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

[Donatello19]

Flashback to 2009. The rights to the turtles were sold to Nickelodeon, and we were all in shock. We didn't know how to feel...how would they handle the turtles? Will they do them justice? Why sell the franchise in the first place? All of our questions would soon be answered. Up until September 2012, Nickelodeon teased us with the new series. We saw a piece of production art, heard about details/voice actors, saw bits and pieces of the turtles' final designs...and then finally a trailer. After the trailer was nothing but speculation, this is when I joined the Technodrome, during all the excitement. Then on September 29th, 2012, the one hour season premiere aired on Nickelodeon...

Now, it's been an entire year and five months since the premiere of the show, and we've seen the entire first season, some of the second, COUNTLESS toys and other merchandise, and plenty of new fans, young and old. Now, after all this time...how do you feel about the series, how have your thoughts changed...have they stayed the same? Have you gotten used to the new designs (three toes! tooth gap!)?

I for one absolutely LOVE the new series...it's my favorite out of all the animated series' for TMNT. It's got references to many other parts of the franchise and is heavily inspired by them while still being it's own thing. I love the animation, all of the throwbacks/references, voice acting and characters. I hope the show has a good, long run...and it most likely will. Older fans aren't the only ones watching this. This show is extremely popular with kids! The toys are selling like hot cakes and are usually hard to find (the new ones, anyway), and the TMNT aisle is always packed with kids. I've seen kids wearing TMNT t shirts at the store, and at Mcdonald's I saw kids going CRAZY for the Happy Meal toys...it's very popular, almost as much as the OT was. Not quite, but I believe it could get there, maybe even surpass it. It's clear that this show wasn't just made for the money, the people working on this care about the brand and seem like they're fans themselves.

So, how do you feel about the Nickelodeon series?

[JTH]

Love the new series, and I jumped in latte completely forgetting about it at first.

But after I started watching the show on a regular basis, it reminded me why I loved the franchise so much as a kid.

[Bossa Nova]

I'll give it a couple more episodes. I'm feeling pretty ready to be done with it though and just catch the episodes that particularly strike my fancy.

[TurtleTitan97]

I'm loving this show a lot. :D

[Candy Kappa]

I really enjoy the show, and the animation is fantastic.

[Shark_Blade]

It's perfection (well almost :trazz:) beyond my wildest dreams.

[jezza]

It's been a LONG while since I've been around these parts. But over the past few weeks, I have been doing a real binge watch of the new series.

I did attempt watching the first few episodes when it first aired, but decided to let it's legs stretch a little and catch up later. I'm really glad I did, because I think I may have lost patience waiting for some of the episodes. Initially, I was in the crowd that didn't like the new designs, but they have really grown on me, to a point that I can see them as more canon than I ever expected, especially with some of the white eyed still shots of the Turtles standing atop the skyline, it really harks back to the original comics.

My initial concerns for this series lacking depth has been dealt with progressively, with some interesting plot details with April being a mutant and Karai being Splinter's daughter, I really want to see where they take it and how it unravels. To me, this series incorporates the best elements of the 2k3 series (which is still my favourite for it's close representation of the original comic) and the 1987 series. It's fun enough for kids and yet still remains fun enough for adults, with a fine balance. The fight sequences are also different enough each time to remain interesting and well choreographed for a kids show.

This is also the first time I've ever been able to get my girlfriend to follow The Turtles so avidly. I showed her some of Mikey's best bits and she's sold on it and wants to even go back and watch the older series and has said she will read some of my comics when she's next over. So it has the draw to pull in and create new fans.

Whilst I am singing it's praises, like anything, it's not without flaws. Some episodes can be really slow paced and go off in a different direction to what I would hope for and some of the mutated villains can be a little dull, but this does make me keen to see more character development with the Turtles for their next encounter with Shredder.

Ultimately I'm pleased with the show, it's reignited my excitement for TMNT and is also getting me geared up for the new film this summer, which also has a number of concerns for me, but that's for another thread.

[BabyTurtles]

I love love LOVE IT~~

there are are few things that get on my nerves now, but it's still my favorite incarnation of TMNT so far :D

[RaphAndDonnie]

I love it, of course. It's the first turtle show I've seen while it was airing. It and the IDW comics made me love the turtles. It's what made me check out the OT and 2k3 series. Does it have flaws? Sure. But the spectacular voice crew, animation and storyline has me hooked, even a year later. :)

[Leo656]

It's OK. Parts I like and parts really get on my nerves. The Donnie/April thing isn't very well done and it drags a lot of the show down because it's forced into so many places. And Mikey's personality gets pretty grating sometimes.

I admit, it's better than I thought it would be. I didn't have the highest confidence in it at first but it's better than I expected. Nothing's perfect.

[Electric]

love it. in my opinion, the best turtles yes. yeah, not a fan of some characters or designs, but it makes up for it in other areas. the voice actors are fantastic, and love that the turtles act their age, with splinter as more of a father. the de-aged characters work great, and my favorite history of splinter and shredder. really makes the rivalry intense and driven.

[MrTMNT2012]

Perfect. :tgrin:

[rickwj324]

I absolultely love this show!! I missed most of season 1 when it aired but picked them up on dvd and did a marathon of them to catch up before season 2 started. I really wish these would come out on BLU-RAY!!

Love the show, love the toys!!
--Rick

[CyberCubed]

Currently I'd probably rate it an 8.5 out of 10. There is still area for improvement and I'd like to see more humans and long running arcs not related to Shredder or the Kraang.

Also there's the possibility of the Turtles personalities becoming stagnant or regressing, like with Mike and Don.

[NinjaMan]

Best version of the Turtles to me. Love everything about it.

[Powder]

Best version of the Turtles to me. Love everything about it.

Pretty much this. At least as far as non-Mirage stuff is concerned.

[ironman29758]

Pretty much this. At least as far as non-Mirage stuff is concerned.

this, It's an enjoyable and almost perfect show. A combo of the great parts of different TMNT cartoons and comics. I have to give a 8-9 out of 10 honestly. I love watching it multiple times

[Electric]

this, It's an enjoyable and almost perfect show. A combo of the great parts of different TMNT cartoons and comics. I have to give a 8-9 out of 10 honestly. I love watching it multiple times

that brings up a good point.

im too young to have grown up with the 80s cartoon, and i didnt strictly follow the 2k3, but ive gone back and watched all of them. and out of all 33 shows, 2k12 is the only one where i desire to go back and watch an episode again. there will be scenes in an episode that i think are just incredible and i enjoy watching them over and over again, even within the same day i first saw it. i dont know if things look cooler to me because of the cg of what, but this show has me watching each episode atleast 2 or 3 times

[NinjaPug]

I freaking love it. I really wasn't expecting to like it as much as I do.

You can tell that Ciro and crew really care about the franchise and what came before.

[Shred87]

Awesome show.... Does exactly what it should in learning from past mistakes, combining the best parts of past versions while still being its own unique thing... 5 star quality show...

[Bry]

Excellent. Excellent, excellent, excellent.

I've got a lot of love for every "era" of the TMNT. The '87 cartoon is something I have a ton of nostalgia for, though it doesn't hold up for me as well as I'd hope. I still love the 2003 series a lot, and I really appreciate it sticking as close to the Mirage source material as it did, but it had its own flaws. The Nick series, IMO, does it the best of the three. The humour is genuinely, effortlessly funny, the action/directing is terrific, the voice talent is top notch across the board (seriously - we are spoiled rotten with this cast!), and there is a very clear, deep love and appreciation for the franchise as a whole running through every episode. It's a hugely entertaining show for kids, but it manages to find that sweet spot where it's equally enjoyable for the adult audience as well, and there are so many little visual references to past TMNT stuff peppered throughout this show that it's super rewarding to rewatch.

I'll admit - I was pretty apprehensive when the show was first announced (to the point where I might have had a little back-and-forth with Alex Deligiannis about my concerns on Twitter because I was being a big dumb idiot), but it has completely won me over.

[FoxBoxKid]

It has great voices and visuals. I just wish there were more plot-heavy episodes like the 4Kids show.

[Eiko]

Love it. :)

[MCLeo28]

At first, I was reluctant to watch this masterpiece because I believed it to be too childish, but once I actually started watching it and getting into the plot, the show became really satisfying to watch and have been keeping up with it ever since the start of Season 2.

[Ulisa]

While I do like this series, it doesn't have the rewatch factor that the other two series have for me. I love rewatching various arcs/episodes from both the Fred Wolf and 2k3 series. With this series, I like watching the episodes the first time around but it's a rare episode I will go back and see again, at least not as much as the other two series.

I will admit that part of that is definitely because of the characterization of Mikey. He has always been my favorite character, in every single incarnation and I just really feel he's getting cheated in this series. There's more to him than just the immature joker and I would love it to see that come up more. The episodes where he tends to step up, tend to have that rewatch factor for me.

I also would like to see Donnie and Mikey show more of their ninja skills. I don't like the idea of the Team A, Team B. Seems cold and I would love to have Mikey and Donnie show their brothers up once. Donnie is entertaining but I would like to see more to him than just "crush on April." His interest in a girl is just one aspect of his personality and I would love to see them branch out and address other areas.

That said though, I do enjoy it. I enjoy it more than I thought I would. I was wary of the CGI and the idea of Splinter having a daughter but so far it has provided a lot of interesting plot ideas. I just hope that they are used to their full potential.

[MiBs]

I didn't hear about the show before after it started to air in the US (about a year ago I think). I was very surprised by how young the Turtles looked and that they had the whole cute-factor going on, and didn't really know what to think of it. But after watching the two-episode premiere, I was absolutely sold.

[blindturtle02]

My better half and I have been hooked ever since the premier. We're still just as excited to see new episodes and we enjoy speculating inbetween episodes. This is really her first experience with TMNT outside of the 90's original movie and she's thrilled with the characters as well as the story. I feel the same way. The show boasts a terrific cast and crew. Feels like everyone working on this thing has great respect for the franchise. I find myself counting down the days inbetween new episodes. Love what the team at Nick has done with the show and can't wait to see what else they have in store for us. Here's hoping the show lasts quite a while.

[Pagong]

I love the show and I personally love the intro. LSS hit me the first time I've heard it. I have some minor nitpicks though, like Mikey's too small for my taste, donny's a too dorky/nerdy and it kinda took aways "some" of his cool factor and probably the biggest thing that I didn't like is how Casey's appearance. Sure they made him a teenager, I have no problems with that. But I just can't dig how he looked like in the series.

Leo and Raph are perfect for me, especially Raph's appearance.

Uh, what else.. Oh, I love Splinter as well in this series. He doesn't look "weak" in terms of appearance though in my opinion, he kinda looked like a dog (even my 2 year old son's telling me it's a dog even though I'm coaching him that it's a rat. lol.):lol:

[Whatswiththeheadbands?]

I love the series. It has a perfect balance between goofiness and the darker aspects of the TMNT franchise as a whole. The humour is also flawless.

[Aaronardo]

I can't say anything without quoting others. So I'll just leave this with two words that mean a thousand words.

A freaking masterpiece.

[Rooish]

Humour is great, voice acting is great, animation is great. The designs have grown on me although I'm not fond of Don's, Mikey's, or Casey's. Karai is awesome and I miss her. There are many funny and cool elements of the show, but I wish it had a stronger plotline and not so many one-off episodes that cause you to forget that there is a story arc going on. Don't like the uncreative and uncritical plotlines of many episodes.

The characterization and morals of the show are very iffy and I think some of the core components of the characters throughout TMNT history are really skewed. Mikey is increasingly stupid with every episode although I like that he's warm and affectionate. Raph comes across as plain sadistic at times, as opposed to explosive and emotional like in other series. He also has way too much power over Don and Mikey, who used to be able to hold their own with him. Splinter is emotionally unavailable for much of the series and conveniently absent from most fights. Leo is pretty cool, but in other series, his cockiness mostly kept Raph in line; here he is buddy-buddy with Raph and it completely changes the status quo and puts Don and Mikey in the B team.

Hate hate hate the A team and B team concept. Don and Mikey are practically useless fighters and it's garbage.

Don and April is so annoying it hurts. His crush is taking over the series. Don is obsessive and now stalkerish. It doesn't seem to harm April and she tends to just ignore his advances, but it's just a very overdone, very uncritical portrayal of males and females interacting. April has a pretty underdeveloped personality in the series and doesn't even seem to be hugely attached to any of the Turtles, so we can surmise that Don became obsessed with her mostly due to her appearance, and now he can't let it go. Casey also just started hitting on her right away, and I don't think that's the best behaviour to normalize for kids. They are going to see it happen when they are teens, but wouldn't it be cool if the show challenged this before its viewers got to that point? I really hope Don learns to let April be soon. Also, I hope she doesn't become romantically involved in anyone, at least for a while. Other than this, I do like that Don gets a spotlight and is rather funny and more headstrong than usual.

I can't make up my mind on the Turtles acting like "normal human teenagers." They act like "normal" all-American privileged boys and they are jerks to each other. I know they love each other "deep down" but do kids really need another example of a family that treats each other badly but loves each other "deep down"? Do kids need another example of the "smart one" being a scrawny, weak, bullied, submissive spaz? I'm not obsessed with a show having a strong moral compass, but this show has practically none at all and I do think it's a problem.

I keep watching though, like it's a car crash and I can't look away. Many of the episodes have a lot of fun parts. I just keep hoping that the story direction will match the script in terms of awesomeness, but it never does.

I think that we will look back at the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies as the moment when the show jumped the shark.

Okay just kidding, I'm sure it will continue to be loved unconditionally for a long time.

[Whatswiththeheadbands?]

I can't say anything without quoting others. So I'll just leave this with two words that mean a thousand words.

A freaking masterpiece.

That's 3 words though:trazz::P

[Lou 500]

I love this show. :tgrin:

[ABrown]

I just can't seem to get attached to the Nick series. And it's not because it's a lighter series. I've enjoyed lighter action cartoons before: Teen Titans, Batman: The Brave & The Bold. I'm just not all that crazy about this show. The only reason I watch every episode is because there's really nothing else out there right now. Transformers: Prime was easily one of my favorite action cartoons of all time, but it's gone now. Teen Titans Go is garbage. Star Wars: Rebels isn't starting until the fall. If I had a couple of other shows right now, I probably wouldn't even make it a point to watch every episode of this show.

[NinjaMan]

I just can't seem to get attached to the Nick series. And it's not because it's a lighter series. I've enjoyed lighter action cartoons before: Teen Titans, Batman: The Brave & The Bold. I'm just not all that crazy about this show. The only reason I watch every episode is because there's really nothing else out there right now. Transformers: Prime was easily one of my favorite action cartoons of all time, but it's gone now. Teen Titans Go is garbage. Star Wars: Rebels isn't starting until the fall. If I had a couple of other shows right now, I probably wouldn't even make it a point to watch every episode of this show.

