Watching through the OT completely for the first time

[sdp]

I condensed all my posts in this thread so it's easier to read here (http://miscrave.com/articles/tmnt-1987/), it's like a long review of each season.



I made a similar thread (http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showthread.php?t=32358) last year for the 2k3 show. Now I've already watched all of the OT up to S4, after that, i've watched almost nothing, just a few episodes here and there. As a kid I definitely remember watching the TMNT but not that much or as much as other cartoons, I'm guessing they aired at times I wasn't able to watch or maybe I was just too young to remember plots because I have next to no recollection of watching the show as a kid besides the two VHS tapes I had of them. Obviously I watched them enough times since all the voices and songs are instantly recognizable but yeah, it wasn't until the DVDs started coming out that I really got to watch the OT, but I ended up having other expenses and Lionsgate BS release schedule got me to stop buying the dvds after a while, but now I'm going to make a full run of the show. Since it's not clear when Turtles Forever takes place in the OT I'll just watch it towards the end.

Basically in this thread I will post general comments on seasons/episodes, and continuity. I'll be trying to watch about 5 episodes per day but we'll see how that goes. I watched Season 1 again today, there is stuff I've mentioned before like what happened to the other mutant gang members but I also wonder how exactly Shredder met Krang what happened to the foot clan and why did he decide to follow Hamato to NY, heck Splinter makes a reference that he thought Shredder wasn't alive anymore, maybe there was some type of battle between Shredder and Hamato before he went to NY, Shredder appeared to die so Hamato was still shunned by the foot clan, therefore Shredder has no foot soldiers in the OT since they're all in Japan thinking Hamato killed Oroku Saki, just a weird theory I came up to today.. The humor is so abstract, I love it, too bad later seasons don't carry the same humor. I also feel bad for Baxter Stockman, why was he sent to jail, he wasn't really a bad guy at all here just threatened by the Shredder to do his evil stuff, heck he wasn't even aware of everything he was doing he even comments that Shredder must really hate rats. I also really liked how much they fight foot soldiers, they never really use them after this season.

Edit: I'll also try to be watching the episodes in the best order, I'll be using this thread (http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showthread.php?t=27141) for placement for the first seasons and will be adding to it.

[CyberCubed]

Aside from the Euro vacation eps, most of the later seasons have some really good eps. I think the weaker eps of Seasons 4 and 5 were my least favorite, but at the same time the good eps of Seasons 4 and 5 are really good.

Also I was considering doing this but would rather wait for the Season 10 DVD which will likely come out next year right before the Nick show starts.

[sdp]

Finished Season 2, overall this season is pretty strong, the short amount of episodes probably has to do with it. The only episode that feels "filler" is NY's Shiniest, and even then that episode isn't bad. It starts pretty good with the return of the Shredder, and the eye of Sarnath saga gives us some nice continuity and Splinter gets as much closure as he will in the series with Splinter no more, it's kind of weak but it is re-stated in the finale when Splinter mentions "Yoshi is no more, only Splinter" or something along those lines. I never liked the Neutrinos but I do like the romance between Kila and Mikey for some reason. I loved Baxter as a human and as a fly, man you feel so bad for him, in this show he has it just as bad as 2k3 Baxter. The anti-turtle squad from the punk frogs episodes is kind of weird, they are actually fairly well trained, it would have been neat to see them again later on but they disappear after this, the Punk frogs could have been a bigger threat but I guess not much was done with them as enemies. The season finale is great with the Technodrome falling into the lava, it would have worked as a series finale as well if you think about it. I like that so far in the series Shredder isn't that incompetent sure he's run from the turtles and they've made him trip or thrown pizza at him but they haven't been able to defeat him in combat, he actually beats them pretty badly in the eye of sarnath saga and it's Splinter both in S1 and S2 that confronts Shredder and is able to defeat him in the finales. Sadly some of the more abstract humor from S1, now unto S3, this may take a while.

[pannoni1]

I did this last summer. I found that Season 1 makes a good feature movie if it wasn't a TV series; just a great introduction to the TMNT on the screen! I've always owned the first two episodes on the tape. Plus, you can definitely watch it straight through without a break.

Season 2 was similar to what Cybercubed described, but I just have a fondness for the Case of the Killer Pizzas since it was the first ever VHS I had as a kid so it's a personal jewel to me. I actually thought the first Punk Frogs episode was weak. It's doable in a single day if it's a day off.

Season 3 definitely takes time and patience to get through, taking at least a week without too much strain. But even with the poorer episodes ("The Gang's All Here", "Mr. Ogg"), but it's still worth it, with so many new recurring characters introduced, foot soldiers still a fairly frequent enemy, plus it has the best mix of background music IMO with some newer cues, but still most of the Season 1 and 2 cues used throughout. You have the first Rat King, Casey Jones, Leatherhead, Lotus Blossom, and Usagi Yojimbo episodes that are hallmarks of the franchise that are essential to watch. 4 of those 5 (along with Metalhead in its own episode) have a figure released from Playmates 1989 line. You also have 2 Baxter episodes and many memorable "VHS episodes", such as The Old Switcheroo, Cowabunga Shredhead, Super Rocksteady & Mighty Bebop, Pizza by the Shred, Attack of the Big Macc, The 4 Burger King episodes, and even some more. In addition to the first episode and the last three, that's half the season's episodes that are quite memorable in some way. These were the same set of episodes I kept watching over and over again after school for a few years. If you don't feel like watching through the whole series though, this still makes a good stopping point, given what lies beyond is generally watered down in tone from the first 3 Seasons (let's not talk about Red Sky yet).

Season 4 is where things start to go downhill from how I watched it completely You have of course fewer Shredder episodes, episodes without Master Splinter, an increase in occurances of April getting captured, and less violent fighting, among other cliches for the Saturday Morning CBS market at the time. But there are still some fresh moments that season, from some new music cues, the first Slash, Mona Lisa, and Mondo Gecko episodes that had figures released, plus the memorable episodes from the Sewer Heroes VHS series.

Generally, I'd pace yourself to do a runthrough of 4-6 weeks, or roughly about 4 episodes of weekdays and 10 episodes on weekends. To keep yourself from getting too bored, look at some of the episode discussions on this forum, various pop cultural references, and jokes to relate. It's OK to skip episodes when you're familiar with any series, but no fanhood would be complete without doing a runthrough at least once, especially considering the upcoming Nick toon is coming out, in order for some logical comparisons to be made.

[Mr._Mutant_Man]

I find myself not really being able to get past season 4. I'm pretty much only nostalgic for the seasons I actually watched as a kid. After season 4, I started reading TMNT Adventures and that became my TMNT fix until I lost interest.

[CyberCubed]

I find myself not really being able to get past season 4. I'm pretty much only nostalgic for the seasons I actually watched as a kid. After season 4, I started reading TMNT Adventures and that became my TMNT fix until I lost interest.

Considering the show picks up after Season 4, I don't know how you made it through those Season 4 mad scientist episodes and won't sit through the better ones.

I even feel like the humor got better.

[Filespit]

I did this last summer. I found that Season 1 makes a good feature movie if it wasn't a TV series; just a great introduction to the TMNT on the screen! I've always owned the first two episodes on the tape. Plus, you can definitely watch it straight through without a break.
In Sweden they released season 1 as a feature movie on VHS/DVD, but now that I think of it I think they skipped episode 3. Well, major parts of it anyway. Baxter isn't in the "movie" at all for example.

[ABrown]

I find myself not really being able to get past season 4. I'm pretty much only nostalgic for the seasons I actually watched as a kid. After season 4, I started reading TMNT Adventures and that became my TMNT fix until I lost interest.

Considering the show picks up after Season 4, I don't know how you made it through those Season 4 mad scientist episodes and won't sit through the better ones.

I too am only "nostalgic" for seasons 1-4. It was right around the beginning of season five that I too stopped watching the show. But I also agree that there are many very good episodes past season four.

In Sweden they released season 1 as a feature movie on VHS/DVD, but now that I think of it I think they skipped episode 3. Well, major parts of it anyway. Baxter isn't in the "movie" at all for example.

Yup, it's called "The Epic Begins": http://www.amazon.com/Teenage-Mutant-Ninja-Turtles-Begins/dp/6302267919/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325534453&sr=8-1. It was available in the U.S. as well.

[gobo]

Watching through the OT completely for the first time
Need any heavy-duty pain-killers yet?

[oldmanwinters]

Need any heavy-duty pain-killers yet?

Fo' Real.

I can't imagine how people do complete series marathons in less than a month. I LOVE the show but... geez, the mind can only take so much.

[CyberCubed]

I usually rewatch the series about once a year. But I don't do all the eps in 1 month, I watch it over the course of 2-3 months.

[sdp]

well i'm not watching it all in one day, I'm watching about 2-5 episodes per day or so whatever I have time. Each dvd of Season 3 has strong episodes which makes it very tolearable for every few stinkers you get a few great episodes in each dvd. Also it is true that many krang/shredder eps are "vhs" classics. S3 overall has lots of villains introduced and other recurring characters which makes those episodes more memorable. Usagi was made into such a badass in his appearances and it screams spin-off, odd that none ever came out of it outside the space usagi pilot. April is actually called a red head, the neat thing about OT April is I can totally see her as a red head or brunette or even didrty blonde, since the coloring was so inconsistent. While Shredder was shown as a threat in the previous two seasons it's in this one where he seems more of a goofy villain, he still doesn't get defeated by the turtles in a fiar fight but he is now defeated by being thrown trash/paint/pizza/etc which really cheapens him.. I wonder if the episodes with the turtles winter outfits take place at the same time. The clip show episode shows how different the first season really is from what the show became in S3, S2 was more of a transitional season but S3 is definitely what I and people think about when they think of the OT. So rocksoldiers are mutated rocks? That's not how mutagen works but I guess it's meant to be something else? Krangs android body moves without him a few times, kinda odd. Which reminds me of why did they have to electrocute to get him to work in S1

One question I have is how does Shredder not know where the turtles lair is, they've found it more than a few times whether by Mousers/Lotus or other of Shredders plans and yet he still can't find it? it's not very logical. There are also so many alien species introduced so far. Maybe a bit too many SHredder Krang episodes but overall S3 is pretty fun, and has a great ending, I was intimidated by the number of episodes the season had but they are all fairly enjoyable.

Now unto S4, where some of the worst episodes apparently come from but I remember liking it for the most part when I watched it. we'll see. I'll also be seeing the European episodes when they're supposed to take place and I'll comment on those first.

[CyberCubed]

Season 4 is a mix of really great episodes and "throwaway" episodes, but even then they're not god awful.

I also recommend watching the European Vacation episodes where they fit in, so skip ahead to the Season 7 discs if you have them.

[ZariusTwo]

Yeah, the European episodes also all have the original opening sequence, so they fit perfectly with season four, which was, I think, the last season to use them

[gobo]

Yeah, the European episodes also all have the original opening sequence, so they fit perfectly with season four, which was, I think, the last season to use them
Yep. That was the opening sequence for the syndicated/non-CBS eps. So, unless you consider the Hokum Hare eps Season 5 (I don't), then you're completely right.

[themaxonline]

I just started watching the show again as well. My first time in two or three years. It'll also be my first time watching it in full since season 9 came out. I'm hoping by the time I get there, Season 10 will be out.

I'm nearly done season 2 and it's been about a month and a half. I only watch it when I'm exercising on my new elliptical machine, lol, so that's about two episodes a day, or most days when I'm on except I caught a bug over new years which took over a week off, plus my time away visiting for the holidays hence why it has taken me over a month to get through just 16 episodes or so.

I'd put my thoughts on the show as I watch it here but then I wouldn't have anything to say anywhere else and/or will be repeating myself from what I have already said. There are a lot of episodes in season 3 I'm looking forward to though!

[CyberCubed]

I hope Season 10 comes out in August, right before the Nick show starts in September. Lionsgate seems to release the DVDs around the time the next big TMNT thing happens.

Remember Season 9 came out almost exactly when the IDW TMNT comics started in 2011. Before that, we had to wait nearly 2 years from Season 8's release in 2009.

[gobo]

I'd put my thoughts on the show as I watch it here but then I wouldn't have anything to say anywhere else and/or will be repeating myself from what I have already said.
I guess that means, "I'd put my thoughts on the show as I watch it here but [I'm too lazy]". :P People repeat themselves frequently around here. It's not a problem unless you start multiple threads on the exact same thing; not even a different aspect of the topic. So, find yourself a new excuse, eh?

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

In Sweden they released season 1 as a feature movie on VHS/DVD, but now that I think of it I think they skipped episode 3. Well, major parts of it anyway. Baxter isn't in the "movie" at all for example.

"A Thing about Rats" is aviable on video even in Sweden, as "Cowabunga!". The VHS is with "Vänner från Dimension X" ("Teenagers from Dimension X"). The DVD is on the "Fyra Muske-Turtles" ("Four Musketurtles"), even packed with another episode, "Råttornas konung" ("Enter the Rat King"). But the dub is not the same.

[themaxonline]

I guess that means, "I'd put my thoughts on the show as I watch it here but [I'm too lazy]". :P People repeat themselves frequently around here. It's not a problem unless you start multiple threads on the exact same thing; not even a different aspect of the topic. So, find yourself a new excuse, eh?

Believe you me. It's not due to me being lazy. I'd love to ramble on and on about my thoughts on the turtles...! And on and on. Shall I accept the challenge?

[Herald7]

Believe you me. It's not due to me being lazy. I'd love to ramble on and on about my thoughts on the turtles...! And on and on. Shall I accept the challenge?

I'd like to hear! :D

[themaxonline]

I'd like to hear! :D

Ok, hmmmm, well, most of my thoughts tend to be random and often based on my original thoughts when the show aired back in the 80s/90s.

I just watched the Nutrienos episode from Season 2 which almost plays out like a season 3 episode because of how silly it seems to be with Shredder whining and such. One of the big flaws from this one I noticed was when Kala asked April "who are you?" She's not THAT memorable, Kala, you met her last season!
Also, I've been noticing more this time around that Donatello's wristband seems to be missing more consistently throughout much of the episodes of season 2. I used to only notice it in Return of the Technodrome but now I've seen it in a few other episodes. And it's only him.

I've also come to realization that I'm not as fond of Season 2 as I used to be. I think it might be because I've seen it so many times that the stories kind of run thin. I can't really pick out my favourite episode from the season other than Return of the Technodrome but I was always fond of the final episode in the Eye of Zarnoth arc. I never cared much for Case of the Killer Pizzas and even though it's one of the few episodes where April is wearing something different, and we see her and Irma socializing like regular women, New York's Shiniest is another one I never cared for.
As I said before, I'm looking forward to getting to season 3 beyond the first episode (Beneath These Streets I always found ran a bit slow) mostly due to nostalgia although a lot of what I call the ASN episodes I don't care for anymore.


Before I end this post, I'll explain my ASN episodes even though I have likely mentioned it before. :P
When I was younger, I was able to catch the turtles on 3 different stations. ASN (from the east coast of Canada), YTV (also canadian) and CBS. The episodes I saw ranged greatly between the three stations.

