4kids is about to test the fandom. Will we be the series downfall?

[X]

Ok so watched both Membership Drive, and the new FF episode. Great to see another FF episode coming up next week. :)

However, after seeing the new FF episode, 4kids threw something out there, that I believe is a test. Hear me out...

Everything bad that happens to the Turtles can be attributed to many things as of late.

1. 4kids shouldn't have made FF and stayed with 2k3, so that series fans could continue to watch. 4kids fault.

2. Our fault for not supporting Turtles in any iteration despite being fans, thus meaning FF goes the way of the dodo (i.e. The Next Mutation and its 13 episodes.)

So again, after seeing FF 4kids is asking us which we like better 2k3, or FF. Now this could just mean, "Hey, we'll give you guys the option to watch both." I could be reading too much into things... Or am I.

I'm calling this a test on 4kids behalf. A really good one too. See they wil indeed give us 2k3 again, but reruns. However, they will give us new FF episodes... You know what that means? Usually people will watch brand new episodes instead of reruns. That is the test I believe... To see if people will watch both, despite 2k3 being nothing but reruns (or maybe a snuck in TLS episode.) This is where the fandom comes in and could possibly kill any chances of 2k3 having new episodes after the boys return home. If no one stomachs all the reruns, FF will gain more ratings then the eariler showings of 2k3 episodes, thus FF remains, or ends the series when the boys return home. If though, people get up and watch all the 2k3 episodes, maybe, just maybe, they will que up some more 2k3 episodes after the boys return.

I will surely get up now and start watching reruns, even though I own all the DVD's currently out, and have all episodes currently aired on VHS tapes. Why? Because I don't want to contribute to the fall of the TMNT series, by not supporting it. So for now on, I am up at 8 am CST every saturday wether I like it or not. Maybe this will show 4kids we care about TMNT IN GENERAL, and they will give us the rest of FF and it'll be awesome. Then the boys will return home with new episodes in the 2k3 timeline.

We the consumer make or break a show, no matter how bad it is. If no one watches, that show is iced. We cannot blame 4kids for everything when those (who don't watch FF to support TMNT,) contribute to the downfall only to blame 4kids for making it. That's like saying a person who robbed a bank and him and his driver are caught by cops, that the driver didn't rob the bank so he had nothing to do with it, and it's all the robbers fault.

Point blank, we TMNT fans should support 4kids and FF, so we can get what we want, and show them what we want, not to bail at the first sign of a show that doesn't appease to some of us (I personally like FF but miss 2k3.) Because then we just added feul to the fire, and there will DEFINATELY never be any new 2k3 episodes.

-X-

[Jo Dawn]

Well... Personally, I'd rather lose TMNT than have this FF drivel. But I'll watch the 2K3 episodes.

I saw that, too, and I had to laugh. Want to call them up and say 'Have too many people complaining, eh 4Kids? 'Bout time ya woke up.'

[Kunoichi_Haruko]

I'm surprised they even asked. I thought the NinjAcademy Awards were a good hint at what the fans truly wanted...

[Vegita-San]

Did I miss something? What did they ask? Just woke up with a head cold and too tired to read all of the first post :).

[Kunoichi_Haruko]

They were asking our preference--2k3 series or Fast Forward. Then they said we could catch both types next week.

[mike the party dude]

They were asking our preference--2k3 series or Fast Forward. Then they said we could catch both types next week.

I hope this is the start of 4kids having TMNT on twice a saturday morning from now on i mean it works for Yugi oh :sleep: :roll: Anyway im glad other ppl got that surreal message 4kids was spitting out after the Graduation day (which was a good episode but gave its usual fast forward imprint of trying too hard to make jokes and one liners :ohwell: ) episode like which series we prefer i think Peter Laird and every "smart" nijna turtle fan will show them in the upcoming weeks.

[Leonardo_Warrior_Turtle]

Does this mean they'll be airing the rest of the Lost Season?

