Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Toon Binge: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987): Seasons 4 & 5 (Update: 04-22-23)


For Season 1 and 2: Click Here
For Season 3: Click Here

----SEASON FOUR----


Season Four brought about some changes to Ninja Turtles. The substantial one was the end of the syndication era before the show came to CBS on Saturday Mornings. The first batch of episodes we'll cover in this season is the European Vacation era of the show, which technically airs later in other outlets, but since they're intended to link with episode 66, we're counting them here first. After that, it's the remaining syndication exclusive eps for season four, then straight into the CBS episodes. Strap yourselves in. This is gonna be a loooong season.

EPISODE 66 - PLAN SIX FROM OUTER SPACE


Kicking right off where we left things off in the season finale. The villains trapped on an island on Dimension X, while the turtles think that things are going to be easy without them. But that doesn't last long as Bebop and Rocksteady are sent to bring Channel Six to Dimension X.. We get to see Rocksteady and Bebop in human form again. Something i didn't think happened as much as it has the past few episodes. If anything does bother me, it is that we're right back to the Turtle Terminator plot again with a robot disguised as Splinter instead of Irma. But is at least someone what entertaining with it being reprogrammed to animal liberator. This episode is kinda dry outside of anything involving Bebop and Rocksteady screwing around in Channel Six. Hell, even Raphael calls out the mediocre writing for this one. More importantly, this sets up the European Vacation episodes. Overall, an okay at best start to season four. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: Some notable freezing.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Cloaking Devices, Robots, Attempted Animal Liberation.

EPISODE 67 - TOWER OF POWER


It's time to time warp to 1993 as we enter the European Vacation. A 13 episode side-season of sorts. Downside to this one is that we got some replacement voices. Hal Rayle takes over Raphael for this entire arc, and he's at least better than Thom Pinto at least. Even more interesting is Jim Cummings voicing Shredder. And he comes off close enough as a James Avery replacement. The first stop for the vacation is Paris where Shredder uses the Eiffel Tower as a giant magnet to pull the Technodrome back to Earth. Also, April, Irma and Vernon are here too, because of course. This was a fun way to start this arc off. ****

ANIMATION ERRORS: Nothing substantial.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes.
IRMA BECOMES: Suspended over the Eiffel Tower.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Magnets, How Do They Work?


EPISODE 68 - RUST NEVER SLEEPS


Did... did Shredder have a brainfart? Did he just up and forget that the turtles were in Paris? I mean, he fought them on the Eiffel tower last episode. Hell, they all seemed to have memory loss when it involves the stuff from the previous episode. Even the climax of the episode involves the Eiffel Tower again. In this episode, the plan is to use a rust encruster to force the world leaders to bow to Shredder. But for the majority of the episode, it mostly involves Shredder blacking out Paris to charge up the encruster. This episode was fine, but it feels like it takes forever to get moving and it just acts like the last episode never happened to the point of annoyance honestly. **

ANIMATION ERRORS: Some notable freezing.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Parisian Artists

EPISODE 69 - A REAL SNOW JOB


Finally out of Paris and into the alps, we get a really snowy edition of Turtles this time. Also Irma and April are here, because. And it's good old horny Irma, making this episode a tad better than usual. Plot of the episode sees Krang and Shredder melting the alps. So, an episode about global warming. Neat. Also, a plot involving a reporter learning about global warming and someone (namely Krang) wanting to silence her? Boy, does that feel relevant. We also get the most inept Shredder who is so foolish that he falls for a fake interview from April. Honestly, this has one of the more interesting plots so far in this vacation arc. Even if it's going down the same "April gets kidnapped" beats of the past few eps. Also, how many damn times is Shredder going to break her turtle-com? I will admit the ski instructor being a secret robot was a twist I didn't expect and it was something clever for once. Other than that, ***.

ANIMATION ERRORS: Irma's glasses vanish for a scene. The ski instructor's design is massively changed in one scene.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Robot Ski Instructors


EPISODE 70 - VENICE ON THE HALF-SHELL


Italy is the next stop on the European arc. It's also another Jim Cummings Shredder episode. Plot this time, Shredder and Krang plan to steal the treasures of Venice to hold them for ransom, while also planning to flooding Venice. This also leads to giant stone creatures coming to life. Also, April and Irma are there as well to cover the Mardi Gras. And as usual, Irma is the MVP of this show. She's a funnier character than I remember. Not much to really talk about with this one. It just feels like any other episode only more Italian than usual. If anything, this has some great quips from Irma and Krang in particular. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: That first Shredder and Krang scene feels like there's some missing audio. It just seems really off. Another notable scene involves Donatello falling off the gondola, but he ends up back on randomly, replacing Michelangelo. Also, more of that freezing.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes. Irma too.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Robots, Stone Monsters

EPISODE 71 - ARTLESS


Still in Italy for this episode, which made me worry that it would end up as messy as Rust Never Sleeps, but thankfully that's not the case. The plot involves not Shredder, but a pair of alien art thieves after plenty of art pieces, including The Last Supper. Meaning, don't worry, Jesus is canon in Ninja Turtles. Most importantly, the aliens are stealing artwork based off the namesakes of the turtles. So, this episode doubles as an educational lesson on art. Also, this is the first "wink wink" about the turtle movie. I also just noticed the nunchucks are back, even if Michelangelo barely gets a chance to use them. Episodes with random villains not named Shredder are usually dull, and this one is pretty much the case. There are a few good moments, but this was probably the dullest of the European episodes so far. **

ANIMATION ERRORS: Nothing substantial.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Paparazzi, Michelangelo's Dave


EPISODE 72 - THE LOST QUEEN OF ATLANTIS


Greece is next up for the vacation arc. And it's a redux of April Fool with April being mistaken for an ancient queen. Only this time, the memories of the original queen has been placed in her head due to a magic necklace. Also Shredder and Krang are here. I'll take them over the aliens from the previous episode. There's a scene where Irma keeps getting dumped in fruit and it's funny to me for reasons I don't get. This episode has a great weird plot, but for some reason it doesn't feel as turtle crazy as I'd hope for. It's just missing that added beat of insanity. But, despite that, it's better than last episode, thanks in part to Irma's quips. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: That last shot felt like the screen was going to explode with how shaky it got.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Rock Soldiers, Atlanteans, Mind Altering Necklaces, Tentacles.

EPISODE 73 - THE IRISH JIG IS UP


Turtles head to Ireland for this episode. Plot this time sees Krang's latest device, the Trans-Charmer, turn small cute creatures into monsters. Meanwhile, it also ends up turning Bebop and Rocksteady tinier and friendlier and later making Michelangelo giant as well. Now there's the turtle weirdness I was asking for. And I will admit, the giant monster versions of the creatures are kinds creepy, even for this show. I know I haven't been adding too much commentary for the last few episodes, but I haven't found too much in these recent episodes to give much commentary for. They haven't been bad episodes, but we've just sadly entered that era of average stuff. All that aside, it's still a decent episode. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: Bebop and Rocksteady switch voices
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes, kinda.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Shrinking, Growth, Giant Angry Animals, Giant Chickens, Tentacles, Again.

EPISODE 74 - SHREDDER'S NEW SWORD


It figures, I give this spiel about not having much to talk about and then the show literally gives us King Arthur, Queen Guinevere and Merlin. Thank you turtles! Plot of the episode this time sees Shredder steals the sword Excalibur, made of a material which can a power source for the Technodrome, because of course. But considering Excalibur emits energy blasts like it's a sword in The Legend of Zelda, maybe that's an apt description. Also April and Irma are here, because of course. Also, this feels like the third or fourth episode in this tour to have stone creatures come to life. But in the case of this episode, frigging Merlin' shows up. This gives off the clunkiest dialogue in a while. The statues get literally destroyed by Merlin and Leonardo says "they've been turned into statues". But... they were already... never mind. Doing that thing again.

As for the rest of the episode, Shredder's theft of the sword begins to bring medieval stuff to the present. The episode plays up Donatello as a skeptic to the history of King Arthur early on, which is kinda silly considering all the stuff the turtles have dealt with throughout the series. The Merlin stuff is good too, albeit a lot of culture shock stuff. Not sure if it's because I took a short break, or the episode actually had a compelling plot, but this was one of my favorites in a while. ****

ANIMATION ERRORS: Nothing substantial.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes. Irma too.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Wizards, Knights, Better Acting Than Medieval Times

EPISODE 75 - RING OF FIRE


Next up is Lisbon, Portugal. This might be the most voice replacements for any episode. Besides Cummings and Rayle, we also have Greg Berg back as Donatello and Bebop. Plot this time sees Shredder creating a lens for yet another heat ray and needs specific sand from the bullring of Portugal to make it. Also April, Vernon and Irma are here, because of course. After such a crazy episode previously, this one feels more like a case of "back to basics". But at least this one still had some great thirsty Irma lines. She is on fire in this one, and literally almost on fire in this one. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: Nothing substantial.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes. Irma too. TWICE. Also, Vernon later on.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Rock Soldiers, Sand, Bull Riding, Heat Rays


EPISODE 76 - TURTLES ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS


Back to Paris, but thankfully not back to the Eiffel Tower. Plot this time is Shredder setting a supercharger on the Orient Express that will speed up so fast that it'll eventually crash, causing a big enough explosion to bring the Technodrome back. Also April, Vernon  and Irma are on board, because of course. Also, points to Shredder in the conductor outfit is just silly and great. Another by the books episode without much to really comment on, but I will admit the constant Vernon abuse in this one is surprisingly better than usual. I will say the gypsy stuff is super dated stuff and that's coming from most of this show. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: Irma's ponytail is missing in a scene.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes. Irma too
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, Conductor Outfits, Spilling Food on Vernon, Vernon abuse in general, Lederhosen, Gypsies