ASN aired the turtles every weekday. They aired all of season 1, most of season 2 (with the exception of Return of the Shredder and the Zarnoth episodes), a portion of season 3 (everything up to Attack of the Big MACC except Turtles at the Earth's Core and April's Fool and then the Big Break In and The Big Blow Out) and all of the season 4 CBS episodes.
In the last year, they added on all of season 5 minus the Hokum Hare episodes.
So those were the episodes I saw the most and they ran a full cycle about every 3 months as they only had about 50 or so episodes in total (until they added season 5). Being a dedicated turtle fan, I still watched them daily. :P

YTV aired all of seasons 1-4. YTV was my only source for most of season 3, the first 13 episodes from season 4 and the first 5 episodes from season 2. When I first started watching the turtles, YTV aired them daily but eventually dropped down to Saturday and Sunday and finally just Saturday. So seeing those rarely seen episodes for me was a treat.

CBS always aired the later episodes for me. I think it took me a while to even notice that CBS aired the Turtles on Saturday morning but I remember them being very different. Darker in tone compared to the other episodes. They aired all of seasons 6 and 7 (at this time the final 3 seasons weren't out yet) as well as a select few episodes from seasons 4 and 5 such as Son of Return of the Fly II, The Big Cufflink Caper, Slash, and Donatello's Duplicate, among a few others but there were some that I never saw them air. It's also odd that most of season 5 I only ever saw on ASN and not CBS.

It occurs to me that it's incredibly odd why ASN only had the episodes they had and why CBS avoided the season 4 episodes that they did. But either way, I do still associate most of the episodes with the network that I saw them on and thus the frequency with which I saw them. Therefore, I do tend to favour the middle portion of season 3, for example, over the first dozen or so episodes from it.


I think I gradually stopped watching in 1994 so during season 8. I didn't see most of seasons 9 or any of 10 until I downloaded all of the episodes in university during my first year ten years ago. Things were getting a bit too strange for me by that point. Too many changes plus I just simply grew out of them. All in all, I think my fandom as a child only ranged from maybe 1991 until early 1994. It's weird because it really does feel a lot longer.

Anyway... I apologize for rambling if you're even still reading. And if so, thanks. These are just some of the thoughts I have while watching them. I'm also kind of glad now as I rewatch them that this time I'm watching them by myself. Some of the things in the show, one-liners and such, are incredibly cheesy that I don't think a lot of people I know can appreciate them the way I can. :P

[Herald7]

but I was always fond of the final episode in the Eye of Zarnoth arc.

Absolutely, that was a true highlight of the series. I think I even rented the Incredible Shrinking Turtles VHS it from the library as a kid. I used to watch it with my turtle com toy I got from Burger King and pretend the turtles were watching with me, lol.

[sdp]

Finished with the European vacation episodes and apparently the worst the series has to offer, but I really don't think it's that bad. Sure a lot of episodes are lackluster but the whole fact that they weren't in NY made the episodes much more special. Continuity is a bit weird, the first episode starts by re-telling the events from the previous episode but with some retcons like the prize including 5 tickets instead of 4, some other continuity problems are Shredder isn't shocked to see the turtles in the first episode in France but is in the second. I guess the episodes could've happened concurrently? And maybe they realized they had one more ticket a few seconds later?

I wish they had put more effort in explaining why Shredder/Krang/April kept being at the same place as the turtles, instead of explaining every episode as pure coincidence something much simpler could've been mentioned in the beginning like April is going on tour and the turtles want to follow her or she's part of the tour or something, and have Shredder/Krang want something the turtles have or some reason to have them follow them. Some sort of story arc could've easily been sneaked into the episodes to make them flow better, especially since this was a "sideseason" why couldn't they add some continuity...A finale for the season would've also been greatly appreciated.

I'm really curious as to why this sideseason was made, it seems pretty clear there was some sort of reason. It almost borderlines as Edutainment, trying to teach you about European culture, though not really enough for me to think it's the reason they made it. It just seems random, not to mention it would also explain why Shredder/Krang were in so many of them, the ones who wanted this season to be produced wanted the main villains in most episodes. Odd in the age of the internet we don't really know why this was made. I actually really enjoyed some episodes quite a bit, I loved the whole fact that this was in Europe and made this feel more epic than it should be. I really enjoyed artless, the atlantis episode, the thor episode and the first two Paris episodes.

Now onto Season 4, which apparently also has some of the worst the series has to offer, I've seen it and I remember liking it for the most part, can't wait to get to the later seasons though. I know the red sky seasons are liked for the most part and 7 is one of the most liked as well and apparently 5/6 aren't bad either.

[Redeemer]

U know whats sad My favorite game is based off this part of the series

TMNT 3 Manhatten project baby

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Finished with the European vacation episodes and apparently the worst the series has to offer, but I really don't think it's that bad. Sure a lot of episodes are lackluster but the whole fact that they weren't in NY made the episodes much more special. Continuity is a bit weird, the first episode starts by re-telling the events from the previous episode but with some retcons like the prize including 5 tickets instead of 4, some other continuity problems are Shredder isn't shocked to see the turtles in the first episode in France but is in the second. I guess the episodes could've happened concurrently? And maybe they realized they had one more ticket a few seconds later?

I wish they had put more effort in explaining why Shredder/Krang/April kept being at the same place as the turtles, instead of explaining every episode as pure coincidence something much simpler could've been mentioned in the beginning like April is going on tour and the turtles want to follow her or she's part of the tour or something, and have Shredder/Krang want something the turtles have or some reason to have them follow them. Some sort of story arc could've easily been sneaked into the episodes to make them flow better, especially since this was a "sideseason" why couldn't they add some continuity...A finale for the season would've also been greatly appreciated.

I'm really curious as to why this sideseason was made, it seems pretty clear there was some sort of reason. It almost borderlines as Edutainment, trying to teach you about European culture, though not really enough for me to think it's the reason they made it. It just seems random, not to mention it would also explain why Shredder/Krang were in so many of them, the ones who wanted this season to be produced wanted the main villains in most episodes. Odd in the age of the internet we don't really know why this was made. I actually really enjoyed some episodes quite a bit, I loved the whole fact that this was in Europe and made this feel more epic than it should be. I really enjoyed artless, the atlantis episode, the thor episode and the first two Paris episodes.

Now onto Season 4, which apparently also has some of the worst the series has to offer, I've seen it and I remember liking it for the most part, can't wait to get to the later seasons though. I know the red sky seasons are liked for the most part and 7 is one of the most liked as well and apparently 5/6 aren't bad either.

Shredder was such a popular bad guy that they wanted to keep him in most episodes. I agree they should more face other bad guys in Europe. And they should show more of Germany and Eastern Europe. Set in the early 1990's, visiting such places would be living history. Berlin is maybe the town that symbolizes 20th century history more than any other.

[Hermano Dyvas]

Continuity is a bit weird, the first episode starts by re-telling the events from the previous episode but with some retcons like the prize including 5 tickets instead of 4

Where do you get this idea from? In "plan six from outer space" Mike reads his winning letter out loud saying something like "you've won a trip for you and 4 amigo's...". 4 + himself = 5.

some other continuity problems are Shredder isn't shocked to see the turtles in the first episode in France but is in the second. I guess the episodes could've happened concurrently? And maybe they realized they had one more ticket a few seconds later?

Yeah, true. I guess it could be explained by them visiting Paris twice and some others take place between these 2.

I always put all the episodes in which Vernon appears first having the Atlantis one as the last. Then Vernon dissapears because April is back in New york too in that second Paris episode. She returns to Europe alone for a while, then after that there's the episode in Venice where April's still alone in France and Burne sends Irma over who sticks around with April for a few episodes again. After all these episodes are done there's only one left which is the one in Norway, so I tend to stick that last.

Yeah I put way too much thought in these episodes.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Check out this:

*Tower of Power = France (west)
*Rust Never Sleeps = France (west)
*A Real Snow Job = Austria (central)
*Venice on the Half-Shell = Italy (south)
*Artless = Italy (south)
*Ring of Fire = Portugal (south)
*The Irish Jig is Up = Republic of Ireland (west)
*Shredder's New Sword = UK (west)
*The Lost Queen of Atlantis = Greece (south)
*Turtles on the Orient Express = France, ending up in Turkey (west-east)
*April Gets in Dutch = Netherlands (west)
*Northern Lights Out = Norway (north)
*Elementary, My Dear Turtle = UK (west)

Instead of travel Europe from west to east. I would see them arriving to the UK, then some train could take April, Irma and Vernon across Continental Europe in a West-East direction. while the TMNT and Splinter sneak on the train to the goods wagon. Shredder, Bebop and Rocksteady would follow them.

As a kid I made up some own TMT stories like these, which took them across the Earth. They travelled by boat, train and aeroplane, as April, Irma and Vernon were travelling as April took a job as Channel 6 foreign correspondent, and April and Vernon assisted her. This is how I recall:

*North America-Europe-Africa-Asia-Oceania-South America-North America.

Not all countries were visited, of course (but I liked geography as a kid). Of course, Shredder, Bebop and Rocksteady were following them.

[gobo]

Tower of Power was first and immediately after Plan Six. That much is undeniable.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Tower of Power was first and immediately after Plan Six. That much is undeniable.

Tower of Power is first, but you can date the European episodes anywhere between "Plan 6 from Outer Space" and "My Brother, the Bad Guy".

[Killer Moth]

This thread would definitely apply to me, as I've just acquired Seasons 1-2 and 7-8 on DVD. While I still had access to Seasons 1-2, via FHE's videotapes, the DVDs are the first time I've seen Seasons 7-8 in their entirety. I already saw Season 1 on YouTube, recently, which inspired me to purchase the DVDs. Certainly the best way to start, as the original mini-series would be my favorite part of the whole series, for obvious reasons.

Season 2 particularly impressed me with its treatment of Shredder. As I had said in the Shredder thread, Season 2 forced him to fend for himself and be creative or less intellectually lazy with his villainy. Unlike future seasons, where he'd have to share the spotlight with Krang, Season 2 was his show, so to speak.

I was also impressed with the building-up of Irma throughout the season, sometimes a minor cameo ("Enter: The Fly") to a semi-major role ("Case of The Killer Pizzas") and never wearing out her welcome too much. Which lead to "Catwoman from Channel Six," where she would soon be promoted to protagonist. Technically, the Turtles probably would have figured out April's problem without Irma, yet her transforming in front of Irma lead to Irma interacting with the Turtles and gave a personal urgency in "April's world." And maybe foreshadowing her future badass ness, as she handled the April transformation better than most might have. When I was younger, I didn't think much of Irma. Seeing Season 2 as an adult, I definitely can't see the series without her.

Also, I was surprised with the robbery fight scene in "Mean Machines," as per actual guns and bullets. I know the toning down of the violence was already underway, yet not completely. Try to imagine a gun battle in Season 3 or anything like that in the CBS seasons, so. Same with the occult aspects in "Splinter No More" with an actual pentagram. (After viewing 4Kids' removal of such in the past decade with their Yu-Gi-Oh programs, I was actually surprised to see one. Heh.)

My only real complaint, beyond the occasional bad episode ("Teenagers from Dimension X") or weird scenes (Krang out of the shower, anyone?) would be the lower-budget animation, except that's a given and the entire season was all done with only one animation team. Fortunately, they didn't cheap it out with "Fly," being a major status quo changing episode (and the only time early in the series that it became actually serious) tends to do that. I eventually accepted the cheap or off-model animation, except "Return of the Technodrome." The season finale, and an epic one at that, should have better animation, quite frankly.

I'm picking Season 2, because I never realized how much it would influence the franchise (Baxter's characterization and mutation, Cat! April, Irma's gradual role, The Eye of Sarnath/Zarnov being expanded in TMNT Adventures, Splinter accepting his new life and other side issues). There are more Season 2 observations, but I wanted to start it off in a summation way.

I'll discuss Season 7 in my next post, as that would be my second favorite. (In case anyone wonders, Season 2 would be third for me). Either way, it's quite the eye-opener. I'm glad I waited, as to put the show and its often non-serious ness in a proper perspective. Compared to current times, I actually like or don't mind whimsy far more than I originally thought. (Or my standards are getting lower and lower -- there's always that possibility, as well. Heh.)

[oldmanwinters]

Yeah, Season 2 was pretty special for expanding the Turtle-verse, even if the animation wasn't always especially crisp or the character models/backgrounds consistent.

[Killer Moth]

Yeah, Season 2 was pretty special for expanding the Turtle-verse, even if the animation wasn't always especially crisp or the character models/backgrounds consistent.

Indeed. The only times it bothered me involved Splinter No More and Return of the Technodrome. I think after watching anime for a while, I've become too used to lower-budget animation. Which is why I liked Mean Machines and Fly's animation more than I should, being more detailed and expressive.

And there are also certain episodes where I am mixed, like Case of the Killer Pizzas. It hasn't aged as well as I thought or it's too lighthearted for me, yet it is quite useful as a breather episode. Being between the action-heavy Curse of the Evil Eye and the hyper-serious (and depressing) Fly certainly helps. Three back-to-back intense episodes would have been too much, or anything right before the death-themed Fly episode had to be light in some way.

On the other hand, other episodes have aged much better to me, like A Thing About Rats, which was the breather in Season 1. It was a good showcase for Shredder, the subtlety of Krang secretly foiling Shredder's plan for his own reasons and the short-and-sweet Mike/Shredder showdown.

It has one of my favorite exchanges in the series:

Shredder (shooting up the place after Mike tricked him in destroying the Mouser control): Oh, no! You'll pay for that!

Mike: Will you take an I.O.U.?

So awesome.

[CyberCubed]

Definitely pick up Season 3. Its split across about 4 volumes though.

Season 6 is a really fun season. Its not as good as Season 7 but there's a lot of fun and enjoyable episodes in it. Seasons 8-10 are also fairly good and when the show tries to go darker.

Likewise Season 4 and 5 have some really great episodes but there's also a lot of filler there. Both are worth picking up simply because of the better episodes.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I just want to say, Season 2 rocks! I have always loved it, and the "Eye of Sarnath" (except for the silly "Curse of the Evil Eye"). I especially love "It Came from Beneath the Sewers" because the dark sewer dwelling, and how the story is built up (TMNT at tivoli, alien giant plant in the swers, April and Irma socializing, Shredder kidnapping April, giant plant on the street and finally Splinter's knowledge of the sewers. The entire undertone feels Mirage dark).

[Killer Moth]

Definitely pick up Season 3. Its split across about 4 volumes though.

Season 6 is a really fun season. Its not as good as Season 7 but there's a lot of fun and enjoyable episodes in it. Seasons 8-10 are also fairly good and when the show tries to go darker.

Likewise Season 4 and 5 have some really great episodes but there's also a lot of filler there. Both are worth picking up simply because of the better episodes.

I wished Lions Gates did what they did with Season 7 -- eventually get a big collected set and correct their past mistake. Why didn't they with Season 3, who knows?

Yes about Season 7, as if it wasn't for the original mini-series and its sheer badass ness, Season 7 would be my favorite. I wish Avery had stayed to close out his role, however, he did voice in "Legend of Koji." "Koji" was an excellent Shredder-specific episode, and a good way to end his stint on a high note. (I know he did a few more, yet "Koji" served as a good finale for Avery, since he couldn't do 'Shredder Triumphant,' sadly.)

I'll say about Season 8 for another post, as it was quite the eye-opener for me.

Another facet I noticed with the syndicated season finales, they had a more series finale flow to them. In that, the Technodrome ended being potentially destroyed, be it dunked in the Earth's core or blasted in Dimension X. Then with Plan 6, the latter got retconned, which makes sense if you saw "Big Blow Out" as a series finale. Either way, evil got punished, or more than the CBS season finales until Season 7.

Duly noted about the rest. Thanks.

In regards to "It Came from Beneath the Sewers," as Swedenfan mentioned, I actually didn't like it as much as I did when younger. I think it was more the carvinal scene, the bratty kids and Mike's weird crossdressing that bugged me, here and there. Yet, I can't ignore the "firsts," like the first official April kidnapping plot, etc. Ironically, I now love "Curse of the Evil Eye," I liked Blodgett, I really liked his cat -- why can't my cats act like Mortimer -- and it proved that Human! Baxter can be an actual badass.

And then, there is "'Enter: The Fly," which was able to be serious without sacificing the series' emerging quirks. And then, I'm immediately depressed about Baxter and all the implications, yet that's a rant for another time.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I wished Lions Gates did what they did with Season 7 -- eventually get a big collected set and correct their past mistake. Why didn't they with Season 3, who knows?

Yes about Season 7, as if it wasn't for the original mini-series and its sheer badass ness, Season 7 would be my favorite. I wish Avery had stayed to close out his role, however, he did voice in "Legend of Koji." "Koji" was an excellent Shredder-specific episode, and a good way to end his stint on a high note. (I know he did a few more, yet "Koji" served as a good finale for Avery, since he couldn't do 'Shredder Triumphant,' sadly.)

I'll say about Season 8 for another post, as it was quite the eye-opener for me.

Another facet I noticed with the syndicated season finales, they had a more series finale flow to them. In that, the Technodrome ended being potentially destroyed, be it dunked in the Earth's core or blasted in Dimension X. Then with Plan 6, the latter got retconned, which makes sense if you saw "Big Blow Out" as a series finale. Either way, evil got punished, or more than the CBS season finales until Season 7.

Duly noted about the rest. Thanks.

In regards to "It Came from Beneath the Sewers," as Swedenfan mentioned, I actually didn't like it as much as I did when younger. I think it was more the carvinal scene, the bratty kids and Mike's weird crossdressing that bugged me, here and there. Yet, I can't ignore the "firsts," like the first official April kidnapping plot, etc. Ironically, I now love "Curse of the Evil Eye," I liked Blodgett, I really liked his cat -- why can't my cats act like Mortimer -- and it proved that Human! Baxter can be an actual badass.

And then, there is "'Enter: The Fly," which was able to be serious without sacificing the series' emerging quirks. And then, I'm immediately depressed about Baxter and all the implications, yet that's a rant for another time.

April is kidnapped already in "Turtle Tracks". And "Shredder Triumphant" rocks, because of the bad-ass Irma.

[Killer Moth]

April is kidnapped already in "Turtle Tracks". And "Shredder Triumphant" rocks, because of the bad-ass Irma.

Oh, snap, you're right. Although, does it totally count if he didn't personally do the kidnapping? (After all, the Foot Soldiers did the work in Tracks.) Just wondering about the semantics.

I do agree about Irma's role in Shredder Triumphant. I wasn't crazy about the Rambo impression when I was younger, yet I find it charming as an adult. It proved to be a good swansong for the character, especially as she all but disappeared soon after. (Two lines in State of Shock and the occasional cameo, and that's it.) It's a shame, but, hey, at least, I have the fun visual of her shooting Krang in the back.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Oh, snap, you're right. Although, does it totally count if he didn't personally do the kidnapping? (After all, the Foot Soldiers did the work in Tracks.) Just wondering about the semantics.

I do agree about Irma's role in Shredder Triumphant. I wasn't crazy about the Rambo impression when I was younger, yet I find it charming as an adult. It proved to be a good swansong for the character, especially as she all but disappeared soon after. (Two lines in State of Shock and the occasional cameo, and that's it.) It's a shame, but, hey, at least, I have the fun visual of her shooting Krang in the back.

Channel 6 was phased out from season 8. Shredder blowing up the building rocks. I wish Irma was fired too for hanging out with the TMNT, so she could be some camera assistant for April when April was a freelance reporter during later seasons.

[Killer Moth]

Channel 6 was phased out from season 8. Shredder blowing up the building rocks. I wish Irma was fired too for hanging out with the TMNT, so she could be some camera assistant for April when April was a freelance reporter during later seasons.

Indeed, as she should have been around in some form. Burne and Vernon, at least, had the H.A.V.O.C. arc to maintain relevance.

I guess this is a good time to wax some initial thoughts about Season 8, as until the DVD, I only saw "Get Shredder!" when I was younger. An 8 episode season is both good and bad, in that you don't have time to waste, so you have to step up on the writing. However, it also means you don't have time to explore the impacts of a new format or characterization.

What was most surprising to me, besides the serial storytelling, was how obsessed the Turtles were becoming with catching Shredder (no more "eh, maybe next time.") Vicky Hall in the excellent TMNT Dissected website would refer to this as "The Game," wherein both the Turtles and the Foot villains had an unspoken agreement not to trump the other. I'll address that in another post, but Season 8 was a welcome change of pace in that respect. (The Turtles themselves addressed the concept quite well during their first chat in the Lair in "Turtle Trek.")

And I am gradually liking the H.A.V.O.C. arc, as it tried to be a decent transition from the series' prior template to the new one. Weren't for the shorter episode order and sucking up time/oxygen that can be used for Shredder, I think it could have been more well-received. Moreover, H.A.V.O.C. probably would have been more appreciated if we had prior characters in the mutant henchman roles rather than new ones. (Although, I did like Seizure and Hi-Beam's designs.)

Anyway, I'll save the rest for the Best of Season 8 thread, which I'll post on, next.

[Valtus3200]

Yeah, man, this is almost exactly how I remembered OT. I had three cassette tapes, one of which was damaged (didn't stop me from watching it though). But, despite my nostalgia, it wasn't the same watching it again.

I've been considering going back and re-watching it, through all those seasons... but, I'm ify if I'd be able to get through them as an adult. It's hard to separate TMNT for children, and TMNT for adults, if you know what I mean. I guess it's the same thing for Batman fans (of which I am), we all have our definitive version of Batman, the one that's "our" Batman, and I guess the same goes for my TMNT tastes.

[oldmanwinters]

Channel 6 was phased out from season 8. Shredder blowing up the building rocks. I wish Irma was fired too for hanging out with the TMNT, so she could be some camera assistant for April when April was a freelance reporter during later seasons.

I do wish we could have seen more Irma in the final two seasons.

We sure as heck got enough of Carter!

[sdp]

So watching the Japanese OVAs should they be considered canon in the OT, they do explain how they got and lost their powers shown there and it's obviously based in OT continuity, besides Shredders different character design, I don't know, I'm really conflicted, I feel it's not part of it but yet it fits in continuity.

[oldmanwinters]

So watching the Japanese OVAs should they be considered canon in the OT, they do explain how they got and lost their powers shown there and it's obviously based in OT continuity, besides Shredders different character design, I don't know, I'm really conflicted, I feel it's not part of it but yet it fits in continuity.

As an avid aficionado of the vintage TMNT manga-verse, I'd say a cautious "no." But as crazy as the Fred Wolf series was, it wouldn't be a stretch to just assume it happened at some point.

The Super Turtles #1 manga asserts that Shredder's original armor was destroyed, hence he got that new outfit for the Japanese adventures.

It's just another corner of the weird and wacky TMNT multi-verse!
http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2010/159/1/1/TMNT_Multiverse_Collage_by_demon_alukard.jpg (http://demon-alukard.deviantart.com/art/TMNT-Multiverse-Collage-166738661)
TMNT Multiverse Collage (http://demon-alukard.deviantart.com/art/TMNT-Multiverse-Collage-166738661) by ~Demon-Alukard (http://demon-alukard.deviantart.com/) on deviantART (http://www.deviantart.com)

[gobo]

We sure as heck got [too much] of Carter!
Fixed that for you! ^_^
So watching the Japanese OVAs should they be considered canon in the OT
No, it's another spin-off continuity, like Archie's TMNTA.

[Agent 86]

I've only just started my first run-through of the original series after being inspired by the upcoming release of the new "Classics" figures from Playmates.

So far, I'm about half-way through season 3 and I'm really loving it. My prior exposure to the original series was watching them after school for quite a few years (but only once I was old enough to be "home alone" - prior to that I had to go to after-school care where we weren't allowed to watch television). I also had the original movie and around four episodes on VHS. I had also taped the cut-down "movie" version of season 1 when it first screened, but it was taped-over at some point during my childhood.

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of seasons 1 and 2 and particularly surprised by Shredder's characterisation in season 2. My memories were always of Shredder being Krang's bumbling assistant (with Bebop and Rocksteady being Shredder's even more bumbling assistants), but in season 2 it seemed that Shredder was much more of a "stand-alone" villain. Also, Shredder was capable of defeating the turtles (but not Splinter). Splinter was also a pleasant surprise - especially how active he was. Again, I have vague memories of him doing little other than sitting around and going cross at the turtles. But he's active, wise and comedic at times.

I also liked April's character, particularly her determination, driving skills and how little she seemed to get kidnapped in the first two seasons. I think I'm only just starting to get to the point in season 3 where she is frequently kidnapped or endangered by Shredder which is the single most prominent character trait that I previously recalled about April. And I'm liking April's co-workers more as well. I recall being irritated by the presence of Irma, Vernon and Burne when I was a child (since they "stole" screen-time from the turtles), but I don't find them that irritating as an adult.

As for the turtles ... well, none of them have really "wowed" me yet. Michaelangelo was my favourite as a child, but I have no idea why. As an adult, none of them really have a distinctive personality as yet. They're all jusy pizza-loving, slang-using, crime-fighting turtles. I like that Raphael seems to break the fourth wall quite frequently and Donatello is the only turtle with a unique interest (being science/inventions). Still, none of them really jump out at me as individuals and the few times that their bandanas are coloured incorrectly, it's only their weapons (not their dialogue/actions) which make the mistake obvious.

I have gotten to the stage where the "same same" nature of the plots fails to hold my attention for 20+ minutes. I've started to leave the room while the episode is playing to attend to random chores now since the old "the Technodrome needs [X] to rise, Shredder tries and fails to obtain [X]" plot is getting tiresome. However, I think I'm about to come into the episodes introducing Leatherhead, Casey Jones and other memorable secondary characters so that should improve the overall quality of the third season.

[pannoni1]

As an avid aficionado of the vintage TMNT manga-verse, I'd say a cautious "no." But as crazy as the Fred Wolf series was, it wouldn't be a stretch to just assume it happened at some point.

The Super Turtles #1 manga asserts that Shredder's original armor was destroyed, hence he got that new outfit for the Japanese adventures.

It's just another corner of the weird and wacky TMNT multi-verse!
http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2010/159/1/1/TMNT_Multiverse_Collage_by_demon_alukard.jpg (http://demon-alukard.deviantart.com/art/TMNT-Multiverse-Collage-166738661)
TMNT Multiverse Collage (http://demon-alukard.deviantart.com/art/TMNT-Multiverse-Collage-166738661) by ~Demon-Alukard (http://demon-alukard.deviantart.com/) on deviantART (http://www.deviantart.com)

This really shows what a big world we live in. You might as well add the IDW and Nick bubbles in addition, and connect the video games associated with the 1987 series along with the video games associated with the 2003 series. However, it shows that what is accepted as "canon" is more tolerant here, with only stuff like Operation Blue Line, Turtle Tunes, and Coming Out of their shells the exceptions.

[ToTheNines]

We sure as heck got enough of Carter!

No joke, I hate that.

It's a shame too, because Carter's actually a pretty good character, but for some reason they felt the need to throw him in there like he was the 5th turtle every single episode.

[sdp]

Well I don't want to de-rail the thread too much with mutliverses so it should go on another thread or even this old (http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showthread.php?t=17478) one I made back in 2006 about Multiverses, it wasn't very popular then but after turtles forever it got more people interested in the Turtles multiverse.

Anyways I'd say that almost all classic games can be in one timeline and all 2k3 games in another, they clearly don't take place in the shows continuity. As for the coming out of the shells tour I actually wouldn't mind another forking timeline from the third movie in which COOTST/BIYT/Turtle Tunes/WWYATC all happen, I mean there are plenty of similarities from the movies in terms of character evolution, I can see those turtles from Turtles III eventually doing a concert tour...

Oh and if you find S3 repetitive you won't be able to stand S4, I find S3 not that repetitive but S4 is indeed quite a bit, more eventful things happen in S4. I'm almost finished with S4, maybe I'll finish this week and I'm off to S5 which I thought was more well liked but apparently it's on par with S4? I hope not.

[Killer Moth]

I've only just started my first run-through of the original series after being inspired by the upcoming release of the new "Classics" figures from Playmates.

So far, I'm about half-way through season 3 and I'm really loving it. My prior exposure to the original series was watching them after school for quite a few years (but only once I was old enough to be "home alone" - prior to that I had to go to after-school care where we weren't allowed to watch television). I also had the original movie and around four episodes on VHS. I had also taped the cut-down "movie" version of season 1 when it first screened, but it was taped-over at some point during my childhood.

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of seasons 1 and 2 and particularly surprised by Shredder's characterisation in season 2. My memories were always of Shredder being Krang's bumbling assistant (with Bebop and Rocksteady being Shredder's even more bumbling assistants), but in season 2 it seemed that Shredder was much more of a "stand-alone" villain. Also, Shredder was capable of defeating the turtles (but not Splinter). Splinter was also a pleasant surprise - especially how active he was. Again, I have vague memories of him doing little other than sitting around and going cross at the turtles. But he's active, wise and comedic at times.

I also liked April's character, particularly her determination, driving skills and how little she seemed to get kidnapped in the first two seasons. I think I'm only just starting to get to the point in season 3 where she is frequently kidnapped or endangered by Shredder which is the single most prominent character trait that I previously recalled about April. And I'm liking April's co-workers more as well. I recall being irritated by the presence of Irma, Vernon and Burne when I was a child (since they "stole" screen-time from the turtles), but I don't find them that irritating as an adult.

As for the turtles ... well, none of them have really "wowed" me yet. Michaelangelo was my favourite as a child, but I have no idea why. As an adult, none of them really have a distinctive personality as yet. They're all jusy pizza-loving, slang-using, crime-fighting turtles. I like that Raphael seems to break the fourth wall quite frequently and Donatello is the only turtle with a unique interest (being science/inventions). Still, none of them really jump out at me as individuals and the few times that their bandanas are coloured incorrectly, it's only their weapons (not their dialogue/actions) which make the mistake obvious.

I have gotten to the stage where the "same same" nature of the plots fails to hold my attention for 20+ minutes. I've started to leave the room while the episode is playing to attend to random chores now since the old "the Technodrome needs [X] to rise, Shredder tries and fails to obtain [X]" plot is getting tiresome. However, I think I'm about to come into the episodes introducing Leatherhead, Casey Jones and other memorable secondary characters so that should improve the overall quality of the third season.

I swear you're like reading my mind, or something. heh.

While the "Technodrome needs X or Y amount of energy" as a good standby plotpoint, the repetition of it with Season 3 can be a bit much. Funny how in Season 1 no one complained about the Technodrome's energy requirements. Of course, it wasn't dunked in lava before then, either, so there is that as an excuse.

