After a year and five months, how do you feel about the Nickelodeon series?

[mumbo230]

The show is solid in a lot of ways, but there are a few glaring flaws that really take away from it.

As mentioned, the emptiness of New York. I know it's a show about the Turtles, but atmosphere is huge. Especially in this. New York is sort of a character in itself, and the fact that it's so bustling is why they have to live in a sewer to begin with. Interacting with this city is a huge part of what makes the Turtles what they are. There's no one around, it makes hiding in the shadows pointless.

Although the character designs themselves are fine, I think the overall look of the show is kind of drab and ugly. It's all dark colors and grey backgrounds and it makes it look murky. I know most of the show takes place at night, but still, that's no excuse for the show looking as drab as it does. Every episode looks the same and that bothers me.

And then there's the mutant of the week formula, which the show relies too heavily on. It was fine at first but now well into the second season, it's like, okay, let's move on to something else. It's grinding on my patience pretty badly. And I think most of the mutant designs look pretty bad. I'm not really a fan of the Shredder's design either.

I don't think it's as good as the 2K3 series - which ranks decently high up there among the best comics-based cartoons of all time, IMO - but it's still a pretty damn earnest effort that does a lot of things right. There's a nice balance of humor and comedy, for the most part I think the Turtles' characterization is good, and the animation for the fight scenes and so forth is quite good, even if the color palette, mutant designs, and backgrounds are not. Don't get me wrong here. It's just struggling to hold my interest, and I don't think this show has the legs that the previous incarnations did.

[Metalwolf]

As mentioned, the emptiness of New York. I know it's a show about the Turtles, but atmosphere is huge. Especially in this. New York is sort of a character in itself, and the fact that it's so bustling is why they have to live in a sewer to begin with. Interacting with this city is a huge part of what makes the Turtles what they are. There's no one around, it makes hiding in the shadows pointless. I agree. I've been to New York City, and let me tell you, that place is busy. The subway is a big means of transportation here (besides the buses and taxis) with many of the main subway entrances having people streaming in or out on a near continual basis. Gridlock and slow traffic are the norm, because there is so many people there that the streets become jam-packed with cars. Foot traffic is also almost near constant, not only at walk ways but with people walking back and forth in some areas once the cars come to a dead stop from their very slow crawl. There was some constant honking, but I never heard anybody yelling at each other.

Space is also at a premium. Instead of stuff spread out in most places, here businesses are stacked up on each other. In one building there might be a law office, doctor's office, and a high end jeweler or clothes store. Sometimes there are stores and restaurants that are below street level, like one Subway (the sandwich place) I visited, and I've heard that the subway has it's own fair share of stores and restaurants.

And I didn't even get to the apartments.

I've only been there during the day and not at night, but the near constant throng of people is what makes traveling via roof tops, sewers, and abandoned subway sections so necessary. Without this throng of people, there barely looks like any reason for the Turtles to hide. I can understand if the main action takes place on back streets or alleyways, but if it's a main street, and you look down, you should still see a lot of people, even at night.


And then there's the mutant of the week formula, which the show relies too heavily on. It was fine at first but now well into the second season, it's like, okay, let's move on to something else. It's grinding on my patience pretty badly. And I think most of the mutant designs look pretty bad. I'm not really a fan of the Shredder's design either.

I think that is the sentiment of a lot of people here (at least in regards to the MOTW formula getting old.) I think though the main culprit for them is Nick having a toy quota that they want finished by the start of 2015, which explains the MOTW overload as much. Hopefully after the end of Season 2, we shouldn't be see it much anymore. Hopefully.

[Shiro Kame]

I'm really amped up for the rest of season 2 and season 3. The story gets more and more interesting with every episode that focus on the Kraang or the Foot as more and more questions get answered and mysteries get unlocked.

[Leofan26]

I think next season will be seeing the turtles outside of New York more for reasons spoilers I can not say if you dot want themXD

It's been two seasons already I just wish they'd evolve Mikey's character and drop the love triangle.

I was hoping the love triangle would have been done and add more to Donnie's character by now, that's some what the 2003 series did right. It takes away from his character and he's one of my favorites so :(

Mikey, Mikey, Mikey...What are they going to do with you? I think the seasons almost over and they promised us things from you and I've been disappointed more and more :(

Yah know, seems like since the 80s series they've lost ways of his character and keep writing him more stupid as each series we get. It makes me a little worried how the next series whenever that may be how those writers will handle him :(

Yah, even though Cybs keeps trying to debate with us how little fillers season two has I just can't agree with that. Feels like it's been a while since we've been back to the main plot, thank goodness we will finally be back to it next few episodes, hopefully we get lack of fillers next season :D

[BabyTurtles]

Donny...Oh boy....where to start. Seriously, I really like him....but for this series, I just can't favor him at all like in past incarnations. His crush on April is really bothering me and is coming across as a defining aspect of his character which is killing his development. I'm under the impression that for season 2, this won't let up at all. I know there's more to him than that. I want to see those parts of him, not his, drop everything and help April change a lightbulb because he's so head over heels for her. Please tell me that the show isn't going in this direction that there will be more to his character than his crush on April. I think I wouldn't mind this as much if maybe they'd saved her first and they got to know April and then Donny maybe gradually falling for her.