Transformers Prime along with many of Hasbro and IDW decisions have turned me off of Transformers. And I was a fan since 84.

[LivingMutagen]

Transformers Prime along with many of Hasbro and IDW decisions have turned me off of Transformers. And I was a fan since 84.

But new IDW Transformers is amazing! Especially Last Stand of the Wreckers mini-series and More than Meets the Eye series. Robots in Disguise is good too, just not as amazing as the other two.

[plastroncafe]

I feel pretty good about this show, truth be told.
I think Season One was a bit more solid on the presentation, but Season Two is picking up.

It'd be a lie of omission to not state that I'm disappointed by some of the recurring themes and how those themes are being handled.

April's McGuffin-hood, Don's "Nice Guy" syndrome, The Madonna/Whore dichotomy.

But overall I find it a clever bit of family entertainment.

[ABrown]

Transformers Prime along with many of Hasbro and IDW decisions have turned me off of Transformers. And I was a fan since 84.

Really? Interesting. Transformers: Prime and the 4Kids TMNT series are my favorite series that either franchise has put out. They are exactly what I'm looking for in my action cartoons. The 2002 He-Man series had the potential to be right up there as well. However, it was cut off after only 39 episodes.

[BubblyShell22]

I love this series so much and feel that it's a blend of all the incarnations that came before which is awesome. The cast and crew really do care about the franchise, and you can tell that with each episode that comes out. I admit I was a bit leery when I first heard that Nick was picking up the franchise, but after watching the first episode, I became hooked. I look forward to see where the show goes next. It's also a bonus that this show has helped me to keep writing fan fiction and creating new ideas. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to because I wasn't sure how the show was going to hold up, but it's done great, and I'm definitely staying along for the ride.

[Vicky82]

I love this new show, I was skeptical when I first heard about it as I thought it was going to be a goofy kids show. But as soon as I saw the first episode, I loved it. I lost track of the first series after episode 4, due to working, playing warcraft and my Sky+ box not working properly and I ended up forgeting about it until August last year and found out all episodes (except the last 2) on I Tunes and watched the episodes I missed and I fell in love with it even more especially after seeing the episode The Guantlet.

[discordiatookie]

I think it's excellent. The animation is great, the humour is great, I really do enjoy watching it. I'm not a massive fan of the 'monster/mutant of the week' bits, but everything else is excellent.

[kolaida]

I absolutely love it!!!

I wasn't sure at first and I was surprised when I heard Nick bought the show, but HAPPY, too because that meant a huge company wanted to do something with it. I fell in love with Turtles Forever and was super stoked about this. The CG made me a little nervous, but I gotta say I LOVE the cg!

I love the show!

[victory_angel]

I admit when I heard about the series I was not impressed, but when I got around to watching it I was pleasantly surprised. I do admit that sometimes Mikey random stupidiity can be leave me slamming my head against the concrete floor (I live in the basement of an elder couples house) and the plot amnesia in which they don't focus or address something brought up unless it has to do with the plot.

[CyberCubed]

The show still needs to improve in some areas:

1. More humans or enemies who aren't mutants/robots.

2. Turtles visiting outer space/Dimension X, traveling through time, visiting Japan, etc. I realize the limitations of CG is why we haven't seen this so far, but I hope in the future they build the sets to allow it.

3. Donnie's crush on April needs to be toned down eventually.

4. Less generic one-shot mutants that nobody cares for like Spiderbitez and the Cockroach or the Rockwell Monkey.

[Konchadunga]

I like it. Sadly, I wished I loved it, and I can't say I do anymore.

This series started strong, with a driving narrative, and lots of funny jokes. It's managed to do things to each Turtle that make them different from what we saw before, while still familiar. Its initial Turtle toys are possibly the best yet. Finally the show has handled nostalgia and homages much better than both the Fred Wolf and IDW series, being willing to take ideas from everywhere but give all of them their unique twists. The story arc, too, has been consistently unpredictable. However, holes have been busting at various seams for a while. T

he biggest is the Mutant of the Week episodes; the most recent having been possibly the most banal yet. "Fungus Humongous" ticks almost every complaint box held broadly by the fanbase; a MOTW so undeveloped we don't even see how they mutated, a lesson not only utterly cliched but utterly foreshadowed at every opportunity, Donatello's crush on April being made the primary (and most debilitating) aspect of his character, and the love-triangle between them and Casey being rubbed in. Related to that point are two others:

First, the toyline which drives the MOTW obsession isn't actually as good as the Turtles themselves suggested. Most of the mutants aren't even the right size, and this, coupled with their lack of articulation, means they basically don't function well as villains in play. That's to say nothing of the mooks, whom you can't even stand up without a lot of finagling; let alone have attacking. Who wants a villain who isn't even remotely scary? The most embarrassing part is that all of the MOTW toys aren't even released in time to be relevant to the episode they excused.

Second, the show is paced horribly. Cliffhangers promising key plot points in the future give way to absolutely nothing next week, or even for longer, because MOTW episodes break up the flow, and worse, these filler-fests don't even acknowledge that much development happened before. As has been mentioned, April gets put through all manner of hijinx that seemingly breaks her, then next episode, she seems to have recovered. Whole episodes infamously went by wherein the Kraang could have made more attempts to nab April, but didn't. Likewise, Karai has been disobeying Shredder's orders for many episodes, probably preparing to go rogue, and so far she's gotten no punishment.

The staff of the show is talented. Their voice acting is excellent, they can write hilarious jokes, and the overall plot is suspenseful. Tragically, this just makes it more obnoxious that they're wasting time on things I really don't care about at all.

This dimmed enthusiasm hasn't stopped me watching. I still catch every episode right when it premieres. However, I can't enjoy any as much as I once did.

[CyberCubed]

he biggest is the Mutant of the Week episodes; the most recent having been possibly the most banal yet. "Fungus Humongous" ticks almost every complaint box held broadly by the fanbase; a MOTW so undeveloped we don't even see how they mutated, a lesson not only utterly cliched but utterly foreshadowed at every opportunity, Donatello's crush on April being made the primary (and most debilitating) aspect of his character, and the love-triangle between them and Casey being rubbed in. Related to that point are two others:

LOL, what? The Fungus episode is universally praised because of how funny it was. Why the hell do they have to show how it mutated? There was a canister in the sewer at its base.

[Shark_Blade]

2. Turtles visiting outer space/Dimension X,After getting so sick of it in 2k3, I hope they don't go crazy with it if they want to pursue that idea. One or a few episodes are fine, don't go crazy and make whole season for it.

The turtles are best in their NYC environment.

[CyberCubed]

I expect at least a few space/Dimension X adventures however, especially with Ciro hinting the Triceratons will show up eventually.

[Coola Yagami]

I expect at least a few space/Dimension X adventures however, especially with Ciro hinting the Triceratons will show up eventually.

But they could show up at TCRI. Remember how everyone was assuming there would be Dimension X adventures the moment Traag was mentioned? And then all he did was appear in the Kraang base and then be knocked back.

The Triceratons could easily appear through a portal, do some damage in some pre-worked sets, and then get booted back through the portal.

[CyberCubed]

But they could show up at TCRI. Remember how everyone was assuming there would be Dimension X adventures the moment Traag was mentioned? And then all he did was appear in the Kraang base and then be knocked back.

The Triceratons could easily appear through a portal, do some damage in some pre-worked sets, and then get booted back through the portal.

But he has mentioned the Turtles going into space. I think that's when the Fred Wolf Turtles cameo happens, because the Turtles or someone rips a hole between universes.

[Leofan26]

It's an ok show, has a few flaws...I love the VA's for every one and the animation at times can be amazing, the fights can be pretty good too :D

However...

Mikey : I was giving him a second chance, I was afraid Nick would turn him into the next Patrick Star of the series and they kind of are only more lovable with some better fighting skills. Even though the 2003 Mikey may have been a jerk at times and wasn't to every ones humor, at least he had good moments and i didn't find him as stupid as the Nick version but that's just me. I hope as time goes by they'll fix this, but....

Donnie x April : I was meh about it already it but now it's kind of destroying Donnie's character a bit for me. I understand Donnie's dream was for humor but over all, says a lot about him right now. I was really hoping he'd be over her in the second season but seems to be getting deeper and deeper into that, thanks :-?

Going into the love triangle too fast? Say, what? Nope, in my opinion it is. I would have at least liked to have seen a friendship formed between Casey x April x Donnie than for a few episodes than maybe over time Donnie gets jealous noticing how close they've become, meh...Hopefully that means Donnie's crush will end soon than :ohwell:

Lack of Shredder : How long has he been gone? At least give us some thing from him, few episodes or more foreshadowing? Come on, I feel like he's died here off screen or some thing :lol:

Last time on Turtles : Karai is family related, what? Next, when did this happen again? Too many episodes go by before we find out what happens next. We don't even get to see any actual reactions from these type of situations, boo!!

Every thing seems fine though :P

[MiBs]

After getting so sick of it in 2k3, I hope they don't go crazy with it if they want to pursue that idea. One or a few episodes are fine, don't go crazy and make whole season for it.

The turtles are best in their NYC environment.

I agree. I don't mind the Turtles going to Dimension X for a couple of episodes, but I hope they don't go all in on the dimension hopping and time travelling

[DarkLightDragon]

I like it. Sadly, I wished I loved it, and I can't say I do anymore.

This series started strong, with a driving narrative, and lots of funny jokes. It's managed to do things to each Turtle that make them different from what we saw before, while still familiar. Its initial Turtle toys are possibly the best yet. Finally the show has handled nostalgia and homages much better than both the Fred Wolf and IDW series, being willing to take ideas from everywhere but give all of them their unique twists. The story arc, too, has been consistently unpredictable. However, holes have been busting at various seams for a while. T

he biggest is the Mutant of the Week episodes; the most recent having been possibly the most banal yet. "Fungus Humongous" ticks almost every complaint box held broadly by the fanbase; a MOTW so undeveloped we don't even see how they mutated, a lesson not only utterly cliched but utterly foreshadowed at every opportunity, Donatello's crush on April being made the primary (and most debilitating) aspect of his character, and the love-triangle between them and Casey being rubbed in. Related to that point are two others:

First, the toyline which drives the MOTW obsession isn't actually as good as the Turtles themselves suggested. Most of the mutants aren't even the right size, and this, coupled with their lack of articulation, means they basically don't function well as villains in play. That's to say nothing of the mooks, whom you can't even stand up without a lot of finagling; let alone have attacking. Who wants a villain who isn't even remotely scary? The most embarrassing part is that all of the MOTW toys aren't even released in time to be relevant to the episode they excused.

Second, the show is paced horribly. Cliffhangers promising key plot points in the future give way to absolutely nothing next week, or even for longer, because MOTW episodes break up the flow, and worse, these filler-fests don't even acknowledge that much development happened before. As has been mentioned, April gets put through all manner of hijinx that seemingly breaks her, then next episode, she seems to have recovered. Whole episodes infamously went by wherein the Kraang could have made more attempts to nab April, but didn't. Likewise, Karai has been disobeying Shredder's orders for many episodes, probably preparing to go rogue, and so far she's gotten no punishment.

The staff of the show is talented. Their voice acting is excellent, they can write hilarious jokes, and the overall plot is suspenseful. Tragically, this just makes it more obnoxious that they're wasting time on things I really don't care about at all.

This dimmed enthusiasm hasn't stopped me watching. I still catch every episode right when it premieres. However, I can't enjoy any as much as I once did.

This oddly enough sums up my thoughts as well.

[Aaronardo]

That's 3 words though:trazz::P

MuuGje9EdU8

[The Turtle Terminator]

Three "Booyakashaw" words and a symbol: I ♡ Nickelodeon TMNT

[LivingMutagen]

MuuGje9EdU8

Yay, Mario Party!

I really do love this show. Nothing else to say really.

[Wildcat]

I like it obviously. I watch every week but its not my favorite turtle series. That still goes to 2k3.

I think it started out a little better than it currently is. Its just really hard to explain. Its typical. I mean its what youd expect a modern day turtles cartoon to be. I didnt feel that from 2k3. It felt more real I guess, I dont know. Thats not a good word.

Nick's turtles are typical. Thats the best word I can think of. Aside from the action, which is standard, its typical plotlines, characters, humor etc. The Don/April thing doesn't bother me and neither do villains of the week, its just overall a typical representation of whats considered "cool" today...thats a pretty good way to describe it.

[BabyTurtles]

I'm not gonna lie...the plot amnesia doesn't bother me....
I'm so used to things not being solved quickly........maybe anime helped me with that.


the only thing that's bothering me is Apriltello to be honest XD if that was gone then this show would be perfect to me XD

[LeotheLateBloomer]

The series is getting better but it's still not quite there for me. I get that this show is said to be a blend of the previous cartoons but I still can't shake off the feeling that it tries too hard to be like them. To me this show lacks it's own identity. I am also still annoyed with the Don x April pairing as it shows that Don is getting worse with his crush as seen with the previous episode. And while Mikey is getting better with his intelligence, he's still not quite there yet.

Where I think this show shines is it's animation, storytelling (although it's pacing is still terrible), and the characterizations. It's toned down but thankfully not as much as the OT series. I also love how they fused the Utroms and Krang together into Kraang. I think that is pretty neat. It is a really good show but with a few problems that keep me from truly enjoying it.

[miru]

I like it. Sadly, I wished I loved it, and I can't say I do anymore.

This series started strong, with a driving narrative, and lots of funny jokes. It's managed to do things to each Turtle that make them different from what we saw before, while still familiar. Its initial Turtle toys are possibly the best yet. Finally the show has handled nostalgia and homages much better than both the Fred Wolf and IDW series, being willing to take ideas from everywhere but give all of them their unique twists. The story arc, too, has been consistently unpredictable. However, holes have been busting at various seams for a while. T

he biggest is the Mutant of the Week episodes; the most recent having been possibly the most banal yet. "Fungus Humongous" ticks almost every complaint box held broadly by the fanbase; a MOTW so undeveloped we don't even see how they mutated, a lesson not only utterly cliched but utterly foreshadowed at every opportunity, Donatello's crush on April being made the primary (and most debilitating) aspect of his character, and the love-triangle between them and Casey being rubbed in. Related to that point are two others:

First, the toyline which drives the MOTW obsession isn't actually as good as the Turtles themselves suggested. Most of the mutants aren't even the right size, and this, coupled with their lack of articulation, means they basically don't function well as villains in play. That's to say nothing of the mooks, whom you can't even stand up without a lot of finagling; let alone have attacking. Who wants a villain who isn't even remotely scary? The most embarrassing part is that all of the MOTW toys aren't even released in time to be relevant to the episode they excused.

