Turtles and trying to sway public opinion, it's all good stuff that builds to the episode. Not to mention some fun fight scenes all around, with the standout being the battle with Splinter and Shredder, despite being kinda brief. One thing I realized after watching this season overall is just how much of it was adapted for the arcade game, right down to stuff like the illusion Shredder.
Plus, we get the first change of scenery for the Technodrome with going from beneath New York to ending up stuck in Dimension X, giving the show a sense of finality in case it had flopped, while keeping the show open for more new episodes. Good use of keeping its options open. Overall, season one of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is still a fun watch that hasn't fully devolved into the totally bizarre. Oh don't worry. We still have nine seasons and over 188 episodes left for that to happen. *****
ANIMATION ERRORS: Nothing to report.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Giants
----SEASON 2----
EPISODE 6 - RETURN OF THE SHREDDER
After the success of the first five Ninja Turtles episodes, Turtlemania began in full force. And in 1988, the series would be brought back for a second season with a 13 episode run. And we're getting another arc off the bat. We'll be getting further into it next episode, but this one gives us what the title says, the return of Shredder, who is now forced to prove to Krang that he's competent. This episode debuts Irma, gives Vernon his more obnoxious character role that was absent in his brief appearances, as well as gives some more focus on April's boss, Burne Thompson, who feels like the show's attempt at a J. Jonah Jameson archetype, always finding the turtles to be menaces. Although, in the case of this episode, it's due to his relationship with the airheaded Tiffany.
Also, Burne's design, contempt at honest news and his general demeanor makes me think of... you know.
Then we get to the meat and potatoes of the plot as Shredder gets a crooked dojo to pretend to be the Ninja Turtles (The Crooked Ninja Turtle Gang) to sabotage the good name the turtles have been trying to build up. And even as a little kid I thought this was silly given that their costumes are turtle shirts and paper bags, and the leader doesn't even cover his face. Also, Baxter Stockman is in a mental institution with a guy who thinks he's Napoleon. Ah, didn't take long for Turtles to start going into wacky town. Also, Baxter was black in the original comic, but the more I think of it, considering Baxter calls Shredder "master" a lot, maybe this was a rare occurrence of white washing for the best. Also, Shredder's message to the turtles literally being written on the side of a wall is just hilarious to me. Overall, another good episode save for a bit of clunky bits here and there. ****
ANIMATION ERRORS: Leo speaks through Raph.
Doubleonardo
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No, but Splinter does.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas.
EPISODE 7 - THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING TURTLES
Didn't I just bring up wacky town? Didn't take long, but we got the first of a few size changing episodes, not counting the giant Krang from episode 5. which is also the first part of the Eye of Sarnath saga. And quite the interesting way to set the whole thing up with the turtles rescuing a dying alien, who I assume didn't think their last words were going to be exposition about powerful crystal pieces that can give the wielder untold power. Also, I just realized, this is what inspired The Hyperstone Heist game, since that involves Shredder shrinking buildings with a powerful stone. Speaking of Shredder, something about him being a creepy voyeur watching the Turtles from the bushes was funnier to me than it should have been and I can't really fancy as to why.
As for the shrunk turtles stuff, it's pretty standard fare stuff for this sort of episode. Actually far less interesting than when DuckTales did a similar concept with "Micro Ducks From Outer Space". Also, and I know this seems like an obvious plot hole to bring up, but why didn't Splinter just take the turtles with him when he went for April? But we needed a third act, I guess. Overall, an okay enough episode. ***
ANIMATION ERRORS: Don speaks through Leo.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No. The turtles do at least.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Shrinking.
EPISODE 8 - IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEWERS
Well, it took eight episodes, but I finally found an episode that can truly be described as "an episode". More so than even the Neutrinos episode. It just really feels like three ideas blended together. An episode with the turtles at a carnival, an episode where they save April and an episode with a giant plant monster that really only gets defeated by Michelangelo in drag. Also, pretty weak to have the shrinking piece of the Eye of Sarnath be missing due to Baxter losing it only to have to collect it again. But for as incompetent as Baxter is, this is one of the first major cases of Shredder looking like a goof as he's easily bested by two children. I dreaded this was going to focus on the two kids, but thankfully we didn't go that route... yet. Though that "kids of the eighties" line was inspired. Overall, it wasn't offensive, but just there. ***
ANIMATION ERRORS: Nothing substantial
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Vines, Drag
EPISODE 9 - THE MEAN MACHINES
Next part of the eye saga and it's more or less Maximum Overdrive. This time, the second fragment piece is found, and it contains O.M.N.S.S (Omnipotent Multi-Processing Nexus Subuniversal Sentience) who can control all forms of machinery. This leads to an episode that's a bit more interesting than the previous one as more things feel like they're happening and we get some fun fight scenes involving the possessed machinery. Not really much to report aside that, it's just as okay a half hour as you could probably ask for. A lot of mismatched Turtle voices however, more than usual. ***
ANIMATION ERRORS: Raph speaks through Leonardo and vice-versa later on. Raph also speaks through Don again. A few scenes where turtles talk without any mouth movement.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Robots
Looks like we're entering the end of the Eye of Sarnath saga a lot quicker than I remembered as Shredder gets all three pieces. First off, it's kinda neat to see Shredder without his mask and helmet, looking like plain ol' Oroku Saki. Second off, good to see they're at least building to Baxter finally having enough of being Shredder's lackey. And compared to the past three episodes, we get a more interesting premise of Shredder using the eye to manipulate and change matter. Too bad we still get some more of Shredder being incompetent as he is almost bested by... nearly slipping into a pool. Oh dear. Of course this means that we turn the focus to a Louis Tully-esque character named Blodgett who uses the eye to make his life better, only for things to actually get interesting when Baxter steals it. Though what in the hell is with that arm and leg gun of his?