EPISODE 77 - APRIL GETS IN DUTCH


Look at that screenshot. I don't care if this episode ended up mediocre. It was worth it for moments like this. Also, the DVD screenshot shows April kidnapped, so add another one on the list. Remember the olden days when she wasn't kidnapped in every episode? Plot this time sees Shredder going to Holland to steal a diamond which, surprise, can create a portal to bring the Technodrome to Earth. Boy, these plots felt less Repetitive when you're six years old. Also April and Irma... even these recaps are repetitive. Although plus to this episode with the added beat of after Shredder uses a fake diamond, it creates a rift that could destroy Earth and the Technodrome. This episode marks what might be a rare occasion where Leonardo makes a joke that's actually funny. Plus there are another pair of thieves in this episode, who steal the diamond and plant it in April's purse. because even the writers didn't realize how little there is for Shredder to actually do in this one. I gripe, but I enjoyed this one. ****

ANIMATION ERRORS: There seems like a moment where the turtles were supposed to say something, but nothing is actually emitted. This episode mentions that Irma is wearing wooden shoes, but they look like her normal shoes. But then she has the wooden shoes for a later scene, so... what?
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes. Not Irma too for once.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Bad Jokes, Cheese

EPISODE 78 - NORTHERN LIGHTS OUT


Norway is next on the list. The plot this time, VIKINGS! Oh, and there are volcanoes that can be used to power Europe. Our villain this time is Erek the Redeye, Son of Thor, who leads a group of vikings who live in a hidden village. He plans to use the volcanos to melt the ice caps and plunder the sunken cities. Also, Donatello now has a disliking of seafood, which feels like a new thing. Though he did recoil in disgust over sushi in the first episode. No Shredder and the gang in this one, but at least technologically advanced vikings is more interesting than alien art enthusiasts. Also a few good meta jokes ("If the dude is gonna crash, this show is gonna be over early!") ("And you thought were going to have a big fight." "We'll have one later."), not to mention Raphael making two cliffhanger gags. I also laughed at April getting legit pissed over being called "wench". For some good dialogue and a better non-Shredder villain episodes, I really enjoyed this one. Yeah, sure, you betcha. ****

ANIMATION ERRORS: Nothing substantial
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes. Twice.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Vikings, Robot Sea Serpents

EPISODE 79 - ELEMENTARY, MY DEAR TURTLE


The European Vacation arc comes to a close with what else but the turtles meeting Sherlock Holmes and Watson? Funny how the England episodes have given us the strangest plots. Maybe I would have enjoyed the whole arc more if it had allowed itself to go full wacky. Michelangelo is weirdly ignorant in this episode with how bored he gets over history. This is fitting since the plot involves an atomic clock that sends the turtles back in time to the age of Holmes. This also means the villains aren't Shredder yet again, but Professor Moriarty, who plans to use the atomic clock to create a time machine to rule the world. And he actually manages to do so. So, it's Shredderville without April and Irma as harem girls, but April, Burne and Vernon are an underground resistance. This is also the first episode to mention the year. In this case, 1991. Another episode I enjoyed more than I expected. ****

ANIMATION ERRORS: Nighttime shot changes for a completely different daytime shot randomly. Leonardo speaks through Donatello. That's been a while.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Time Travel, Sherlock Holmes and Watson

In the end, the European Vacation arc was fine. Actually, there were some pretty good episodes, some painfully average episodes, and some really good ones. I don't think this needed to be 13 episodes, as the plots got thin for the most parts (namely most of the Shredder episodes), but I didn't find myself being too annoyed. But am I ever glad to return to New York, the right voice actors, and a return to turtle wackiness.

EPISODE 80 - TURTLES OF THE JUNGLE


Classic crazy Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, how I missed you! James Avery, how I missed you! Rob Paulsen, oh man did I miss you! Plot this time sees a scientist named Dr. Willard W. Willard create a laser which causes things to grow. In this case he accidentally causes the plant life of New York to grow wild as well as his pet monkey. And with a giant ape means that we get some King Kong references. Also Shredder is there. Also Donatello who gets rather swole. This episode's animation is kinda weird looking. Not bad per se, but definitely different than most episodes. It's just a good return to form after the European saga, not to mention that weirdness I crave. Also, I swear to god, there is a "spanking the monkey" joke in this one. Also the end fight is fun. Screw it. *****

ANIMATION ERRORS: A few coloring flickers when characters talk, but that's really it.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes. I mean, this episode does go all King Kong.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Mad Science, Giants, Giant Apes

EPISODE 81 - MICHELANGELO TOYS AROUND


So, this episode is a parody of The Toy, in which Michelangelo pretends to be a toy to sneak into a toy fair, only to end up being brought to a mansion for a rich kid. You'd think that would spell disaster, since my history of kid-focused episodes are usually on the weaker side, but this one was fine. Well at least the stuff with Michelangelo, not so much the rest with the villain being an evil toymaker named Mr. Weazel, who is reprogramming Tyranno toys to cause mayhem and end the career of his boss. Not to mention that there's a clear meta joke about Michelangelo being a toy (Vernon: Don't tell me they're now making toys of those nasty turtles?). This is a pretty mediocre episode, but of the "regular human villains" variety, it's fine. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: Michelangelo ends up with Raphael colors randomly. They use a shot that features Donatello talking, but no words are uttered. Or maybe he did. The audio is not mixed very well in this one with the music being much louder than the dialogue (maybe a DVD issue)
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Toys, Pretending to be Toys


EPISODE 82 - PEKING TURTLE


The marble warriors of General... Chin... Chang??? Okay, that aside, the plot involves Shredder bringing a stone army to life... oh, and stealing a magic pearl that can power the Technodrome. Well, can't expect too dynamic a plot. Also the turtles and Splinter play ball in the lair with a knockoff Harlem Globetrotters theme and it's weirdly endearing. Splinter got game and it's incredible. I do find it funny we're using these statue soldiers instead of, you know, the rock soldiers. This one ws pretty much a business as usual episode, but still a good one regardless. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: Some reused footage, but other than that, nothing substantial
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes. Vernon too. Even the show calls the constant kidnapping out.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Living Statues

EPISODE 83 - SHREDDER'S MOM


Hey, remember when Shredder was any form of a threat? Because this is one of those episodes that reminds you that that was a silly thing to think. Because here comes his mother. I love how Shredder's mother, Miyoko Saki, is not just a villain, but was living in the Ft. Lauderdale Home for Retired Villains. I got a chuckle at that. Also, even TMNT was bringing up climate change in 1990. Nearly 30 years later and it's getting more depressing.

Plot in general is another "heat the world" plot as Shredder and Krang threaten to burn up the planet if they don't get what they need to re-power the Technodrome. I actually enjoyed this one. It's one of the sillier ones in a while. Shredder's mother makes a great character in this episode. More malevolent than Shredder and quick to embarrass him at all costs. I mean, he embarrasses himself every episode anyway, so it's not that big a deal. It's also cool to see the turtles in the Technodrome again after quite a while.  ****

ANIMATION ERRORS: Nothing substantial.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Mothercucking, April in Summer Clothing.

EPISODE 84 - FOUR TURTLES AND A BABY


Neutrinos. It had to be Neutrinos.Well, considering I took what constitutes as a season-long break without them, I guess I was due. It is interesting to go back to General Tragg and the whole war on Dimension X involving the Neutrinos, but I still cannot care about about Neutrinos. Plot involves Shredder and co. kidnapping the Neutrino leaders (one who looks like Elvis for some reason). Meanwhile, the turtles are tasked with protecting their baby named Tribble (and yes, trouble and Tribble are said together a lot). So, it's your basic babysitting adventure, all while dealing with magic alien silliness. Also, of course they just dump the baby on April. But at least she's more competent than others. And as soon as I say that, she dumps the baby inside a duffel bag and tosses it to Irma. Eh, it's an annoying episode but par for the course for Neutrinos. *

ANIMATION ERRORS: Nothing substantial.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No
IRMA BECOMES: Bested by a baby
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Robots, Rock Soldiers, Babysitting, Levitation, Bebop and Rocksteady in mother and baby cosplay

EPISODE 85 - TURTLEMANIAC


This might be the most infuriating episode in a long while. Another normal human villain this time, only this one is a collector of Turtle memorabilia, including the real life turtles and kidnapping April and lowering her into hot wax. Very. Very. VERY. SLOWLY. To the point that her positioning as she's being lowered changes depending on the scene. Sometimes she's high up, sometimes she's barely hovering the vat. This is also the laziest in terms of animation in the while as the frozen turtles feels like the most budget saving stuff we've seen, which considering how stiff and rough this episode looks, that's not too surprising. Also Irma is here because. I love that the episode has the turtles dealing with things like the giant Sumerian slug and the two-headed biker. These are both more interesting things I wish I was watching over this episode. Just the definition of skippable. *

ANIMATION ERRORS: Bad syncing in some episodes
IRMA BECOMES: The worst lookout
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism,  Robot Wax Figures, Ninjas, Statues, Laughing Gas, Crazy Collecting, Lowering into Wax for Hours, Constant Gassing

EPISODE 86 - RONDO IN NEW YORK


Did Last Action Hero rip this episode off?  Plot this time sees Shredder steal a substance called the Vitalizer that can bring inanimate objects to life. In this case, it brings movie monsters to life. Meanwhile, Michelangelo learns that his favorite movie hero is a short wimpy jerk. Everntually however, the movie version is brought to reality. Well, after the past few stinkers, this one was a lot more fun. The turtles having to battle living movie monsters while also dealing with a wimpy movie star is more compelling than crazed turtle fan and babysitting. I even like the concept that the monsters become weaker when light is flashed on them***

ANIMATION ERRORS: Nothing substantial.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Movie Monsters, Tom Cruise Meets Stallone, Snakes