Second, the show is paced horribly. Cliffhangers promising key plot points in the future give way to absolutely nothing next week, or even for longer, because MOTW episodes break up the flow, and worse, these filler-fests don't even acknowledge that much development happened before. As has been mentioned, April gets put through all manner of hijinx that seemingly breaks her, then next episode, she seems to have recovered. Whole episodes infamously went by wherein the Kraang could have made more attempts to nab April, but didn't. Likewise, Karai has been disobeying Shredder's orders for many episodes, probably preparing to go rogue, and so far she's gotten no punishment.

The staff of the show is talented. Their voice acting is excellent, they can write hilarious jokes, and the overall plot is suspenseful. Tragically, this just makes it more obnoxious that they're wasting time on things I really don't care about at all.

This dimmed enthusiasm hasn't stopped me watching. I still catch every episode right when it premieres. However, I can't enjoy any as much as I once did.

I agree that the Monster of the Week thing has gotten VERY old and is completely pointless now that the toys are terrible.

[FoxBoxKid]

I like it obviously. I watch every week but its not my favorite turtle series. That still goes to 2k3.

I think it started out a little better than it currently is. Its just really hard to explain. Its typical. I mean its what youd expect a modern day turtles cartoon to be. I didnt feel that from 2k3. It felt more real I guess, I dont know. Thats not a good word.

Nick's turtles are typical. Thats the best word I can think of. Aside from the action, which is standard, its typical plotlines, characters, humor etc. The Don/April thing doesn't bother me and neither do villains of the week, its just overall a typical representation of whats considered "cool" today...thats a pretty good way to describe it.

Yeah, it kinda feels like they're going down a checklist, but it's a thorough and very well written checklist.

[Wildcat]

Yeah, it kinda feels like they're going down a checklist, but it's a thorough and very well written checklist.Well its entertaining and fun to watch. I wouldn't say the writing is incredible. Like I said before its a typical representation of today. I feel like I know what to expect. In general, not every detail obviously.

Someone mentioned it doesn't really have an identity. I can see what they mean. Its like lets be a grownup OT...but also a lighthearted 2k3. Maybe if it had tried to be more its own thing with nods to the past it would be more interesting.

[T-U-R-T-L-E POWA!]

A year and a half ago I was really irritated because I thought they were gonna destroy my beloved TMNT. Now I can sit here and say that I honestly believe this is the greatest TMNT show that we will ever get. I love it more than words can even say. Even the things that rubbed me wrong initially I now totally accept. I watched the first ep on premiere night just to see how bad it was gonna be. Then I watched it seven more times because of how dang AWESOME it was! I love the taste of crow that Nick has fed me! I dread the day this show ends. It is must see tv for sure.

[Electric]

Well its entertaining and fun to watch. I wouldn't say the writing is incredible. Like I said before its a typical representation of today. I feel like I know what to expect. In general, not every detail obviously.

Someone mentioned it doesn't really have an identity. I can see what they mean. Its like lets be a grownup OT...but also a lighthearted 2k3. Maybe if it had tried to be more its own thing with nods to the past it would be more interesting.

i on the other hand love the nods to the past. i think this show does a great job of including things that are recognizable as parts of past incarnations, while interpreting them in this universe. i think it makes the show more enjoyable.

and as someone who didnt care for the overall goofy tone of the OT, and enjoyed the darkness of 2k3 but disliked the 100% serious tone, i love that this show balances it out

[T-U-R-T-L-E POWA!]

Well its entertaining and fun to watch. I wouldn't say the writing is incredible. Like I said before its a typical representation of today. I feel like I know what to expect. In general, not every detail obviously.

Someone mentioned it doesn't really have an identity. I can see what they mean. Its like lets be a grownup OT...but also a lighthearted 2k3. Maybe if it had tried to be more its own thing with nods to the past it would be more interesting.

I feel like this show has thrown some pretty serious curves. The biggest one I would say is double mutating Dogpound in to Rahzar. NONE of us saw THAT coming. I also feel that the writing is really pretty good for a "kids" show given all the foreshadowing in a lot of episodes. They use the old vintage cartoons in really clever ways and I think that takes good writing to accomplish. I feel like the "identity" of this show could best be described as "the best of both worlds".

[Wildcat]

I'll just reply to both of you. I like the nods to the past but it feels like its trying to mix everything together which sounds cool but just ends up feeling like too much imo.

It does have its own unique ideas like the double mutations and Karai is Splinters daughter, which I like, but thats the thing...its own creativity gets pushed aside because its mission is to remix everything else.

Thats separate from feeling its typical and predictable. Which Im not gonna totally hold against it because its target audience is those who didnt growup with it. I mean maybe already knowing most of the setup gives me a skewed view since theres not much originality...so far anyway.

[T-U-R-T-L-E POWA!]

I'll just reply to both of you. I like the nods to the past but it feels like its trying to mix everything together which sounds cool but just ends up feeling like too much imo.

It does have its own unique ideas like the double mutations and Karai is Splinters daughter, which I like, but thats the thing...its own creativity gets pushed aside because its mission is to remix everything else.

Thats separate from feeling its typical and predictable. Which Im not gonna totally hold against it because its target audience is those who didnt growup with it. I mean maybe already knowing most of the setup gives me a skewed view since theres not much originality...so far anyway.

The reason I say it's the best of both worlds is because I grew up on the 87 series and the toys. I loved it dearly. I liked the 03 series pretty good but just felt like it didn't have the production value of this series and that it really had a sort of identity crisis too. In a lot of ways it isn't really fair to criticize the throwback stuff because people that know nothing of TMNT could watch this and follow it totally without all the "inside" knowledge that guys like us have. My little boy is 3 and he loves to watch it. I've let him watch the 87 show as well and I think he probably likes them about equally.

[Wildcat]

The reason I say it's the best of both worlds is because I grew up on the 87 series and the toys. I loved it dearly. I liked the 03 series pretty good but just felt like it didn't have the production value of this series and that it really had a sort of identity crisis too. In a lot of ways it isn't really fair to criticize the throwback stuff because people that know nothing of TMNT could watch this and follow it totally without all the "inside" knowledge that guys like us have. My little boy is 3 and he loves to watch it. I've let him watch the 87 show as well and I think he probably likes them about equally.Well I said I wasnt completely holding it against the show because its target is for those that DIDN'T growup on it. I also admitted my view could be skewed because I DID growup with it and know what to expect, more or less. You quoted it right there.

I don't think 2k3 had an identity problem. It was mostly serious and thats what it did throughout....until Fast Forward but that was a different thing and not even the point.

[TheBlueTurtle1]

I am still loving it, I have not seen an ep that had me thinking "this is bad"

Always fun to watch.

[kolaida]

I've been impressed and surprised with how much I love each episode. I'm the kind of person that'll usually watch something and find it a waste of time to re-watch something, but I've been watching and re-watching these episodes (the only other shows I've done that with recently weren't on Nick). Technically, I guess I have been wasting time, but I absolutely love it, love, love it! :D:D

[LeotheLateBloomer]

My little boy is 3 and he loves to watch it. I've let him watch the 87 show as well and I think he probably likes them about equally.

Considering I was about his age when I watched the 87 show, that's no surprise.

[sdp]

I used to be one of the few people positive about the show when it was announced and now I just don't really care for it much. I watch it but I think it'd just above average, I don't care much about it.

[billbot85]

Although I wasn't crazy about the new Nick series and toyline at first (I know I had criticized it on here), but after watching the show I grew to absolutely love it! The OT and original films will always be my favorite incarnation of the turtles, but this show still got me hooked.

I feel that it's been a great blend of the original comics and the comedy of the OT and original films. The writers on this show have done an amazing job so far, drawing me into he storyline and making me laugh. Each new character (old and new) has been introduced in their own interesting way.

The show is a fresh start for the TMNT fanchise, and I think it's finally bringing Turtle Mania back. :tgrin:

[OrangeNinja1987]

I love the show. I cannot describe how much I enjoy watching it every week. This show is what really got me into TMNT. I can still remember the first episode I saw -- "New Friend, Old Enemy". I don't know what exactly makes me like TMNT, there's so many possibilities. After I saw that first episode, I was hooked. I've seen seasons 1, 2, and 4 of the OT so far and I've gotten into the 2003 show, plus I've read the comics and seen all the movies.
It just really goes to show that the Nick show has brought so much more fans into the franchise. It has really revitalized TMNT.
The only thing I regret is that I should have become a fan many, many years ago. I've missed so much.
For every version I have different favorite characters, but mostly they are Leonardo and Donatello.
And I'm glad that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is turning 30 this year. Turtle Power!

"Turtles Forever! ...Or something else we all yell at the same time."--Michelangelo, 2003

[Shred Head]

Humour is great, voice acting is great, animation is great. The designs have grown on me although I'm not fond of Don's, Mikey's, or Casey's. Karai is awesome and I miss her. There are many funny and cool elements of the show, but I wish it had a stronger plotline and not so many one-off episodes that cause you to forget that there is a story arc going on. Don't like the uncreative and uncritical plotlines of many episodes.

The characterization and morals of the show are very iffy and I think some of the core components of the characters throughout TMNT history are really skewed. Mikey is increasingly stupid with every episode although I like that he's warm and affectionate. Raph comes across as plain sadistic at times, as opposed to explosive and emotional like in other series. He also has way too much power over Don and Mikey, who used to be able to hold their own with him. Splinter is emotionally unavailable for much of the series and conveniently absent from most fights. Leo is pretty cool, but in other series, his cockiness mostly kept Raph in line; here he is buddy-buddy with Raph and it completely changes the status quo and puts Don and Mikey in the B team.

Hate hate hate the A team and B team concept. Don and Mikey are practically useless fighters and it's garbage.

Don and April is so annoying it hurts. His crush is taking over the series. Don is obsessive and now stalkerish. It doesn't seem to harm April and she tends to just ignore his advances, but it's just a very overdone, very uncritical portrayal of males and females interacting. April has a pretty underdeveloped personality in the series and doesn't even seem to be hugely attached to any of the Turtles, so we can surmise that Don became obsessed with her mostly due to her appearance, and now he can't let it go. Casey also just started hitting on her right away, and I don't think that's the best behaviour to normalize for kids. They are going to see it happen when they are teens, but wouldn't it be cool if the show challenged this before its viewers got to that point? I really hope Don learns to let April be soon. Also, I hope she doesn't become romantically involved in anyone, at least for a while. Other than this, I do like that Don gets a spotlight and is rather funny and more headstrong than usual.

I can't make up my mind on the Turtles acting like "normal human teenagers." They act like "normal" all-American privileged boys and they are jerks to each other. I know they love each other "deep down" but do kids really need another example of a family that treats each other badly but loves each other "deep down"? Do kids need another example of the "smart one" being a scrawny, weak, bullied, submissive spaz? I'm not obsessed with a show having a strong moral compass, but this show has practically none at all and I do think it's a problem.

I keep watching though, like it's a car crash and I can't look away. Many of the episodes have a lot of fun parts. I just keep hoping that the story direction will match the script in terms of awesomeness, but it never does.

I think that we will look back at the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies as the moment when the show jumped the shark.

Okay just kidding, I'm sure it will continue to be loved unconditionally for a long time.

You just hit the nail on the head for me man as to why I don't really love this show. Back when the show was announced and info started to trickle out I was expecting an average show that kids will love probably much of the fandom but I was just gonna go meh over and that's what I got. Sure I watch it but at times I feel like I do it out of habit for a franchise I love. Sure its not dreadful like Next Mutation that it just forces me to give up but I'm not rewatching every episode like I did with the 80's and 2K3. I can pretty much say if it didn't have the Ninja Turtles name on it I wouldn't watch it.All and all its not my cup of tea.

[ObiWanFan4life]

I feel that the Nickelodeon show is good. (Most of) The Characters are 3 Dimensional, The action is well done, The Voice acting is spot on, the show is a good balance between the 2003 and 1987 shows, and I felt like whatever changes were made to the source material were justified because on my end, everything seems to work.....Overall.

That's my main thing: Overall, this show us good, but not perfect. There's an uneven balance of the humor and the drama (especially at the start of season 2). And The monster of the week formula gets a bit repetitive at times, the pacing is off thanks to the constant hiatus. I didn't like the romance subplot in Season 1, and I don't like it here either. At times, it clashes with the actual plot.

Another weakness of the show is The Shredder. My god, he is SO BLAND. He, barely does anything in the first season and when he does, its in the season finale, where we know Splinter's going to win.

[ZariusTwo]

It's not the worst thing ever made, I'm happy for it's sucesss, but...yeah, it does nothing. The plots are too wacky, the monsters of the week plotlines reduce the show to Power Rangers levels, there's no real consequence, the fillers constantly litter the show...at least with 4Kids something went on every week even during a filler. Add in obnoxious comedy, an irritable one-sided lovesick sub-plot that should have been resolved or nixed a year ago (though those apparently "leaked" storyboards give me hope it'll lead somewhere, provided they're on the level) terrible animation, grating voices....really, it's like "Diet TMNT", it offers nothing for seasoned fans who want the franchise growing with them

[Konchadunga]

I can understand most of those points, but "terrible animation"? No; absolutely not. The show in your avatar has far worse.

[U2WaTCHer]

I agree on the shredder part. I like how mature they made him. Hes not totally dumb at all. But its cool how they build him into being a bad ass you don't mess with. Kind of like the boat ep when they are still afraid of him. I like that aspect that he is still a threat. Who wants a shredder who isn't feared but not mature too. As for Season 2 shredder yea thats bland? I know there building up to something with him going to Japan but why can't he come back and bust some balls a ep or two beat the trutles into thinking hes a threat, fall back and be like he is now on the back burner.

[Warhorse]

but I plan on doing it in the near future. With that said, is there a particular Turtle that steals the show most of the time (2k3, it was Leo, Fred Wolf, it was Mikey, live action movies, it was Raph) So, I'm just curious, does this show seem to favor one Turtle over the others?

[LeotheLateBloomer]

Probably Donatello.

[Lord Nightwalker]

After all this time, one obvious thing stands out. Ciro and his crew actually care about what they are doing, and really have made the TMNT their own thing while respecting the source material. And much like IDW, they have done a fantastic job of it!
Nothing but respect for Ciro and his team.

[Konchadunga]

Something else I wanted to mention: I'm tired of how damned preachy this show is. Its constant desire to teach a lesson is just as pandering as the toy-selling factor, and it ruins continuity just as much. How many episodes have we seen now, wherein a Turtle has some allegedly deep question, he talks to Splinter about it, then the cartoon he's watching directly reflects it, and then the conflict with the enemy nails it home, after which the very turtle who had the question gets to be the hero? What's the likelihood such things really resonate through a whole day in real life? It's obscenely stupid, repetitive, and predictable.