In the end, it gives us a strong way to conclude the Eye of Sarnath saga. Lots of action, very little deviation to the plot, and some important pieces that will play into upcoming episodes. If I had any complaints, I feel the whole destruction of the eye feels very deus ex, but it at least works better than any other possible way. Overall, probably the best of season 2 so far. *****
ANIMATION ERRORS: Nothing substantial.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Robots
Hey, remember Bebop and Rocksteady? I almost did since they have barely appeared since the season started. Yeah, this is one I remember. Particularly due to the pizza meatball monsters being in Turtles in Time. I like that they just sorta ripped off the xenomorph design for the finalized monster form. We also get more focus on Irma and Vernon who, for comic relief characters, are still fun enough, particularly Vernon's cowardice. This one holds up well enough with a strong third act filled with action. I will say the whole "here we go again" ending was kinda lame, even for the show's regular episode ending gag. But it you want an episode that feels like Ninja Turtles, this is a good example. ****
ANIMATION ERRORS:
Leo speaks through Raph. Boy, it's been Raphael getting the brunt of these errors, huh?
Raphatello
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, meatball-related xenomorphs
And we end this leg of the Baxter Stockman era of TMNT with him finally being mutated into a fly. I mean, it's a bit of an improvement from his previous form at least? Though, it's pretty dark even for this cartoon that Krang was essentially going to have him killed before the whole bizarre fly mutation happened. Though somehow he's even more stupid and gullible in this form, believing the turtles sent him to Dimension X despite, you know, Shredder throwing him into the portal. Also finally we get Rocksteady and Bebop in action after a season of less than nothing. Plus, nothing says old like a cartoon kicking off at the World Trade Center. The episode brings in some added drama with April being poisoned by a plant so at least there's some more stuff to do other than dealing with Fly Baxter.
We also get another toyetic device in the Knucklehead, which is conveniently designed to look like a spider, so this an episode steeped in irony. But a really good episode nonetheless. Lots of action, a strong enough introduction to the new Baxter and just the right amount of drama. ****
ANIMATION ERRORS:
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Mutation, Jeff Goldblum
Teenage Mutant Bayou Froggies! Oh boy does this one feel toyetic. Right down to the sewer now acting like the freaking Danger Room. We're introduced to the punk frogs, which is another situation that feels like a backdoor pilot concept. Though still a better backdoor pilot than The Neutrinos. Also, there's something silly about Shredder using a holographic projector to change clothes instead of actually changing clothes. Though I kinda dig Miami Vice Shredder. We do go back into familiar territory from last episode with the mutants of the episode being easily manipulated by Shredder, but at least it makes a little more sense than Baxter. The only issue with the frogs honestly is that they have no real defining traits like the Turtles do. I do like this season's continued storyline about the turtles needing to clear their name, and this one with the Anti-Turtle Squad is still better than the Crooked Ninja Turtle Gang. Overall, an okay one. ***
EPISODE 12 - ENTER: THE FLY
We also get another toyetic device in the Knucklehead, which is conveniently designed to look like a spider, so this an episode steeped in irony. But a really good episode nonetheless. Lots of action, a strong enough introduction to the new Baxter and just the right amount of drama. ****
ANIMATION ERRORS:
SHREDDER, PUT YOUR DAMN PANTS ON!