By Season 3, yes, their personalities emerge more clearly, but they were budding well in Season 2. As an adult, I was particularly surprised by Don's cynicism and his issues with humans in Season 3 (re: "The Gang's All Here" as he says humans are the worst thing the Turtles could become after eating Shredder's cookies.) I'll be sure to have my fun whenever I get around to analyzing Season 3 Don in depth, once I get the DVDs. Speaking of poison cookies, Saki must really loved the poisoning course when training under the Foot (poisoned April with a flower in Season 2, ended up poisoning Mike with the aforementioned cookies of death).

That's a point I never considered -- we end up losing Irma for Carter. I didn't mind Carter when I was younger, but his Gary Stu characterization does become more clear whenever I thought about it, as an adult. And yet, I keep changing my mind on characters, so I'll probably re-like him again, soon, anyway. And I did feel sorry for him, as he was still in the FUTURA by the time the senes ended. Wonder if he ever got cured.

As for the OVA, which I finally watched recently, well... if I didn't watch Pokemon so much, I swear I was going insane with seeing the anime Turtles. Not that it was bad, as, among other things, I really liked Saki's insult for Krang, "octopus." Which counts a major cultural insult, as you really don't want to be called that in Japan. (For those who don't know, it's like the equivalent for "cur.")

Lastly, since we're on Season 2, and this is a weird observation, but I've noticed the animators sure can draw cats. Between Mortimer and the stray that Don picked up in Catwoman, I have to admire teh cuteness. (I also own cats, so I may be more suspectable than I care to admit.)

[CyberCubed]

The repetitive plots in the series never bothered me. Sure, most episodes were about Shredder/Krang either trying to repower the Technodrome or coming up with a new scheme to take over the world....but each episode was still different and entertaining.

Every episode has different things happening, different interactions among the main cast, different bits of humor.

[Killer Moth]

The repetitive plots in the series never bothered me. Sure, most episodes were about Shredder/Krang either trying to repower the Technodrome or coming up with a new scheme to take over the world....but each episode was still different and entertaining.

Every episode has different things happening, different interactions among the main cast, different bits of humor.

Fair enough. As long as there was a great dialogue exchange or several cute moments, it can be enough for me. Season 3, despite its flaws, had this going for it. It may be the OT's greatest strength -- I never knew what to expect from them. Certain episodes I can predict the ending, yet sometimes, like "Michelangelo's Birthday," I'd go, "Huh, didn't see that coming." Maybe not the best example, but it was an ending I don't think anyone could have foreseen. I like the unpredictability, which compensated for the stock plots.

Besides, there are so many ways to write a story and when you crank out many episodes, like Seasons 3-4, you have to write what you got under deadline and move on.

[CyberCubed]

Agreed. Even some of my least favorite episodes of the series still have at least one nice scene I enjoyed, or one funny moment, or some funny dialogue or banter.

Its really weird for me. If this was any other series that did this I'd probably get bored fast, but the original cartoon had this sort of "magic" or "atmosphere" about it.

It was the characters, their voices/personalities, the banter between the Turtles, the villains, the Channel 6 news screw, the music...everything really.

[Killer Moth]

Agreed. Even some of my least favorite episodes of the series still have at least one nice scene I enjoyed, or one funny moment, or some funny dialogue or banter.

Its really weird for me. If this was any other series that did this I'd probably get bored fast, but the original cartoon had this sort of "magic" or "atmosphere" about it.

It was the characters, their voices/personalities, the banter between the Turtles, the villains, the Channel 6 news screw, the music...everything really.

Right. For example, it was the Shredder/Krang banter in "Adventures in Turtle-Sitting" that kept me from doing a full nerd-rage. (I recently discovered it on tape, done during the end of USA's Cartoon Express days.) Okay, the utter absurdity of Krang eliminating the gangsters, via an artificial floating island didn't bother me as much as I thought. Again, it's the bizarre unpredictability. (Which is why I want to see "Pirate Radio.")

As I said previously, I want to nerd-rage on "Killer Pizzas," yet I shouldn't. You need something light right before viewing "Enter: The Fly." As I recall, "Beneath These Streets" and "Turtles on Trial" had a real darkness to them, which might explain the lightness afterwards. Besides, there is enough semi-serious fare with the rise of the Rat King, the return of Baxter and the three-part season finale. Weren't for Shredder's outrageous outrage in "Blow Out," he would have won.

[Jester]

Agreed. Even some of my least favorite episodes of the series still have at least one nice scene I enjoyed, or one funny moment, or some funny dialogue or banter.

Its really weird for me. If this was any other series that did this I'd probably get bored fast, but the original cartoon had this sort of "magic" or "atmosphere" about it.

It was the characters, their voices/personalities, the banter between the Turtles, the villains, the Channel 6 news screw, the music...everything really.
Couldn't agree more, good sir.

[CyberCubed]

I think the bizarre plotlines helped. Its true that you really didn't know what to expect.

You knew the Turtles would always win in the end and Shredder/Krang's plans would be foiled, but it was HOW it happened that made each episode worth watching.

The interesting chemistry between the entire main cast, villains, and recurring characters was also well done.

[Killer Moth]

I think the bizarre plotlines helped. Its true that you really didn't know what to expect.

You knew the Turtles would always win in the end and Shredder/Krang's plans would be foiled, but it was HOW it happened that made each episode worth watching.

The interesting chemistry between the entire main cast, villains, and recurring characters was also well done.

Exactly. In some ways, censoring isn't always a bad thing, because it can force the writers to be more creative. Which is probably why I like OT Raph as my favorite Raph, because the berserker type can be a tad tedious. Same with the OT Shredder in some ways, helped by Avery, as he can pull off the rarest villain exception: the comedic villain that can be taken seriously if need be. (The exception would be Batman's Joker, yet he is in a class by himself.)

Over time, you mellow over certain characterizions, as well. I hated OT Slash when I was younger, but that was a style choice (badass action figure vs. what we got). Nevertheless, he was allowed to be violent and insane, only a more weird and lighthearted way. Decent enough compromise, and I finally learned to accept.

And then, you double down on others, like with Baxter. I loved the nerd then; love him even more now.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

This really shows what a big world we live in. You might as well add the IDW and Nick bubbles in addition, and connect the video games associated with the 1987 series along with the video games associated with the 2003 series. However, it shows that what is accepted as "canon" is more tolerant here, with only stuff like Operation Blue Line, Turtle Tunes, and Coming Out of their shells the exceptions.

Sorry, but it's difficult to read some of the text. But great work.

[oldmanwinters]

Between Mortimer and the stray that Don picked up in Catwoman, I have to admire the cuteness. (I also own cats, so I may be more susceptible than I care to admit.)

You know, when I was drawing up my TMNT fan comic, "Nothing to Fear," I realized how similar that orange stray cat looked to Klunk as we would later see him in the 4Kids series. It would have been cool to see the Old Toon turtles adopt the little critter into their lair, although Splinter's innate fear of cats probably would have nixed that idea!

[Killer Moth]

You know, when I was drawing up my TMNT fan comic, "Nothing to Fear," I realized how similar that orange stray cat looked to Klunk as we would later see him in the 4Kids series. It would have been cool to see the Old Toon turtles adopt the little critter into their lair, although Splinter's innate fear of cats probably would have nixed that idea!

Klunk popped my head, as well, when I saw the stray interacting with Don (which was quite adorable). I also definitely noticed that Don still held the cat when they took off after Splinter contacted them. Plothole or the Turtles secretly deciding to adopt the cat behind Splinter's back -- you make the call.

Splinter did mellow as the series progressed (as I recall, he did change his mind about the European Vacation after being somewhat opposed to it), so all hope springs eternal.

I had noticed how the Season 2 animators apparently liked orange cats, per the stray we've been discussing, Mortimer and the cat that got mixed with April. I'd love to think the animators had Klunk in mind, yet it is highly doubtful. I see it as an unexpected and pleasant bonus, however.

Come to think of it, the mouse used in Baxter's Mouser experiment also had a cute design. And then, it got caught by the Mouser, and you can figure out the rest. Poor mouse.

[Foot Soldier Clang]

I recently finished rewatching the entire OT. I started back in January. It's still perfect in every way :tcool:

[CyberCubed]

I recently finished rewatching the entire OT. I started back in January. It's still perfect in every way :tcool:

Now watch through the 4kids series. You're missing out.

[Avatar Yuffie]

I recently finished rewatching the entire OT. I started back in January. It's still perfect in every way :tcool:

Congrats. :D

[Leo656]

I never got to watch the Japanese TMNT. Where's a good place to find it?

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

As I said previously, I want to nerd-rage on "Killer Pizzas," yet I shouldn't. You need something light right before viewing "Enter: The Fly." As I recall, "Beneath These Streets" and "Turtles on Trial" had a real darkness to them, which might explain the lightness afterwards. Besides, there is enough semi-serious fare with the rise of the Rat King, the return of Baxter and the three-part season finale. Weren't for Shredder's outrageous outrage in "Blow Out," he would have won.

That's season 3, great mix of dark-action and humor. Sadly, most people only seem to remember the episodes with less cool action from that season.

[Foot Soldier Clang]

Now watch through the 4kids series. You're missing out.

I'm going to try and watch it over the summer right before the new Nick show airs.

Congrats. :D

Thanks! Somehow it makes me feel young again! :tlol:

I never got to watch the Japanese TMNT. Where's a good place to find it?

It was never released in the US, but you can find it fansubbed on youtube I think.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I recently finished rewatching the entire OT. I started back in January. It's still perfect in every way :tcool:

Thoughts? Which season do you like best and that stuff.

[Foot Soldier Clang]

Thoughts? Which season do you like best and that stuff.

I really enjoyed the 1993 season. I thought it started and ended on high notes. "Night of the Rogues" and "Shredder Triumphant" are my favorite episodes of that season, but I don't have a least favorite episode really.

The OT is a mixed bag of fun action packed episodes, and ridiculous scifi episodes. Some episodes borderline genius (like "Farewell, Lotus Blossom"), while others are just strange homages (like "What's Michelangelo good for?").

Before the Red Sky seasons, the OT seems to be one big homage to b-movies of the Atomic Age of cinema. There was more than one reference to Ed Wood, Tor Johnson, and the fact the the turtles themselves enjoyed watched strange and obscure movies. There was one episode entitled "Plan 6 from Outer Space" which is a parody of the Ed Wood "classic" Plan 9 from Outer Space". There was an episode where Krang needed parts for his "Calcinator Ray", which is the weapon used in the cult classic "Robot Monster". I personally believe Krang's android body is designed to look like actor/wrestler Tor Johnson. And even the rubber masks the turtles wear to go out in the early episodes are Tor Johnson masks!

The Red Sky seasons had a bit more character developtment for the turtles, and NYC looks like a post-apocalyptic wasteland devoid of all life... and also surrounded by mountains and houses a nuclear power plant... in the midtown area... So it's a weird handful of seasons, but I loved them. There were so many great villains from Lord Dregg's homeworld. Space mercenaries mostly. And even before Dregg shows up, there was the villain Megavolt who I thought was particularly cool, and Titanus and his HAVOC mutants. I wish they didn't do away with the Channel 6 crew like they did, because Burne Thompson was better as a antagonist. And my beloved Irma just disappeared :tcry:.

In all, I enjoyed the entire series and I have only minor complaints; There should have been more female villains and female mutants, more returning villains rather than one-shot-villains, and larger roles for human allies.

So like I said, the OT was perfect :tcool:

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I really enjoyed the 1993 season. I thought it started and ended on high notes. "Night of the Rogues" and "Shredder Triumphant" are my favorite episodes of that season, but I don't have a least favorite episode really.

The OT is a mixed bag of fun action packed episodes, and ridiculous scifi episodes. Some episodes borderline genius (like "Farewell, Lotus Blossom"), while others are just strange homages (like "What's Michelangelo good for?").

Before the Red Sky seasons, the OT seems to be one big homage to b-movies of the Atomic Age of cinema. There was more than one reference to Ed Wood, Tor Johnson, and the fact the the turtles themselves enjoyed watched strange and obscure movies. There was one episode entitled "Plan 6 from Outer Space" which is a parody of the Ed Wood "classic" Plan 9 from Outer Space". There was an episode where Krang needed parts for his "Calcinator Ray", which is the weapon used in the cult classic "Robot Monster". I personally believe Krang's android body is designed to look like actor/wrestler Tor Johnson. And even the rubber masks the turtles wear to go out in the early episodes are Tor Johnson masks!

The Red Sky seasons had a bit more character developtment for the turtles, and NYC looks like a post-apocalyptic wasteland devoid of all life... and also surrounded by mountains and houses a nuclear power plant... in the midtown area... So it's a weird handful of seasons, but I loved them. There were so many great villains from Lord Dregg's homeworld. Space mercenaries mostly. And even before Dregg shows up, there was the villain Megavolt who I thought was particularly cool, and Titanus and his HAVOC mutants. I wish they didn't do away with the Channel 6 crew like they did, because Burne Thompson was better as a antagonist. And my beloved Irma just disappeared :tcry:.

In all, I enjoyed the entire series and I have only minor complaints; There should have been more female villains and female mutants, more returning villains rather than one-shot-villains, and larger roles for human allies.

So like I said, the OT was perfect :tcool:

The 1970's, 1980's and early 1990's had other action cartoons like Super Friends, Blackstar He-Man, Transformers, Mask, Fantastic Max, Biker Mice from Mars and Widget, so the science fiction stuff was probably an attempt to ride on that wave.

[Foot Soldier Clang]

The 1970's, 1980's and early 1990's had other action cartoons like Super Friends, Blackstar He-Man, Transformers, Mask, Fantastic Max, Biker Mice from Mars and Widget, so the science fiction stuff was probably an attempt to ride on that wave.

But most of the 1980's stuff was done in either a 1960's Jet Age super-science fashion, or Pulp Fantasy. I don't remember Biker Mice too well, and I remember thinking Widget was kinda lame :tlol:. I'm not basing my opinion on any kind of fact, but if you watch a lot of old Atomic Age stuff, and hold it next to OT TMNT, they feel similar.

I can easily imagine the writers for the OT reading the title and going "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? That title reminds me of something I saw in a drive-in theater!" and just going with that theme.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

But most of the 1980's stuff was done in either a 1960's Jet Age super-science fashion, or Pulp Fantasy. I don't remember Biker Mice too well, and I remember thinking Widget was kinda lame :tlol:. I'm not basing my opinion on any kind of fact, but if you watch a lot of old Atomic Age stuff, and hold it next to OT TMNT, they feel similar.

I can easily imagine the writers for the OT reading the title and going "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? That title reminds me of something I saw in a drive-in theater!" and just going with that theme.

Fantasy was never a big part of the 1987 TMNT show. Almost everything was science fiction.

[Foot Soldier Clang]

Fantasy was never a big part of the 1987 TMNT show. Almost everything was science fiction.

Well yes, the OT was all space aliens and Dimension X invaders, but elements of fantasy did exist in small portions through out the series.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Well yes, the OT was all space aliens and Dimension X invaders, but elements of fantasy did exist in small portions through out the series.

You had the Fairy Tale Dimension, some alternate history lines where fairy tales were true (see the ""Turtles and the Hare" episode).