EPISODE 87 - PLANET OF THE TURTLES


This feels like the twelfth episode at least that opens with Donatello screwing with the TV to see another dimension or an April report. In this case a planet of humanoid turtles. This episode sees Shredder and Krang steals an energy projector to steal all the energy from Earth and, what else, power the Technodrome. He enlists the help of two wrestler turtles to deal with the Ninja Turtles (A Pump You Up reference). This is another fun episode. I like that April is written to be rather useful for once in a long while. I also enjoyed Rupert the salesturtle, voiced greatly by Townsend Coleman. When we get to the planet of the turtles, it's a fun little alternate universe, complete with pizza shaped bugs. Plus it's also great to see the turtles in the Technodrome. Something we've gotten more of in season four so far. After a slump, we're getting some fun episodes again. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: Michelangelo speaks through Leonardo in one of the worst wrong voice scenes in a while.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Robots, Wrestlers, SNL References, Doc Brown References

EPISODE 88 - NAME THAT TOON


What did I just say about opening with the TV and a dimensional interference? We're introduced in this episode to Howie, who is Irma's boyfriend. And like so many characters in this show, he'll be gone after two episodes. Irma can't catch a break can she? But she is always more fun when she's hella thirsty. Though he does seem to be based slightly off Woody Allen, so maybe she's better off. Or maybe it's Buddy Holly so she's not? Plot this time sees Krang and Shredder throw out a powerful alien keyboard which Howie finds. Meanwhile, Krang ransoms Earth again to power the Technodrome, this time by using a bomb that will vaporize parts of the city. But the bomb itself seems to change time constantly, getting higher and lower depending on the scene. Still not as egregious as April in Turtlemaniac. This episode was better than I thought going in. Nothing amazing, but it does have a better plot than usual. And the "Heroes in a Half Shell" theme is half decent, even if the lyrics are rough. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: Donatello and Michelangelo speak without moving their mouth
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Pianists, Woo-ee-ooh, I look just like Buddy Holly

EPISODE 89 - MENACE, MAESTRO PLEASE


And here is our second and final Howie appearance. This time, the turtles and April try to help fix an abandoned theater, while also dealing with Shredder. Meanwhile, Krang creates another energy vacuum to, what else, power the Technodrome. These plots converge when the theater as the theater hosts a powerful organ. While also dealing with two phantoms, one being Shredder. So yeah, this is a Phantom of the Opera parody, and somehow not the only one, but when it comes to phantoms, this one is more competent. We'll get to that eventually. They make the real phantom in this episode a bit too obvious and not in a good Scooby Doo way. Though the twist involving said phantom is pretty neat in a "weird TMNT" way. Not to mention the fact that the episode actually connects with the previous one which I gotta admit for this era of turtles is rather clever. Otherwise, it's another decent episode. Weirdly the Howie episodes were more okay than expected, even if he sings way too much. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: Leonardo kinda speaks through Donatello
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes. Irma too.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Not-So-Funky Phantoms

EPISODE 90 - SUPER HERO FOR A DAY


Plot this time sees an old superhero named Gadgetman try to return to action after being annoyed by the turtles. Also yet another power vacuum to power up the Technodrome, only this one needs to be powered by three power plants. Hence Shredder having Gadgetman distract the turtles. This episode feels like meta commentary on people being annoyed by the Turtle Mania. Kinda like the 1990s equivalent of boomers constantly crapping over millennials. Overall, this one was another decent episode. Some good lines, a shot at The Simpsons (which was still evergreen at this point). Also, pizza slice poker is a thing. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: Donatello speaks through Leonardo, then later through Raphael.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Robots, Retired Superheroes

EPISODE 91 - BACK TO THE EGG


Adolescent Mutant Ninja Turtles! Plot this time sees Michelangelo and Leonardo being turned into children not by Shredder, but an evil ringmaster named Captain Krulik tasked by Krang with Shredder working as unwilling lackey. Gotta admit the toddler turtles are weirdly adorable. Although Cam Clarke and Townsend Coleman's creepy child voices aren't so much. Donatello and Raphael are bad caretakers as they just leave the two on their own, knowing well enough they've gotten into trouble before. At least they didn't just dump them on April, though she still ends up with them. This is another "just fine" episode. The plot's a bit more fresh and at least the villain plot isn't just boiled down to "power the Technodrome". Only real downside is Captain Krulik is pretty forgettable. Also, Shredder is easily beaten by literal human children. How can he stoop lower? ***

ANIMATION ERRORS:
Wait what?

DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Robots, Benjamin Buttoning, Ringmasters, Poshy Douchebags, Bozo the Clown

EPISODE 92 - THE TURTLES AND THE HARE


It's new character time. This time it's Hokum Hare. Which means, yep. This episode and the next are his only appearances. Funny how this keeps happening. Plot this time sees the turtles in a fairy tale dimension dealing with Hokum Hare, the hare from The Tortoise and the Hare.It's also an Easter episode. Also, Krang invents a "Docile-Izer" that makes whoever's zapped timid. But it conveniently doesn't work on the turtles. And the only way to fix it is a crystal in another dimension. Hence the fairy tale dimension as Leonardo and Raphael go on the search. It seems like a particular hell with how the fairy tale folk end up having to do the same thing every hour. This episode feels a bit bloated plot-wise, but it's still an okay episode. Another good and silly plot that flows well enough regardless. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: Bebop speaks through Rocksteady
IRMA BECOMES: Replaced with some other character
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Robots, Giants, Rabbit Costumes, Rabbit Puns, Being Really Scared

EPISODE 93 - ONCE UPON A TIME MACHINE


We introduced Hokum Hare in the last episode so of course, we go right into his second and final appearance. Also, this is another case where an episode doesn't appear in the right DVD. In this case, it appears on the Season Ten DVD. Very annoying. At least with the European episodes they front loaded the Season 7 set. Hokum's role is kinda similar to Usagi before in that he's easily confused and tries to fight crime. Shredder and Krang's plot this time sees them using a time machine to change to the year 3000, but end up in 2036. Since this means a future without any crime or violence (AKA more of a fairy tale world than the fairy tale dimension from last episode), Shredder recruits Bebop and Rocksteady's gang from the present to start a crime spree. The Turtles and Hokum make it to the future as well and meet their elderly counterparts, the Old Age Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Time Travel episodes can be hit and miss, but I ended up really liking this one. The plot flowed better than most, we got a decent version of the future, and it's neat to see the elder turtles who are fun characters in themselves. For the end of the syndicated era, this is a good way to go out. ****

ANIMATION ERRORS: Nothing substantial
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Robots, Time Travel, Cops Being Stripped, Elderly Versions

----SEASON 4 - THE CBS ERA----

With the massive success of TMNT still white hot in 1990, CBS would pick up the show to air on Saturday mornings. The only other notable occasion where a show got big on syndication that a major network grabbed it would probably be with Pokemon at the end of the 1990s.  This also means a new intro, which admittedly isn't as cool as the original, but I still like it. It weirdly feels more fitting of this era of the series in which the show leans more into its sillier side.


EPISODE 94 - SON OF RETURN OF THE FLY II


Baxter's back, all right! And he's brought along Z, his computer pal from his last appearance. It's like a weird, cute relationship. The best fly/computer romance in television history. The episode features a chase for a powerful computer chip. Shredder and Krang want it to, of course, power the technodrome, while Baxter uses it give Z a body. This episode is actually fun, and it comes down mainly to Baxter, him confusing April's name with multiple months of the year is one of the best gags in a bit ("You September O'Neil?")  while also constantly breaking through walls and kidnapping Vernon. The animation also looks a lot cleaner than the majority of the syndicated run. Not sure if that's the CBS budget, or on its own. The only issue I have is the turtles fall from the top of a giant clocktower, on their feet, with no damage. What even? But the whole "destruction of other people's property" gag just adds to how great this episode is. For the start of the CBS run, this is one great way to start things off. ****

ANIMATION ERRORS: Leo speaks through Raph, TWICE in the span of one scene.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes, technically since the Channel 6 crew are trapped in the building
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Robots, Human Flys, Living Computers

EPISODE 95 - RAPHAEL KNOCKS 'EM DEAD


Okay, so in the last episode we had Baxter Stockman. Now we have his twin brother Barney Stockman, which is a recycle of Baxter's old human form with his hair looking more orange. Well, that's one of the more creative uses for recycling a design. Although, if I can nag about continuity again, Barney says that Baxter turned into a fly mutant from a botched experiment. Not true. Baxter's mutation was caused when Krang was literally about to have him disintegrated, only for an arrant fly to somehow screw that up and change Baxter's molecules into a human-fly mutant. But hey, that was like eighty episodes ago, so I won't hold that much of a grudge.

We're in the CBS era and yet we still open with the turtles watching TV. This episode sees Raphael aspiring to be a stand up comedian, but the bigger issue is that the local comedians are mysteriously disappearing. Turns out it's the doing of a gangster named Pinky McFingers, who is working with Barney Stockman to increase the power of jokes to create a laughing fit in the city. Well, it's not "powering the Technodrome". Raph's jokes are every basic turtle joke under the sun, but it's still weirdly endearing. This is one of the better "regular human villains" episodes, not amazing, but fine. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: There's a weird scene with some strange audio overlap
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, Bad Comedy, Twins, Bad Capone Impressions

EPISODE 96 - BEBOP AND ROCKSTEADY CONQUER THE UNIVERSE


Oh dammit, Zach is back. I guess we've been due. Plot this time sees Bebop and Rocksteady steal an "anxietron ray", which as you'd expect, make people scared. Wait, we just had that with the first Hokum Hare episode. I know this show recycles plot, but jeez. On the plus side to this, the episode sees Bebop and Rocksteady pull a mutiny with their control of the anxietron. Also there's a Godzilla-like movie named "Gorganzola", who Bebop and Rocksteady think is real because for as much power they've gained, they're still stupid.. At least now I know where the new end credits image comes from. It's also good to see Splinter being used in the story. That's felt like a rarity lately. This was a fine episode. A better take on the fear gun than the previous episode and it's always just fun to see Bebop and Rocksteady cause mayhem. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: There's a weird scene with some strange audio overlap
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes, Kinda. She get trapped inside Gorganzola
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Robots, Ninjas, Aliens, Paranoia, Godzilla, Robot Vore

EPISODE 97 - RAPHAEL MEETS HIS MATCH


This episode introduces us to a great new character named Mona Lisa Gecko, and unlike almost every other new character introduced, she only gets this one episode. Sure, sure. No, we really needed two Hokum Hare episodes but not two Mona Lisa ones. Mona Lisa, who has sort of a Splinter-like origin when it comes to her mutation. Raphael wins a free cruise off a pizza scratch card to the birthday cruse of billionaire McDonald Crump (This weirdly appears to be one of two seemingly blatant Trump references this season with Donald J. Lofty also appearing later). Also April and Vernon are there.