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No.FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Mutation, Jeff Goldblum
EPISODE 13 - INVASION OF THE PUNK FROGS
Teenage Mutant Bayou Froggies! Oh boy does this one feel toyetic. Right down to the sewer now acting like the freaking Danger Room. We're introduced to the punk frogs, which is another situation that feels like a backdoor pilot concept. Though still a better backdoor pilot than The Neutrinos. Also, there's something silly about Shredder using a holographic projector to change clothes instead of actually changing clothes. Though I kinda dig Miami Vice Shredder. We do go back into familiar territory from last episode with the mutants of the episode being easily manipulated by Shredder, but at least it makes a little more sense than Baxter. The only issue with the frogs honestly is that they have no real defining traits like the Turtles do. I do like this season's continued storyline about the turtles needing to clear their name, and this one with the Anti-Turtle Squad is still better than the Crooked Ninja Turtle Gang. Overall, an okay one. ***
ANIMATION ERRORS: In the first non-turtle situation, Rocksteady speaks through Bebop.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Mutation, Living Popsicles, S.W.A.T Teams.
It's nice to see the show didn't forget about the idea of turning Splinter back into a human and this episode is the follow-up to that idea. Meanwhile, Shredder's just going about partaking in the dark arts, trying to find a spell to give him the power to open portals without Krang's help. Kinda sounds a little Ghost Busters-ish. Maybe it's the fact that the show is set in new york and the whole spell was written by cultists, I dunno. Heroes in a half Zuul. I kinda wish that this wasn't as dominant to the story, because they really rush Splinter's time back as Hamato Yoshi, which could have made the episode better. Though I do like that the episode hinges on the concern from the turtles that Splinter would abandon them. Not so much the added bit where the turtles turn on each other, which is a cool concept, but again feels like filler. A busy episode, but one with the better plot concepts of season 2 so far.
EPISODE 14 - SPLINTER NO MORE
It's nice to see the show didn't forget about the idea of turning Splinter back into a human and this episode is the follow-up to that idea. Meanwhile, Shredder's just going about partaking in the dark arts, trying to find a spell to give him the power to open portals without Krang's help. Kinda sounds a little Ghost Busters-ish. Maybe it's the fact that the show is set in new york and the whole spell was written by cultists, I dunno. Heroes in a half Zuul. I kinda wish that this wasn't as dominant to the story, because they really rush Splinter's time back as Hamato Yoshi, which could have made the episode better. Though I do like that the episode hinges on the concern from the turtles that Splinter would abandon them. Not so much the added bit where the turtles turn on each other, which is a cool concept, but again feels like filler. A busy episode, but one with the better plot concepts of season 2 so far.
Also Shower Krang. ***
ANIMATION ERRORS: Nothing substantial.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Mutation, Cultists, Were-Rats, Tentacles
So, we've had a season that kicked off early with what felt like a take on Maximum Overdrive to a far more overt Robocop reference. As in literally a robot cop named Rex-1. They make Rex-1 rather likable, I'll admit that. Kinda glad they didn't go with a John Wayne parody or something similar... that is until he get filled with old movies, which means some quick references like Three Stooges. And trust me, this isn't even the most egregious Three Stooges parody in this show. Also, I haven't talked much on Irma, since her only real role this season is constantly pestering April over the turtles, but she has a robot fetish and it shows bad. As in we literally end the episode with her dating REX-1. It's an okay episode. Not much really happens in this one, Shredder is just reduced to lurking in an abandoned warehouse watching on. I'll give it ***, the average so far this season.
Ah crap, The Neutrinos are back, and they're still as uninteresting as before. Hell, even the title's not interesting, they just chopped off the Hot-Rodding part. At least I know the other two are named Zak and Dask now. Also the episode tries to build up a romantic storyline with Kala and Michelangelo, but it's not as interesting as I think they were hoping. We get a true toyetic moment with the turtles riding on motorized skateboards called "cheapskates". Also the size of the Neutrino's crystal changes size from car-engine sized to hand-sized and that annoyed me. In fact, this whole episode just feels like it exists without much of an interesting plot to excuse the return of the Neutrinos. Also there's a bad part of town literally run by Mad Max punks for some reason. Of all the "an episode" episodes so far, this was the blandest. **
EPISODE 15 - NEW YORK'S SHINIEST
ANIMATION ERRORS: Raph speaks through Leonardo.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Robots, being blindfolded
EPISODE 16 - TEENAGERS FROM DIMENSION X
ANIMATION ERRORS: Vice versa with Raph and Leo. Donatello kinda speaks through Raph, but the mouth doesn't move so, I guess?