[nimrod]

Does this mean they'll be airing the rest of the Lost Season?

I'm crossing my fingers...

[kerfootw]

Did I miss something? What did they ask? Just woke up with a head cold and too tired to read all of the first post :).

I woke up this morning still sullen that my angelic dog had been put to sleep for 19 hours. Anyhow, still in the middle of Turtle Saturday and enjoying it. TMNT 4 starts in 7 1/4 hours and I still have plenty TMNT stuff to see until then. I've been able to enjoy it although I still haven't (and won't for a while) recovered.

[Cascadia]

Who knows what this means? Rest of TLS or other 2k3 episodes or more FF? What kind of stinks is that they are putting the 2k3 series at the earlier time and put FF at the later time. This means that if you want 2k3 series back, you have to wake up earlier. I know that the majority of us either dislike or tolerate FF. There are about 12 more episodes of FF, what would happen to them if 2k3 series wins this "test"?

[X]

11 episodes left of this season of FF (15 have aired, 11 left.) Like I said, watching reruns of 2k3 despite there being new FF episodes will go a long way in showing whos devoted to what. I'll devote myself to TMNT:FF since it's in the continuity and I want them to go home and I want to see some familiar faces.

However, if the ratings fall on 2k3 again, then kiss its ass goodbye. This is the test. Who knows, I bet they sneak in a TLS episode or two, just to keep people on their toes.

I find it odd really, that lately they have been showing Turtle animation shorts and its in the 2k3 style. Maybe its a sign of things. I mean they could be using FF style of animation in those shorts, but they're not. Like today when they asked if we prefered 2k3, or FF, they were showing new animation in the 2k3 style, where the Turtles were fighting off Purple Dragons in a park. Certainly wasn't from any episode that aired throughout seasons 1-4. ;)

-X-

[AquaParade]

11 episodes left of this season of FF (15 have aired, 11 left.)

I find it odd really, that lately they have been showing Turtle animation shorts and its in the 2k3 style. Maybe its a sign of things. I mean they could be using FF style of animation in those shorts, but they're not. Like today when they asked if we prefered 2k3, or FF, they were showing new animation in the 2k3 style, where the Turtles were fighting off Purple Dragons in a park. Certainly wasn't from any episode that aired throughout seasons 1-4. ;)

-X-

Woa, didnt know that. That actually makes me really optimistic about a return to 2k3.

[TerranigmaFreak]

I find it odd really, that lately they have been showing Turtle animation shorts and its in the 2k3 style. Maybe its a sign of things.

Really!? I didn't see any of them. Are they all new? Also, they are showing new episodes of FF next week. I don't know whether or not they'll show the rest, but at least we're getting more. Who knows, maybe they decided to get FF over with and start back where the 2k3 left off next season.

[Jester]

I don't think it's a test so much as an advertising ploy, but that's just me.

[Bry]

Like today when they asked if we prefered 2k3, or FF, they were showing new animation in the 2k3 style, where the Turtles were fighting off Purple Dragons in a park.
So they're airing both next week? This... is promising. I've tried to watch a few episodes of Fast Forward, but I honestly can't get into it. It's just too much of a departure from the TMNT I know, and I don't find the writing or animation at the level they were before.

Here's hoping that if they start airing the "lost season" episodes that they'll be making their way to DVD in North America soon.

[mumbo230]

This probably partly to test the waters for the Lost Season and future seasons being present or future, partly to feed off the movie being in theaters, and partly because there are a lot more reruns to cycle through from 2K3 than from Fast Forward.