It's there that Raphael runs into Mona Lisa, who is trying to stop the villain of this episode, Captain Filch, a pirate who robs the ship. Honestly, this episode feels like another backdoor pilot idea, but compared to the Neutrinos I could have loved a Mona Lisa spinoff. Seriously, she's one of the best characters the show gave us and it's a shame she was so underutilized. This CBS season seems to focus a lot more on solo stories for the turtles (this being our second Raphael episode) and so far they've delivered, especially this episode. *****

ANIMATION ERRORS: Leo speaks through Raph. Come on, in Raph's episode? April reports the ransom video for Captain Filch in broad daylight, when the kidnapping happens at night.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, Vernon Being Sick, Evil Pirates and their Anemone Henchmen

EPISODE 98 - SLASH - THE EVIL TURTLE FROM DIMENSION X


Slash was a character that appeared in a lot of products like the games and comics as a bad ass evil turtle. The cartoon's version, a mentally stunted mutant turtle obsessed with his "binky", a plastic palm tree from his turtle bowl. I do like this recent string of Bebop and Rocksteady's rebellious streak lately. Plot this time is a bit bloated, the Turtles have to deal with a tyrant land developer named Fenton Q. Quackenbrush (an employee of the aforementioned Donald J. Lofty) who is trying to flush out the Ninja Turtles, while Bebop and Rocksteady mutate their own ninja turtle named Slash. But when they lose his "binky", Slash goes on a tear until he ends up on Earth. Fenton uses Slash to ensure the turtles get blamed for his destruction.

 This was another fun episode. Slash is a great addition to the cast who does makes more appearances than the normal two. It's also been a while since the show tackled the whole "the citizens consider the turtles a menace" concept. The CBS run has been some of the best turtles, especially after the middle of the road run in the latter syndicated eps. ****

ANIMATION ERRORS: Some scenes where people speak, but their mouths don't move.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Robots, Ninjas, Aliens, Mutation, Binky Obsession

EPISODE 99 - LEONARDO LIGHTENS UP


You know, I wasn't really going to bring up how Leonardo is the turtle with the least amount of personality in the group, but leave it to the cartoon to do the job for me. That's convenient. Episode this time sees Leonardo being more of a hard ass than usual, wanting the turtles to train more, which annoys the others. So they decide to literally change Leonardo's personality with a personality ray. Because that's something logical. Also the villain's a crazed musician named Maestro G. Cleff who causes panic with his powerful stereo. Half this episode is more interesting than the other with the Leonardo stuff being rather fun, and the villain stuff being mediocre, even for "regular human villains" episodes. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: Nothing substantial
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, Personality Changing, Crazed Maestros, Bad French Accents, Splinter on a Skateboard

EPISODE 100 - WERE-RATS FROM CHANNEL 6


We did it! 100 episodes under our belt with 93 left to go. The end isn't fully in sight, but we're well on our way. Remember last time when Rat King kidnapped Vernon and Irma to turn into rats and it didn't actually work? Well, this time he actually got it to work. Proof positive that if you put in the effort, anything can happen. This time he uses some conveniently placed mutagen to mutate the pair. Conveniently the mutagen's botched, so it isn't permanent. Also Shredder and company are in this episode, but like they really could have not appeared and nothing would have been lost. I like how this episode goes weirdly full were-rat lore. I enjoyed this one too. It's not as good as some of the previous episodes, but it's still some great turtle weirdness. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: Nothing substantial
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes
IRMA BECOMES: A rat
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Mutations

EPISODE 101 - FUNNY, THEY SHRUNK MICHELANGELO


It's another shrinking episode! But given the fact that the last one was the seventh episode, I won't give it much slack. It's also another non-Shredder one-shot villain episode. This time it's Talbot Breech, a half-pint naval enthusiast who couldn't get into the navy, so he instead shrinks naval ships for his ship-in-a-bottle collection, and Michelangelo gets caught in the crossfire. Also April and Vernon do too because. Also Talbot bathes with the shrunken boats. They mention that there's no people on the boats, but like the boats are moving on their own when he shrinks them, so... I dunno. As for the episode itself, it's fine. It's a better use of the shrinking genre better with more fun concepts. Nothing out of the ordinary for most cartoons, but it does what's asked. Although the other turtles going all "Where's Poochie" whenever Michelangelo isn't on screen is silly. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: Nothing substantial.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes. Vernon too.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Robots,  Shrinking, Windsurfing Enthusiasm, Bathing, Napoleon Complexes

EPISODE 102 - THE BIG ZIPP ATTACK


The episode opens with a worldwide tiddly wink tournament, which is amazing. We also open with the turtles yet again watching TV, and Donatello yet again making a pizza maker that is out of control. On the plus side, this is a Shredder and Krang episode. Minus, it's a "power the Technodrome" episode. This time, they need a powerful metal to replace their pipes. But an alien egg lands in Dimension X, hatching a Zipp. A tiny alien that eats metal and becomes more powerful and dangerous overtime, which includes growing and multiplying. So, this is also another Gremlins episode. At least there's no Neutrinos this time. Donald J. Lofty is in this one too, but if the previous appearance was any notion, this was supposed to come first. This one's just okay. Feels like a retread of a lot of previous episode ideas, but still done well enough for a fun episode. Also, tiddly wink tournament. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: Not sure if it counts, but the turtles and the zipp are in the chocolate factory before the act break, then when the break ends, they're outside.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes. Irma too.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Ninjas, Gremlins

EPISODE 103 - DONATELLO MAKES TIME


Donatello creates a machine that can stop time. What could possibly go wrong? Well, by that, I guess that means another human villain episode. Professor Lloyd Cycloid who creates a satellite to melt the brains of everyone on the planet, while also stealing the time stopper. Also, April and Vernon are involved too. I will say, it's kinda silly that this mad scientist easily found the turtles lair, but Shredder has never had that luck. We also have yet another episode where a rare metal is needed for a weapon, so for all the more creative stuff in the episode, there's a lot of redundancy. Even a scene where Donatello is being hung over boiling liquid. But at least it's not as awful as Turtlemaniac's take. This episode was okay, of the past few episodes to get three stars, this is the weakest, but still a watchable affair. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: Not really an error, but this episode feels like it's moving at 10 frames a second. Very noticeable compared to a lot of episodes recently.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Mad Science, Time Stopping, Frozen People

EPISODE 104 - FAREWELL LOTUS BLOSSOM


While we didn't get a second and final episode for Mona Lisa, at least we get one more Lotus Blossom episode. The turtles have to protect a powerful urn containing a powerful samurai named Chakahachi. Also, Lotus Blossom is connected to this as well because Chakahachi's spirit contains his deceased wife. Oh, and Shredder and Krang are here as well, easily duped by Shredder. Which is a shame, because she seemed less naive in the previous appearance. There's a great joke about a place called "The Secret Hideout", which is rife with signs leading to its direction. Also, there's some meta commentary of the death of vinyl records, which in 2019 seems like it's far from the case. Speaking of great jokes and meta humor, Chakahachi speaks perfect English. When Donatello asks how this is the case if he's from ancient Japan, Raphael mentions that it's because they can't afford subtitles. That actually got a laugh from me. This is a bit of a bloated plot, but for the final appearance of Lotus, it was still a good episode. ****

ANIMATION ERRORS: Donatello speaks through Leonardo. Rocksteady speaks through Bebop. Several scenes of mouths not moving yet speaking. And then Leonardo turns into Raphael in one scene. The worst case of errors in a while.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No. In fact, April only appears briefly.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, Aliens, Giants, Giant Samurai Ghosts, Japan in general

EPISODE 105 - REBEL WITHOUT A FIN


Another character who has appeared in a bunch of other turtle products, Ray Fillet makes his one and only appearance. However, this version fares far different from the one seen in the comics and video games. Nothing says interesting episode like the turtles pissing off Splinter at the offset. As for the plot, it's another "regular human" villain. Even more egregious, a mad scientist episode. Dr. Polidorius (who the turtles can't get the name right), who is focused on turning people into fish. In this case, he created Ray to plant bombs around the city to sink it. Gotta admit, Rob Paulsen's "gives no damns" attitude with Ray is kinda hilarious. April also gets kidnapped, because of course. Only this time, she gets turned into a fish person. Interesting that she's been both cat and fish in this series. This is one of those episodes where almost every scene is transitioned with a fade out or a long pause into a fade out and it's kinda annoying. Not an error mind you, but it's still boring. As for the episode, it's fine. Ray's a neat character with his array of fish-like powers. Too bad he's a one-offer like Mona Lisa. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: Nothing substantial
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Mutation, Eternally Bored Fish Men, Fish Women, Mad Scientists, Misnaming, Fade to Black.

EPISODE 106 - RHINO-MAN


The plot this time sees the entire town catching superhero fever (which includes Vernon as Newsman). The extremely wealthy J. Gordon Hungerdunger is giving the most impressive hero a valuable diamond. And guess what that diamond can do? No, not power the Technodrome, but instead create yet another heat ray to free the Technodrome. So, Krang enlists Bebop and Rocksteady to pretend to be Superheroes, Rhino-Man and Mighty Hog. This also turns out to be a diversion by Hungerdunger who is trying to poison the water supply and hypnotize the people.

Forget the Ninja Turtles, I want a series about Cheeseburgerman. 