Having just caught the premiere of Season 2 of Vikings, I wish more children's shows could be a bit more like that. Though it's not the easiest show to get into, I commend it for being totally unpredictable; characters develop and reveal new virtues and flaws, and you don't know how they'll act. This show has the capacity to throw in curveballs, but it doesn't seem to care often enough.

[BabyTurtles]

but I plan on doing it in the near future. With that said, is there a particular Turtle that steals the show most of the time (2k3, it was Leo, Fred Wolf, it was Mikey, live action movies, it was Raph) So, I'm just curious, does this show seem to favor one Turtle over the others?

Donnie....I'm pretty sure it's Donnie.

the dude has a crush on the main girl...and is now rivals with a character that was supposed to be mainly Raph's friend.

Plus he's responsible for trying to find a cure to mutagen........which is an important aspect of the show.

I see you playing favorites Ciro!

[kolaida]

Something else I wanted to mention: I'm tired of how damned preachy this show is. Its constant desire to teach a lesson is just as pandering as the toy-selling factor, and it ruins continuity just as much. How many episodes have we seen now, wherein a Turtle has some allegedly deep question, he talks to Splinter about it, then the cartoon he's watching directly reflects it, and then the conflict with the enemy nails it home, after which the very turtle who had the question gets to be the hero? What's the likelihood such things really resonate through a whole day in real life? It's obscenely stupid, repetitive, and predictable.

Having just caught the premiere of Season 2 of Vikings, I wish more children's shows could be a bit more like that. Though it's not the easiest show to get into, I commend it for being totally unpredictable; characters develop and reveal new virtues and flaws, and you don't know how they'll act. This show has the capacity to throw in curveballs, but it doesn't seem to care often enough.

Pretty sure the cartoons they watch are a gag. You can expect something similar to happen in the actual show, even the turtles have noticed this and point it out sometimes. That's more of a joke than preaching. This isn't them trying to be unpredictable, it's them making super obvious jokes.

[Gwydion]

Yeah, Donnie is definitely the "favorite" turtle this time around, which is really unfortunate for me as I feel he's the weakest link in the show by a long shot.

Sometimes I love this show, but other times I hate it. It has the potential to be really, really great, but I get the feeling it'll never actually reach that point. Others have already addressed most everything I love - most of the characters/voices, the humor, the action scenes, etc - and hate - Donnie's crush on April, the fact that April's more of a plot device than a character, etc.

I honestly don't mind the so called "filler" episodes - I tend to prefer them to the ones that actually advance the plot. I don't really much care for the overall plot, but I like most of the characters so it's fun seeing them just going around fighting monsters of the week.

I am, however, getting annoyed that the show seems to be relying more on low brow humor than it did for most of season 1. I liked the fact that it found other ways to be funny, but ever since, eh, about Karai's Vendetta it seems like there's been an uptick in more gross out or mean spirited stuff. I liked Shellance's basic story/dialogue, but I have a hard time watching it because of Mikey's giant zits.

So yeah, my love for this show comes and goes. I want to love it to the point where there's no doubt in my mind it's my favorite version of the Turtles, but I just don't see that happening any time soon considering a huge reason for it is Donnie. Can't exactly just remove or rewrite one of the main characters like that.

[Konchadunga]

Pretty sure the cartoons they watch are a gag. You can expect something similar to happen in the actual show, even the turtles have noticed this and point it out sometimes. That's more of a joke than preaching. This isn't them trying to be unpredictable, it's them making super obvious jokes.

If that's a joke, I stopped laughing a long time ago, because it's been slammed at me nonstop. The Voltron spoof doesn't even have any joke built into it, while Space Heroes had a total of one joke. After it wore out its welcome, it started to feel less like a joke and more like a plot device.

[Anton Chigurh]

Always thought it was done real well, but then the last slash and Casey jones episodes aired and it boosted the show to perfection status, I LOVE it.

[kolaida]

If that's a joke, I stopped laughing a long time ago, because it's been slammed at me nonstop. The Voltron spoof doesn't even have any joke built into it, while Space Heroes had a total of one joke. After it wore out its welcome, it started to feel less like a joke and more like a plot device.

I don't think you're understanding it. Anyway, regardless, I like it and I think it's funny.

[CyberCubed]

Today's episode makes you realize how good the Nick show actually is when its at its best. The Rat King episode was spectacular. Not every episode its as amazing as it could be, but when they do it right its REALLY good.

[Warhorse]

So, I've been watching the show a little bit, I got up to S1E9, and I just can't believe the show treats Mikey more sh!tty than the 2k3 toon did. I was also watching the old toon as well over the weekend, and the funny thing, as corny as it was, I have yet see an episode where Mikey was portrayed as dumb or incompetent as he is in later incarnations. Do Michelangelo fans ever get tired of seeing him as the Charlie Brown of the group? I mean, damn, I think even Donnie yells at him and calls him a Dummy. It's something in this new toon I don't like at all.

[kolaida]

So, I've been watching the show a little bit, I got up to S1E9, and I just can't believe the show treats Mikey more sh!tty than the 2k3 toon did. I was also watching the old toon as well over the weekend, and the funny thing, as corny as it was, I have yet see an episode where Mikey was portrayed as dumb or incompetent as he is in later incarnations. Do Michelangelo fans ever get tired of seeing him as the Charlie Brown of the group? I mean, damn, I think even Donnie yells at him and calls him a Dummy. It's something in this new toon I don't like at all.

Well, he does have his moments. Kid needs meds or something.

[CyberCubed]

When the show is great, its amazing. Loved the last 3 episodes especially.

Still Shredder is a bit too one-dimensional in this show, and really needs more of a personality boost if we're going to continue seeing him. Why don't they have him act as a spokesperson for the city like 4kids Shredder did in Season 3? He worked for the Mayor but behind the scenes ran his criminal operation.

[Luigiperps]

When the show is great, its amazing. Loved the last 3 episodes especially.

Still Shredder is a bit too one-dimensional in this show, and really needs more of a personality boost if we're going to continue seeing him. Why don't they have him act as a spokesperson for the city like 4kids Shredder did in Season 3? He worked for the Mayor but behind the scenes ran his criminal operation.

Because the "spokesperson of New York" shouldn't have burn scars all over his body.

[Warhorse]

So, who is the most underused character out of the main 4? I've gotten to The Pulverizer, and it seems Raph is the most unused out of the bunch. Ah, poor Raph, all of the TMNT animated series tend to put him on the back burner.

But the scene in one of the episodes where it looked like something took his head off and the reaction from his brothers was great! I still have my irks with the show, but it's slowly warming up to me.

[Gabriel GP]

So, who is the most underused character out of the main 4? I've gotten to The Pulverizer, and it seems Raph is the most unused out of the bunch. Ah, poor Raph, all of the TMNT animated series tend to put him on the back burner.

But the scene in one of the episodes where it looked like something took his head off and the reaction from his brothers was great! I still have my irks with the show, but it's slowly warming up to me.

I'm with you, the fact that the producers didn't use barely nothing of Raph and Don in the 2k's series let me very sad.

In the begining of Nick's it seemed that all the turtles would be equally developed, but no. Once again we have Leo as the main protagonist of all the main plots of the show. Mickey is the comic part of it, as always, and of course, as any other turtle cartoon that we have, he is the responsable for bring the most part of the fun, but also makes him a little.. I don't know. Not thaaat important for any plot that we had by now. They fixed the lack of development that 2003's Don had, he aside of Leo are the protagonists of the 2012 show.

But Raph... well, at first he was well develop and all, they bring the anger issues and the fact that he didn't accept that Leo was the leader and not him. But now, we are already in the middle of the 2 season, and all that we have about Raph, is that he still have anger issues, and with a plus, the fear of roach, and that's it. He accepted Leo as his leader, I can't even see him being stronger than Leo anymore. So Basically, Raph is now the brother that have problems with temper and roach. Nothing more. And man, when we will see Raph and Mikey being a important part of the main plot? Of course that they have their moments in some ep. But mostly are fillers that brings barely nothing to the main plot. We don't even have a single episode focused on Raph and Casey besides of the one that they met for the first time.

[The Fifth Turtle]

Because the "spokesperson of New York" shouldn't have burn scars all over his body.

....from a fire where he killed a woman and stole a baby :lol:

[NinjaMan]

I'm with you, the fact that the producers didn't use barely nothing of Raph and Don in the 2k's series let me very sad.

In the begining of Nick's it seemed that all the turtles would be equally developed, but no. Once again we have Leo as the main protagonist of all the main plots of the show. Mickey is the comic part of it, as always, and of course, as any other turtle cartoon that we have, he is the responsable for bring the most part of the fun, but also makes him a little.. I don't know. Not thaaat important for any plot that we had by now. They fixed the lack of development that 2003's Don had, he aside of Leo are the protagonists of the 2012 show.

But Raph... well, at first he was well develop and all, they bring the anger issues and the fact that he didn't accept that Leo was the leader and not him. But now, we are already in the middle of the 2 season, and all that we have about Raph, is that he still have anger issues, and with a plus, the fear of roach, and that's it. He accepted Leo as his leader, I can't even see him being stronger than Leo anymore. So Basically, Raph is now the brother that have problems with temper and roach. Nothing more. And man, when we will see Raph and Mikey being a important part of the main plot? Of course that they have their moments in some ep. But mostly are fillers that brings barely nothing to the main plot. We don't even have a single episode focused on Raph and Casey besides of the one that they met for the first time.

I think the Raph/Slash storyline is a pretty big deal for his character. Slash is coming back later this season we know. And Raph and Casey just met, give it some time there could be another episode of the 2 of them down the line.

[Warhorse]

I'm with you, the fact that the producers didn't use barely nothing of Raph and Don in the 2k's series let me very sad.

In the begining of Nick's it seemed that all the turtles would be equally developed, but no. Once again we have Leo as the main protagonist of all the main plots of the show. Mickey is the comic part of it, as always, and of course, as any other turtle cartoon that we have, he is the responsable for bring the most part of the fun, but also makes him a little.. I don't know. Not thaaat important for any plot that we had by now. They fixed the lack of development that 2003's Don had, he aside of Leo are the protagonists of the 2012 show.

But Raph... well, at first he was well develop and all, they bring the anger issues and the fact that he didn't accept that Leo was the leader and not him. But now, we are already in the middle of the 2 season, and all that we have about Raph, is that he still have anger issues, and with a plus, the fear of roach, and that's it. He accepted Leo as his leader, I can't even see him being stronger than Leo anymore. So Basically, Raph is now the brother that have problems with temper and roach. Nothing more. And man, when we will see Raph and Mikey being a important part of the main plot? Of course that they have their moments in some ep. But mostly are fillers that brings barely nothing to the main plot. We don't even have a single episode focused on Raph and Casey besides of the one that they met for the first time.

I was watching when Karai was first introduced, and that whole episode had me :roll:, because it was like dejavu, in that Leo is superleo, and why in the hell does he need his other brothers if they just get in the way? What happened to Leo being the strategic one in the group, Raph the muscle, Mikey the speed and Don the techno whiz??????? The whole point is that when they are alone, they are vulnerable, but together as a team, they are nearly unstoppable.

[Konchadunga]

I don't think you're understanding it. Anyway, regardless, I like it and I think it's funny.

You insult me, sir! What the shell is there to understand or not understand?! A stupid little kid could understand it, while I'm nearly 29. This show telegraphs itself with its alleged "jokes" as if it thinks kids are too retarded to get lessons if they're only stated once; that would be annoying to me even if it was funny, but since you're obviously the genius here, please do tell me how on Earth the Voltron ripoff is funny at all.

With Space Heroes, the joke was that it was a Star Trek parody, where instead of a squeaky clean hero, the captain was a badass who slapped people; not brilliant or varied, but it was a joke. With this anime, the joke is that it's a Voltron parody, where...what, exactly? I haven't seen a lot of Voltron, but this show doesn't look even slightly different, and I can't see anything overtly funny or even tongue-in cheek about it. Is the joke that the TMNT like watching action anime? That's like rationalizing Donnie crushing on April as a joke; something that lots of teens do isn't a joke; it's typical.

[Walkabout]

I'd only seen the first couple of episodes before I bought the season 1 DVD a couple of months ago (no pay/cable TV)

I think it's brilliant.
Plenty of martial arts action, and I find it genuinely funny.

Like Nightwalker hinted at a few posts back, I think it's obvious the people making this show love and care about the TMNT and "get it" - for me it blends the best elements of the FW and 2003 shows and still does it's own thing- in my opinion it's overall the best cartoon incarnation yet.

I wasn't overly keen on April being a teen or the Donnie love thing but they are both minor gribbles.
The three toe thing was a bit of a concern for me when I first saw/heard of it, but now I'm glad to say it's an absolute non issue.

[Chris_a_Bunga]

I love everything about it, keeps getting better and better.

[Shark_Blade]

Like Kevin Eastman said, it's the BEST TMNT carnation ever.

[trikuza]

it looks crisp as hell in hd. the fighting is crazy and it's funny as hell.

I think some of the character designs suck though. (snakeweed, spider bites etc)

As stated multiple times now, there's a lot of shout outs to the old cartoon, comics, and movies. Because of that, I have more confidence that the people working on the show are going to keep the quality up.

with the toys selling like a hot cakes, a super popular cartoon out, and a movie about to be released...I feel like i'm back in the early 90's.
I'm looking forward to seeing some pizza deals soon!

[Ramboraph4life aka Matt]

In the begining of Nick's it seemed that all the turtles would be equally developed, but no. Once again we have Leo as the main protagonist of all the main plots of the show.

But Raph... well, at first he was well develop and all, they bring the anger issues and the fact that he didn't accept that Leo was the leader and not him. But now, we are already in the middle of the 2 season, and all that we have about Raph, is that he still have anger issues, and with a plus, the fear of roach, and that's it. He accepted Leo as his leader, I can't even see him being stronger than Leo anymore. So Basically, Raph is now the brother that have problems with temper and roach. Nothing more. And man, when we will see Raph and Mikey being a important part of the main plot? Of course that they have their moments in some ep. But mostly are fillers that brings barely nothing to the main plot. We don't even have a single episode focused on Raph and Casey besides of the one that they met for the first time.

I definitely agree with that. I would say though it is both Leo & Donnie as the main ones, and then Raph & Mikey in the background (with their relationship being something that I do enjoy.)

I will admit, the show has grown on me. The voices of Leo, Mikey, and Don's have grown on me as well. Corey Feldman and his Slash impressed me. Other stuff that grew on me? The look of the show/turtles, the action, and such. And again, I enjoy the Mikey & Raph relationship on the show, and do not mind the Donnie having a crush on April stuff.