Mikey...I'm going to say it. He's annoying the heck out of me. I hate the fact that he's been dumbed down so much and the way the others treat him is just appalling. Even Splinter has taken a potshot at Mikey! I mean that's just....I dunno. I know that they all love Mikey and would do anything for him, but to me they almost treat him as if he's expendable. Mikey is being portrayed as a legit idiot with the attention span of gnat. The others treat him like he's a burden almost, imo, at times. The ep where they were splitting and Leo said he was going to take Raph with him while Donny had to stay with Mikey. Donny was complaining over why he was alway stuck with Mikey. I just felt so bad for the character. Is this a trend? I heard in the 2k3 version he was dumbed down as well. Is this portrayal better or worse? Even in the OT series, the others never treated Mikey like he was braindead and he didn't act it. Please tell me this is starting to be dealt with as the series goes on. As talented a fighter as he is, it's hard to believe he concentrated long enough to learn any type of martial arts.



DonnieI just want to brace you for Donnie....it does no let up...his love interest stuff is in full swing season 2, even more so than the first season

MikeyMikey isn't really getting any character development either... he's been stuck with the weird episodes sadly, they have yet to have Splinter talk to him, or have him face a problem within himself. Basically the problem is everyone else not believing in him so far (Parasitica like episodes) No one takes him seriously yet. :(

[ssjup81]

Ok I have watched up to ep 18 of season 2. Man that Donny, but either the crush has grown on me or the fact that Casey's around, it's not bothering me as much. Then again, I do like how the other three react to Donny's crush...

That aside I like Casey. Just seems that there's the potential for there to be layers to his character. Seems he's an artist, likes hockey, wants to fight crime, has aspirations... He's a heck of a lot more interesting than the plot device psychic of the group. -_- I still don't know a thing about April. Oh I like Irma too.

Oh and Casey's crush on April doesn't bother me so much since it wasn't love at first sight like, like Donny.

As for Mikey, he has been less annoying this season, but yeah, still don't like this portrayal if him. Give me OT Mikey anyday.

[blindturtle02]

I'm also hoping for some more of Casey's back-story. That would prove to be entertaining if handled correctly. Lovin season 2 thus far and can't wiat for the 3rd season/beyond. I'm even more excited for this show since discovering that a fourth season is in the works.

[Netkeeper]

Donny...Oh boy....where to start. Seriously, I really like him....but for this series, I just can't favor him at all like in past incarnations. His crush on April is really bothering me and is coming across as a defining aspect of his character which is killing his development. I'm under the impression that for season 2, this won't let up at all. I know there's more to him than that. I want to see those parts of him, not his, drop everything and help April change a lightbulb because he's so head over heels for her. Please tell me that the show isn't going in this direction that there will be more to his character than his crush on April. I think I wouldn't mind this as much if maybe they'd saved her first and they got to know April and then Donny maybe gradually falling for her.
It IS the defining aspect of his character and it never stops. It makes the whole show unwatchable for me.

Of course you wouldn't mind it if it was a gradual, well-written development. Because that would be the logical thing to write into the show instead of a "love at first sight" gimmick that goes way too far. The viewers aren't even given April's name before Donnie is wanting her in the sack. That is absolutely disgusting.