[Killer Moth]

Before the Red Sky seasons, the OT seems to be one big homage to b-movies of the Atomic Age of cinema. There was more than one reference to Ed Wood, Tor Johnson, and the fact the the turtles themselves enjoyed watched strange and obscure movies. There was one episode entitled "Plan 6 from Outer Space" which is a parody of the Ed Wood "classic" Plan 9 from Outer Space". There was an episode where Krang needed parts for his "Calcinator Ray", which is the weapon used in the cult classic "Robot Monster". I personally believe Krang's android body is designed to look like actor/wrestler Tor Johnson. And even the rubber masks the turtles wear to go out in the early episodes are Tor Johnson masks!

The Red Sky seasons had a bit more character developtment for the turtles, and NYC looks like a post-apocalyptic wasteland devoid of all life... and also surrounded by mountains and houses a nuclear power plant... in the midtown area... So it's a weird handful of seasons, but I loved them. There were so many great villains from Lord Dregg's homeworld. Space mercenaries mostly. And even before Dregg shows up, there was the villain Megavolt who I thought was particularly cool, and Titanus and his HAVOC mutants. I wish they didn't do away with the Channel 6 crew like they did, because Burne Thompson was better as a antagonist. And my beloved Irma just disappeared :tcry:.

In all, I enjoyed the entire series and I have only minor complaints; There should have been more female villains and female mutants, more returning villains rather than one-shot-villains, and larger roles for human allies.

The 50's vibe definitely rang true in Season 2, with Cat! April and the various monsters throughout. (I suppose I could cite Fly! Baxter for this, yet the 86 remake of "The Fly" probably inspired that plotpoint more than anything.) Of course, we can't forget the Neutrinos, and the animators going for a bizzare "Rebel Without a Cause" theme.

Your theory about Tor being used to inspire Krang's android body and the later TMNT masks intrigue me, and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter.

And speaking of Megavolt, his suit of armor definitely reminded me of a Solurite (or however you spell that name) from "Phantom Planet":

http://youtu.be/QFlPEG8IL-Q

You MST3K fans should be amused, as the video starts on the escaping Solurite. And second what you said about Season 8.

[Avatar Yuffie]

It's interesting you point out the Turtles' love for old style movies. It never occurred to me. I guess in an era w/o the internet and tv cable and with just video rentals for their more preferred evening past time it adds the charm when they made reference of it.

[CyberCubed]

I love how when I watch the OT, I feel like I'm instantly transported back in time to the late 80's and early 90's.

Its so nostalgic since I was a kid back then, and I assume most here were too. Just that old "80's" feel to everything brings tears to my eyes.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I love how when I watch the OT, I feel like I'm instantly transported back in time to the late 80's and early 90's.

Its so nostalgic since I was a kid back then, and I assume most here were too. Just that old "80's" feel to everything brings tears to my eyes.

Yeah, and I can't get enough with that. So I search the Internet for fanfiction based on that show. Sadly, not many such stories are around there (I don't count the stuipdity stories I've seen out there, with Donatello and Irma having sex and other stuff). This is not how I want the show to represent.

[Foot Soldier Clang]

The 50's vibe definitely rang true in Season 2, with Cat! April and the various monsters throughout. (I suppose I could cite Fly! Baxter for this, yet the 86 remake of "The Fly" probably inspired that plotpoint more than anything.) Of course, we can't forget the Neutrinos, and the animators going for a bizzare "Rebel Without a Cause" theme.

Your theory about Tor being used to inspire Krang's android body and the later TMNT masks intrigue me, and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter.

And speaking of Megavolt, his suit of armor definitely reminded me of a Solurite (or however you spell that name) from "Phantom Planet":

http://youtu.be/QFlPEG8IL-Q

You MST3K fans should be amused, as the video starts on the escaping Solurite. And second what you said about Season 8.

You're right, Megavolts full power form does resemble a Solurite! He also resembled Zorak from Space Ghost to some degree as well.

It's interesting you point out the Turtles' love for old style movies. It never occurred to me. I guess in an era w/o the internet and tv cable and with just video rentals for their more preferred evening past time it adds the charm when they made reference of it.

Ah, to return to those days when renting movies was the ultimate treat. There were so many episodes of the OT that started off with the turtles watching some sort of terrible film, and so many that had them talking about terrible movies, or going to the rental shop.

[Magneto]

It's interesting you point out the Turtles' love for old style movies. It never occurred to me. I guess in an era w/o the internet and tv cable and with just video rentals for their more preferred evening past time it adds the charm when they made reference of it.

Indeed. Another thing to take note of, is their apparent affinity for Kaiju films as well. Something I think alot of kids could relate to. Perhaps more so then, than now.

[Foot Soldier Clang]

Indeed. Another thing to take note of, is their apparent affinity for Kaiju films as well. Something I think alot of kids could relate to. Perhaps more so then, than now.

Yeah they loved their "Gorgonzola" movies :tlol:. You're probably right about kids liking kaiju flicks more back then, again maybe because of being able to rent them from video stores.

[MikeandRaph87]

Why didn't David Wise have Burne Thompson stay on as the human leading Dregg's campaign against the turtles in return for a new Channel Six building? April could be working against her boss which would also make her feel at odds with Irma who was still there. Then after Dregg was exposed it would have been a good human moment for Burne when he realized he had been handing the city over to an alien conquerer the whole time.

[Foot Soldier Clang]

Why didn't David Wise have Burne Thompson stay on as the human leading Dregg's campaign against the turtles in return for a new Channel Six building? April could be working against her boss which would also make her feel at odds with Irma who was still there. Then after Dregg was exposed it would have been a good human moment for Burne when he realized he had been handing the city over to an alien conquerer the whole time.

And that would've been great, but nearly the entire Channel 6 cast is wiped out by the end of the first of the Red Sky seasons, then after that it's just April and she's a freelancer. I would have loved that sort of development for Burne. Irma would have sided with April and the turtles, no question. But none of that really matters since the Channel 6 crew is all gone for the rest of the series. Really sad though, because Irma was so fantastic a character.


However, I'm glad Vernon was nowhere to be seen.:tcool:

[Agent 86]

I'm still making my way through season 3, but I'm really loving how often the characters, particularly Raphael break the "fourth wall" (i.e. talk directly to the audience) and also how many "internal" jokes there are.

In one of the recent episodes I watched, the turtles are commenting on the interior of the Technodrome and Raphael (?) says something along the lines of it being a "cartoonist's nightmare" (presumably referring to all the background gadgets, gizmos and other intricate details that needed to be drawn).

There have been similar comments referencing past episodes (i.e. actually having one of the turtles say: "I wish we had the anti-gravity boots from episode 6") and the "demands" of episodic television (i.e. having one of the turtles state that they need to follow an escaped dinosaur in order to have a worthwhile episode and for Krang to comment that of course he keeps an infinte number of gadgets around the technodrome that just so happen to be perfect to use in extremely unusual individual circumstances because it keeps the plot moving).

It's helping me realise why I like TV shows and movies which have a certain "tongue in cheek" sensibility about them and don't always take themselves too seriously.

[MikeandRaph87]

And that would've been great, but nearly the entire Channel 6 cast is wiped out by the end of the first of the Red Sky seasons, then after that it's just April and she's a freelancer. I would have loved that sort of development for Burne. Irma would have sided with April and the turtles, no question. But none of that really matters since the Channel 6 crew is all gone for the rest of the series. Really sad though, because Irma was so fantastic a character.


However, I'm glad Vernon was nowhere to be seen.:tcool:

I guess that is what fan-fiction is for. It was definitely a missed opportunity! I like to think it would have taken Burne beyond being a static character that at times was Jameson-lite.I thought April as a freelancer was the best direction to go after season 8 yet still have my idea in play.

Can't say that I am Team Irma but I have always appreciated her. Never cared for Vernon either way, but yes he was annoying.

I wonder if it was CBS's decision to remove Chanel Six's characters from the show or if it was David Wise. It was CBS's forced idea to add in Dregg and Carter and remove Shredder so it would fit the pattern.

[CyberCubed]

The Channel 6 characters didn't work with the serious tone of the last 3 seasons.

We saw Burne a lot in Season 8, but he wasn't funny anymore. He just hated the Turtles and that's it.

[MikeandRaph87]

The Channel 6 characters didn't work with the serious tone of the last 3 seasons.

We saw Burne a lot in Season 8, but he wasn't funny anymore. He just hated the Turtles and that's it.

That is my point! He is static and instead of throwing away a character who only has so many traits and there is a plot that would work well with him its a chance to develop the character. The campaign by Dregg was the perfect opportunity to flesh Burne out and add to him.

[Killer Moth]

You're right, Megavolts full power form does resemble a Solurite! He also resembled Zorak from Space Ghost to some degree as well.

Nice to know it isn't just me pointing that out, as, until MST3K came along, Phantom Planet was the king of sci-fi obscurity. And, yes, I did think of Zorak, as well. The latter makes more sense, as Coast-to-Coast launched in the same year. Then again, I wouldn't be surprised if the animators just knew of him, anyway.

Speaking of Megavolt, anyone noticed his saying, "deviants"? Undoubtedly, it was unintentional, but it's pretty funny in hindsight for many reasons, as you-know-who who loves that term shows up in the next season with the same voice actor.

Burne's overall role in Season 8 works just fine, as he fully embraced his J. Jonah Jameson characterization. Given the damage constantly done to his studio throughout the season, it's hard to blame him. With the coming of Dregg and his eventual anti-Turtle campaign, it seemed like a perfect opportunity for Burne and the others. Oh, well.

I've been going back and forth about Vernon, and I don't dislike him as much as I used to. Having him as April's rival makes perfect sense from a storytelling perspective. And yet, it is jarring to see his Season 1 character, who was a semi-cowardly, decent man to the cowardly jerkass we'd see for the rest of the series. Quite the revision. Conversely, other than his temper and bluster, Burne's character has been more or less the same since the beginning. (Of course, for those who have the Season 3-6 DVDs can feel free to correct me on that.)

[Foot Soldier Clang]

The Channel 6 characters didn't work with the serious tone of the last 3 seasons.

We saw Burne a lot in Season 8, but he wasn't funny anymore. He just hated the Turtles and that's it.

I don't think the Channel 6 Crew would be too out of place in the Red Sky series. Although I don't dislike Carter, I would have preferred other humans/non-mutates to be a part of the cast.

I loved "J.J"-Burne. It added a bit of drama to the Red Sky seasons, which isn't as serious and it thought it was. It was no more ridiculous or outrageous as the rest of the series, it was just less jokey and had less breaking-the-fourth-wall jokes (although there were still plenty of those).

[sdp]

Well i finally finished watching S4, took a while, since I couldn't watch episodes every day and sometimes I could only watch 1, not to mention I was tired and would fall asleep halfway through an episode and have to re-watch it it only slowing my down further. Anyways these season is so far easily the worst one and very little that redeems it. The beginning is full of worthless episodes, in fact I can't believe that people say the European Episodes are worse, they are far superior and more interesting than half of S4. S4 does pick up a little towards the second half and there are a few good episodes but very few outstanding episodes. Episodes like Michelangelo Toys around just make me wish I knew what they were thinking when they made it. Terrible joined by the fact that there is no season finale, counting how big S3 and S4 were they could've easily cancelled the show after this and ended the show on such a low note, not to mention without conclusion, glad that wasn't the case.

I remember the first time I saw S4 back in 2007 I enjoyed it but still felt something was lacking, but didn't think it was that bad counting most people consider it the worst of the series. But re-watching it it's easily the worst of the series so far and only a true turtle fan could love these episodes for what they are since they lack most elements to make them stand out.

Now onto Season 5, I thought things got better after S4 but apparently S4 still reeks a little bit of S4? oh well I guess I'll find out at least it won't be 39 episodes. it's S6 that gets better right and I know S7 is a fan favorite with the red-sky seasons being their own thing. Hope to finish by April.

[CyberCubed]

Season 4 is only a mixed bag because its 40 episodes.

There are still some really good episodes in there as well as some "fairly good" eps in there.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Season 4 is only a mixed bag because its 40 episodes.

There are still some really good episodes in there as well as some "fairly good" eps in there.

The best with season 4-5 is actually that it gives us more adventutres without Shredder. I guess kids didn't like it, so it was cancelled.

[ZariusTwo]

Stop pretending the show's cancelation had something to do with the lack of Shredder. It's getting annoying.

[CyberCubed]

Agreed. The show was going to end eventually anyway. By 1996 the TMNT fad was long dead (it ended by 1993), and the show had a healthy 10 season run.

If it had continued then Pokemon would have eventually utterly destroyed it by 1998 anyway.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Stop pretending the show's cancelation had something to do with the lack of Shredder. It's getting annoying.

I don't talk of the show, but the season 4-5 solo adventures.

[Killer Moth]

Agreed. The show was going to end eventually anyway. By 1996 the TMNT fad was long dead (it ended by 1993), and the show had a healthy 10 season run.

If it had continued then Pokemon would have eventually utterly destroyed it by 1998 anyway.

Indeed. Which is terribly ironic, as I am still into the Pokemon craze. Heh. That, and the local networks dumping the cartoons for news programs. Where I live, NBC did it first, then ABC, though, not CBS or not completely. Network Saturday Cartoon blocs still exist (I'm not counting CW; I'm only counting the Big Three), but at a far reduced capacity.

Popularity issue aside, the Turtles would have lost to that, anyway. Between cable, ratings and other choices, times change.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Indeed. Which is terribly ironic, as I am still into the Pokemon craze. Heh. That, and the local networks dumping the cartoons for news programs. Where I live, NBC did it first, then ABC, though, not CBS or not completely. Network Saturday Cartoon blocs still exist (I'm not counting CW; I'm only counting the Big Three), but at a far reduced capacity.

Popularity issue aside, the Turtles would have lost to that, anyway. Between cable, ratings and other choices, times change.

I would say 1989-1994 being the ultimate TMNT hysteria years. By 1994, the decline begun, and the Power Rangers became more popular.

[Killer Moth]

I would say 1989-1994 being the ultimate TMNT hysteria years. By 1994, the decline begun, and the Power Rangers became more popular.

Right, right. Impressive run, as most fads don't last nearly that long.

An observation I had when recently viewing Baxter's first and last episodes as a fly was the voice acting. Baxter immediately after his mutation or transformation had a very unique voice or pitch, almost alien-like. It's hard to describe, frankly. And then, by "Revenge of the Fly," he definitely sounded very high-pitched. (Understandable, as he is in full-fledged fly mode by then.) I haven't re-viewed the episodes in between, so if anyone else wants to comment on the vocal evolution, please do. It's a shame Pat Fraley or someone behind-the-scens didn't want to maintain the vocal standard set by "Enter: The Fly."

Speaking of Fraley's voice acting, TV Tropes.org has quite the interesting observation in its TMNT 87 page under the "Talking to Himself" headline:

"One example that stands out is Pat Fraley who did the voices of Krang and Baxter Stockman, and has one scene where the human Baxter is sent to the Technodrome's disentigrator, and begs Krang to spare his life only to have Krang refuse him. That means that Pat Fraley was begging himself to spare his life, and he refused his own request for mercy. This scene is also played very convincingly due to Pat Fraley's enormous voice acting talent, and to think he also did several other major characters on the show is nothing less than amazing."

I don't disagree. I'll certainly comment about the series' voice acting in future posts, but the Baxter-Fly voice acting earns my mentioning it, sooner.

(Oh, and here's to my 100th post. Yay.)

[CyberCubed]

As much as I loved the OT, you really can't help but notice all the missed opportunities.

We never really saw much of the Rock Soldier war against the Neutrinos, Baxter and Leatherhead should have appeared a bit more, and I would have liked to see Shredder re-connect with the human Japanese Foot Clan.

Plus the other secondary mutants like Rahzar/Tokka, Slash, etc. could have been used more too.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

As much as I loved the OT, you really can't help but notice all the missed opportunities.

We never really saw much of the Rock Soldier war against the Neutrinos, Baxter and Leatherhead should have appeared a bit more, and I would have liked to see Shredder re-connect with the human Japanese Foot Clan.

Plus the other secondary mutants like Rahzar/Tokka, Slash, etc. could have been used more too.

Yeah, we saw the human Japanese Foot Clan in the "Turtle Tracks" flashback where they rob people and shout "-Hands up".

[Killer Moth]

Yeah, we saw the human Japanese Foot Clan in the "Turtle Tracks" flashback where they rob people and shout "-Hands up".

Season 9 would have been the ideal time to show Karai and finally explore all that. Plus, she had been around for a few years in real time, so if the writers did their homework, etc. Plus, like the recent posts, I've often wondered what the human Foot Clan thought of with Saki rolling around in the Technodrome, trying to conquer Earth with Krang. Or for that matter, his replacing the human Foot Soldiers with robots.

Maybe yell at him, "Stop being such a highly visible ninja! You're really making us look bad."

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I've often wondered what the human Foot Clan thought of with Saki rolling around in the Technodrome, trying to conquer Earth with Krang. Or for that matter, his replacing the human Foot Soldiers with robots.



Probably nice, as they didn't need to do the dirty work anymore.

I think Karai should start rule the Foot Clan in Japan and train humans when Shredder went to the USA and met Krang and started construction of Foot robots.

[sdp]

Finished watching Season 5, well mostly, I'm missing a few episodes but I'll get to them eventually. Overall I enjoyed it very much, a huge improvement over Season 4, this season actually does what I always wanted the show to do, feature mutants in every other episode and the characters that had toys. And for the most part I was right, this makes the average episode far more interesting and makes this otherwise lacking season entertaining over something like Season 4 that had forgettable villains. On the other hand I also realized something, it really does cheapen the characters and makes it a bit boring and takes away when it's "oh new episode new mutant", so I'm glad they didn't do it until now, in fact it's even mentioned tongue in cheek "oh not another mutant episode".

Some thoughts, so why in planet of the turtleoids they act like they didn't already know of Planet of the Turtles, in fact this same season Donatello discovered the Turtle Nebula and I think in that episode Donatello mentions the Planet of the Turtles...Anyways I'm guessing the Turtleoids Planet is on that same Nebula as the Planet of the Turtles?
When I got to the Lex 1 episode I immediately thought "man this is the same episode as Season 2. I was glad that Rex showed up so it made the episode seem not a rehash of the first one. It was neat seeing the Polarium aliens again and in fact that episode had a few plots points from previous episodes including Sky Turtles it felt like a nice throwback intentional or not. Which brings me to my next point why were these two Season 2/3 one shot characters who had no figures and probably not fan popular or even remembered by the average person brought back? I actually enjoyed both episodes but it still seemed odd to not bring back say Metal Head or Monalisa or some other one shot character that is widely more popular..

Overall the Turtleoids episode is kind of weak, didn't care much for Groudchuck and Dirtbag and I thought Chrome Dome was awesome, a bit too big for my tastes, not to mention didn't Shredder learn from "Foot Soldiers revolt" but oh well. I mean it's not a bad two parter but it's also not amazing like some fans make it to be, in fact I think I'd rather have had a Turtleoids one parter and one episode that dealt with Chrome Dome as the main villain instead this way he didn't get much screen time. Overall I thought Season 5 was very good and Season 6 should be better right?

[CyberCubed]

Season 5 has some good episodes but some of the weaker ones stand out for some reason. I love Donatello's Duplicate the most though.

Also I agree with you that I liked seeing Mutagen Man, Muckman, and the giant Ice creature...certainly better than one-off nutjobs.

Season 6 is much better IMO. The animation is also more consistent that season and its only a notch below Season 7.

[Dirty Blond]

why in planet of the turtleoids they act like they didn't already know of Planet of the Turtles, in fact this same season Donatello discovered the Turtle Nebula and I think in that episode Donatello mentions the Planet of the Turtles...Anyways I'm guessing the Turtleoids Planet is on that same Nebula as the Planet of the Turtles?

Turtles from an alien world? Where did they get that idea?

[sdp]

Does anyone know how many "Turtle Tips" segments were made? I've seen the compiled 10 minute version on youtube but I'm wondering how many were actually made.

Finished watching the few episodes I was missing from S5, overall my opinion didn't change but I thought I'd mention a few things. I really liked the episode Leonardo Renaissance where finally Leonardo feels relevant in the show and redeems his character somewhat. Didn't like the Baxter Stockman episode too much, I still really liked it but it was not as good as all the previous Baxter episodes which have always been some of my favorites, I liked his skill of controlling flies but what happened to his computer friend and how did he get out of the portal? Other Baxter episodes always had some sort of explanation. A S4 episode but who wrote the Turtle Collector episode? First of all out of all the episodes they could've gotten cameos from Only Mr. Ogg gets one? Everything else was a new made up villain that we never saw on the show, not to mention some of the stuff they showed made no sense for them to know about like the sewer layer etc.

[Killer Moth]

Didn't like the Baxter Stockman episode too much, I still really liked it but it was not as good as all the previous Baxter episodes which have always been some of my favorites, I liked his skill of controlling flies but what happened to his computer friend and how did he get out of the portal? Other Baxter episodes always had some sort of explanation. A S4 episode but who wrote the Turtle Collector episode? First of all out of all the episodes they could've gotten cameos from Only Mr. Ogg gets one? Everything else was a new made up villain that we never saw on the show, not to mention some of the stuff they showed made no sense for them to know about like the sewer layer etc.

It's a pity Baxter didn't keep his ability to control insects, as that was intriguing. Even though, using them to engulf the Technodrome in the arctic wasn't his best moment. Yeah.

As for your Turtle Collector episode question, I assume you meant "Turtlemaniac." Which case, it was written by Rowby Goren, as seen here:

http://thetechnodrome.com/images/album/Title_Screens/Season_4

As for the two-headed biker, maybe the writer was thinking about that one punk of Shredder's that became a two-headed dog mutant in Season 1? That's the closest equivalent I could think of, even though, the reference probably meant to be for some other character, or something like that. Or some adventure that was so awesome, the audience wasn't allowed to watch it. Heh.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Does anyone know how many "Turtle Tips" segments were made? I've seen the compiled 10 minute version on youtube but I'm wondering how many were actually made.



I've seen circa 10-15, probably.

[Herald7]

Turtles from an alien world? Where did they get that idea?

Howard the Duck? :lol:

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

It's a pity Baxter didn't keep his ability to control insects, as that was intriguing. Even though, using them to engulf the Technodrome in the arctic wasn't his best moment. Yeah.

As for your Turtle Collector episode question, I assume you meant "Turtlemaniac." Which case, it was written by Rowby Goren, as seen here:

http://thetechnodrome.com/images/album/Title_Screens/Season_4

As for the two-headed biker, maybe the writer was thinking about that one punk of Shredder's that became a two-headed dog mutant in Season 1? That's the closest equivalent I could think of, even though, the reference probably meant to be for some other character, or something like that. Or some adventure that was so awesome, the audience wasn't allowed to watch it. Heh.

Two-headed biker? Which episode was that.

[gobo]

Does anyone know how many "Turtle Tips" segments were made? I've seen the compiled 10 minute version on youtube but I'm wondering how many were actually made.
I've found 21 of them.
Howard the Duck? :lol:
Howard was really a turtle?? :teek: Crazy!
Two-headed biker? Which episode was that.
It was mentioned in Turtlemaniac. The adventure was never seen in an episode.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I've found 21 of them.

Howard was really a turtle?? :teek: Crazy!

It was mentioned in Turtlemaniac. The adventure was never seen in an episode.

But does season 1 features a two-headed mutant punk? Which episode. Is It "Shredder & Splintered" when the punks are behind bars? I only recall two mutated punks, and one human.

[MikeandRaph87]

But does season 1 features a two-headed mutant punk? Which episode. Is It "Shredder & Splintered" when the punks are behind bars? I only recall two mutated punks, and one human.

Hey Swedenfan,it never happened on screen. In the episode "Turtlemaniac" during the early season 4 it was referenced in the wax museum of Mnroe E. Flem set up as well as another fight. It is just something that showed things happened between episodes off screen. It would have been cooler to reference previous episodes instead but it did show us things happened that were unseen which gives credit to the TMNT encountering Scumbug and Antrax before they appeared in the froup in "Night of The Rogues".

[Killer Moth]

Hey Swedenfan,it never happened on screen. In the episode "Turtlemaniac" during the early season 4 it was referenced in the wax museum of Mnroe E. Flem set up as well as another fight. It is just something that showed things happened between episodes off screen. It would have been cooler to reference previous episodes instead but it did show us things happened that were unseen which gives credit to the TMNT encountering Scumbug and Antrax before they appeared in the froup in "Night of The Rogues".

Exactly. I was putting forth that "maybe the two-headed guy coming for that one Season 1 mutant punk" theory. I better whip up a screencap about this guy, tomorrow or so.

Anyway, in light of the "A Thing About Rats" thread and my bringing up on the 50's "Fly" references with Baxter, here is the infamous "Help Me." Baxter said it twice in "Bye, Bye Fly" and "Revenge of the Fly," in case anyone is wondering where it's from.

Up6g0SDMJ7A

For those wondering how that occurred, read this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fly_(1958_film)

Eventually, I'll do a thread about all the the 50's/60's Sci-fi references in the series, as, boy, there are a lot of them, apparently. I don't mind, as they are my bread and butter, so to speak. Since I'm in a Baxter fanboy mood, lately, it was time to explore all those "The Fly" references.

Update: It's said in a rush, but I'm 99% sure Baxter also said "Help me" in the "Enter: The Fly" climax. I have to re-watch the episode again to be sure, as Fraley stated it rather quickly.

[MikeandRaph87]

KM,if memory serves the other three were a bat,chamelon, and bulldog.

Baxter said "Help me!" as he was zapped into the limbo time at the end of "Enter:The Fly".

[Killer Moth]

KM,if memory serves the other three were a bat,chamelon, and bulldog.

Baxter said "Help me!" as he was zapped into the limbo time at the end of "Enter:The Fly".

Right, the bulldog, that's whom I'm trying to refer to. Again, shame they couldn't have been used, as they didn't even get to do anything as mutants.

He did, as I just heard it now. I apparently misheard the audio all these years until recently. (I thought he just screamed, actually). Conversely to me, the latter two examples, the "Help Me" is more clear.

Speaking of Baxter, why get rid of him in his new form, so soon after his mutation? I often wondered what the rest of Season 2 or even the rest of the series could have been like, had he remained as an active antagonist. Oh, well.

[sdp]

Finished with S6 and well was a bit disappointed by it, it's not bad and it's definitely not as bad as S4, maybe it was better written than S5 but S5 had much more memorable episodes even if it was just because they had more mutants. I'm glad it wasn't another mutant fest since that would've gotten old but it still felt lacking and behind only S4. Maybe because I expected it ot be better than S5 that I had high hopes and it didn't deliver...also I don't like how the Technodrome changing location is now just a regular episode not unlike the ones we would get before of the "almost get the technodrome out but not at the last minute" only this time it does and ends up somewhere else, I wonder why they did away with season finales. Also watched the Turtle Tips, man those are awesome, I wish they were included on the DVDs, in fact all of them together are about the same length as an episode and I found them far more entertaining than many regular episodes, same animation and the VA's no reason to not include them all in a future release.

Almost finished with S7 as well, should finish it tomorrow.

[gobo]

You're almost finished. Go, SDP, go, SDP, go! Kick some shell! :D

[oldmanwinters]

Finished with S6 and well was a bit disappointed by it, it's not bad and it's definitely not as bad as S4, maybe it was better written than S5 but S5 had much more memorable episodes even if it was just because they had more mutants. I'm glad it wasn't another mutant fest since that would've gotten old but it still felt lacking and behind only S4. Maybe because I expected it ot be better than S5 that I had high hopes and it didn't deliver...also I don't like how the Technodrome changing location is now just a regular episode not unlike the ones we would get before of the "almost get the technodrome out but not at the last minute" only this time it does and ends up somewhere else, I wonder why they did away with season finales. Also watched the Turtle Tips, man those are awesome, I wish they were included on the DVDs, in fact all of them together are about the same length as an episode and I found them far more entertaining than many regular episodes, same animation and the VA's no reason to not include them all in a future release.

Almost finished with S7 as well, should finish it tomorrow.

I agree, Season 5 is certainly one of the more memorable seasons, but I like a number of Season 4 episodes during the CBS run. I didn't watch much of Season 6 back in the day, but episodes like Krangenstein Lives are pretty cool.

Oh, and make sure you watch a few episodes with ...
TMNT Fan Commentaries!

We cover both "Legend of Koji" and "White Belt, Black Heart" from S7.
:tlol:

[MikeandRaph87]

Season Six was weak when Shredder and Krang were not involved with exception of Slash's appearance. Season 7 is my favorite season and that is including the European Vactation.

[CyberCubed]

I prefer Season 6 over 5 by far. There seemed to be alot more action in that season and most episodes took place at night.

[sdp]

Finished S7 today and I have mixed feelings about it even though I did like it, at first I was a bit disappointed since I had very high expectations and it wasn't delivering to it, since I heard so much praise towards this season through out the years and it wasn't quite what I was expecting. Some episodes just aren't as memorable even though they are all clearly much better written than previous seasons, but it does pick up.

One thing I noticed even since S6 they've made Shredder a threat again, what I liked in early seasons was no matter what Shredder was always a threat and better than the turtles in hand to hand combat, but in S4 and even in some of S3 but specially S4 is when he gets defeated by getting a Pizza thrown at him or throwing barrels etc. Though technically he wasn't defeated in hand to hand combat either it still cheapened him as a villain. I also liked that he had a lot of solo missions with no Krang or little Krang involvement. To be honest after all his defeats and whining it's still hard to take him 100% serious but they did a great job.

The episode with Dirk Savage was neat though what a goofy name he had, which in the OT would fit him perfectly but not so much with the more serious tone they were going for. It reminded me of the "Mutant Police" that appeared only in one episode in S2, I would've liked to have seen that mutant police being used again. So I liked how they retconned that now there's a bunch of mutants, which is neat, though instead of seeing generic mutants it would've been better to see some of the mutants we knew and love cameo in the cages instead of new generic ones, heck even ones that never appeared. I did like Tokka and Rahzar, they were handled well and could've made interesting antagonists. The triceratons were cool, and man did Rocksteady and Beebop really outsmarted Vernon? Wow! Speaking of Vernon, what a dick he is he isn't just a coward two face person but an actual dick. Also about Krangs body, it's never explicitly stated by him he was a reptile, it's just a theory by Donatello, which could be wrong since his clining just may have been altered by some variable, so the theory of Krang being only an alien brain can still hold as his references of having a body can still be interpreted as an android body. I just like the idea of imagining Krang really being an Utrom in the OT. Not to mention he calls the turtles reptiles in diminishing way which he wouldn't if he really was a reptile. I also really enjoyed seeing the turtles use guns, it was refreshing to see it.

One thing I noticed and kind of saddened me was the mood of S7, it seems they were trying to go for a darker route. However the two styles didn't mesh very well, you had the turtles acting a bit more serious with the still goofy dialog and/or plots, their reactions just seem off and the whole show seems to be having an identity crisis not sure of what exactly it wants to be. It was also sad to see how the turltes we loved were slowly not being them anymore, not the ones we knew and almost if they were trying too hard to fit with the cartoons at the time. Great season, but very different from S1 and I wouldn't compare it to it, just another evolution that the show went through. Glad there was a finale again and it was quite enjoyable, wait was it explained why Irma became such a badass that last episdoe? that was out of character but I don't think I saw anyone mention it or even make a comment about it.

I should finish the entire series by next friday.

[CyberCubed]

Different tastes I suppose. I loved Seasons 6, 7 and 8 almost equally for what we got out of them. I feel that's what Seasons 4-5 should have been, although those seasons have some good ones too.

And I very much agree on Shredder becoming a threat again, what they did with him during Season 4 was embarrassing for him.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Glad there was a finale again and it was quite enjoyable, wait was it explained why Irma became such a badass that last episdoe? that was out of character but I don't think I saw anyone mention it or even make a comment about it.

I should finish the entire series by next friday.

Maybe just mad at them after all times they had kidnapped her.

[Killer Moth]

The episode with Dirk Savage was neat though what a goofy name he had, which in the OT would fit him perfectly but not so much with the more serious tone they were going for. It reminded me of the "Mutant Police" that appeared only in one episode in S2, I would've liked to have seen that mutant police being used again. So I liked how they retconned that now there's a bunch of mutants, which is neat, though instead of seeing generic mutants it would've been better to see some of the mutants we knew and love cameo in the cages instead of new generic ones, heck even ones that never appeared. I did like Tokka and Rahzar, they were handled well and could've made interesting antagonists.

The Dirk Savage one was good, as he's the closest the series'd get to Snake Plisken. Besides, the episode was good for the final appearances of the Punk Frogs and Mondo Gecko, and its characterization of Rahzar. He really got to show off in that episode, didn't he?

Right, the anti-Turtle Task Force. As much as I could dump on "Invasion of the Punk Frogs," it still had a lot of good concepts. Not so great execution, of course. Oh, well. Would have loved Hoffman to return, but he couldn't. Drat.

I can understand how the mixing of tones could be rather jarring to a viewer, as going from years of light-hearted semi-snarky fun to now slightly more serious fare. The style had a few weak spots, mainly with Raph's Fourth Wall breaks, but it worked out better than I personally thought. And then, the Red Sky descended upon us, and that's quite the Mood Whiplash.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

characterization of Rahzar. He really got to show off in that episode, didn't he?



Agree. Rahzar and Tokka re far moe stupid in the second movie.

[MikeandRaph87]

Agree. Rahzar and Tokka re far moe stupid in the second movie.

I like the fact they are not evil but misunderstood. They would have wroked well in a future episode had the right plot come along.

[CyberCubed]

Yeah I also really liked how smart Rahzar and Tokka were in that episode. God how I wish they would appear again.

Hopefully Nick uses them in the new show.

[sdp]

What I liked about Rahzar is he was just misguided and then had a tragedy with the "loss" of his friend Tokka. That had potential for great stories.

Finished S8, overall very fun, I've waited for the "red sky" episodes for so long and I finally got to them. Overall I love the darker tone but it was still bitter sweet as this doesn't feel like the show I grew to love and hate anymore. I can definitely see why people hated the "red sky" seasons, it's no longer the same show and it shows and can easily be seen as a jump the shark moment if you don't come with an open mind, I embrace a darker take on the turtles so this was fun even if it was still sad. Some of the dialog especially Mikeys or when Raph breaks the fourth wall sound so awkward and like they shouldn't be there but I'm glad it was int here since it shows they didn't abandon it completely. Didn't really care for HAVOC and many of the villains are a bit generic but it's a nice change.

I love the new character designs, and overall the show feels like it was a new version of the original show like The New Adventures of He-Man or something, I use that as a vague example because I never really saw either He-Man show but definitely feels like a different show using the same characters. I definitely have mixed feelings on somethings like people hating the turtles and it just way too much "hey we're like X-Men/Spiderman/Batman too!" with the whole mutant hate. Characters also feel out of character at times. They definitely turned it up to 11 for the season and it totally reeks of the 90s and feels like a 90s cartoon, personally I love it but I can see people disliking it for that very reason. It was still sad realizing I was seeing the last episode with Irma/Rocksteady/Beebop and even the rocksoldiers who finally seemed like a threat again in this season.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Yeah I also really liked how smart Rahzar and Tokka were in that episode. God how I wish they would appear again.

Hopefully Nick uses them in the new show.

Maybe the writers listened to complainings over how they were depicted in the second movie.

[HotJuicyBurgers]

I've recently been doing the same thing as the OP actually. I'm at around season 3 though, not quite as far. I've volumes 1-6 of the dvd's, but im still missing the dvd's for season's 4-9. Is there a dvd for season 10?

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I've recently been doing the same thing as the OP actually. I'm at around season 3 though, not quite as far. I've volumes 1-6 of the dvd's, but im still missing the dvd's for season's 4-9. Is there a dvd for season 10?

The first one in the USA has some season 10 episodes.

[sdp]

Finished S9 and most of my feelings from S8 continue but in a bad way. I was really looking forward to reaching these seasons, and S8 was very enjoyable even if it was sad to see my old friends go. I found Lord Dregg to be very boring, I was happy to see Shredder take a break however even with me wishing they'd use Shredder less in earlier seasons not when he's replaced with someone so generic, his plots were generic and there is really nothing to him that makes me find him interesting. You'd think with him replacing Shredder and Krang two iconic villains they would've tried better. Then again last season we also got Titanus who was another villain without much thought that I hated as well. I remember liking Carter but this season made me feel the opposite about him. I like his character design, but whatsup with his mutant form? How did they think that was cool or marketable? Also his ninja skills seem a bit forced, why not just have him be a fighter, I guess it'd be more difficult to integrate him to the team but it feels forced.

Most of the episodes aren't bad but they can get a bit boring, I liked the Krono's episode because it was something different even if he wasn't that great of a character, but even then they felt the need to force Dregg into the equation at the end, not even Shredder appeared in 8 episodes in a row in earlier seasons. I didn't totally hate Dregg but I was very disappointing and found him terribly generic most of the time. The last episode was defintiely interesting, I didn't like that a new villain came but overall I felt the last 7 episodes of Dregg were somewhat redeemed with the finale even if it was a somewhat weak way of getting rid of him, I also liked the ending that could've worked even if it left the mutations open ended.

Now as far as the mutations I didn't like them a lot, they also felt forced and they weren't great additions to plots for the most part, I'm not against the idea but they weren't implemented very well. I didn't feel April had that much of a smaller role, it was about the same even with Carter now in the mix. When exactly did she quit/get fired from Chanel 6? and What happened to it? Why is she now an independent reporter? It's never explained Channel 6 was still operating well after all the bad stuff that happened to them in the last season so it's sad to see them gone, especially when replaced by a generic new television station. Though the new "boss" did grow on me and I imagine him to be the one April has in the first movie.

The new animation is definitely a step down from last season as are the character designs but I still like them, I also really love April's design, she looks 90s and no longer so 80s with her new hair. While the jokes and mood of the earlier seasons is still severely lacking here, at least when they try to implement the humor from earlier seasons it seems to fit much better and it's done without it sounding out of place unlike many times last season and even in S7. Overall a step down from last season but it's still notable and enjoyable. Now onto the last season, which so far I'm already enjoying more.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Finished S9 and most of my feelings from S8 continue but in a bad way. I was really looking forward to reaching these seasons, and S8 was very enjoyable even if it was sad to see my old friends go. I found Lord Dregg to be very boring, I was happy to see Shredder take a break however even with me wishing they'd use Shredder less in earlier seasons not when he's replaced with someone so generic, his plots were generic and there is really nothing to him that makes me find him interesting. You'd think with him replacing Shredder and Krang two iconic villains they would've tried better. Then again last season we also got Titanus who was another villain without much thought that I hated as well. I remember liking Carter but this season made me feel the opposite about him. I like his character design, but whatsup with his mutant form? How did they think that was cool or marketable? Also his ninja skills seem a bit forced, why not just have him be a fighter, I guess it'd be more difficult to integrate him to the team but it feels forced.

Most of the episodes aren't bad but they can get a bit boring, I liked the Krono's episode because it was something different even if he wasn't that great of a character, but even then they felt the need to force Dregg into the equation at the end, not even Shredder appeared in 8 episodes in a row in earlier seasons. I didn't totally hate Dregg but I was very disappointing and found him terribly generic most of the time. The last episode was defintiely interesting, I didn't like that a new villain came but overall I felt the last 7 episodes of Dregg were somewhat redeemed with the finale even if it was a somewhat weak way of getting rid of him, I also liked the ending that could've worked even if it left the mutations open ended.

Now as far as the mutations I didn't like them a lot, they also felt forced and they weren't great additions to plots for the most part, I'm not against the idea but they weren't implemented very well. I didn't feel April had that much of a smaller role, it was about the same even with Carter now in the mix. When exactly did she quit/get fired from Chanel 6? and What happened to it? Why is she now an independent reporter? It's never explained Channel 6 was still operating well after all the bad stuff that happened to them in the last season so it's sad to see them gone, especially when replaced by a generic new television station. Though the new "boss" did grow on me and I imagine him to be the one April has in the first movie.

The new animation is definitely a step down from last season as are the character designs but I still like them, I also really love April's design, she looks 90s and no longer so 80s with her new hair. While the jokes and mood of the earlier seasons is still severely lacking here, at least when they try to implement the humor from earlier seasons it seems to fit much better and it's done without it sounding out of place unlike many times last season and even in S7. Overall a step down from last season but it's still notable and enjoyable. Now onto the last season, which so far I'm already enjoying more.

I love Shredder acting really bad-ass blowing up Channel 6, and thte TMNt first thinking he killed off April and Irma.

[sdp]

Finally finished S10, and wow what a great season, it makes a huge difference the way episodes are written. Unlike last season I actually enjoyed every episode, I still think Dregg is a generic character but him being better written made him so much more interesting. All his appearances here were great, I also liked how you saw through out it that he felt like Shredder did by being beaten over and over again by the turtles and how he basically goes mad because of it. Same with Carter, I liked him so much more, he was much more interesting just by adding a little more layer to his character, too bad he is written out as soon as he starts becoming interesting though in hindsight it was good since he got some closure.

Watching I also realized how many of these episodes could've easily been 2k3 episodes, the mood of both shows were not that different anymore. Same with the turtles, it's funny how by the end of both shows run you can easily see either of the turtles interacting in the other universe without there being a lot of difference as say if 2k3 Leo showed up in S2. I especially loved Raph's sarcasm/angry side here and it's so far my favorite interpretation of him, he is still angry with attitude but not overboard like all other TMNT media makes him out to be. The only awkward one is Mikey since his dialog just doesn't fit and neither does his voice in the more serious tone, it just seems out of character when he is too serious too. I guess this is also why they went the opposite and made him totally goofy in 2k3, since this toning down Mikey in the red sky seasons didn't help him seem any more mature. Hopefully Mikey can find a nice balance in the future. Also this season while it continues the more mature take, it also is very reminiscent of the first seasons with the dialog and situations, this season just "gets it", and it feels like it's the exact same universe from earlier seasons while having a more mature take on it. I mean the Globfather seemed straight out of the first seasons and yet fit perfectly here.

I knew Shredder/Krang returned for this season, but I was surprised when I saw the episode didn't end and it was a two parter, and then a three parter. Shredder and Krang were so badass in this while not making Dregg seem any weaker either, totally redeemed both characters as actual threats. The only bad thing is they don't really get any real closure, they are just "sent back to Dimmension X" a bit lame but I guess they couldn't do much more if they wanted to be able to bring them back again. Still counting they were the main villains for 150+ episodes they deserved better. Now going back to the Technodrome for the last episode was awesome, seeing the destroyed Technodrome gave you chills and even some closure that it was indeed gone. Even if we never got a great final battle with it, which really the last one we got was in S3 sadly. In fact it was a missed opportunity when they went to get their past selves to show a different technodrome fight instead of the one of S8 since it really wasn't that epic to be the final fight in the technodrome and they had already established in this season that 2 years had passed since an event from S8 so easily another Technodrome fight with more conclussion could've happened. But yeah awesome seeing Shredder/Krang again for what basically was half the season.

I didn't mind April's smaller role last season because it wasn't that much different from her role in earlier seasons just giving bad news to the turtles, in fact I loved when Raph sarcastically mentions what basically comes down to "April is calling, oh great she has another problem we have to solve", hilarious but I really did like how she became an important character again once Carter left. The mutation saga in the beginning was handled so much better than in the last season. Now the season finale was a great way to end Dregg, even if we don't see exactly what happens to him I guess in case they got renewed they could bring him back easily but it still works, it's only Shredder that didn't get one. Splinter telling them they are his equal didn't feel as nice as I thought it would, it felt very rushed and you'd think he would have said that to him after a fight with the Shredder or heck a fight where they actually used their Ninja skills, which wasn't really the case in the final battle to an extent, I did love that it ended with some humor, while it could've been better I was happy with how it went they tried to wrap things up while leaving it open ended, which is what some past seasons did as well. Overall the season was great and a last great hoorah to the OT, not a bad way to go.

Random questions, I thought the Turtle Van was destroyed last season so they could introduce a new vehicle like in the Batman movies, wasted opportunity. So Donatello mentions Krang's android body can't be destroyed but it can indeed be destroyed, we saw that plenty of times in the OT, not to mention wasn't that the reason he used his walker for his last few appearances? Question from last season but why exactly did Kronos know where the turtles lived? A bit of a plot hole. Loved Leo's line "Well at least if we go down we went down saving the world" or something along those lines. Also shouldn't Carter going to the future create a the 24 hour problem as well even if he is an old man? So technically this is a different mutiverse as well right when they go to get their past selves since that didn't happen in S8 that means that was a different timeline.

[CyberCubed]

You can tell the writers kind of knew Season 10 would be the end, but even so left things open enough just in case it got a Season 11.

By 1996 Turtlemania was all but dead, and if the show had continued then Pokemon would have destroyed it by 1998 anyway.

[gobo]

Aren't you glad that's over? :evilgrin:

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

You can tell the writers kind of knew Season 10 would be the end, but even so left things open enough just in case it got a Season 11.

By 1996 Turtlemania was all but dead, and if the show had continued then Pokemon would have destroyed it by 1998 anyway.

I wish season 10 would be the last one.

[MikeandRaph87]

You can tell the writers kind of knew Season 10 would be the end, but even so left things open enough just in case it got a Season 11.

By 1996 Turtlemania was all but dead, and if the show had continued then Pokemon would have destroyed it by 1998 anyway.

I think it should have had one last season. Look at these show going on for TOO LONG. Power Rangers should have ended with Turbo, Pok'emon could have wrapped up with Johto if not Hoenn just after,Simpsons could have ended around 2000,South Park has run its course,Yugi-oh has run long enough, and a couple of others that I can't put a finger on at the moment. I don't think Po'kephenom would have made much difference. Ninja Turtles fiinshed its run when Power Rangers was in the middle of Turbo and was no longer a juggernaut so if it can outlast its popularity inching into the beginning of Pok'emon would not have been a problem. The problem was why only 8 episodes? The 11 season needed to happen to find some closure to various characters instead of the turtles suddenyl being declared equal and a joke about Donatello's cooking popcorn. It would have made more sense for Splinter to say that he has taught them each move of the Foot but now it is time for them to perfect it all.

[CyberCubed]

Well blame CBS. They originally canceled Turtles simply because they dropped all their Saturday morning cartoons for educational shows at the time.

If it had continued then next Mutation would have likely never existed.

[MikeandRaph87]

Well blame CBS. They originally canceled Turtles simply because they dropped all their Saturday morning cartoons for educational shows at the time.

If it had continued then Next Mutation would have likely never existed and the world would have been better off.

Fixed it for you!:P

I just wish we could get a continuation of it in comic form! That is my greatest TMNT dream. I doubt it will happen but I can still hope.:ohwell:

[sdp]

You can tell the writers kind of knew Season 10 would be the end, but even so left things open enough just in case it got a Season 11.

By 1996 Turtlemania was all but dead, and if the show had continued then Pokemon would have destroyed it by 1998 anyway.
I'm not so sure, it was left as open ended as S9 and even S8, all of those worked as well as series finales as did S1,2 and 3.

Aren't you glad that's over? :evilgrin:
I quite enjoyed the ride :D

I think it should have had one last season. Look at these show going on for TOO LONG. Power Rangers should have ended with Turbo, Pok'emon could have wrapped up with Johto if not Hoenn just after,Simpsons could have ended around 2000,South Park has run its course,Yugi-oh has run long enough, and a couple of others that I can't put a finger on at the moment. I don't think Po'kephenom would have made much difference. Ninja Turtles fiinshed its run when Power Rangers was in the middle of Turbo and was no longer a juggernaut so if it can outlast its popularity inching into the beginning of Pok'emon would not have been a problem. The problem was why only 8 episodes? The 11 season needed to happen to find some closure to various characters instead of the turtles suddenyl being declared equal and a joke about Donatello's cooking popcorn. It would have made more sense for Splinter to say that he has taught them each move of the Foot but now it is time for them to perfect it all.
You can tell the writers kind of knew Season 10 would be the end, but even so left things open enough just in case it got a Season 11.

By 1996 Turtlemania was all but dead, and if the show had continued then Pokemon would have destroyed it by 1998 anyway.

While I agree that I wouldn't want the OT to continue forever like other series I disagree with Power Rangers, each season is basically a new take with new characters and a new enemy to overcome, they might live in the same universe but each season/series stands alone. As for Pokemon They really should've replaced Ash after Gen I and have a new trainer each Gen but they were too afraid to alienate audiences and now basically I don't really want to ever see Ash leave, since a new trainer would just be repeating Ash's journey and he would never get to the level Ash got since no new character would stay for over a decade.

Anyways I would've loved a S11, but sadly it would have continued with Dregg since we never see his death screamed of "i didn't really die" though it'd be interesting how they'd handle him since they made him mad.and maybe if we were lucky brought back Krang/Shredder if they didn't plan on using them again they would've given them better closure not to mention they already appeared half the season, they had already gotten rid of Carter for good so no more of him and more of April. S11 would've probably been again another 8 episodes sadly and not brought closure to the other characters as much as we would've liked to.

Anyways TMNT was already running on fumes by that time no way it would've survived Pokemania, we lost plenty of great cartoons in their prime back then to it and TMNT would've been another victim. Although it's interesting to speculate, if it had actually continued what it would've done. First we wouldn't have gotten the awesome 2k3 series for one, and if it had ended later then a revival would've been later as well maybe 2k6. It probably ended at the right time, as much as I would've liked another season I enjoy how things turned out with 2k3 existing and even TNM, I mean my opinion would only change if there was a chance for other characters to get good closure, but I doubt it.

[CyberCubed]

I could have potentially seen the old show continuing to 1997 or 1998...but no longer than that. It would simply take Next Mutations place, so it would make sense as Turtles were still on TV at that time.

I would have gladly traded Next Mutation for two more seasons of the old show. You never know what they might have done.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Well blame CBS. They originally canceled Turtles simply because they dropped all their Saturday morning cartoons for educational shows at the time.

If it had continued then next Mutation would have likely never existed.

What's educational shows for them?

[Xav]

I wish season 10 would be the last one. Season 10 was the last season. Unless your counting Next Mutation, which was a completely different show.
Well blame CBS. They originally canceled Turtles simply because they dropped all their Saturday morning cartoons for educational shows at the time. Actually blame the FCC. They were the ones stipulating that Saturday morning programming must contain educational material. Though, I kind of wonder, why the show didn't get picked up by another network.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Season 10 was the last season. Unless your counting Next Mutation, which was a completely different show.
Actually blame the FCC. They were the ones stipulating that Saturday morning programming must contain educational material. Though, I kind of wonder, why the show didn't get picked up by another network.

Sorry. Meant season 8, ending with Turtle Trek. But what was educational to them? Do they mean pure fact (history, geography, religion, politis economics and whatever)? If so, take the TMNT to more international trips.

[sdp]

I thought Id post my complete thoughts now that I watched through out the whole series, I also watched Turtles Forever which after watching through all of it, my thoughts on it havent changed and I still feel the turtles are out of character, not even at their goofiest do they act anyway similar than Turtles Forever but to not go too off topic I also think that the movie has to take place in S4, now there is no reason the Technodrome couldnt have gotten out of dimension x fought the turtles and then made it back to getting stuck in Dimension X, I mean this happened a lot and the movie taking place there is best in my opinon.

I really enjoyed the show and its interesting how much it changed over the years and evolved over time, I give the show a lot of props for that. Even S4 which is easily the worst is not that bad and when the show starts getting darker it was definitely nice to have so many episodes of their goofier antics. Talking about the darker seasons, the red sky seasons are very enjoyable I wouldve loved to have seen them as a child the show feels different but its also nice seeing the turtles act more mature, I like to think that they learned from their crossover with 2k3 to not be so goofy, just a theory anyways.

It wouldve been nice to have some characters appear more and most of them get some kind of send off or get closure but counting what era the show is from I feel we got plenty of awesome season finales and arcs to make it be a real complain, most shows didnt get this at that time. Great show and very different from 2k3 so its definitely worth checking out, its not for everyone if you expect only action and intense storylines but if you like having some humor you cant go wrong with it.

[CyberCubed]

Well keep in mind that compared to the time period, most shows back then didn't have much continuity and were intended to be watched out of order. Its a show of its time.

Other than the Technodrome's location and some of the recurring characters, you can watch the old show in almost any order and it doesn't really matter. However when you DO watch it in order, you appreciate the continuity the show actually has, even if its small.

Overall though its easy to see why the show became so popular especially with kids. The entire main cast was likeable, the music was great, the voice acting was awesome, and the plots were just fun and bizarre.

[TurtleTitan97]

I would have to say I enjoyed most of the episodes. Season 7 is my second season, being that it was the first season of OT I saw. The 5 part mini episodes are pretty cool and I loved the animation there.

[MikeandRaph87]

I would have to say I enjoyed most of the episodes. Season 7 is my second season, being that it was the first season of OT I saw. The 5 part mini episodes are pretty cool and I loved the animation there.

So you have seen the whole series now? Season 7 is my favorite Ninja Turtles season of any show hands down. You started with what I consider the best! Of season nine, that you just finished watching, what did you like and dislike?

[TurtleTitan97]

So you have seen the whole series now? Season 7 is my favorite Ninja Turtles season of any show hands down. You started with what I consider the best! Of season nine, that you just finished watching, what did you like and dislike?

Sorry it took me awhile to replie, dude. But anyway, I have seen most of the series, but I've enjoyed what I have seen. S7 was pretty good, glad I got it while celebrating TMNT 25th. About season 9, I didn't really like Carter at first, but he's grown on me a bit, I guess. I find it funny that he reminds me of Static Shock's appearence. Dregg was an alright villian, though I wish Shredder had stayed as the main villian. Other than that, I enjoyed this season.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I thought Id post my complete thoughts now that I watched through out the whole series, I also watched Turtles Forever which after watching through all of it, my thoughts on it havent changed and I still feel the turtles are out of character, not even at their goofiest do they act anyway similar than Turtles Forever but to not go too off topic I also think that the movie has to take place in S4, now there is no reason the Technodrome couldnt have gotten out of dimension x fought the turtles and then made it back to getting stuck in Dimension X, I mean this happened a lot and the movie taking place there is best in my opinon.

I really enjoyed the show and its interesting how much it changed over the years and evolved over time, I give the show a lot of props for that. Even S4 which is easily the worst is not that bad and when the show starts getting darker it was definitely nice to have so many episodes of their goofier antics. Talking about the darker seasons, the red sky seasons are very enjoyable I wouldve loved to have seen them as a child the show feels different but its also nice seeing the turtles act more mature, I like to think that they learned from their crossover with 2k3 to not be so goofy, just a theory anyways.

It wouldve been nice to have some characters appear more and most of them get some kind of send off or get closure but counting what era the show is from I feel we got plenty of awesome season finales and arcs to make it be a real complain, most shows didnt get this at that time. Great show and very different from 2k3 so its definitely worth checking out, its not for everyone if you expect only action and intense storylines but if you like having some humor you cant go wrong with it.

As said before, Turtles Forever is not considered canon. It's just "What if they met".

[ZariusTwo]

Turtles Forever is not considered canon.

Source. Now.

Power Rangers should have ended with Turbo

...You wanted PR to end on a huge stonking cliffhanger? Don't think so, PR has had it's ups and downs over the years, but we've had pretty good seasons since then, all of which (yes, even the Bruce Kalish seasons), are better than Turbo.

Pok'emon could have wrapped up with Johto if not Hoenn just after,Simpsons could have ended around 2000

How much of this is just "only my generation should be entitled to these shows"? Because so long as Pokemon, Power Rangers, and Simpsons still run, they attract fresh generations of viewers. Why should they end when they generate such big bucks and new fans? With that logic, I might as well have closed down WWF after Hogan jumped to WCW because Bret and Shawn drew absolutely ZIP...oh wait, no, I'd do the smart thing and keep building the dam 'cause sooner or later the right kind of wood will withstand the water

South Park has run its course

It really hasnt. You seem to be confusing "end the show because they went on too long" with "end the show because I personally outgrew them"

[Killer Moth]

As bad as Turbo was, it was a necessary evil to get Space. I saw Space's ending, recently, and found it rather satisfying, despite Baboo and Squatt being killed off. Oh, well.

Anyway, I am re-watching my DVDs again, focusing on Season 8, currently. I am rather digging the tighter daily continuity, such as, say, seeing the head car-jacker in "Get Shredder" become the main threat as Synapse in "HAVOC in the Streets." Got a rather nasty fate, too, but, hey, he had it coming, right?

Plus, it's fun noting the various guest VAs -- who knew Squidward voiced Gargon in "Turtle Trek"?

[sdp]

As said before, Turtles Forever is not considered canon. It's just "What if they met".

Umm...that may be your personal take on it has never been mentioned that it is a "what if" story.

[gobo]

I believe what the duf is saying is that it's not officially part of the Fred Wolf continuity, which is true.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I believe what the duf is saying is that it's not officially part of the Fred Wolf continuity, which is true.

And the same with the 2003 show's continuity.

[sdp]

Umm its definitely part of 2k3's continuity and of course its also part of the FW continuity, Mirage owned everything about the OT with the exception of the actual episodes, if they wanted they could've made a sequel series to it and this is what TF basically is doing revisiting the OT.

Now I hate their portrayal and I'm all for they being from a different turtle verse similar to the OT but wackier but come on its clear this is a crossover between the two shows.

[CyberCubed]

How the hell do people think its not part of 4kids continuity? It was clearly set right after BTTS and all the villains were the same as how we left them.

The whole thing acted as the series finale for the show for goodness sakes.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Umm its definitely part of 2k3's continuity and of course its also part of the FW continuity, Mirage owned everything about the OT with the exception of the actual episodes, if they wanted they could've made a sequel series to it and this is what TF basically is doing revisiting the OT.

Now I hate their portrayal and I'm all for they being from a different turtle verse similar to the OT but wackier but come on its clear this is a crossover between the two shows.

Did Mirage actually own Krang, Technodrome, Bebop, Rocksteady, Dimension X, Irma, Vernon Fenwick and Burne Thompson? They were never credited as Mirage-owned at the end.

[Candy Kappa]

pretty sure Mirage owned the characters, but not the rights to the show itself.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

pretty sure Mirage owned the characters, but not the rights to the show itself.

So now, they're also Nickelodeon property?

[ZariusTwo]

I believe what the duf is saying is that it's not officially part of the Fred Wolf continuity, which is true.

Proof. Now. Otherwise it's just your opinion, which doesnt mean a thing.

[Spitfire]

Umm...that may be your personal take on it has never been mentioned that it is a "what if" story.

It's never been mentioned that it's not either. It clearly takes place during the first or second season of the OT so the fact they never ever talk about meeting their duplicates though out the entire series, or mentioning it's happened before when they do later in the series, helps solidify that for me. The Mirage stuff clearly isn't canon, I mean it couldn't be any less canon.

It was a fun one off last good bye to the entire franchise as a whole. Yes it has elements from the different series canon but that doesn't really make it canon. If it did there would be plenty of plot holes caused by it. I never got why people get so weird about calling it non-canon like it devalues it somehow.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

It's never been mentioned that it's not either. It clearly takes place during the first or second season of the OT so the fact they never ever talk about meeting their duplicates though out the entire series, or mentioning it's happened before when they do later in the series, helps solidify that for me. The Mirage stuff clearly isn't canon, I mean it couldn't be any less canon.

It was a fun one off last good bye to the entire franchise as a whole. Yes it has elements from the different series canon but that doesn't really make it canon. If it did there would be plenty of plot holes caused by it. I never got why people get so weird about calling it non-canon like it devalues it somehow.

No way. The Technodrome is on the Earth, and season 1 actually is set during one week (Monday-Friday), in the middle of June.

[gobo]

Proof. Now. Otherwise it's just your opinion, which doesnt mean a thing.
You don't mean a thing, wanker. ;)

[ToTheNines]

It clearly takes place during the first or second season

Nerp. "The nose knows" gag alone places it post-Beware the Lotus Blossom.

There's definitely a lot of season 1 references, but that's because it's the most popular.

[ZariusTwo]

The whole "non-canon" issue is really just someone's way of saying "I don't have the imagination to plug the gaps, so I'll just write it off"

Look at efforts like the "Dimension X Afterwords" comic, that's doing a pretty decent job of revealing just how The Technodrome Gang got back in shape. We need more people thinking like that.