I still enjoy the 2003 show the most though (I just enjoyed the seriousness, action, plots, all of the voices, and animation, and so on more in that show. Personal preference.)

I still have problems. I'm not a fan of Splinter or April on the show. The villains are pretty meh to me (the only one that sparked my interest was Slash, the Raph & Slash episode is the one that made me appreciate this show a bit more.) There are some other stuff that bug me (for example, the stuff Gabriel said about Raph in this show).

To be honest, it didn't bother me too much how Raph was like/used in the 2003 show (I guess because at least in that one I saw him as tougher, while in this one he does stuff like, for example, abandons all of his brothers and runs away during a fight, when they are in danger, just because he is afraid of bugs? Really?).

I too would appreciate a Mikey & Raph episode, and to be honest I am surprised they haven't done that considering how much the two get used in their 'back and forth' stuff. And I really do feel like that really do need to strengthen and keep going with the whole 'Raph & Slash' dynamic. If Donnie can have April, and Leo with Karai, then give Raph a dynamic (it doesn't Need to deal with a romance of, say, putting 'Mona Lisa' in it or such). And Raph's dynamic could be dealing with Slash/Spike.

[trikuza]

i hope those rumors are true that bebop and rocksteady are returning season 3.

And if they do, I hope their new designs don't go through too much of a dramatic change, like some of the other mutants have.

[Warhorse]

I definitely agree with that. I would say though it is both Leo & Donnie as the main ones, and then Raph & Mikey in the background (with their relationship being something that I do enjoy.)

I will admit, the show has grown on me. The voices of Leo, Mikey, and Don's have grown on me as well. Corey Feldman and his Slash impressed me. Other stuff that grew on me? The look of the show/turtles, the action, and such. And again, I enjoy the Mikey & Raph relationship on the show, and do not mind the Donnie having a crush on April stuff.

I still enjoy the 2003 show the most though (I just enjoyed the seriousness, action, plots, all of the voices, and animation, and so on more in that show. Personal preference.)

I still have problems. I'm not a fan of Splinter or April on the show. The villains are pretty meh to me (the only one that sparked my interest was Slash, the Raph & Slash episode is the one that made me appreciate this show a bit more.) There are some other stuff that bug me (for example, the stuff Gabriel said about Raph in this show).

To be honest, it didn't bother me too much how Raph was like/used in the 2003 show (I guess because at least in that one I saw him as tougher, while in this one he does stuff like, for example, abandons all of his brothers and runs away during a fight, when they are in danger, just because he is afraid of bugs? Really?).

I too would appreciate a Mikey & Raph episode, and to be honest I am surprised they haven't done that considering how much the two get used in their 'back and forth' stuff. And I really do feel like that really do need to strengthen and keep going with the whole 'Raph & Slash' dynamic. If Donnie can have April, and Leo with Karai, then give Raph a dynamic (it doesn't Need to deal with a romance of, say, putting 'Mona Lisa' in it or such). And Raph's dynamic could be dealing with Slash/Spike.

I agree. I hate feeling this way, but if I don't start getting episodes where it is supposed to be a team, and that Raph and Mikey are vital to that team, I just might abandon ship for a while. Really, there is a thread on here that asks what would happen if one of the Turtles died. Right now, I could totally see Raph and Mikey both dying, I don't think they would be missed because they are not really needed or vital for the team. The way everything is set up, they just need Leo, Donnie, Splinter and April. That's the new team now.

[Ramboraph4life aka Matt]

I agree. I hate feeling this way, but if I don't start getting episodes where it is supposed to be a team, and that Raph and Mikey are vital to that team, I just might abandon ship for a while. Really, there is a thread on here that asks what would happen if one of the Turtles died. Right now, I could totally see Raph and Mikey both dying, I don't think they would be missed because they are not really needed or vital for the team. The way everything is set up, they just need Leo, Donnie, Splinter and April. That's the new team now.


You know, that might be a good idea for an episode. Not the 'dying part', but an episode where the rest of the family Think that both Mikey & Raph are dead (but instead they are transported somewhere else.) That way you get the family/team upset and realizing how important both of them are and what they bring to their lives, and then on the other end you still have a Mikey & Raph episode of the two getting back home. Then it could be them arriving in time to save their family and...well...there ya go. A definite thumbs up episode for me.

[Casey]

Basically echoing many other's opinions. I love the show and praise it for how much it references other incarnations and how it follows a serial plot for the. Last part. That being said, as an adult I don't wanna see the show go on forever and the characters become characatures of themselves as many cartoons do. I'm afraid of this happening.

[samxsteal]

I'd only seen the first couple of episodes before I bought the season 1 DVD a couple of months ago (no pay/cable TV)

I think it's brilliant.
Plenty of martial arts action, and I find it genuinely funny.

Like Nightwalker hinted at a few posts back, I think it's obvious the people making this show love and care about the TMNT and "get it" - for me it blends the best elements of the FW and 2003 shows and still does it's own thing- in my opinion it's overall the best cartoon incarnation yet.

I wasn't overly keen on April being a teen or the Donnie love thing but they are both minor gribbles.
The three toe thing was a bit of a concern for me when I first saw/heard of it, but now I'm glad to say it's an absolute non issue.
Do they acutally have season out now i thought it was only like "mini" seasons like 3-5 episode on a disc and it more like a mini movie, I hope to get full season release on blue ray with special features at some point. I remember sign a petition to get that going from nick. Nick likes selling these mini season because they make more money because people have to buy more of them and their almost as expensive as a full season. Which stinks but i hope they are and or do release full season especially now that they're sign on for another three season a total of five i believe.

Like Kevin Eastman said, it's the BEST TMNT carnation ever.
Agreed i love the show my one gripe Is that they releasing schedule is kind of wonky the have new episodes then long stretches of nothing but reruns then more new episodes, which i think accounts for them to have time to animate but it kind of frustrating.

[Kanon]

I really like the nick series a lot, but i am disappointed in the marketing from the DVDs.

In Germany there is the first season released in 4 dvds. Each disk 10€
I bought them, but I wish they had made a box set. :ohwell:

[samxsteal]

I really like the nick series a lot, but i am disappointed in the marketing from the DVDs.

In Germany there is the first season released in 4 dvds. Each disk 10€
I bought them, but I wish they had made a box set. :ohwell:

yeah that what i'd like to too see as well i think it odd that they keep doing this kind of thing. i hope they put out actual seasons full box season on blue ray

[Kanon]

yeah that what i'd like to too see as well i think it odd that they keep doing this kind of thing. i hope they put out actual seasons full box season on blue ray

Exactly
I would feel totaly fine If they release a whole season in a Bluray-box that costs the same as 4 blurays (with just 7 episodes each).
You have to save the money for it longer, but it would be the whole season! ;)

[Warhorse]

You know, that might be a good idea for an episode. Not the 'dying part', but an episode where the rest of the family Think that both Mikey & Raph are dead (but instead they are transported somewhere else.) That way you get the family/team upset and realizing how important both of them are and what they bring to their lives, and then on the other end you still have a Mikey & Raph episode of the two getting back home. Then it could be them arriving in time to save their family and...well...there ya go. A definite thumbs up episode for me.

Or we could get a kick ass episode when Leo gets taken down. They are supposed to do that part of the comics and i am expecting all of them to be giving one helluva fight. It would be nice to see when they are at the farm they show raph going into protector mode like he was in the comics. First one up last one to bed and often on the look out on top of the barn roof.

[sdp]

Have I posted in this thread already?

The show is ok, it doesn't set my world on fire but I don't think it's bad. It's just kind of there being inoffensive. It had so much potential and while it's not bad it's just kind of there not doing much interesting.

[Raphtastic]

Thus far, I'm really enjoying this show. The martial arts action, humor, horror/Sci fi/geek nostalgia references and homages, the fresh takes on all the characters. I love the designs in the show, as well, and, while it isn't Shakespeare, it's smart enough and lots of fun. (There are more than a few shows I used to love when I was little that were just...well, let's say that they make no sense at all. ) There have been imperfect episodes, for sure, but I really like what they're doing and am excited to see where they go with the main cast. Right now I just want some new episodes to watch!

[Refractive Reflections]

At its best (i.e. Follow the Leader and Slash and Destroy) and very rarely, the Nick series demonstrates its potential but then fails over and over. Most of the time, 1-2 episodes later it sinks back to its lackluster characters of dumb Mikey (who suffers no/minimal consequences for his behavior), April "Mary Sue" O'Neil (who's sudden fighting competency and psychic abilities are now something to be recognized), and creepy infatuated Donnie (who can't stop hovering around April since the very first episode).

Let's not forget the "Mutant of the Week" episodes, which I'm assuming is to satisfy the action figure quota. One clear example is for all the hype and anticipation so many fans made around TigerClaw, and how the series kept heavily building up his arrival where Shredder had to leave New York, yet TigerClaw was relegated to just another "Mutant of the Week" after The Manhattan Project episode after being swallowed by that Kraathatrogon and entering into the OT dimension.

Don't even get me started on the selective arc amnesia behavior this show has also, but I will anyways... :lol: One prominent example is how distraught April is to stay in the sewers late in Season 1, but then rejoins her school as if the Kraang are not still searching for her by Season 2. Talk about a gaping plot hole. Knowing what happened to her father twice and how the Kraang are still actively trying to find her, April walks the streets without any type of creeping sense of fear or paranoia.

Another is how the whole "Karai is Splinter's daughter" revelation was pushed back for nearly 10 episodes before Leonardo or Splinter revealed it to the other Turtles, despite Leonardo fighting Karai and not experiencing the weight of this information while fighting with her (Target: April O' Neil). I understand the series can't always follow these revelations, but when the show presents it so dramatically at the end (Follow The Leader), how could this pressing cliffhanger information be so easily ignored for 10 episodes?

It's going to be interesting to see if the show can effectively write its way out of, or even mentions, the awkward situation of Leo having had a crush on Karai (after realizing she's Splinter's daughter, making her... Leo's sister in a way, right?), or if the Nick series will just sweep that dicey, controversial topic under the rug. If it's the latter, it would reveal a huge flaw in the show's foresight storywriting considering this show is for children.


My frustration with this show is analogous to watching an athlete who displays very small, tiny bursts of unique professional level talent and could easily develop his/her training in that trajectory, but prefers to casually and listlessly do his/her own activity without realizing his/her own complacency in relying on a parent's previous legacy (using an excessive amount of elements from the OT's phenomenal success, and thus implying its attempt in acquiring some of the OT model's success and substantially leaning on nostalgia to entice children to watch secondhand). My criticism is now evolving into indifference for this show, where I feel less and less enthusiastic to even post my review on the official episode threads. Unless the storywriting and/or the characters dramatically change, my viewing of this series is now merely just "Meh..." curiosity. It's sad when the only interesting characters for me on this show are Irma and Casey.

The voice acting is all wonderful and Leonardo's direction has some potential, but they all get heavily obscured by the lackluster writing and characters. :ohwell: This show isn't "horrible" it's just around average, but if this was my first and only time experiencing TMNT, at this point in the series, I probably wouldn't be a big fan of TMNT in general.

So, I've been watching the show a little bit, I got up to S1E9, and I just can't believe the show treats Mikey more sh!tty than the 2k3 toon did. I was also watching the old toon as well over the weekend, and the funny thing, as corny as it was, I have yet see an episode where Mikey was portrayed as dumb or incompetent as he is in later incarnations. Do Michelangelo fans ever get tired of seeing him as the Charlie Brown of the group? I mean, damn, I think even Donnie yells at him and calls him a Dummy. It's something in this new toon I don't like at all.

Just wait 'til you get to The Mutation Situation and Mikey Gets Shellacne. :lol:

[Gimme_Three]

At its best (i.e. Follow the Leader and Slash and Destroy) and very rarely, the Nick series demonstrates its potential but then fails over and over. Most of the time, 1-2 episodes later it sinks back to its lackluster characters of dumb Mikey (who suffers no/minimal consequences for his behavior), April "Mary Sue" O'Neil (who's sudden fighting competency and psychic abilities are now something to be recognized), and creepy infatuated Donnie (who can't stop hovering around April since the very first episode).

Let's not forget the "Mutant of the Week" episodes, which I'm assuming is to satisfy the action figure quota. One clear example is for all the hype and anticipation so many fans made around TigerClaw, and how the series kept heavily building up his arrival where Shredder had to leave New York, yet TigerClaw was relegated to just another "Mutant of the Week" after The Manhattan Project episode after being swallowed by that Kraathatrogon and entering into the OT dimension.

Don't even get me started on the selective arc amnesia behavior this show has also, but I will anyways... :lol: One prominent example is how distraught April is to stay in the sewers late in Season 1, but then rejoins her school as if the Kraang are not still searching for her by Season 2. Talk about a gaping plot hole. Knowing what happened to her father twice and how the Kraang are still actively trying to find her, April walks the streets without any type of creeping sense of fear or paranoia.

Another is how the whole "Karai is Splinter's daughter" revelation was pushed back for nearly 10 episodes before Leonardo or Splinter revealed it to the other Turtles, despite Leonardo fighting Karai and not experiencing the weight of this information while fighting with her (Target: April O' Neil). I understand the series can't always follow these revelations, but when the show presents it so dramatically at the end (Follow The Leader), how could this pressing cliffhanger information be so easily ignored for 10 episodes?

It's going to be interesting to see if the show can effectively write its way out of, or even mentions, the awkward situation of Leo having had a crush on Karai (after realizing she's Splinter's daughter, making her... Leo's sister in a way, right?), or if the Nick series will just sweep that dicey, controversial topic under the rug. If it's the latter, it would reveal a huge flaw in the show's foresight storywriting considering this show is for children.


My frustration with this show is analogous to watching an athlete who displays very small, tiny bursts of unique professional level talent and could easily develop his/her training in that trajectory, but prefers to casually and listlessly do his/her own activity without realizing his/her own complacency in relying on a parent's previous legacy (using an excessive amount of elements from the OT's phenomenal success, and thus implying its attempt in acquiring some of the OT model's success and substantially leaning on nostalgia to entice children to watch secondhand). My criticism is now evolving into indifference for this show, where I feel less and less enthusiastic to even post my review on the official episode threads. Unless the storywriting and/or the characters dramatically change, my viewing of this series is now merely just "Meh..." curiosity. It's sad when the only interesting characters for me on this show are Irma and Casey.

The voice acting is all wonderful and Leonardo's direction has some potential, but they all get heavily obscured by the lackluster writing and characters. :ohwell: This show isn't "horrible" it's just around average, but if this was my first and only time experiencing TMNT, at this point in the series, I probably wouldn't be a big fan of TMNT in general.