[Bry]

This probably partly to test the waters for the Lost Season and future seasons being present or future, partly to feed off the movie being in theaters, and partly because there are a lot more reruns to cycle through from 2K3 than from Fast Forward.
See, the "feed off the movie" bit is what gets me the most here. I'm sure it's been discussed to death, but I can't understand why 4Kids would want to completely alter the cast, setting, and focus of the series with a major film release upcoming that closely resembles the show they already had on the air. The movie hype could have been the ratings boost they were looking for, but now anyone tuning into the cartoon after seeing the movie will likely just be confused and frustrated to see the this "TMNT in the future" concept that doesn't look or feel anything like their post-movie expectations. And casual viewership being what it is, I can see a lot of potential viewers writing "the new cartoon" off entirely, not knowing that the pre-FF series was completely different...

[TerranigmaFreak]

All I can say is, you people better start watching 2k3 if you want to see the rest of TLS and maybe convince them for another season of TMNT 2k3. If you don't want to watch reruns, just turn on the TV and switch to the channel when 2k3 is on and go about your business.

[ThemanthatwouldbeRaphael]

I'll watch any 2K3 episode they air.

But I refuse to support FF, I'm not watching that crap.

[mike the party dude]

I don't think it's a test so much as an advertising ploy, but that's just me.

I belive Cartoon Network is doing that little feat all too well with the marathon going on right now (talk about shallow:x ) because heonstly can we expect to see TMNT anywhere on the channel next week??

Also of note wasnt TMNT fast forward supposed to be on CN when it was announce last year after appearing on 4kids first?? if anyone has any news on that many thanks in advance

[Ninja Tiptup]

When I saw that promo my thoughts were of course "well that's an easy choice..."

I think they aren't really testing the fans. Why would they? We're not in their target demographic. What they are doing is testing if TMNT 2K3 or TMNT Fast Forward does better with their 6-11 audience. Does it matter that they're reruns? Not really. If kids like a show it doesn't matter if it's a rerun or not. Spongebob reruns dominate Saturday morning ratings for instance and kids see those adnausim.

So we don't really have to worry about what we do but any true turtle fan would watch 2K3 reruns if for no other reason than to watch them again (not everyone has the DVDs though plenty do around here including myself but I'm watching the TMNT marathon on CN right now and I'll watch the reruns in the coming Saturday's anyway).

[Bry]

All I can say is, you people better start watching 2k3 if you want to see the rest of TLS and maybe convince them for another season of TMNT 2k3. If you don't want to watch reruns, just turn on the TV and switch to the channel when 2k3 is on and go about your business.
But doesn't that only make a difference if you have a Nielsen box? Naturally, any fans of the 2K3 series should tune into the show just because it's actually on the air again, but I'm pretty sure they only get the hard numbers from Nielsen households.

Of course, I do feel that fans wanting a return to the 2K3 series should email 4Kids and thank them for airing the episode and (politely) express your preference for 2K3 over Fast Forward!

[Ra]

I'll watch any 2K3 episode they air.

But I refuse to support FF, I'm not watching that crap.
I'll drink to that. I don't even care if it's the first Garbageman episode. I want my boys back and raising some shell in our own time, damnit! :x

Just as a note on Fast Forward in other countries... I was looking through the CN listings, and I found that not one episode being aired was Fast Forward related. Not even "Future Shellshock". About six or nine months after a season is aired in America, the golden rule is Australia gets it, no matter what. However, that is not the case with Fast Forward. Should this be taken as a sign that they don't want Australia to suffer from Fast Forward or they think we are too content with the Lost Season? :ohwell:

[Fledermaus]

Well... aside from paying money to buy the 2k3 series DVDs, I can't really contribute much by watching their marathon. Nielsen ratings don't reach me. They probably never will.:|

[VaughnMichael]

I realllllllyyyy realllyyyy tried my best today to stay awake and wach both but seriously brats and winx club seriously how can anyone watch that the way they talk is soooo insulting to girls let alone our culture shesh!
I fell asleep and woke up during fast forward and splinter was yelling at mike and broke his nunchucks and thats all I remember besides me rubbing my eyes yawning and going ugh splinter stop yelling at poor mikey! lol:lol:

[LogicDonny]

I also saw this while watching fast foward. I don't really care much for fast foward.. Just want my 2k3 turtles back the way they look. the FF look is just too not cool look, you know.