Mikey...I'm going to say it. He's annoying the heck out of me. I hate the fact that he's been dumbed down so much and the way the others treat him is just appalling. Even Splinter has taken a potshot at Mikey! I mean that's just....I dunno. I know that they all love Mikey and would do anything for him, but to me they almost treat him as if he's expendable. Mikey is being portrayed as a legit idiot with the attention span of gnat. The others treat him like he's a burden almost, imo, at times. The ep where they were splitting and Leo said he was going to take Raph with him while Donny had to stay with Mikey. Donny was complaining over why he was alway stuck with Mikey. I just felt so bad for the character. Is this a trend? I heard in the 2k3 version he was dumbed down as well. Is this portrayal better or worse? Even in the OT series, the others never treated Mikey like he was braindead and he didn't act it. Please tell me this is starting to be dealt with as the series goes on. As talented a fighter as he is, it's hard to believe he concentrated long enough to learn any type of martial arts.
Michelangelo is most definitely dumbed down in this series, missing the point of the character on a fundamental level. And whoever told you 2k3 Mikey is a dumbed down version of the character is either a complete idiot, has never watched the show, or missed every single line 2k3 Mikey has ever said, because 2k3 Mikey is a very lovable and entertaining character that I relate to on a pretty personal level. I'm a 23 year old adult and I relate to a cartoon character. This means they're doing it right. This (http://wtf-skittens.tumblr.com/post/77875907898/angeldormante-off-in-lalaland) is all you really need to see to know this is the truth; he retains the entertaining jokester personality that is iconic to him, but isn't a complete moron and is actually respected by his brothers. He is their equal. As he should be. As all four of them should be. 2k12's Mikey is among the worst portrayals of him I have seen and is an insult to the 2k3 and 1990 movie's Mikey.

I don't think it's as good as the 2K3 series - which ranks decently high up there among the best comics-based cartoons of all time, IMO
IME the 2k3 series ranks very high up there among the best cartoons of all time period.

As for Mikey, he has been less annoying this season, but yeah, still don't like this portrayal if him. Give me OT Mikey anyday.
Nah, give me 2k3 Mikey.

[Cure]

This means they're doing it right.

That's super subjective and doesn't really mean anyting because I relate to Michelangelo in the Nick show and not the 4Kids show. Different for everyone, breh. No right or wrong. So yeah, poor argument.

[idreamofpins]

I love this series and it is by far the best version. I remember watching the first series as a kid. It was amazing to me back then. Then I bought the dvd's as an adult. The first season is really solid but it then falls into mediocre and just bad as the seasons go on. The vibrant character designs are what hold it together so well but the story is driven for young kids (which it should be).

My kids (5 and 7) love the characters in the new version but don't go for the "serious" story lines as I do. I had them watch the pizzaface episode and they laughed the entire time.

I think the main storyline will continue to be shrunken down:( to be substituted with the goofy fillers but that will keep the series around longer. I'm fine with having a new group of kids keeping this series strong and in twenty years we'll be hearing them complain how the spirit of the 2012 series isn't being fulfilled by the newest interpretation.

I love these characters and hope they stick around.

[Netkeeper]

That's super subjective and doesn't really mean anyting because I relate to Michelangelo in the Nick show and not the 4Kids show. Different for everyone, breh. No right or wrong. So yeah, poor argument.
Then I feel bad for you, as 2k12 Mikey is very dumbed down and simplified. The writers fail to grasp his character on the most basic of levels and instead reduced him down to a two-dimensional dumbass.

[Cure]

Then I feel bad for you, as 2k12 Mikey is very dumbed down and simplified. The writers fail to grasp his character on the most basic of levels and instead reduced him down to a two-dimensional dumbass.

OK, asshole. All I was trying to do was show you that there's a middle ground when it comes to expressing your opinion, one where you don't have to come out looking like a sh*thead, but then you had to go and think you're better than me for liking a character you don't.

[Powder]

http://i57.tinypic.com/2vllgu9.gif

[CyberCubed]

LOL, this thread has gotten serious.

[MCLeo28]

I have to agree with Cure here. That was pretty rude to bash his/(her?) opinion the way you did.

And honestly, there is more to 2012 Mikey. Just because you relate to 2012 Mikey, doesn't mean you're retarded. It could mean you can relate to him being the youngest and not being taken as seriously by the people around you. I for one like Mikey in this series and really shows how even an immature person like Mikey still wants to be taken seriously and thought of as an equal.

Of course, this still doesn't mean I like Mikey being an idiot, but hey, at least he's funny and his some depth to his character.

[bone]

I really enjoy the 2k12 series! I thought it would take some getting used to seeing them in 3D animation, but it's actually really cool to me and I think it gives it a whole new kind of atmosphere to it. (I agree with others saying that it's too empty, though. It's NEW YORK.) I love the voice actors and how crazy the plots of the episodes get, too.

Honestly, though, the only characters I have no problems with are Splinter, Leo, and Raphael. (As well as some of the villains, e.g. Rat King and Stockman) I definitely think that Mikey's humor is a bit too dumbed down at times; it feels at times that he is polarized from the others. I also get a bit frustrated with Donatello because I think his crush on April is too heavily played on, and it needs to be resolved SOON. I'm so used to him being more calm/pacifistic in the other versions I've seen, so his outbursts and dry attitude are things I'm getting used to. That doesn't mean I dislike them though, I love all of them in this series despite the flaws I see. Excluding these and some other problems I have with the character portrayal, I enjoy this series. :)

[ssjup81]

I have to agree with Cure here. That was pretty rude to bash his/(her?) opinion the way you did.