Just wait 'til you get to The Mutation Situation and Mikey Gets Shellacne. :lol:

So I take it that you don't like any of the "filler" episodes? slash and destroy, metalhead rewired to name a few. You would rather it have one story arc finish and then move on to the next story arc?

This show has a tough job of being able to attract a new generation while satisfying (hardest part) the older generation. This show is geared towards making money (obviously) more mutants more toys more money "mutant of the week." The story arcs are for us adults (i believe) one main story stretched over the whole season. Fillers for the kids and arcs for the adults = over 420 million dollars in sales.

[Rooish]

My frustration with this show is analogous to watching an athlete who displays very small, tiny bursts of unique professional level talent and could easily develop his/her training in that trajectory, but prefers to casually and listlessly do his/her own activity without realizing his/her own complacency in relying on a parent's previous legacy

:lol: You hit the nail on the head for me. I also don't like what's been done to the characters. They are compelling characters but they are a far cry from the ones they are based on. This is probably the meanest Raph and Splinter, possibly Leo, ever. Also the most hysterical and occasionally stalkerish Don, and the stupidest Mikey. As a Mike fan, Warhorse, it is not fun seeing what's happened to his character, although at least he's not a jerk like in 2k3. The writing can be excellent but is often sloppy. Oh well, it's for kids. Even the OT mostly was not very good when you take off the nostalgia glasses.

[Refractive Reflections]

So I take it that you don't like any of the "filler" episodes? slash and destroy, metalhead rewired to name a few. You would rather it have one story arc finish and then move on to the next story arc?

This show has a tough job of being able to attract a new generation while satisfying (hardest part) the older generation. This show is geared towards making money (obviously) more mutants more toys more money "mutant of the week." The story arcs are for us adults (i believe) one main story stretched over the whole season. Fillers for the kids and arcs for the adults = over 420 million dollars in sales.

:P
Actually if you read my post a little slower you will see that I did like Slash and Destroy, even if it is considered a "filler episode":

At its best (i.e. Follow the Leader and Slash and Destroy) and very rarely, the Nick series demonstrates its potential but then fails over and over. Most of the time, 1-2 episodes later it sinks back to its lackluster characters of dumb Mikey (who suffers no/minimal consequences for his behavior), April "Mary Sue" O'Neil (who's sudden fighting competency and psychic abilities are now something to be recognized), and creepy infatuated Donnie (who can't stop hovering around April since the very first episode).
...


The show shouldn't feel that it has to attract the older TMNT generations by default, I mean the OT didn't have to; it just had a clever way of entertaining both demographics, by using sarcasm, pop culture references, self-deprecating humor, satire, and double entendres that adults could enjoy as well (considering the OT was a kids show and the censorship of the 80s), which makes the OT hold up years later. It's one thing to give mentions, but to use so many OT elements is making this Nick show more of a "tribute" series than anything else. The only noticeable novel features of this Nick show are making the supporting cast (April, Casey, and Irma) into teenagers and having many more mutants who hardly get developed at all. At least in the OT if they had a mutant, they gave some time to give them a backstory (even with Mona Lisa).

But what I'm trying to convey is...
I completely understand that filler episodes are essential in any long television series, but what's frustrating (as I was somewhat alluding to in "selective arc amnesia" topic) is that the show builds up the tension for a particular aspect of the show and then ignores it to its own convenience at the expense of the characters (hurting character growth and subplot development); thus, defeating its own importance that the show itself gave. I can respect and appreciate most shows on whatever standards they want, but when the show breaks its own sense of heightened drama by ignoring the logic a character would experience from those emotional climaxes, then it becomes immensely frustrating seeing these contradictions pile up, and therefore it's difficult to appreciate the series at a level it wants me to experience.

[Gimme_Three]

:P
Actually if you read my post a little slower you will see that I did like Slash and Destroy, even if it is considered a "filler episode":



The show shouldn't feel that it has to attract the older TMNT generations by default, I mean the OT didn't have to; it just had a clever way of entertaining both demographics, by using sarcasm, pop culture references, self-deprecating humor, satire, and double entendres that adults could enjoy as well (considering the OT was a kids show and the censorship of the 80s), which makes the OT hold up years later. It's one thing to give mentions, but to use so many OT elements is making this Nick show more of a "tribute" series than anything else. The only noticeable novel features of this Nick show are making the supporting cast (April, Casey, and Irma) into teenagers and having many more mutants who hardly get developed at all. At least in the OT if they had a mutant, they gave some time to give them a backstory (even with Mona Lisa).

But what I'm trying to convey is...
I completely understand that filler episodes are essential in any long television series, but what's frustrating (as I was somewhat alluding to in "selective arc amnesia" topic) is that the show builds up the tension for a particular aspect of the show and then ignores it to its own convenience at the expense of the characters (hurting character growth and subplot development); thus, defeating its own importance that the show itself gave. I can respect and appreciate most shows on whatever standards they want, but when the show breaks its own sense of heightened drama by ignoring the logic a character would experience from those emotional climaxes, then it becomes immensely frustrating seeing these contradictions pile up, and therefore it's difficult to appreciate the series at a level it wants me to experience.

I didn't mean it had to attract older tmnt fans I meant it had to tell it's story in away that wont cause an uproar among the tmnt faithful. Appealing to a younger generation while paying homage to the older generation.

I guess its just a matter of preference because as a kid I remember loving mondo gecko as a kid I rewatched the episode as an adult and it was boring to me. To me it doesnt hold up as an adult rewatching it again, whereas some of the nick fillers have amazing fight scenes and funny moments at the very least. To me stretching out the arc makes the climax more intense can you imagine splinter and shredder fighting in the first half of the season? it wouldn't have been as epic.

my favorite series 2k3 was arc after arc after arc until it simply ran out of stories. By the fifth season leo had already surpassed splinter, and we was on our 3rd shredder lol.

Oh and come on you cant seriously think the 2k3 splinter is better than the nick splinter. I can give you april but nick splinter is completely badass whereas 2k3 splinter was kinda feeble.

[Refractive Reflections]

Oh and come on you cant seriously think the 2k3 splinter is better than the nick splinter. I can give you april but nick splinter is completely badass whereas 2k3 splinter was kinda feeble.

Huh? Wait a minute :P, how did this conversation turn to comparing Splinter now? **scratching head** :lol:

I will say that it's nice to have Splinter have some youth (similarly to an individual in their 30s and 40s) rather than getting the impression he was fragile/feeble in 2K3.

[Rooish]

Just because he's badass doesn't mean he's a better character. First, 2k3 Splinter did fight pretty damn well at times. Second, Nick Splinter is kind of an absentee mean-spirited father.

[CyberCubed]

I'm really starting to get tired of the new mutant appearing in every episode formula. Its getting really old and shows a lack of creativity.

[Whatswiththeheadbands?]

I'm really starting to get tired of the new mutant appearing in every episode formula. Its getting really old and shows a lack of creativity.

For once, I kinda agree with you

[BabyTurtles]

I feel like Mikey is getting dumber with every passing episode :blanksta:
he seemed so much smarter in the first season.

[LeotheLateBloomer]

For once, I kinda agree with you

I feel like Mikey is getting dumber with every passing episode :blanksta:
he seemed so much smarter in the first season.

I'm really starting to get tired of the new mutant appearing in every episode formula. Its getting really old and shows a lack of creativity.

I agree with all three of you. The writers are really starting make this show rather random.

[Konchadunga]

Not just dumber; I think Mikey is getting more annoying. He has no indoor voice, is either enthusiastic or traumatized about everything, and feels almost like part of his stupidity is on purpose to get attention. He's starting to feel more like 4Kids Mikey, probably because more humor is starting to center on him.

[ZariusTwo]

I didn't mean it had to attract older tmnt fans I meant it had to tell it's story in away that wont cause an uproar among the tmnt faithful. Appealing to a younger generation while paying homage to the older generation.

I guess its just a matter of preference because as a kid I remember loving mondo gecko as a kid I rewatched the episode as an adult and it was boring to me. To me it doesnt hold up as an adult rewatching it again

Where as I rewatched it lately and still enjoyed it. More so than the Nick show.

Like Kevin Eastman said, it's the BEST TMNT carnation ever.

And in ten years time, Kevin, and you, will say the exact same thing about another TMNT show, and most of you will wonder what the f*ck you ever saw in this one. It's actually refreshing to read that so many are starting to notice the emperor is naked now.

[Konchadunga]

You're presuming too much. Kevin is too liberal, yes, but he's that way about everything TMNT-related; old or new. I feel inclined to remind you that he has not renounced his love of Venus just because the fandom in general has turned against her.

Also, while I and many others are not as into the show as we were before, often it's less that we turned against the show than we feel it has turned against us. The earlier episodes of the show gave the impression that the plot was going somewhere big, and had a diverse sense of humor to which a lot of characters contributed. Now, the show spends longer and longer between key plot points, and more and more often Michelangelo is the lone source of (often annoying) humor. I haven't dropped the series the way I have tge IDW series, but then, this one is free with cable subscription.

[BabyTurtles]

Not just dumber; I think Mikey is getting more annoying. He has no indoor voice, is either enthusiastic or traumatized about everything, and feels almost like part of his stupidity is on purpose to get attention. He's starting to feel more like 4Kids Mikey, probably because more humor is starting to center on him.

yes...I do miss his inside voice T_T *goes to watch the first season*

[Shark_Blade]

Where as I rewatched it lately and still enjoyed it. More so than the Nick show.



And in ten years time, Kevin, and you, will say the exact same thing about another TMNT show, and most of you will wonder what the f*ck you ever saw in this one. It's actually refreshing to read that so many are starting to notice the emperor is naked now.

Nope, who the **** are you? Quit judging people blindly.

When 2k3 starts and continues, I'm pretty much "eh" about it. Now it has ended for a few years I still feel the same. I don't get wowed by everything tmnt.

2k12 is honestly the best the franchise has ever produced imo. :tcool: Deal with it.

[Konchadunga]

I still think TMNT 2003 is the best cartoon of the three; elaborating that my standard is how much content it had in the same amount of episodes. I liked how there were so many big revelations and how much continuity there was. This show has abysmal continuity and only two big revelations; April being a mutant and Karai being Shredder's daughter, and it just spaces these out until nothing about them is shocking anymore. The whole second season seems set up to do MOTW episodes.

[Metalwolf]

Also, while I and many others are not as into the show as we were before, often it's less that we turned against the show than we feel it has turned against us. The earlier episodes of the show gave the impression that the plot was going somewhere big, and had a diverse sense of humor to which a lot of characters contributed. Now, the show spends longer and longer between key plot points, and more and more often Michelangelo is the lone source of (often annoying) humor. I haven't dropped the series the way I have tge IDW series, but then, this one is free with cable subscription.Oh this is my biggest gripe with the show too. I don't mind the occasional 'filler' episode or odd mutant, but not to the extent it's been getting. Plus I've noticed that the characters have been getting a bit more goofy over the past few episodes, and it's not just Mikey anymore. Splinter used to be the wise but serious teacher who had glaring faults, now we get heavily cartoonish stuff like Splinter being obsessed with cheese (like the cheese popsicles and cheese phone) an obsession that he never displayed in Season 1 or even the earlier part of Season 2.

The bad guys are getting this goofy treatment too, along with a generous nerfing to go with it. Both Bradford (pre-Rahzar) and Xever used to be more antagonistic towards each other and Karai, with both holding a stern hatred towards her. Once Bradford became 'Rahzar' it looked like he was going to be a serious game changer, especially since it took all four Turtles and an electrocution to put him down. Now all of that stuff is gone. He and Xever never even give Karai a dirty look or snipe at each other, and Xever wants a fish woman (what happened to him wanting to be human again?) and cheerily gets Tigerclaw a glass of milk. And Tigerclaw, who is this big powerful badass that Shredder went all the way to Japan for? He purrs, laps skim milk, and is very easy defeated.

I want the old dark and gritty that we had in Season 1. The humor of the Turtles has little for it to play off now, which might be why it is starting to feel like it is becoming excessive. Their master is goofy, their enemies are goofy. There is nothing serious to poke fun at anymore, and the bad guys are barely a threat.

[Sewer Sirens Podcast]

Wow, this thread is a super interesting read, and points out a lot of good points. How this show really draws things out (which I've noticed, and it's super annoying), how there are only two real big surprises (Karai and April), how everything's more 'funny' even with Splinter and villains which ends up making everything less serious and threatening, how Mikey has been a little more ... I don't know how to describe it. But these are all valid observations.

Also, the mutant of the week is getting old. One thing I would have liked to have them do is kind of share their goal of collecting mutagen. We don't know how much they've accomplished, we don't see the light at the end of the tunnel. The cool thing with Back to the Sewers is that they kept the goal in mind, showing us the progress with collecting Splinter's bites. We got updates, and that would be nice for them to do in this season. Also, I hope season three has a good overall plot and goal, other than 'randomness'.

The 2003 show is still my favorite, but even with the things I said, I still enjoy this show. I'm really happy about it, actually. For now, I'm not too worried about these observations, and looking into the future, it may be something they can easily fix.

[Warhorse]

So, what is going on that this show is taking a serious dive down the bad side? I admit, the first season was mostly good, and this season did have 2 really great episodes (Slash and Destroy and The Good, The Bad and Casey JOnes) but it's mostly been kind of meh.

What gives. Is the main producer screwing up, or are higher powers that be telling him how to construct the stories?

[Refractive Reflections]

So, what is going on that this show is taking a serious dive down the bad side? I admit, the first season was mostly good, and this season did have 2 really great episodes (Slash and Destroy and The Good, The Bad and Casey JOnes) but it's mostly been kind of meh.

What gives. Is the main producer screwing up, or are higher powers that be telling him how to construct the stories?

From whatever little I have read so far, I don't think all of the blame can go toward the production staff, who knows exactly who is wanting the characters depicted or how things operate, but as for the abundant "Mutant of the Week" format episodes, it seems to be from the Nick executives, because I remember within the article of Nickelodeon's profitable acquisition of TMNT (http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showthread.php?t=45102) stating that more than 65 action figures would be launched by the end of 2015:
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/london-expo-nickelodeon-touts-475-649396
Johnson highlighted that the line of figures offers a breadth of characters. More than 65 Turtles action figures will be launched by the end of 2015, with all first being introduced in the TV show, something other franchises don't always do, he said.


So could one guess that this piece of information is insinuating that unlike how some of the OT action figures which didn't show up in the cartoon, in this Nick series, even many more will now show up in the Nick show?? :-? That seems to be the main driving force for the whole "Mutant of the Week" format and why I said earlier, appears that the show is trying to fulfill an "action figure quota" of sorts.

I completely understand that the show has to sell action figures and "advertise" them on cartoons to make a profit, but the fact that many more will be introduced on the show itself, according to the tone of the quote ("something other franchises don't always do"), can push it past a toleration/noticeable point where it now inadvertently harms the writing and show as a whole; therefore dramatically affecting the reception of the show and its long-term sales of the franchise. I don't know :ohwell:, I sometimes get the impression that Nickelodeon is wanting, maybe desperately at the expense of quality (i.e. an excessive amount of OT elements in the Nick show, the quality of the current TMNT video game: Out of the Shadows, and the wary predictions of the 2014 movie), to recreate Turtlemania sales, or that they think they can do it even better. Since at that previous time, it wasn't fully owned/handled by big business (due to Eastman and Laird having some ownership of the franchise back then).

[Konchadunga]

Holy shell; that's terrifying. I don't know how many exactly they have now, but that seems excessive. Especially given Ciro Nielli's statement earlier of how time-consuming it is to do CGI, you can be sure that's eating them.

And as I've said time and time again, that toy line motivating them largely sucks. It had some bad figures even at the start, and now instead of rectifying that, it's gotten obsessed with the MOTW stuff. We still don't have a Karai, or a Splinter that can move like a ninja master, or a foot soldier/Kraang droid that can stand without a lot of finagling. Instead we get characters that are ugly, but too small and inarticulate to be scary.

Not to sound gay-phobic, but sometimes it feels like a sexual predator was just sweet talking his way into my pants; we initially got well-written episodes with a narrative and some awesome turtle toys to go with it, but now the writing's gotten meh, and the Turtle toys still don't have many (menacing) guys to fight. It is, as I said, a tremendous feeling of betrayal, made all the worst because I don't hate the show. At least if I hated it I could just ignore it, though I'd be irked it was taking up a license I loved, but I actually have seen the show's potential and keep watching hoping for it to achieve it again. It doesn't.

[Metalwolf]

Holy shell; that's terrifying. I don't know how many exactly they have now, but that seems excessive. Especially given Ciro Nielli's statement earlier of how time-consuming it is to do CGI, you can be sure that's eating them.

And as I've said time and time again, that toy line motivating them largely sucks. It had some bad figures even at the start, and now instead of rectifying that, it's gotten obsessed with the MOTW stuff. We still don't have a Karai, or a Splinter that can move like a ninja master, or a foot soldier/Kraang droid that can stand without a lot of finagling. Instead we get characters that are ugly, but too small and inarticulate to be scary.

Agreed. I wonder how many figures they have out now? I counted 28 so far, those that I know have figures and those that are getting a figure very soon. I didn't count Shredder's second costume nor did I count Splinter's, I also didn't count the LARP Turtles, as all of these I'm not sure if they count as part of the figure line. If they do, then we have 31 new figures left to go. I suspect that the rest of Season 2 and the early part of Season 3 will be MOTW heavy, if they are trying to get all 65 figures out by 2015. However once these new figures are out, I'm betting we might get back into real storytelling and regular plot advancement, since they will be finished with their quota.

And the figures suck, I agree. It wouldn't kill them to make some of the bigger guys bigger and to add more articulation since a lot of the main characters are, well, supposed to be frikken ninjas. It's why I get annoyed at their being cheap, because if the old toys of the 80s and 90s could have good articulation and decent paintjobs, why not they?

[CyberCubed]

Not sure why people are complaining about Season 2. More than half of the episodes were strong and enjoyable.

The only weak episodes was the Kraang Conspiracy and maybe the recent Larp episode. The mutant of the week stuff is getting tiresome but I hope it's only a Season 2 thing and we move on in season 3.

[BabyTurtles]

Not sure why people are complaining about Season 2. More than half of the episodes were strong and enjoyable.

The only weak episodes was the Kraang Conspiracy and maybe the recent Larp episode. The mutant of the week stuff is getting tiresome but I hope it's only a Season 2 thing and we move on in season 3.

...I just haven't liked were the plot is going.....I'm not interested in April and her kraang history. (plus the annoying love triangles...)

also....season 2 has been less than kind to my favorite turtle.

but I have enjoyed Raph episodes weirdly enough seeing as his weren't the strong ones in the first season.

[Konchadunga]

The Kraang-April plot is deeply flawed, but it's something, which beats the nothing we usually get. I prefer to see episodes that address the actual arc, as they are helping bring it to a close, so we can get something else. The problem is they keep getting interrupted with filler.

Another problem I have with MOTW episodes, is they don't show the Turtles in a very admirable light, and are illogical. At the start of this season, there was at least a take-charge attitude of "let's hunt down the mutations before this gets bad", but now they're usually just slacking and waiting for the mutants to come to them--which somehow, they always do. The turtles are being lazy and irresponsible, and the plot is giving them a contrived free pass for it.

[demonsweat]

Nope, who the **** are you? Quit judging people blindly.

When 2k3 starts and continues, I'm pretty much "eh" about it. Now it has ended for a few years I still feel the same. I don't get wowed by everything tmnt.

2k12 is honestly the best the franchise has ever produced imo. :tcool: Deal with it.

I agree. I've been a TMNT fan throughout every incarnation, and I genuinely think 2k12 is the best of the 'toons. I was so blown away after the initial SDCC panel I started calling people excitedly. Now, after two seasons, I'm confident in saying it's far exceeded my expectations and become one of my favorite versions overall (Mirage and the first movie will always hold the top spot though).

I understand people's gripes about the show, and I agree with some of the points made... but it just doesn't take away from the good stuff, at least for me. When I watch it I see a labor of love from fellow TMNT fans, and it really doesn't get any better than that. :D

[Shark_Blade]

Not sure why people are complaining about Season 2. More than half of the episodes were strong and enjoyable.

The only weak episodes was the Kraang Conspiracy and maybe the recent Larp episode. The mutant of the week stuff is getting tiresome but I hope it's only a Season 2 thing and we move on in season 3.Agree, though I find Mutation Situation is the only weak episode so far for this season (mostly due to how they made Mikey a heartless douchebag. I blame the writers). But they quickly remedy the series with the excellent Invasion of the Squirrelanoids, and many others after that.

The weak ones in Season 1 are the appearances of the piss awful Pulverizer, so it's not that much.

I agree. I've been a TMNT fan throughout every incarnation, and I genuinely think 2k12 is the best of the 'toons. I was so blown away after the initial SDCC panel I started calling people excitedly. Now, after two seasons, I'm confident in saying it's far exceeded my expectations and become one of my favorite versions overall (Mirage and the first movie will always hold the top spot though).

I understand people's gripes about the show, and I agree with some of the points made... but it just doesn't take away from the good stuff, at least for me. When I watch it I see a labor of love from fellow TMNT fans, and it really doesn't get any better than that. :D
Ditto. :D *high fives*

[Warhorse]

From whatever little I have read so far, I don't think all of the blame can go toward the production staff, who knows exactly who is wanting the characters depicted or how things operate, but as for the abundant "Mutant of the Week" format episodes, it seems to be from the Nick executives, because I remember within the article of Nickelodeon's profitable acquisition of TMNT (http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showthread.php?t=45102) stating that more than 65 action figures would be launched by the end of 2015:


So could one guess that this piece of information is insinuating that unlike how some of the OT action figures which didn't show up in the cartoon, in this Nick series, even many more will now show up in the Nick show?? :-? That seems to be the main driving force for the whole "Mutant of the Week" format and why I said earlier, appears that the show is trying to fulfill an "action figure quota" of sorts.

I completely understand that the show has to sell action figures and "advertise" them on cartoons to make a profit, but the fact that many more will be introduced on the show itself, according to the tone of the quote ("something other franchises don't always do"), can push it past a toleration/noticeable point where it now inadvertently harms the writing and show as a whole; therefore dramatically affecting the reception of the show and its long-term sales of the franchise. I don't know :ohwell:, I sometimes get the impression that Nickelodeon is wanting, maybe desperately at the expense of quality (i.e. an excessive amount of OT elements in the Nick show, the quality of the current TMNT video game: Out of the Shadows, and the wary predictions of the 2014 movie), to recreate Turtlemania sales, or that they think they can do it even better. Since at that previous time, it wasn't fully owned/handled by big business (due to Eastman and Laird having some ownership of the franchise back then).

But that's kind of stupid. More than likely, won't most kids go out and buy the key characters, not some random mutant of the week? All of the TMNT toys I got, were mostly Raph, but some Mikey ones too. And I think I got one horse from the third movie, but that's just because I like horses.

[Konchadunga]

I for one have very little interest in owning multiple iterations of the turtles in a given canon, except maybe the Lego turtles. Obviously, though, a lot of kids are interested in multiple variations of the turtles, and lots are interested in random mutants, because Playmates keeps making them.

[LeotheLateBloomer]

You know, as the series is progressing, I feel that it is starting to become more and more like the OT; past villains such as Wingnut and Slash as well as obscure villains (Mutagen Man, Pizza Face, Chrome Dome), Shredder siding with the Kraang to kill his rival, the Foot Ninja being replaced with robots using Kraang's technology, Irma, Baxter turning into a fly mutant (which I never cared for as a kid), and now we have Rocksteady & Bebop whose description lists them as incompetent. Nothing against the 87 series but I feel as though they are turning this show into a CG version of said series which is not what I want for this show. I want this show to stand out from the previous cartoons which it definitely has but now it seems like they are pulling too many elements from the first cartoon.

[ZariusTwo]

2k12 is honestly the best the franchise has ever produced imo. :tcool: Deal with it.

I don't deal with delusional people. I point and laugh at them.

[Metalwolf]

You know, as the series is progressing, I feel that it is starting to become more and more like the OT; past villains such as Wingnut and Slash as well as obscure villains (Mutagen Man, Pizza Face, Chrome Dome), Shredder siding with the Kraang to kill his rival, the Foot Ninja being replaced with robots using Kraang's technology, Irma, Baxter turning into a fly mutant (which I never cared for as a kid), and now we have Rocksteady & Bebop whose description lists them as incompetent. Nothing against the 87 series but I feel as though they are turning this show into a CG version of said series which is not what I want for this show. I want this show to stand out from the previous cartoons which it definitely has but now it seems like they are pulling too many elements from the first cartoon.Yes, I think you are right. I think for me the saving grace of most of these homages was that they were altered from what they were. Irma is no longer man crazy but an assertive independent person; 'Wingnut' and Mutagen Man are no longer villains but innocent people caught up in the crossfire of the Turtles' rivalry with the Foot; Shredder is siding with the Kraang, but he doesn't know of the Kraang plan to terraform the Earth; and Baxter is a dangerous scheming scientist who is prone to turning on his 'allies.' All of these are twists on the old themes, thus making them fresh and new and not like a strict copy-paste of OT ideas.

But with Bebop and Rocksteady, I am thinking they are going a bit too far this time. I liked them back then, but to me they are threatening to overturn the villain dynamic that this show tried to establish early on. Shredder has his two main henchmen, that is the homage from the OT. But adding in Bebop and Rocksteady? Where are they going to put them? I hope their addition adds something, and doesn't screw up what is already established. Maybe Shredder pisses off Xever and Bradford by their addition, and it turns into a rivalry or something. That would make their inclusion decent to me, because it would shake things up in an interesting way.

[Whatswiththeheadbands?]

You know, as the series is progressing, I feel that it is starting to become more and more like the OT; past villains such as Wingnut and Slash as well as obscure villains (Mutagen Man, Pizza Face, Chrome Dome), Shredder siding with the Kraang to kill his rival, the Foot Ninja being replaced with robots using Kraang's technology, Irma, Baxter turning into a fly mutant (which I never cared for as a kid), and now we have Rocksteady & Bebop whose description lists them as incompetent. Nothing against the 87 series but I feel as though they are turning this show into a CG version of said series which is not what I want for this show. I want this show to stand out from the previous cartoons which it definitely has but now it seems like they are pulling too many elements from the first cartoon.

Yeah, I gotta agree. I wish this series would do more original things rather than take straight from the 80s series.

[DarkLightDragon]

*Sigh* You guys are probably going to hate me for saying this, but....I've completely dropped out of the show for some time now.

It might've been after Fungus Amungus, which was an episode I genuinely liked, but there's just nothing really there for me to keep watching.

Several things have started to annoy me about this show:

-Mikey is unbearable. And this is coming from someone who can tolerate 2k3 Mikey despite his less-than-good rep here. I'll admit Greg Cipes does a great performance and thought he was the perfect match, but nothing really seems to lend well to his talent or to make Mikey stand out besides being the typical 'comic relief' or being the main idiot of the group that doesn't know any better in certain situations.

-Got tired of the Kraang-related plots. The Kraang seem to me more of the main villains of this show because there's more episodes dedicated to them or to the Turtle's foiling their latest plot. It almost feels like the Shredder and the Foot are just a mild annoyance for the Turtles to deal with as opposed to being the actual main villain like he should be. That might sound biased of me and it probably is, but I could give them a break if they were interesting or funny. They are neither.

-Mutant of the Week. Yeah, I've expressed my dislike for this show's handling of it's mutants and the frequency of when they happen and how there's very few of them that I like so I'm not going to dwell on this. And oh yeah, the only reason why we've gotten so many of them in Season 2 was because the Turtles were morons. Swell....

-Don's stupid crush on April. Yeah, I'm on that bandwagon. When I first heard about Don having a crush on April, I was cautiously optimistic. It could be handled well, it could be handled badly, it could lead to some funny moments, whatever, it shouldn't skewer my hope for this show. But boy, does it get overplayed to the point where I just want to see some interaction that involves April and a Turtle who isn't Donnie (hint: there's maybe 3 or 4 times throughout the whole show).

-Plot amnesia. Yeah, the lack of focus and continuity has become a big turn-off for me and has become a common complaint with this show. I understand not every episode isn't going to be connected to each one ala 2k3 show, (and I never once thought this show was or should be 2k3 2.0) but the way they're handling certain plot points makes it hard for me to be engaged with what's going on.

Plus, I'd be lying if the recent news about Bebop and Rocksteady becoming actual characters isn't another reason why I can't get into this show anymore.

[CyberCubed]

Lol. The last several episodes have been great. The Larp one was the only one I didn't care for but many others liked it.

The mutant of the week stuff is the only thing I want changed and I think they'll move on next season focusing more on aliens like the Triceratons. Also Bebop and Rocksteady will probably be hilarious in this show with these writers,

[DarkLightDragon]

I didn't know my general thoughts were so "LOL" worthy.:roll:

And people wonder why I don't come around often anymore....

[BabyTurtles]

*Sigh* You guys are probably going to hate me for saying this, but....I've completely dropped out of the show for some time now.

It might've been after Fungus Amungus, which was an episode I genuinely liked, but there's just nothing really there for me to keep watching.