I feel why did they even have to do this.. I cna understand the kids, but maybe we all should just contuine to watch both and see.

[Time Mistress]

But doesn't that only make a difference if you have a Nielsen box? Naturally, any fans of the 2k3 series should tune into the show just because it's actually on the air again, but I'm pretty sure they only get the hard numbers from Nielsen households.

Of course, I do feel that fans wanting a return to the 2K3 series should email 4Kids and thank them for airing the episode and (politely) express your preference for 2K3 over Fast Forward!

You are absolutely right Bry. It's all well and good to say watch 2k3. But if you are not a Neilson household, the network is not going to know you are watching and they are not going to care if you are. (Well, they would care if they knew knew were watching, but they don't know you're watching because you're not a Neilson household.) Catch 22. Neilsons decide what people watch period. And if 4Kids doesn't air the Lost Season and just goes with reruns of 2k3, it will not be good. New episodes almost always score better over reruns, but the Neilson people are stupid in that they don't pay attention to that half the time. They just look at numbers and don't bother to ask why the numbers may be lower due to a rerun of something.

And what's worse is the poor little kids don't pay attention to ratings. Why should they? They're little kids! So if they watch their favorite show TMNT (be it 2k3 or FF) every Saturday and one day it's just not there due to low ratings, those poor kids aren't going to know what the shell just happened to their favorite show or why. I don't know about you, but when I was a kid, I just expected my favorite shows to be on forever and ever. It was all I knew. And with show that lasted as long as the original TMNT toon did you can REALLY see how kids would think that. Kids that young aren't going to start a letter writing campaign to get their favorite show back on the air. They'll just lament the loss of their favorite show and move on because they don't have much of a choice at that point.

The only power non-Neilson households have to express how much they like the show is through email/letters (like Bry said) and the buying of merchandise (which in the case of kids shows can be about the same level of support as ratings.) I bought all the 2k3 DVDs as they came out (at least I have all the eps even if they are out of order.) I've sent a polite letter to 4Kids expressing my love for 2k3 and wanting of the Lost Season DVDs. I voted in the Ninja Academy Awards to let feeling be known there too. I even have some of the toys and video games from the new show. I have supported this show in ever way I know how. What's left that we can do? If anybody knows I'd like to hear it.

[Chris]

Just as a note on Fast Forward in other countries... I was looking through the CN listings, and I found that not one episode being aired was Fast Forward related. Not even "Future Shellshock". About six or nine months after a season is aired in America, the golden rule is Australia gets it, no matter what. However, that is not the case with Fast Forward. Should this be taken as a sign that they don't want Australia to suffer from Fast Forward or they think we are too content with the Lost Season? :ohwell:

I think they're waiting until next season like the UK is. The UK is getting the series as a full 26 episode series starting later this year (late July/early August I think). With the US having the series split into two seasons (is that still happening or have they decided to make it one season again?) most other territories seem to only be getting it as a full season starting about a year after the US but ending around the same time.

[Spitfire]

You all know FF is season 6 right? So can we all stop with this theory that 4Kids pulled it out of their ass to make TMNT more kid friendly. It was Laird's idea. All 4Kids did was tell him to tone it down and cut his budget so the animation looks like crap now.

[Cascadia]

My neighbor's son, who is 10 years old, wants the 2k3 series back. He does not care for FF. He keeps asking me why did they have to do FF. I told him that I do not have a good answer for it. I also told him if he wants 2k3 series back, watch the earlier episode at 8:00 AM.

[VaughnMichael]

You all know FF is season 6 right? So can we all stop with this theory that 4Kids pulled it out of their ass to make TMNT more kid friendly. It was Laird's idea. All 4Kids did was tell him to tone it down and cut his budget so the animation looks like crap now.
and can we please stop saying animation there is nothing wrong with the animation of the show.
It's the Style of the art in the show that everyone hates.