And honestly, there is more to 2012 Mikey. Just because you relate to 2012 Mikey, doesn't mean you're retarded. It could mean you can relate to him being the youngest and not being taken as seriously by the people around you. I for one like Mikey in this series and really shows how even an immature person like Mikey still wants to be taken seriously and thought of as an equal.

Of course, this still doesn't mean I like Mikey being an idiot, but hey, at least he's funny and his some depth to his character.

Actually, this is something I do actually like about his character for this interpretation, his wanting to be taken seriously. I also like the fact that his character portrayal is compassionate and overall nice, but yeah, I still hate the ADD + stupidity thing going on with him.

I think it's time to share this old thread again....

http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showthread.php?t=33446

It's a Mikey thread I started a couple of years ago.

[kolaida]

I'm still loving it! And Mikey has grown on me quite a bit. I mean, he seems to becoming more laid back and doesn't make as many stupid comments as before. Obviously the kid needs some meds for severe ADHD but he probably won't be getting that any time soon. One of my favorite parts is where they have the retro mutagen and Mikey is in his fly costume just listening to what's going on, like it's totally normal! :lol:

While I used to be kinda annoyed with Don's crush on April, I have either gotten used to it or it has toned down or his brothers have made so much fun of it, I look forward to their cracks about it, lol!

I can't wait for more!

[ssjup81]

I'm still loving it! And Mikey has grown on me quite a bit. I mean, he seems to becoming more laid back and doesn't make as many stupid comments as before. Obviously the kid needs some meds for severe ADHD but he probably won't be getting that any time soon. One of my favorite parts is where they have the retro mutagen and Mikey is in his fly costume just listening to what's going on, like it's totally normal! :lol:Same here. I noticed that too. They have toned it down a lot from season 1.

While I used to be kinda annoyed with Don's crush on April, I have either gotten used to it or it has toned down or his brothers have made so much fun of it, I look forward to their cracks about it, lol!

I can't wait for more!You know, I'm feeling this way too. The crush isn't bothering me anymore and I think it's for the reasons you mentioned. It is funny when his brothers react, and his rivalry with Casey is funny to me.

[shinefra]

I do like the series alot but Im starting to feel that the second season has more filler than story, also I think they are abusing the mutant thing a little to much.

Which is kind of weird because the old series had less mutants in the series compared to the toy line.

Overall I think the series is pretty fun to watch, and I hope it runs for at least 3 more seasons.

[MCLeo28]

^ How? 4 Filler episodes isn't necessarily abusive.

[Metalwolf]

^ They introduce a bunch of mutants, but they don't use most of them much once they're introduced. Plus some of them come across as kind of goofy (like Pizzaface and Malachi) making them feel more filler-y and pushing aside the more interesting minor ones like Slash, Leatherhead, and Newtralizer.

[MCLeo28]

^ I do agree with this, however, I was saying that Season 2 shouldn't come off as "filler-ish" as 4 filler episodes is very small compared to 26 episodes that we are promised to have.

[ssjup81]

It IS the defining aspect of his character and it never stops. It makes the whole show unwatchable for me.

Of course you wouldn't mind it if it was a gradual, well-written development. Because that would be the logical thing to write into the show instead of a "love at first sight" gimmick that goes way too far. The viewers aren't even given April's name before Donnie is wanting her in the sack. That is absolutely disgusting.Well, I don't know about that. It is possible to fall for a person in that way and not want to get them in the sack, or maybe it's a mistake on my part for having a female mind.

You know, thinking about it, this reminds me of that Charlie Brown strip and special where he fell for a girl he saw on TV in the audience of some sporting event. He was so enamored with her he decided to try to find her with Linus' help. He went to the stadium, they figured where her seat was, etc. Charlie Brown was too shy to approach the leads and would have Linus talk for him while hanging back. Long story short, they find the right house and the right girl, but Linus falls for her. The girl had a blanket just like him. Charlie Brown kept trying to get Linus' attention, letting him know that that was the girl, but he was too distracted by the her. She invited him in to have snacks or either dinner with her and her family, leaving poor Charlie Brown outside.Michelangelo is most definitely dumbed down in this series, missing the point of the character on a fundamental level. And whoever told you 2k3 Mikey is a dumbed down version of the character is either a complete idiot, has never watched the show, or missed every single line 2k3 Mikey has ever said, because 2k3 Mikey is a very lovable and entertaining character that I relate to on a pretty personal level. I'm a 23 year old adult and I relate to a cartoon character. This means they're doing it right. This (http://wtf-skittens.tumblr.com/post/77875907898/angeldormante-off-in-lalaland) is all you really need to see to know this is the truth; he retains the entertaining jokester personality that is iconic to him, but isn't a complete moron and is actually respected by his brothers. He is their equal. As he should be. As all four of them should be. 2k12's Mikey is among the worst portrayals of him I have seen and is an insult to the 2k3 and 1990 movie's Mikey.I always came across people here complaining about 2k3 Mikey and how he was the worst portrayal of him...at the time as the 2k12 series hadn't started yet. I even made a thread about it in the general section, but I didn't get as many responses then.