This episode was pretty fun.Yeah, it follows a lot of tropes that the show is guilty of, but almost every time the show puts focus on Rocksteady and Bebop, it's delivered some of the most entertaining outings. Not to mention Shredder being constantly bothered by the hero work is hilarious. ****

ANIMATION ERRORS: Nothing substantial
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No.
IRMA BECOMES: Mind Controlled
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Superheroes, Evil Rich Texans, CHEESEBURGERMAN!

EPISODE 107 - MICHELANGELO MEETS BUGMAN


Right off the bat, my first observation is that Splinter has been real pissy lately. Like even more so in this episode. The plot this time sees Michelangelo meet his comic book hero, Brick Bradley, also known as Bugman as the two face off with Bugman's main villain, Electrozapper. This weirdly feels like another "backdoor pilot" idea with how much focus is given on Bugman and his origin, How an accidentally fusion of bug DNA turned him into a human/bug hybrid. Much like the Hulk, he turns into Bugman whenever he gets angry. And I gotta admit, his transformation is pretty disturbing for this cartoon. What's kinda cool about Bugman is he's voiced by Dan Gilvezan, the voice of Spider-Man in Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends. That's a neat reference. He also did voice works in Sectaurs. He sure voiced a lot of bug humans.

Another episode I really liked. It's one of the better animated episodes at that with some good work on Bugman's transformations. Hell, Bugman's one of the more fun ideas in a while. As corny as his dialogue is, this could have been a fun backdoor pilot idea. Still better than the Neutrinos at least. ****

ANIMATION ERRORS: Nothing substantial
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Mutants, Insect Superheroes, Transformation, Hulk Parodies

EPISODE 108 - POOR LITTLE RICH TURTLE


It's another shrinking episode... already! Okay, I was lenient last time, but come on. Though in fairness, it is in the last act. Buffy Shellhammer is the granddaughter to the late owner of a chemistry company. And as such, guess who could use the secrets of certain chemicals to, oh I don't know, power some kind of technological drome? Yup, Shredder and Krang. The turtles try to protect Buffy, but she's also kind of a rotten kid, mainly because she hates the responsibilities she's been given after her grandfather died. Also, Michelangelo has a crush on her. RIP his feelings for Kala then. This is also the second episode in a row that features a character getting a twisted ankle (forgot to mention April injuring herself previously).

This episode is weird. On one hand, it has a decent plot, but on the other hand, Buffy can kind of be a pain to deal with. Almost as if the show is making me regret my comments toward Zach. Also, apparently David Wise, writer of the ep, recycled some stuff from a Transformers episode he wrote. At the very least, the third act is better. I wanna give this a better rating, but... ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: There's a weird pre-break pause where both Donatello and Michelangelo open their mouths, but only Donatello speaks. Raph speaks through Donatello in a later scene.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No. Buffy does though.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, Aliens, Robots, Shrinking, Rich people, Ankle injuries, Brain sucking.

EPISODE 109 - WHAT'S MICHELANGELO GOOD FOR?


We got a guest star in this one as Phylicia Rashad guest stars as Jane Goofellow. That's particularly interesting seeing as The Cosby Show was still the biggest sitcom on television, and she's guest starring on what was still the biggest kids show on television. That's about the most interesting trivia piece to this episode as our villain is another mad scientist of the week. Dr. Lesseau, who is Dr. Moreau type who is kidnapping animals to create the perfect hybrid, so he kidnaps the other turtles, and thus Michelangelo has to save them. However, Michelangelo begins to have confidence issues, not knowing what his purpose is. I mean the theme song said it, he's a party dude. Also, Michelangelo has a pigeon friend named Pete and I'll admit, it's a pretty cute friendship.

This was a fine episode. Michelangelo's gotten some good episodes in the CBS run, and I do like how they give him some character growth. Not to mention the others are given a role that's more than just "Where's Michelangelo?" Giving it ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: Not really an animation error, but the turtles are kidnapped in their civilian clothes, but we see them caged in their ninja gear. The positions of the turtles in their cages shifts from scene to scene as well. Raph speaks through Leonardo. At this rate, I'm thinking Raph's a ventriloquist.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No. Leonardo, Donatello and Raphael do.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, Michelangelo stripping, Hybrid Animals, Pigeon Friends

EPISODE 110 - THE DIMENSION X STORY


And I jinxed it mentioning the Neutrinos, didn't I? Never mind that, Vernon's got a frigging Geraldo-esque talk show! Asking the hard hitting questions like "Did Elvis invent the video game?" Although it's the most interesting thing happening apparently since even Shredder, April and the Turtles are getting bored. Shredder challenges the turtles to a fight, but it's all a ruse to trap them in Dimension X, capturing Michelangelo and Raphael. Also, the Neutrinos are involved because... because... *shrugs*. Also Vernon, Irma and April are trapped as well, also because.

Neutrinos aside, this was a solid episode. April and Vernon banter is par for the course, but it is entertaining in this one, while there are some great scenes in Dimension X as the gang have to both leave and re-enter the Tehnodrome. Ending in a bit of a battle royale with the turtles and some alien creatures. Also after some middling appearances from Shredder and the gang, this was much needed.****

ANIMATION ERRORS: A few noticeable flickers in animation.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes. And Irma. And the Neutrinos. Surprisingly, not Vernon.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, Aliens, Robots, Wizard of Oz references, Tabloid TV

EPISODE 111 - DONATELLO'S DEGREE


Another random mad scientist episode. That's the gist of it. Well, I guess to at least add some depth to this paragraph, Donatello tries to get his college degree. But since he's been sending his stuff via mail due to the whole "mutant turtle" thing, the villain of the episode, Professor Filo Sopho mistakenly believes that Donatello is actually a woman named Donna Tello. So, Donatello has Irma accept the degree in his honor, which leads to a bunch of problems. Also April and Vernon are dealing with an issue involving the bottomless lake being overpopulated by fish, which is caused by Sopho trying to speed up the earth. I remember a while back about how the show seemed to lean into a weird Donatello/Irma ship? Well, this episode seems to amplify that.

The whole mistaken gender thing could have gone worse, and felt like a very dated "guy in dress" story, but I'll take the Irma sideplot because she continues to be MVP. I guess one plus to Filo Sopho is that it's Rob Paulsen doing the Dr. Scratchnsniff voice. That aside, I really liked this one more than I expected. A bit more comedy focused over the more action heavy stories recently.

That, and this face should make it an instant *****, but due to her getting a bit full of herself, I'll give it a fairer ****

ANIMATION ERRORS: One shot has a bunch of people at a table, but the further shot just has Sopho and Irma.
IRMA BECOMES: Donna Tello
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No. Donatello does.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, Robots, Mistaken Identities, Musclebound Nerds, Mad Science, Vernon Going Fishing, Irma eating a note sandwich, Thirsty Irma


EPISODE 112 - THE BIG CUFFLINK CAPER!


Well, we've been a bit top heavy on mad scientists lately, how about some gangster action? Sadly, no Don Turtelli present. You know, this is the second episode in a while to mention the turtles being in a rut. Meta commentary perhaps? Tony Vivaldi, a gangster who appeared back in "The Maltese Hamster" is suddenly causing a cufflink crime wave, stealing all the cufflinks in the city for his boss, Big Louie, who is working for Shredder. Because there's a particular set of cufflinks that can, of course, help them get the Technodrome out of the lava (an actual reference to The Dimension X story). The Turtles pretend to go evil as they have to take on, I swear this is a real character name, Baby Face "The Beaver" Cleaver, complete with his assistant Wally. Every time I feel like this show is losing me, they give me gold. Also April and Irma are here because. Gangster stuff isn't totally up my alley, but this episode made it worth it for the frigging Leave it to Beaver reference. Also, this is a rare occasion Michelangelo uses his nunchucks, without spinning them of course, so that's a point. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: A really, really bad freeze frame scene as April and Irma are suspended over yet another vat.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes. Irma too.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, Aliens, Gangsters, Leave it to Beaver, Transfarmers

EPISODE 113 - LEONARDO VERSUS TEMPESTRA


Vidja gaems! The turtles hit the arcade, where Leonardo becomes drawn to "Tempestra's Revenge". He becomes addicted in defeating the game. And due to a convoluted lightning storm, the game explodes, freeing Tempestra. Speaking of, Tempestra is an interesting villain what with the power to manipulate weather, cause earthquakes and even bring technology to life. Definitely good to see a powerful villain again instead of just another mad scientist. And she also gets a sequel episode. Leonardo has usually been the driest character of the bunch, but this was definitely a good episode for him. As for the plot, while Tempestra is a great addition, we've tread some of these ideas before like weather changing. For what it is, ***.

ANIMATION ERRORS: Donatello speaks through Raph.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, Video Game Villains, Video Game Addiction, Energy Absorption, Elemental Titans


EPISODE 114 - SPLINTER VANISHES


We open with, what else, the turtles watching TV just as April establishes the current crime of the week. Meanwhile, Splinter vanishes and leaves a video telling the Turtles to go their separate ways and quit being ninja turtles. Meanwhile Rat King and Leatherhead are teaming up to create an army of robot rats and gators. The turtles take up new jobs, with Raphael being a singing telegram, Leonardo running a fitness center (also, Roseanne's fitness center, I understand the reference), Donatello running a fix-it shop and Michelangelo taking up a cooking show (until he gets fired for his pizza recipes). Also a shadowy figure is following them, that totally isn't Splinter, but let's be honest, it is. This is a pretty good episode all things considered. Rat King and Leatherhead are more competent this time than previously, and the concept of the turtles having to go their separate ways only to be weaker apart works well. And it is neat to see the turtles trying and failing at other vocations. Also, Splinter can now control rats himself? ****

ANIMATION ERRORS: A couple odd flickers of animation, but nothing crazy.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No. Three out of four turtles do.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, Rat King in drag, freezing

EPISODE 115 - RAPHAEL DRIVES EM WILD


So, despite the scheduling stuff with some episodes, and the whole European arc stuff, this is technically listed as the 100th episode of TMNT. And for their big milestone episode... it's more gangster stuff. It's a body swap episode as well! Plot this time sees a gangster named Mr. Big (who is of course a tiny man with a Peter Lorre voice) using a transmogrifier with his dim underling and switch bodies with a premier, but Raphael accidentally gets swapped with a cabbie. I mean, this plot was a bit more interesting with The Old Switcheroo, but I'd say this one was fine. Nothing exciting, but nothing that hasn't been delved with in other body swap plots. Though the turtles not telling Raphael about the body swap seems kinda dumb and only causes more problems. Not exactly the kind of episode I'd make the 100th, but regardless, ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: Swapped Raphael has a green hand when he's under the pizzas, despite being in Oscar the cabbie's body.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, Gangsters, Body Swapping, Peter Lorre

EPISODE 116 - BEYOND THE DONATELLO NEBULA



Plot this time sees Donatello make contact with the turtle nebula. But he ends up bringing an alien to earth named Algernon (or Algie). Meanwhile, an evil businessman named Hiram Grelch tries to take over Channel 6. From his voice, his different powers and general demeanor, I can tell that Algie is supposed to be sort of a Great Gazoo type character, only he's a professor of tiddly winks (the second reference this season) This episode is very average honestly. Again, nothing amazing, but like so many episodes with normal human villains, it fails to be really interesting. **

ANIMATION ERRORS: Donatello morphs into Michelangelo, nunchucks and all. A scene where Michelangelo wears a mask, Donatello's in the van, but he's with Algie. Leonardo later becomes Donatello. The front of the turtle van reads "TUTLE" in one scene. Easily the messiest episode in a while.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Being covered in glue, hostile business owners, McGruff references, April holding a glue gun

EPISODE 117 - BIG BUG BLUNDER


I remember this episode creeping me out as a kid, mainly because I do find a lot of bugs freaky. Looking at it now though, yeah, it was freakier when I was young. In this episode, after a fly lands on a batch of bad mutagen, it turns gigantic, so Shredder and company create more giant insects and arachnids to invade New York. First a giant fly, followed by a giant wasp, scorpion and mantis, until finally a giant ant. Also one of the punk frogs is conveniently in town, in this case Ghengis. Also Metalhead returns for the first time in a long time. That's cool. As for the episode itself, it's actually one of the better ones lately. I mean we've had giant monsters before, but there's a great B-horror movie feel to this episode that I do appreciate. Not to mention a Shredder and Krang plot that doesn't involve powering the technodrome? Sign me up. ****

ANIMATION ERRORS: They forgot to draw the floor in a scene.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Kinda? Technically the giant wasp covers the Channel Six building in mud, so add Burne, Irma and Vernon to that list.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Giant Bugs,

EPISODE 118 - THE FOOT SOLDIERS ARE REVOLTING


We open the episode with, of course, the turtles watching TV. In this case footage of Bebop and Rocksteady constantly failing. Meanwhile, Shredder fires Bebop and Rocksteady, which considering they still have one win over Shredder, that's saying something. Shredder uses a brainwave enhancer on one of the foot soliders named Alpha-1, but a short circuit caused by Bebop and Rocksteady's video game turns Alpha-1 into a genius that has the foot soldiers mutiny. Meanwhile there's a wave modulator that could cause some damage. So we get a team-up episode with Bebop, Rocksteady and the turtles, which is always neat. As for the episode itself, this is another good episode. Alpha-1 is an interesting villain and the plot, while nothing new, is still interesting. could have worked as a better season finale, but no such luck. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: A few minor errors, but nothing super substantial.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Surprisingly no. All other organic life does though.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Aliens, Robots, Genius Robots

EPISODE 119 - UNIDENTIFIED FLYING LEONARDO 


After 54 episodes (41 season 4 episodes plus the European arc), we're finally a the end of season 4. And the big final episode is... another "regular human" episode. We start the episode with... that's right, the turtles watching TV. Leonardo follows April as she searches for info on a UFO. Meanwhile, strange happenings are going on involving giant vegetables. Also, this episode might be a Twin Peaks reference I think, since the show did come out originally around this time. Eventually he gets mistaken for an alien. Meanwhile there's a villain named Dr. Davens who is using a vita-ray to turn vegetables gigantic. This episode was decent. A bit busy, but fine. It also contains what I have to say is the worst voice of all time. Like it's high pitched and raspy. Had to be hell to do. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: Raphael turns into Leonardo.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Giant Veggies, Mistaken Alien Identities.

And after 54 episodes, we finally wrap up season four of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. We've had to cover three different eras of the show to get through it. One not technically airing at this time, despite still playing a role in the syndicated era. But I will say that the CBS era was the most interesting of the bunch. We got a lot more solo episodes for the turtles, which was much needed. However, this was also an era of really boring gangsters and mad scientists. If anything, we did get some neat debuts like Bugman, Tempestra, Mona Lisa, and the greatness that is CHEESEBURGERMAN!

However, this was easily my least favorite of the seasons so far, despite some bright spots. A lot of the plots do start to feel very stale. A lot of plot devices like shrinking, giant monsters and body swapping, not to mention lots and lots of April being kidnapped. Even the structure of episodes is starting to wane. Definitely a telling sign that Ninja Turtles wasn't built for almost 200 episodes. But we have 74 to to go.

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES II: THE SECRET OF THE OOZE - 1991


One year after Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was a surprise hit at the box office, New Line got the sequel ready to go, and thus came Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze. And most people I know tend to not like it. And I can see why. First and foremost, where the original focused on the gritty origins of the comic, the sequel hit right when parental groups (Not to mention other countries enraged over the Michelangelo issue) were trying to have the franchise toned down. So, despite having their weapons, the turtles would use more comical items as weapons, like toys, or giant pepperonis. And while I have less of an issue about it, I can see why it left some sour. Next up, no Judith Hoag as April, as Paige Turco takes over, and she does an okay job.

But the bigger his is no Elias Koteas returning as Casey Jones. Instead we get Ernie Reyes Jr. as Keno, who is kinda forgettable to be honest. Not really Ernie's fault, just he's kinda unremarkable. And the last big thing is the addition of two new mutants who work for Shredder. And sadly, it's not Bebop and Rocksteady, it's Tokka and Rahzar. A mutant snapping turtle and wolf. It would have been neat to see Bebop and Rocksteady in the movie, but given how solid the Jim Henson studio effects look, I'm not opposed. Also, another plus is Donatello is actually written as the genius of the four instead of Michelangelo II: The Secret of the Dude.

In the end, I still like this movie. It's nowhere close to the level of the original, but for being a more lighthearted affair closer to the cartoon, it's perfectly serviceable. Plus, I mean, the Vanilla Ice scene alone earns it points in that turtle wackiness I've come to expect since I've covered over a hundred episodes. And trust me, when we get to 1993, I'll be begging to go back to this film.


----SEASON FIVE----

Season five takes us into the fall of 1991. No more concerns over syndicated episodes or other places to hop around. CBS is the permanent home for the turtles until its end. And after 54 episodes last time, we're at a more doable 20. We have a season of new characters, a few surprise returns, and even some of those dastardly replacement voices. Can this be a season that turns things around after the somewhat flatter season four? Let's find out.


EPISODE 120 & 121 - PLANET OF THE TURTLEOIDS


Kicking season five off, we have a two part special that aired on CBS in prime time on August 31st, 1991. And we start this off with one of the dumbest villains yet. a Powerful sumo with tattoos all over him named... Tattoo that is actually a hamster because this show is the silliest. He actually got a figure if you can believe it. But then again we would get farmer turtles. Meanwhile, Shredder and Krang are mutating new mutants to... of course... steal a powerful ruby to control yet another heat ray (we'll get to where they are next episode). This gives us two new villains (thanks to both a botch from Bebop and Rocksteady and an alien turtle named Kerma), a bull named Groundchuck and a mole named Dirtbag. All while Donatello has an existential crisis about wanting to live in a place with other turtles, away from humanity.

Which leads us to Kerma, a turtle alien from Shell-Ri-La who sends the turtles and the new mutants to his home planet to battle a giant two headed dragon with lasers named Herman the Horrible (this show, man). With the turtles gone, Shredder says "screw the heat ray, let's create a giant robot named Chrome Dome. This is a pretty bloated with ideas episode, which makes sense since it's an hour long, but it's still pretty fun. Honestly, this feels like what they intended for the season four finale, but we get it as a special for the season that followed. The twist with Herman should have been something I caught early, but surprisingly didn't clue in until later. Definitely some quality turtle stuff. ****

ANIMATION ERRORS:Raphael turns into Michelangelo between scenes. This is even more confusing as Raphael would have been in the sewers defeating Dirtbag.
CONTINUITY ERROR: At the zoo, Bebop and Rocksteady mention that this is where they came from before they were mutated. Which is half-true, but they were humans mutated with a rhino and warthog first.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, Mutation, Robots, Aliens, giant tattoo human hamsters, alchemy, a two headed dragons wielding lasers

EPISODE 122 - DONATELLO'S BADD TIME


It's the return of the alternate voices as Townsend Coleman replaces Peter Renaday as Splinter in this episode. And thankfully it's a helluva lot better than his Krang. Plot this time sees Donatello upgrade the Turtle Van, only to have it be stolen by The Badd Family, a Ma Barker style group of hillbilly robbers. Well, it's not another mad scientist or gangster. But don't worry, there is a professor with yet another dangerously powerful diamond. Some things never change. Honestly, for the first non-special episode to talk about for this season, there really isn't much to talk about. Though there are some strange fourth wall breaking, including the most random flashback ever. It's the most "an episode" episode in a while. **

ANIMATION ERRORS: Raphael turns into Donatello.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, Hillbillies, Robot Cars, Banjo Music

EPISODE 123 - DONATELLO'S DUPLICATE


Double the Donatello. Both in episodes to cover and literally. When Donatello becomes overworked, he clones himself. We haven't actually had a cloning episode yet. Surprised it took this long. And surprise surprise, the clone goes bad. He also clones a rat that has some of Donatello's mind (which I guess is plot convenience so that it would tie into the villain's scheme). Also Rat King is working with Pinky McFingers (of all the gangsters to bring back), until they capture the clone Donatello to create a clone rat army. So another normal human episode, but at least we got Rat King. This was a better episode. Still not much to really bring up, as it does a lot of the clone tropes, but it's still an easy watch. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: Even in an episode with a clone Donatello Raphael still ends up turning into Donatello.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, Clones, Gangsters, Pied Piper Donatello

EPISODE 124 - MY BROTHER, THE BAD GUY 


Well, in season four we met Shredder's mother, time to meet his brother. Lt. Kazuo Saki, who is actually a good guy. So by logic he's the bad seed of the Saki family. We open with our favorite double-header, Donatello inventing a new machine that malfunctions and the turtles watching TV. Meanwhile, Shredder is stealing the ninja book from the ninja hall of fame (yes, the ninja hall of fame). He's also stealing tons of electrical equipment to create holograms of the legendary Kojima brothers, the greatest ninjas of all time, so they can defeat the turtles once and for all. Oh, and he's after a nuclear reactor to bring the Technodrome back.

This is a really good episode. Some good world building with Shredder and his younger brother, some decent action with the ninja holograms, and finally after a season, the technodrome finally ends up somewhere else. This time, it's trapped in the arctic. This could have either served as a stronger season premiere or last season's finale, but it's still a strong episode regardless. *****

ANIMATION ERRORS: Nothing substantial
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, Aliens, Hologram Ninjas

EPISODE 125 - ENTER: MUTAGEN MAN


A rocket is heading into space, so Shredder and Krang's latest plan is to put mutagen in the fuel to create a mutagen vapor trail to turn everyone into mutants. However, in the creation of the mutagen, a delivery man named Seymour Gutz falls into a vat of mutagen, literally causing his body to fall apart, with his remains being put in a vat. It's actually a pretty disturbing origin story for this era of the series, even if it feels more played for laughs. Mutagen Man does have a power to change his form into others, but only briefly, so he ends up aiding Shredder and company into stealing a substance called Byndex-3. Also Irma and April are here too. 

This is another good episode. For what feels like a take on the Toxic Avenger with the whole mutant man angle, we get an interesting character in Mutagen Man, some actual chuckle worthy lines, Krang actually fights in this episode, and the plot is one of the stronger ones in a while. Not sure if this is just a case where Shredder episodes actually have given better results than the regular human episodes, but these past two speak for themselves. ****

ANIMATION ERRORS: Nothing Substantial
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes.
IRMA BECOMES: Locked in a closet, one of Mutagen Man's forms.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism,  Ninjas, Aliens, Mutagen Men, Transformations, Angry Construction Workers

EPISODE 126 - NAPOLEON BONAFROG: COLOSSUS OF THE SWAMPS


It's our seasonal punk frog episode. This time around, Krang and Shredder work with Big Louie once again to steal antifreeze to free the Technodrome. Meanwhile Shredder (voiced by Jim Cummings in this one), steal some mutagen from the swamps to turn Napoleon Bonafrog into their powerful slave to find the turtles and do the same. Not really much to say on this one. It's just Napoleon going in and out of hulk mode for most of the episode. It's a good episode, but of the past three, it feels more back to standard level. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: Raphael turns into Leonardo.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, Aliens, Hulking Frog Slaves, Gangsters, April controlling a forklift.

EPISODE 127 - MICHELANGELO MEETS MONDO GECKO


So, if you're reading this on a date after I published the episode review, know that this one is coming about three and a half months after a burnout break. So, if it's not as up to snuff as the previous, that would be why. But I'm back to display some turtle power on the rest of season 5. And in this episode, it's the debut of Mondo Gecko, who would be more prominent in other products like the comic books.

Plot this time gives us a bit more info on the mutation of the turtles, as Michelangelo remembers seeing a lizard in the mutagen when the foursome first landed in the sewers. However, the lizard was taken by someone else. The lizard ends up being Mondo Gecko, who is now a street thug working for "Mr. X" to steal a powerful bomb. So, a minor retcon to the origin, but nothing insane. However, this is yet another Michelangelo solo story, so the other turtles are like "where's Michelangelo?" for a good portion of the plot. Another issue is that it's yet another "random gangster" villain, this time, the well thought out "Mr. X." So, I'm back to another by the book plot, but it's still a decent episode. Mondo's a decent character, and there is some fun action. So, it's back to basics, but it could be worse. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: Nothing substantial.
CONTINUITY ERROR: In the flashback, Mr. X grabs the mutagen covered Mondo, but doesn't mutate.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No. Michelangelo does. Twice.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, Punk Lizards, April on a motorcycle

EPISODE 128 - MICHELANGELO MEETS BUGMAN AGAIN


Bugman's back for his second (and last) appearance. Boy, Michelangelo sure meets a lot of people, especially in the CBS era. Plot this time sees Michelangelo bothered that Bugman comics have been cancelled. Unbeknownst to him and the other turtles, a man named Jerry Spiegel is trying to find their lair. Spiegel was also the writer of Bugman, before Bugman sued him. Now Spiegel, who ends up becoming a Shredder-like supervillain named "The Swatter", is trying to do the same with the turtles, putting their location in jeopardy. Also, The Swatter causes mayhem with metal and concrete termites. When Michelangelo finds Brick Bradley, he's become so tranquil that he can't become angry and become Bugman. I will say how he breaks that anger is actually pretty hilarious.

So, we don't get Shredder in this episode, but close enough I guess. Also, this is a Townsend Splinter episode. One other little thing, the genetics lab that created the termites is called "Designer Genes". Clever. This one takes a bit to pick up (Bugman doesn't appear until over half the episode(), but it's okay at best. Earns a star just for April telling the head of the genetics lab that the genetic termites was a stupid idea. I like when they're too meta for their own good. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: Nothing substantial
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, Superheroes, Bugs, Nerdy Cartographer Supervillains, surprisingly on point criticism of unoriginality in the comic book industry. 

EPISODE 129 - LEONARDO CUTS LOOSE


And this was the result of an even longer break. Again, not intentional, just let other things take precedent. And it's the return of Casey Jones. Plot this time sees a group of bodybuilders with super strength committing crimes. The turtles try to face them, but gets defeated easily. The turtles decide to pump up using the exercise equipment of bodybuilder Wally Airhead, while Leonardo decides to do it his way. No shocker, the exercise equipment is a trap as this is our "not Shredder" villain for the episode. Leonardo partners with Casey to infiltrate Airhead's gym.

This episode is decent. Feels a bit like a redo of Corporate Raiders, but not as fun. Also, get ready for way too many "I'll be back" lines. Also, Donatello is really slow to realize that Airhead and his goons are getting their strength from the Strongium 90 ray gun. And all for the big plan of... using a giant boxing glove to commit crime? Sure. Other than that, it's alright for a "not Shredder" ep. **

ANIMATION ERRORS: Not sure if it's just my DVD, but some weird graphical flickers. 
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No. The turtles, aside from Leonardo, do
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, super strength, Schwarzenegger parodies, bondage via exercise equipment

EPISODE 130- MUCKMAN MESSES UP


And guess what? ANOTHER long break. Again, not intentional, but hopefully for serious we're back on track.Plot this time sees Shredder and company trying to steal a mutagen named Compound X-7 that they hope to use as an anti-mutagen on the turtles. In the midst of it, they dump a mutagen on a pair of garbagemen named Garson Grunge and Joe Junkee, turning them into garbage mutants Muckman and Joe Eyeball.  Meanwhile, the turtles get framed for the robbery. Muckman and Joe Eyeball believe them to be the ones who mutated them, meaning, as expected, they get tricked into working for Shredder. Oh, and Irma and April get kidnapped.

Hey kids, you like The Honeymooners? Because Muckman and Joe Eyeball are essentially mutated versions of Art Carney and Jackie Gleason. And they do end up pretty enjoyable characters. And they do at least have the power to weaken the turtles via the mutagen, so they at least feel like a threat compared to some other enemies. We get a bit of Irma, but even she's not thirsty enough for Joe Eyeball. Though why Muckman and Joe Eyeball weaken the turtles, but none of the other mutants is a bit of a continuity error. Regardless, it's definitely good to come back to a stronger episode. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: Joe Eyeball speaks through Muckman at one point.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes. Irma too.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, Mutation, Bondage, Honeymooners parodies

EPISODE 131 - THE ICE CREATURE COMETH


You won't believe this, but ANOTHER unintended break and the longest ever. But hopefully we're back on track. I think half the reason is this episode just doesn't interest me that much on concept, but hell with it, let's do it to it. Rocksteady and Bebop, annoyed of any mutant competition, dumps a vat of mutagen on some arctic snow which creates an ice monster. An ice monster that listens to Bebop, so dumb leading the super large and dumb. Meanwhile Donatello nearly kills the others with his makeshift heat ray while they deal with an over-frozen fridge which they then unplug. Wow, this might be the dumbest first act for the turtles ever and that's saying something. Also Krang and Shredder want to steal thermal explosives or something.

You know an episode is mediocre when the show mentions how dumb this plot is constantly. But otherwise, it's decent at best. Just enough action with the ice monster and with Bebop and Rocksteady, but otherwise it feels pretty forgettable, even for this era of the show. Definitely the most "quota" episode in a while. **

ANIMATION ERRORS: Rocksteady's voice through Bebop like once.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: She gets trapped in the frozen Channel 6 building with Irma and Vernon, so that's a yes.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, Superheroes, Giants, Giant Ice Monsters, Potential Hypothermia

EPISODE 132 - ZACH AND THE ALIEN INVADERS


Oh god, Zach's back. No wonder I took that long as hell break. And it's a boy who cried wolf plot. Zach believes he sees a bunch of bug-eyed aliens, but they're not actually aliens but exterminators, so yeah. This plot is already annoying me in the first like three minutes. Then it's just a "let's escalate this worse" plot with him crying wolf constantly. Seriously might be the most painful first act in any of these episodes. So Zach gets sent to military school. If that was the end of the episode it would have been annoying a first act, but at least it was brief. But there's still an episode. Also it turns out the academy is being run by aliens Wingnut and Screwloose used to brainwash cadets.

Like, thankfully there IS a plot after that first act, but this is still such a bland one. Sadly it takes a while to get to it with the whole plot hinging on Wingnut and Screwloose transforming kids into zombies. But god I can't stand "boy who cried wolf" plots. Two neat villain concepts for this episode. We also have a really bad act break where Irma falls in a hole and is about to be caught by a giant roach robot and April... does nothing until the act break ends. Geez, the Zach curse continues. Hell, the episodes without Shredder curse continues even more. *

ANIMATION ERRORS: Some dubbing issues.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Nope. Zach, Donatello and Michelangelo do.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, Superheroes, Aliens, Bat Creatures, Bug Creatures, Mind Control, Military Conspiracies

EPISODE 133 - RAPHAEL VERSUS THE VOLCANO


Oh no. Not this plot. Not the "person thinks they're sick but they're not" plot. Donatello creates a "Health-Ometer" which can predict someone's health, and for Raphael, it says that he's due to die in 24 hours. Believing he's at death's door, he becomes a masked superhero with the intent of making the world a better place. There's also a plot where a botanist named Wilhelm Vanilli wants a new lily named after him, but he doesn't get it so he plans revenge. Good thing there's an active volcano about to explode which plays into the plot. No seriously, Shredderless episodes continue to be the dirt worst.

There's a neat plot in it, but oh man does this episode feel foolish, even for a Raphael plot. His stuff as the Green Defender is at least fun, even with its convoluted story. The problem is that there's like three stories weakly cobbled together into one. Also somehow heat from a dynamite factory can cause Raphael's cape to fly. Dumb and convoluted for these latter season episodes, but still far from the worst. I guess the moral of the story is don't trust AI with your health. Still cheaper than the American health care system at least. ** 

ANIMATION ERRORS: Nothing substantial
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Nope.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, Superheroes, Health Concerns, Botany Enthusiasts, Living Like You're Going to Die Tomorrow, Weak Milli Vanilli references even for this show

EPISODE 134 - RAPHAEL, TURTLE OF A THOUSAND FACES


Two Raphael episodes in a row. But thankfully this one is better, though not by much. Raphael learns to be a master of disguise to be a better spy for the team. And the villain this time is another gangster named Mad Dog McMutt, who looks like a dog, eats dog treats and his hideout (for lack of a better term) is a giant hydrant. He also wants to steal a museum to take the dinosaur bones. I mean we've had some dumb gangster villains, but at least this one is a bit more fun a villain than usual. And sure enough, Raphael disguises himself as Mad Dog McMutt, causing a case of mistaken identity. 

This episode is far from the worst take on this plot. Though once we add the amnesia plot with Mad Dog, then it feels like the same story we've done countless times. Between this and their issue over the fridge a few episodes back, it's incredible how dumber the turtles have gotten as characters lately. Also April and Irma are here, mostly poking out how dumb this plot is. It's something for them at least. We're really wading in the dumb plot puddle lately. **

ANIMATION ERRORS: None substantial.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes. Irma too. And Raphael.
IRMA BECOMES: Technically a destroyer of a dinosaur skeleton before Raphael makes it worse.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, Superheroes, Gangsters, Dog Impersonators, Amnesia, Eating Dog Food, Bad TV Commentary

EPISODE 135- PIRATE RADIO


Finally we're back with a Shredder episode and it's actually not too bad. Krang's plan of the week is to lead the people of earth into an interdimensional chasm, or "Krang's Chasm" to be precise. And to do so, he has Shredder, Bebop and Rocksteady hijack W.O.O.F, the hottest pirate radio station in New York, and use his new device to control the minds of the listeners. This includes Michelangelo and Irma. All while the turtles use white noise cancelling earplugs to keep from being controlled themselves.

Like, okay, I'm overselling this one a bit, but after the last few, it's a breath of fresh air. Just enough action and some decent gags make it more memorable than most this season. And the visual of Irma and Michelangelo, mind controlled, rowing a tub into a vortex is a unique scene from this show, that's for sure. Also Wolfman Jack parodies abound. Come to think of it, this is two episodes in a row with dog parodies. I'd say this show has gone to the dogs but that was a long time ago. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: None substantial.
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Not technically. She's under mind control for a moment but that's all.
IRMA BECOMES: Mind controlled. Again.
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, Superheroes, Aliens, Radio DJs, Mind Control

EPISODE 136 - LANDLORD OF THE FLIES


Our favorite fly boy, Baxter Stockman, is back for his one appearance per season. And this time he's literally a lord of the flies as in he can control them. A garbage strike in New York has led to more flies in town, which allows for Baxter to easily control them. But they're also flies which means they're easily defeated by Shredder, hence Baxter again working for Shredder which leads to the inevitable betrayal again. Some flies never learn. Also, why are Krang's eyes a darker purple than normal? 

For Baxter episodes, this one was one of the better episodes. Lots of havoc involving the flies which is a grosser scenario even for this show. I mean he's still mostly incompetent, but for once he's actually able to feel like a threat. After a few weaker episodes, good to be kind of back on track. Though knowing this show, those good times won't be rolling for long. Also there's a saga of Vernon being about to vomit, so like, it's not a great episode. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: Krang's darker eyes I guess
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, Superheroes, Aliens, Fly-based control, Vernon Torture Porn

EPISODE 137 - LEONARDO, THE RENAISSANCE TURTLE


In a season that has had a few callbacks, I wasn't expecting to see Rex-1 of all characters. Hey, the turtles start an episode watching April. Some things never change. A crime wave is plaguing New York and the mayor promises an end of crime thanks to a "Oh, this is another frigging non-Shredder episode villain" named Professor Mindbender. His plan is a robot named LEX. Oh, this is Robocop. Oh... this is Robocop 2... Also another callback in Pinky McFingers, so yes, more gangsters. So the Turtles end up overshadowed by LEX. And all but Leonardo decide to just be cool with it and visit even more callbacks in the Punk Frogs. So at least the lack of Shredder isn't AS bad.

This episode is a bit bloated, but is otherwise a solid episode regardless. Kind of nice to get an episode with April and Leonardo. Definitely better than anything the other three do in the episode. In fact, April is far more useful than even Leonardo who mostly stumbles about. This guy's supposed to be the leader but he feels so incompetent at almost everything. Hell, they all feel incompetent in ways that definitely feel like "oh yeah this is Season 5 alright." I've come to expect any episode that opens with THAT pan down to the sewer in the beginning to be a mess. Still a fun one. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: Michelangelo has Leonardo's katanas briefly
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes technically
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, Superheroes, Robots, Robot Cops, Gangsters, Mad Scientists With Swords, Robocop 2, Aliens taking a shower, Police States, Robot Girlfriends

EPISODE 138 - WELCOME BACK POLARISOIDS 


It's our favorite (maybe?) Ed Wynn-voiced alien Frip with his magic capture camera. And he's brought his annoying family. Whoopee? All part of Krang's latest plan. As in this episode, the camera can also free other aliens trapped in a conveniently left over tape, which Krang wants to use to help take over the earth as he's also hacking all the computers on Earth. Also the turtles have become so pathetic that they can't even finish a puzzle for kids. Also Michelangelo and has to deal with Frip's annoying kids. F-Stop and Saycheez.  This one feels pretty mediocre overall with really little to really say about it. Not like a bad episode, just very quota even for this season. **

ANIMATION ERRORS: The pizza at the restaurant loses some slices
CONTINUITY ERROR: "We never take anyone to our lair." - Leonardo
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: No. 
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, Superheroes, Aliens, Tourists,  Alien Tourists, Hacking

EPISODE 139 - MICHELANGELO, THE SACRED TURTLE


We got mummies this time. April and Michelangelo visit a museum of Egyptian artifacts including a mummy named Amun Turt-el. However, a spirit named Osiris curses Michelangelo all while April and a sacred ruby are stolen. Oh. Good. Another episode where misunderstandings make the other turtles look less competent with half the plot being "Where's Poochie?" Also, another villain this time in Professor Percival Pifflecoot and his large assistant Casbah. Pifflecoot wants to use the Turtle's Eye jewel with a passing comet to cause the planet to be under his control. It's at least more inspired than the guy who was made about a flower name, I'll give it that. Also Michelangelo is mistaken for Amun Tur-tel, the "sacred turtle" of the title. Also Arab stereotypes. Though them looking like random white guys somehow makes it worse?

For the last episode of the season, it's a tad underwhelming, and is another that feels a bit sluggish in the middle, but it's still decent. While we again get technically another mad scientist villain, I do like the concept a bit more than most. And Michelangelo episodes are usually more decent than the others, so that's also a plus. More importantly, we can FINALLY move on from Season 5. ***

ANIMATION ERRORS: Missing belt emblems for a brief second. Also some really, really laggy framerates
DOES APRIL GET KIDNAPPED?: Yes
FUNKY FETISHES: Anthropomorphism, Ninjas, Mummies, Archeologists, Grave Robbery, Ancient Curses, Arabic Stereotypes

Well it took three years to finish due to my own lack of energy but we're finally past the halfway point with this series. Still 50+ episodes to go however. And the main reason I took so long as this definitely was the first season to really feel like a slog with plenty of episodes that feel so similar to one another. A few fun ideas, and the season premiere two-parter was great. But otherwise we're definitely in  the era of deja vu. We're also still a few seasons until a shake-up in that monotony, so I don't have hopes for Season 6. Though hopefully it doesn't take three years to finish that. 

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