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Robots, Turtle-Alien Relations, Beatnik-isms
Oh yeah. I remember this one. It's weird. This episode is more of a reference to The Fly than the episode where someone turns into a mutated fly. Although, why when Bebop and Rocksteady got teleported through the matter transporter, nothing happened to them, but when April and the cat were in, it led to Cat April? I know, I know. Griping over plot holes in a 30 year old cartoon. Also, and this is it safe to say this created a ton of furries? We do finally get Irma meeting the turtles, so that who season long plot finishes off. Also, the Fat Cabbies Contest? This one starts a bit slow, and the end resolves itself a bit too quickly, but has one of the more interesting premises this season. ***
EPISODE 17 - THE CATWOMAN FROM CHANNEL SIX
Oh yeah. I remember this one. It's weird. This episode is more of a reference to The Fly than the episode where someone turns into a mutated fly. Although, why when Bebop and Rocksteady got teleported through the matter transporter, nothing happened to them, but when April and the cat were in, it led to Cat April? I know, I know. Griping over plot holes in a 30 year old cartoon. Also, and this is it safe to say this created a ton of furries? We do finally get Irma meeting the turtles, so that who season long plot finishes off. Also, the Fat Cabbies Contest? This one starts a bit slow, and the end resolves itself a bit too quickly, but has one of the more interesting premises this season. ***
ANIMATION ERRORS: Leo speaks through Raph... via Turtle Comm. Raph speaks through Michelangelo
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No, since she's one of the central villains.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Cat Women, Slow Mutation, Mind Control,
Mind Swapping.
We've officially reached the end of the second season and after a season of really doing nothing but just calling Shredder a moron, we get some Krang... mostly behind a keyboard, but more than usual. What we also get is an episode filled with action that uses its half hour rather strongly. Maybe with less of the oomph of the first season finale, but a lot of the fights before and after the Technodrome are some good stuff, especially for this season. Nice, semi reference to Empire Strikes Back with the Shredder/Splinter fight (that sadly is more lacking than the finale). More importantly, it's time to learn where the technodrome winds up for season 3, and that's in the center of the earth among the molten lava. For a season that started strong, then went a bit off the rails, this was a great way to send season 2 off. ****
ANIMATION ERRORS:
Not sure if it's an error, but Krang's redder than normal. Also, Donatello speaks through Leo.
Mind Swapping.
EPISODE 18 - RETURN OF THE TECHNODROME
We've officially reached the end of the second season and after a season of really doing nothing but just calling Shredder a moron, we get some Krang... mostly behind a keyboard, but more than usual. What we also get is an episode filled with action that uses its half hour rather strongly. Maybe with less of the oomph of the first season finale, but a lot of the fights before and after the Technodrome are some good stuff, especially for this season. Nice, semi reference to Empire Strikes Back with the Shredder/Splinter fight (that sadly is more lacking than the finale). More importantly, it's time to learn where the technodrome winds up for season 3, and that's in the center of the earth among the molten lava. For a season that started strong, then went a bit off the rails, this was a great way to send season 2 off. ****
ANIMATION ERRORS:
Headless Leonardo almost strikes again.
Not sure if it's an error, but Krang's redder than normal. Also, Donatello speaks through Leo.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Robots, Rock Men.
And with two seasons down, my thoughts on the show so far. It's weird that even with nearly 30 years since watching the show, I still find myself entertained. No episode so far has been below a two, with three being the average, so episode quality for the show so far has held up. I put the "April kidnapped" section up, but two seasons in, she's barely the damsel in distress. More often than not, she helps the turtles see victory. Splinter gets a lot of great moments these first two seasons as well, making him a delight to watch when he gets the focus. As for the villains, they're just about at the level of pure incompetence, with Shredder's aura almost totally dead at this point. Dude's getting hella whiny.
As for the turtles, they're still great, with Donatello still being my favorite, mainly because he's the true strategist of the team. Michelangelo gets a lot of focus as well for the laid back comic relief. Raphael has the sarcasm, and that's really it. But Leonardo is a lot duller than I remember. He just comes off as the boy scout of the foursome. Still likable, but also kinda forgettable. Maybe that'll change as things go on. And speaking of going on, next up we're entering Season 3. We're out of the kids gloves short seasons. Next up, we got 47 episodes to get through. New villains, weirder stories, and our first case of replacement voices. Wish me luck.
And with two seasons down, my thoughts on the show so far. It's weird that even with nearly 30 years since watching the show, I still find myself entertained. No episode so far has been below a two, with three being the average, so episode quality for the show so far has held up. I put the "April kidnapped" section up, but two seasons in, she's barely the damsel in distress. More often than not, she helps the turtles see victory. Splinter gets a lot of great moments these first two seasons as well, making him a delight to watch when he gets the focus. As for the villains, they're just about at the level of pure incompetence, with Shredder's aura almost totally dead at this point. Dude's getting hella whiny.
As for the turtles, they're still great, with Donatello still being my favorite, mainly because he's the true strategist of the team. Michelangelo gets a lot of focus as well for the laid back comic relief. Raphael has the sarcasm, and that's really it. But Leonardo is a lot duller than I remember. He just comes off as the boy scout of the foursome. Still likable, but also kinda forgettable. Maybe that'll change as things go on. And speaking of going on, next up we're entering Season 3. We're out of the kids gloves short seasons. Next up, we got 47 episodes to get through. New villains, weirder stories, and our first case of replacement voices. Wish me luck.
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