That aside, just because you can relate to him doesn't mean that the show is doing everything right, right? That's a bit subjective, isn't it? It's not a fact, right? In the OT series they all seemed to respect each other too and as I pointed out, the others didn't seem to act like he was a burden. His main quirk that did annoy the others was his being obsessed with pizza to its being a problem. I recall one about him gaining a bit of weight and was scolded for eating too much pizza and the other ep that most OT fans loved, Cowabunga Shredhead where Shredder thought he was Mikey.IME the 2k3 series ranks very high up there among the best cartoons of all time period. TBH, honestly can't say that for any of the turtle toons, although my choices are limited between the OT and the 2k12 version.

Best cartoon of all time for me...I don't know, but maybe Batman TAS or Jonny Quest or Mighty Max or who knows what else would be contenders.

Nah, give me 2k3 Mikey.I dunno...for me OT Mikey, but that's because I've only seen that and 2k12. If going by all the visual mediums I've been exposed to, I'd pick movie trilogy Mikey (ok more so movie 1). He was a nice balance between Mirage Mikey and OT Mikey and I still love his "Ninja kick the damn rabbit" line from the first film. As a kid hearing that and Raph's "DAAAAAAAAMN!" was surprising...and cool, given that it was rare to hear that type of stuff on TV at the time so hearing it in a kid's movie was a shock. :lol:

[jjman65]

I love the new series because of how it re-imagines some of the older characters, the art style, and the background music is pretty cool too(especially the fight scenes from the gauntlet).

[pennydreadful]

The show has a number of flaws - which others here have already covered in better detail that I could.

What I do like about the show is that the creators try very hard to reference all parts of the franchise, and put little nods in so that it's inclusive for the whole fanbase. I really enjoy the pop culture references.

The number one reason that I like this show is the humour - I know that I will get at least one laugh-out-loud moment every episode. This will probably sound a bit silly, but it's important to me - because I've been through some pretty down times where I have gone a really really long time without laughing or smiling at anything. So although it probably sounds a bit odd to some people, the fact that this show makes me laugh, with characters who I have loved for my entire life, means a lot to me. It's a little thing, but I appreciate the little things.

[CyberCubed]

The show overall is great. My only complaints is the lack of human villains and too many mutants, but hopefully that gets toned down in Season 3.

[LeotheLateBloomer]

After watching today's episode, I can definitely say that this show is getting better. It still has a couple of problems but it's not too late to fix them. The great thing about this show is that while it's toned down, it's not nearly as much as the OT, of which I like this show more than. Just fix the flaws that people have with this cartoon.

[Warhorse]

Well, after watching today's episode, I feel it's starting to do what 2k3 did that aggravated the hell out of me. Making anything that involves Shredder and/or Karia a mostly Leo centric episode, and it's just tiring. So, basically, I just feel the writers think the other three are not as important or good enough of characters to carry a Shredder episode. I thought it was supposed to be a team? A series on brother hood?

I just hope the third season can start to get past this line of thinking. It is getting too predictable.

Karai/Shredder/Splinter = Leonardo
Casey/April/Baxter = Donatello
Bradford = Michelangeo (until now)
And I guess Slash = Raphael. So far, I just think Raphael has had the least character development so far in this series.

[PizzaFaceDelivers]

When I first saw the little animation teaser way back when, I absolutely HATED it. I forced everyone I knew to watch it and then ranted and raved about the style and how every turtle now had edged weapons. Then the show premiered and I was pleasantly surprised. It hit the ground running and kept improving as the first season progressed. My only complaint was that most of the original enemy mutants were big hulking monsters with really over the top designs... Snakeweed, Spider Bytez, Dogpound... I REALLY disliked them. However, since the second season premiered, Nick's TMNT is perhaps my favorite incarnation of the turtles to date. It just has everything. It, and the IDW series, are just the perfect blend of the Turtle's history to date and I am SUPER excited to see what they have in store for us going forward. :thyper: