Kraang episodes getting too repetitive?

[CyberCubed]

Anyone else thinking a lot of the Kraang-centered episodes are getting too repetitive or too same-y? They all seem to follow the same forumla:

- Turtles discover a Kraang facility/base/TCRI/secret area

- The Turtles battle the Kraang almost the same way every time with the laser guns firing

- They discover only the slightest bit of new info of what the Kraang are up to

- The Kraang unleash some sort of mutant/alien/robot to battle the Turtles for the climax of the episode

- The Turtles escape and the ep ends on some sort of cliffhanger.


I was noticing this formula toward the end of Season 1 but didn't say anything because I thought the Kraang story would either end or progress after the finale, but now in Season 2 they're doing the same thing again. Anyone else ready for the show to move on past the Kraang already? I don't think they have to be around for the entire run of the show.

[snake]

Repetitive? Maybe. Enjoyable? Yes.

[Coola Yagami]

Anyone else thinking a lot of the Kraang-centered episodes are getting too repetitive or too same-y? They all seem to follow the same forumla:

- Turtles discover a Kraang facility/base/TCRI/secret area

- The Turtles battle the Kraang almost the same way every time with the laser guns firing

- They discover only the slightest bit of new info of what the Kraang are up to

- The Kraang unleash some sort of mutant/alien/robot to battle the Turtles for the climax of the episode

- The Turtles escape and the ep ends on some sort of cliffhanger.


I was noticing this formula toward the end of Season 1 but didn't say anything because I thought the Kraang story would either end or progress after the finale, but now in Season 2 they're doing the same thing again. Anyone else ready for the show to move on past the Kraang already? I don't think they have to be around for the entire run of the show.

Not really, no. In this version of the show, the Kraang basically started the show and basically all of April's main storyline revolves around it. This won't end til near the end of the series.

The main problem is this show's stupid plot amnesia. It's like that one ep that ended with them finding out the Kraang were after April and not her father. Why didn't they storm TCRI the very next episode isnstead of dealing with other crap? Same with Karai. Leo finds out she's Splinter's daughter... why don't deal with that the very next episode?

[CyberCubed]

A lot of these Kraang episodes are starting to blur together to me. I really hope there's more variety in the future.

[Coola Yagami]

A lot of these Kraang episodes are starting to blur together to me. I really hope there's more variety in the future.

True, but what other episode was crawling with April clones? The basic plot is kinda similar, but other episodes also had Karai in them or the mutagen spill, or the Newtralizer. At least a little something to make em different enough.

[CyberCubed]

I've grown tired of the Kraang fight scenes but I can't think of any way they can improve them either so I dunno. I just dislike the infiltration scenes to Kraang bases play out almost the same way every time.

And then there's always a random mutant or robot thrown in at the end for the last 5 minutes.

[pannoni1]

Yes there are some similarities, but at least it's not yet at the level of the body of the OT, which was the simple "Krang/Shredder argues about something, Krang comes up with an idea, usually involving a gadget or some foreign alien, Krang sends off Shredder/Bebop/Rocksteady and/or the villain of the week, Turtles foil plans, Kraang sends additional assistance, Shredder/goons kidnap April/Splinter, Turtles head off to the rescue, goons get defeated via slapstick humor, Turtles rescue April/Splinter and often escape a final attack, Krang says "Oh no" and has a fit and blames Shredder that it was all his fault." Sure that was repetitive, but found ways around it to still be fun to watch. Today's Nick episode was no exception with all of the funny humor, attack patterns, and a new side-ally named Kutzman. As it is it does have SOME repetitiveness, but I still found today's episode enjoyable to watch, and was surprised that no dimensional portal opened unlike in the Season 1 finale. The relationship between the Kraang and the Foot is still fuzzy and are still pretty independent of each other. Yes, I feel April Derp wasn't a good choice for a villain, but I feel the young kids liked this episode more than the more hardcores. I'm sure there's more tricks coming since we're not even halfway through this season.

[NinjaPug]

The main problem is this show's stupid plot amnesia. It's like that one ep that ended with them finding out the Kraang were after April and not her father. Why didn't they storm TCRI the very next episode isnstead of dealing with other crap? Same with Karai. Leo finds out she's Splinter's daughter... why don't deal with that the very next episode?

This is my main issue with the show. I know they want to have arcs that go throughout the season/series instead of multiple part episodes to allow viewers to jump in at any point but the way they just ignore huge plot developments for 8-9 episodes without even mentioning it is ridiculous.

[Powder]

Not really, no. In this version of the show, the Kraang basically started the show and basically all of April's main storyline revolves around it. This won't end til near the end of the series.

The main problem is this show's stupid plot amnesia. It's like that one ep that ended with them finding out the Kraang were after April and not her father. Why didn't they storm TCRI the very next episode isnstead of dealing with other crap? Same with Karai. Leo finds out she's Splinter's daughter... why don't deal with that the very next episode?

This is my main issue with the show. I know they want to have arcs that go throughout the season/series instead of multiple part episodes to allow viewers to jump in at any point but the way they just ignore huge plot developments for 8-9 episodes without even mentioning it is ridiculous.

That's not fault of the writers, that's Nick. Ciro often expresses his disappointment with them airing episodes totally out of order via Facebook.

[NinjaPug]

That's not fault of the writers, that's Nick. Ciro often expresses his disappointment with them airing episodes totally out of order via Facebook.

Nick has only aired them out of order by 1 episode though. It's not like they're moving one of them 7 episodes up in the order.

- Splinter learned that Karai was his daughter in 126. He tells Leo about it in 202. Seven episodes later and there hasn't been another mention of it.

- The Turtles learn in 117 that the Kraang want April. They do a little more with that in 125/126 only to take 8 more episodes until they revisit it. Who knows when they'll advance the Kraang/April story again.

I do understand why things are spread out like this: 1) they're not going to reveal big things every episode 2) they only have 22 minutes per episode and don't have much time to touch on things that aren't pertinent to that specific plot.

[Karai Samurai]

YES! I just posted this in the episode discussion thread. I feel like the writers have run out of ideas with the Kraang. Who knows? April's revelation might make them interesting again.

I also feel like all of the Kraang creatures (besides Leatherhead and maybe the Newtralizer) have been boring mutants of the week. They're always really large, silent, and brutish fighters. All of them - Traag, Justin, April derp, butt canon monkey a la Mutation Situation - were pretty useless besides being an enemy for the turtles to fight.

[Rukitron]

The kraang are a kinda dull and there was a missed opportunity of having the turtles fight goons in the elevator.
Heck even there Technodrome was boring compared to the crazy mobile fortress we got in OT. I sure hope the possible MK2 has a more imposing and crazy design.

[Jester]

There's definitely a pattern, but there's enough variation to keep it interesting.

[drgon78]

No, but the whole foot clan thing got old to me long before this series and if all we saw in the first season was the foot I would have stopped watching ages ago.

[Shred87]

Definitely a little repetitive but I'm content to let this play out and see if the payoff is worth the wait? I imagine some are noticing the repetitiveness because we are all anxious to find out what's going to happen... In that sense I think the writers are doing their job... Hopefully this pans out

[Donatello19]

It can get repetitive sometimes, yeah, but I really like The Kraang, so I don't want to see them go. Some more variety would be nice, however.

[CyberCubed]

I'm honestly forgetting what differentiates these episodes anymore aside from the different mutants. It's such lazy and tired writing.

How many times are the Turtles going to find some Kraang base, battle through lasers, fight some random mutant, and then escape with some tiny info.

Half the show is like this now.

[BabyTurtles]

welp...as soon as we get done with the kraang plot the sooner we con focus on FOOT NINJA!!

I'm ready for the mystical part of the show! *_*

[Technogeek29]

My bro pointed out that the forums seem to like episodes where we don't learn anything about Karai or April. Or at least we rank them the highest.

[CyberCubed]

My bro pointed out that the forums seem to like episodes where we don't learn anything about Karai or April. Or at least we rank them the highest.

Uh, that's not true. I like episodes that further the plot, its just every Kraang episode plays out the same way with only the smallest plot advancement possible.

It's gotten dull.

[BabyTurtles]

My bro pointed out that the forums seem to like episodes where we don't learn anything about Karai or April. Or at least we rank them the highest.

what? I wanna know more about Karai! XD I can't wait till the turtles tell Karai that Splinter's her father!

April.....well I don't really care for her plot or where it's going.

I couldn't get interested in her character before the Kraang wanted her.

but that could change.

[TMNTmousers]

I want more purple dragons only 3 isn't enough. The Kraang episodes aren't repetitive in my opinion, yet.

[Leofan26]

Guess will have to wait and see, I just hope we see more of Shredder / Karai this time than the Kraang like in season one. Time for a switch :)

[Technogeek29]

Uh, that's not true. I like episodes that further the plot, its just every Kraang episode plays out the same way with only the smallest plot advancement possible.

It's gotten dull.

Lol Never said the guy was right.:lol:

[drgon78]

I hope that the Shredder is permanently defeated by the turtles and that April will be the key to defeating the Krang once and for all. I am hoping that by the end of season three that the Shredder will be killed off and Karai(or someone else) will become the leader of the Foot Clan.

[Zulithe]

Loved the Casey episode, but with Kraang Conspiracy I agree that it was samey, these "let's invade kraang territory" episodes feel very similar and it's unfortunate. It did have some good plot reveals and some good action.

Though despite this complaint they do a good job of making it feel as fresh as they can considering the restraints. I'm sure the main reason they have already had a few of these Kraang/TCRI episodes is so they can reuse a lot of the assets, and I get that, but surely Ciro and the other staff realize that from a story perspective it still has some impact that's not always that exciting or interesting or new.

And that's okay, they can't move the plot forward super fast or we are going to find ourselves in Fast Forward territory rapidly and I'd rather Ciro & crew take their time and develop things in the way they see fit because I totally trust what they are doing!

[DarkLightDragon]

While I wouldn't say repetitive, it does make me get a little bored with the whole Kraang subplot. Not only did I never find their dialogue funny but they might as well be main antagonists since they are more centered around the main conflict of this show while the Shredder and the Foot are more pushed to the side as a thorn in the Turtle's side.

[Gabriel GP]

I never liked of Kraangs so much. But we need them cuz they are a very important part of the plot. I wouldn't mind if the episodes where they appear, were more different from each other though.

But I still love the show, obvious it isn't perfect, but the qualities compensate for all defects.

[VaughnMichael]

Nope but your posts sure are.:lol::P

[ABrown]

How many times are the Turtles going to find some Kraang base, battle through lasers, fight some random mutant, and then escape with some tiny info.


How many times are the turtles gonna fight some boring mutant-of-the-week? At least the Kraang are funny. I'll take a Kraang episode over a mutant of the week episode any day.

[DarkLightDragon]

I'll just take a Foot-centered episode over a Kraang or a mutant episode period.

[Eiko]

Shredder is always in all the cartoons as the main villain I kind of like how the Kraang are at the forefront this time round. as much as l like Shredder it is kinda nice not having him in almost all the episodes. but im guessing it will change sooner or later with Tiger Claw on his way and Miwa thing as well

[BubblyShell22]

I don't mind the Kraang episodes either. Sure, some of them have the same formula, but they mostly try to be as different as possible with the objectives the Turtles have to investigate them. And I agree that it's nice to have someone else there besides having Shredder be there all of the time.

[FoxBoxKid]

When are we gonna see the Foot again?

[BabyTurtles]

When are we gonna see the Foot again?

maybe with the Tigerclaw introduction or sooner.

[Refractive Reflections]

Considering the animation restrictions the staff has, at least these episodes are advancing the plot, and that's what's important. It's just that the commonly used, standard infiltration episode plot structure (whether it's the hideout of Shredder, the Kraang, or any other villain/suspicious person) is more obvious because of the same reused visual backgrounds/environments.

In actuality TCRI could have been "rebuilt" to reuse the CGI backgrounds, which is an understandable action given the circumstances, but it will be good and clever storywriting if they can give a convincing reason within the 2012 universe as to why TCRI was built so quickly. If it's effectively convincing, it will highlight the talent of the storywriters in being adaptable to outside circumstances; similarly to how writers are able to change the writing for a television show to account for changes or restrictions in production (i.e. actors abruptly taking a leave of absence and can't appear on the show, financial restrictions of production cost and therefore having limited costumes and set designs, etc.)

Otherwise if there's no storywriting explanation, these events within the show, can become inadvertent flaws or unresolved subplot lines within the episode, and possibly within the series itself.

[blindturtle02]

maybe with the Tigerclaw introduction or sooner.

I'd love to see The Foot interact with Rat King, so definitely sooner please! Maybe even Metalhead rewired?

I like the Kraang eps. Haven't noticed any repetition. The s1 finale plot didn't feel at all repetitive, nor did Pulverizer Returns. You had quite a bit going on in those 3 eps. TCRI was one of my favorites because we got to learn a bit more of Dimension X. They weren't even inside TCRI in Cockroach Terminator. The Pulverizer was more centered around Fishface with the power cell there to move the story along a bit. They were running around NYC in that one. They played chase a bit in that one but no raiding hq. Then you've got Enemy of my enemy which was just plain awesome with an actual Shredder battle and that scout ship hunting the turtles throughout the show. Karai's Vendeta was pretty great as well. Sure they infiltrated an under sea base but you also had April off doing her own thing attempting to evade Karai. Kraang are in The Gauntlet but the plot is more focused on Shredder and his crew. We're picking up with story threads started in New Friend and Never say Zever and ending with the tantalizing peaks at Dogpound and Fishface. We've got Kraang working on the mutagen bomb there but they don't steal the show. I wanna say that break in lasts no more than 5-6 mins with the remainder of Gauntlet focusing on Shredder, Zever, and Bradford. Kraang are in It Came From The Depths but they're playing chase with LH throughout that one. He's the real show stopper there. Plus you've got Mikey determined to make a new friend and not to judge the proverbial book by its cover. I think Kraang are sort of peppered throughout the first season, but that's about it. Reflections hit the nail on the head. It must be more of a visual thing which I totally don't pay any attention to of course. The stories featuring the Kraang are all different in their own ways. You've got new character debuts in some, mutations in others, all that stuff. I'm rewatching s1 and up to The Gauntlet as of tomorrow anyway. Really liking the Kraang eps. I wanna say I'm on my 5th viewing of s1 as a whole? The Kraang eps appeal to the scifi nut in me. They've only been in 3 so far in s2. Doesn't seem like the turtles have been doing all that much infiltrating this season sans Conspiracy. Target April was just one big fight sceen, pretty much. Mutation Situation featured them a little in act one and just a hair in act 2 but most of that one was Kirbybatcentric. I bet we're done with the infiltration bit. I rather liked it though. More Kraang/Foot interactions would be nice. Hope to see the technodrome again soon.

[CyberCubed]

I like the Kraang eps. Haven't noticed any repetition..

Most of the Kraang eps follow the same exact pattern.

[Shark_Blade]

Most of the Kraang eps follow the same exact pattern.

Most tv shows follow the same exact pattern. Point?

[Technogeek29]

Most tv shows follow the same exact pattern. Point?

Phineas & Ferb are a sattire of TV formula.