Several things have started to annoy me about this show:

-Mikey is unbearable. And this is coming from someone who can tolerate 2k3 Mikey despite his less-than-good rep here. I'll admit Greg Cipes does a great performance and thought he was the perfect match, but nothing really seems to lend well to his talent or to make Mikey stand out besides being the typical 'comic relief' or being the main idiot of the group that doesn't know any better in certain situations.

-Got tired of the Kraang-related plots. The Kraang seem to me more of the main villains of this show because there's more episodes dedicated to them or to the Turtle's foiling their latest plot. It almost feels like the Shredder and the Foot are just a mild annoyance for the Turtles to deal with as opposed to being the actual main villain like he should be. That might sound biased of me and it probably is, but I could give them a break if they were interesting or funny. They are neither.

-Mutant of the Week. Yeah, I've expressed my dislike for this show's handling of it's mutants and the frequency of when they happen and how there's very few of them that I like so I'm not going to dwell on this. And oh yeah, the only reason why we've gotten so many of them in Season was because the Turtles were morons. Swell....

-Don's stupid crush on April. Yeah, I'm on that bandwagon. When I first heard about Don having a crush on April, I was cautiously optimistic. It could be handled well, it could be handled badly, it could lead to some funny moments, whatever, it shouldn't skewer my hope for this show. But boy, does it get overplayed to the point where I just want to see some interaction that involves April and a Turtle who isn't Donnie (hint: there's maybe 3 or 4 times throughout the whole show).

-Plot amnesia. Yeah, the lack of focus and continuity has become a big turn-off for me and has become a common compliant with this show. I understand not every episode isn't going to be connected to each one ala 2k3 show, (and I never once thought this show was or should be 2k3 2.0) but the way they're handling certain plot points makes it hard for me to be engaged with what's going on.

Plus, I'd be lying if the recent news about Bebop and Rocksteady becoming actual characters was another reason why I can't get into this show anymore.

I don't blame you.....it's kinda wearing me down too....:cry:

this show could be so much better if it took itself a little more seriously..

I feel like most of the time they are just trying to go for the "shock factor" (Whether it be mutations or crazy reveals like Miwa), but then afterwards.....nothing....

I mean April literally had to stay weeks living in the turtle lair!! Where was the episode about that??? we could have seen April cope or bond with the turtles...or we COULD have at least seen her wandering around in the lair more often...I mean come on!

when I was 12 years old I loved all the deep moments in Avatar the last Airbender.....all the time they took to show how a character felt about things that happened..things that were happening...and things that were going to happen. Aang and Zuko were deep characters because they showed you their thoughts.

If TMNT could only take the time to have a character vegetate on a moment that occurred or will occur....that would be great.

and would it KILL them to develop Mikey more!?? I mean sheeesh!! :x

also I wished they'd just drop the whole romance with April. She is not all that in a bag of chips, WHY do the boys even like her?? She doesn't have anything in common with Casey or Donnie....so far it seems like the only reason they like her is because she's pretty and she gives out hugs and kisses. (at least 2003 Donnie liked April because she was smart)

okay....I had to get that out XD.....sorry for the rant guys...

all in all....TMNT please...JUST CONNECT THE EPISODES!!! you can have fillers...but please...bring up the important stuff more often...T^T Tie it into a lesson blended in with AWESOME character development!

[LeotheLateBloomer]

*Sigh* You guys are probably going to hate me for saying this, but....I've completely dropped out of the show for some time now.

It might've been after Fungus Amungus, which was an episode I genuinely liked, but there's just nothing really there for me to keep watching.

Several things have started to annoy me about this show:

-Mikey is unbearable. And this is coming from someone who can tolerate 2k3 Mikey despite his less-than-good rep here. I'll admit Greg Cipes does a great performance and thought he was the perfect match, but nothing really seems to lend well to his talent or to make Mikey stand out besides being the typical 'comic relief' or being the main idiot of the group that doesn't know any better in certain situations.

-Got tired of the Kraang-related plots. The Kraang seem to me more of the main villains of this show because there's more episodes dedicated to them or to the Turtle's foiling their latest plot. It almost feels like the Shredder and the Foot are just a mild annoyance for the Turtles to deal with as opposed to being the actual main villain like he should be. That might sound biased of me and it probably is, but I could give them a break if they were interesting or funny. They are neither.

-Mutant of the Week. Yeah, I've expressed my dislike for this show's handling of it's mutants and the frequency of when they happen and how there's very few of them that I like so I'm not going to dwell on this. And oh yeah, the only reason why we've gotten so many of them in Season was because the Turtles were morons. Swell....

-Don's stupid crush on April. Yeah, I'm on that bandwagon. When I first heard about Don having a crush on April, I was cautiously optimistic. It could be handled well, it could be handled badly, it could lead to some funny moments, whatever, it shouldn't skewer my hope for this show. But boy, does it get overplayed to the point where I just want to see some interaction that involves April and a Turtle who isn't Donnie (hint: there's maybe 3 or 4 times throughout the whole show).

-Plot amnesia. Yeah, the lack of focus and continuity has become a big turn-off for me and has become a common compliant with this show. I understand not every episode isn't going to be connected to each one ala 2k3 show, (and I never once thought this show was or should be 2k3 2.0) but the way they're handling certain plot points makes it hard for me to be engaged with what's going on.

Plus, I'd be lying if the recent news about Bebop and Rocksteady becoming actual characters was another reason why I can't get into this show anymore.

As a huge TMNT fan, you should be allowed to point out a flaw you have with a certain incarnation. It's your opinion overall and it doesn't make you less of a fan.

Besides all of the things you guys have listed, the thing I have with this series is that while this show may have somewhat of an identity, a lot of the times I feel that it tries to be a little too similar to the previous cartoons (or at least the 87 series) which is becoming increasling amplified with more OT influences. This show is said to be a blend of both of the previous cartoons and yet, as one person made a topic on the following issue, what is there for the 4kids series fans? All there is are the Raph slapping Mikey moments, Karai being Shredder's adopted daughter, and Raph being afraid of insects. And even so, they don't seem to want acknowledge what they've taken from that series.

[CyberCubed]

But the Nick cartoon isn't anything like the original 80's cartoon. It may be using old characters and we know Bebop/Rocksteady are coming but the writing styles of the shows are completely different.

[Wildcat]

Ive posted here awhile back so Im not going to re-answer the question. Just wanted to say the fillers aren't that bad. It only seems that way because the schedule is terrible.

I don't know what the heck Nick is thinking. Random, drawn out breaks only to show a filler episode and maybe a couple of plot driven episodes and then its like a 1 or 2 month break.

Season 1 lasted like whole year and they pretty much immediately started season 2. Do they think they're creating some illusion that its always on with short breaks throughout?

They really need to stick with a consistent weekly schedule, end the season and then have the next a few months later like every other show. The way it is now is just a confusing, frustrating mess.

[Eiko]

I am not enjoying season 2 as much as the first just to many filler episodes. There are also way to many mutants. I wish that dogpound stayed as he was it really was kinda pointless to change him he was cool as he was. maybe this retro mutagen of Don's will get rid of a few mutants or just fail and everything stays the same. pls Nick enough with the fillers.

[Donatello19]

also I wished they'd just drop the whole romance with April. She is not all that in a bag of chips, WHY do the boys even like her?? She doesn't have anything in common with Casey or Donnie....so far it seems like the only reason they like her is because she's pretty and she gives out hugs and kisses. (at least 2003 Donnie liked April because she was smart)


You don't know much about teenage guys, do you? :P

I can honestly say that I'm not enjoying the second season as much as the first. Season 2 is great, I've been loving it so far and the only episode that I didn't really like was The Kraang Conspiracy. I think I just enjoyed Season 1 more because it was so awesome to see the turtles back on TV again, honestly. I love this show as a whole, and will continue to watch it until the day it ends...which hopefully won't be for quite sometime. This is pretty much the only show I faithfully watch, as in, tune in every week for the new episode. Long live Nick TMNT, the best TMNT cartoon yet (in my opinion) :D

[BabyTurtles]

You don't know much about teenage guys, do you? :P

you're right, being pretty is plenty reason. :D
(I'm not being sarcastic BTW totally legit reason for a teen)

I just wish April showed more interesting things about herself...like hobbies or interests

everything about her has been put on her from somebody else...
her ninja skills are from Splinter
her kraang powers are from the kraang

but what does SHE like? What was she like before she met the turtles?

Casey likes kicking butt and hockey, he also seems to have an interest in drawing and we know this because....he is shown to play hockey.....and talks about wanting to be a vigilante and likes to fight....we look at his clothes and face and see it's spray painted so he has a creative side.

but what about April.....she hasn't said what she likes to do.....we aren't shown she likes to do anything....if we look at her clothes....she seems pretty normal, not too hip/sporty/geeky....

she's kinda a blank slate :ohwell:

[Warhorse]

you're right, being pretty is plenty reason. :D
(I'm not being sarcastic BTW totally legit reason for a teen)

I just wish April showed more interesting things about herself...like hobbies or interests

everything about her has been put on her from somebody else...
her ninja skills are from Splinter
her kraang powers are from the kraang

but what does SHE like? What was she like before she met the turtles?

Casey likes kicking butt and hockey, he also seems to have an interest in drawing and we know this because....he is shown to play hockey.....and talks about wanting to be a vigilante and likes to fight....we look at his clothes and face and see it's spray painted so he has a creative side.

but what about April.....she hasn't said what she likes to do.....we aren't shown she likes to do anything....if we look at her clothes....she seems pretty normal, not too hip/sporty/geeky....

she's kinda a blank slate :ohwell:

Maybe the writers for TMNT are all men, and they don't know how to write a typical female from a typical female's point of view?

[Konchadunga]

Maybe the writers for TMNT are all men, and they don't know how to write a typical female from a typical female's point of view?

It's not like they couldn't ask. They have actresses; ask them. Mae Whitman and Kelly Hu may not be "typical" females, but they are employees whom they could talk to, and at least the former is physically with the other cast members a lot of the time. It'd be an easy way out if they just let Mae improvise a bit to let some of her own personality shine through.

Oh, and here's a good reason the Turtles (particularly Donnie) are so interested in April; it's not like they have much else! You take what you get in the sewer!

[Metalwolf]

Ive posted here awhile back so Im not going to re-answer the question. Just wanted to say the fillers aren't that bad. It only seems that way because the schedule is terrible.

I don't know what the heck Nick is thinking. Random, drawn out breaks only to show a filler episode and maybe a couple of plot driven episodes and then its like a 1 or 2 month break.

Season 1 lasted like whole year and they pretty much immediately started season 2. Do they think they're creating some illusion that its always on with short breaks throughout?

They really need to stick with a consistent weekly schedule, end the season and then have the next a few months later like every other show. The way it is now is just a confusing, frustrating mess.Agreed. I wonder why they just don't change it back? Wasn't the breaks one long summer break and then another starting right before Christmas and lasting until February? That's more tolerable then a bunch of little breaks and it didn't feel like tons of time dragged on before the next plot point. :ohwell:

[electric_sheep]

Meh...........

[LeotheLateBloomer]

But the Nick cartoon isn't anything like the original 80's cartoon. It may be using old characters and we know Bebop/Rocksteady are coming but the writing styles of the shows are completely different.

You know, you are very right. The turtles only appear at night like in the comics and 2k3 show and they are true to their personalities. It does do it's own thing. Maybe it's just the numerous elements from the OT that makes me think that. And they do reinvent them really well. Thanks for making me come to that realization, CC.

[Warhorse]

It's not like they couldn't ask. They have actresses; ask them. Mae Whitman and Kelly Hu may not be "typical" females, but they are employees whom they could talk to, and at least the former is physically with the other cast members a lot of the time. It'd be an easy way out if they just let Mae improvise a bit to let some of her own personality shine through.

Oh, and here's a good reason the Turtles (particularly Donnie) are so interested in April; it's not like they have much else! You take what you get in the sewer!

This is why I think they need to introduce the Turtles to Irma. It gives them exposure to another female, and one that doesn't want to kill them. I wouldn't mind Leo's little tea time friend to make another appearance, it would be really cool if she turned out to be Angel. (Perhaps her father went through some bad times after the house was destroyed by Raph and Slash, and that is how the girl ends up with the Purple Dragons)

[BabyTurtles]

This is why I think they need to introduce the Turtles to Irma. It gives them exposure to another female, and one that doesn't want to kill them. I wouldn't mind Leo's little tea time friend to make another appearance, it would be really cool if she turned out to be Angel. (Perhaps her father went through some bad times after the house was destroyed by Raph and Slash, and that is how the girl ends up with the Purple Dragons)

so in other words, MORE GIRLS PLEASE! :D

and a girl that isn't a love interest or trying to wipe them out would be a nice bonus.

[Warhorse]

so in other words, MORE GIRLS PLEASE! :D

and a girl that isn't a love interest or trying to wipe them out would be a nice bonus.

But really, we see how Irma tends to be a bit overprotective of April when Casey is around, how the hell is she going to be when she sees Donnie?

[Refractive Reflections]

You know, you are very right. The turtles only appear at night like in the comics and 2k3 show and they are true to their personalities. It does do it's own thing. Maybe it's just the numerous elements from the OT that makes me think that. And they do reinvent them really well. Thanks for making me come to that realization, CC.

I would highly disagree on the "reinvent them really well aspect", but the bigger issue is why all the need for SO many OT references and nostalgia, SO early in the show. The "reinvention" is one thing, but having so many OT elements this early in the show indicates more of dependency on eliciting nostalgia rather than giving nods to something.

It's dependent on people's individual tastes and tolerance, but there comes a time when constantly referring to a particular aspect of the franchise (especially the OT being the most popular depiction) starts to transition from having many OT tributes into becoming a "culturally modernized" (the "reinvention" aspect so to speak) derivation of the OT. Sure the tone is different in Nick with its contemporary form of cartoon darkness and comedy, but the same core foundations of the Kraang-Shredder team up, replacing the human Foot with Robotic Foot Soldiers, April having Irma (same nosy personality) as a friend, the Kraang military hierarchy (with Traag) and immense technological wisdom which is very similar to the OT, the fact that iconic Bebop and Rocksteady are being incorporated, Baxter becoming a fly,... (I could go on and on) says another.

As I've stated before, it's saying something if the fandom's excitement is far greater over what nostalgia characters are being "reinvented" or having a bigger role rather than Nick's plotlines and original characters. It's so excessive how so many want these Nick episodes to parallel the plotlines from the TMNT franchise's episodes of the past. How many times have we read somebody posting, "I hope they have it ____ just like it was in the OT! It would be the best eva!! ", or "They gotta have _______ like they did in 4Kids cause that was so cool and dark back then!", or something similar with others wanting it to be influenced by some other TMNT depiction (i.e. comics, movies)? It seems to indicate an obvious bias for tickling one's nostalgia bone rather than having Nick have it's own identity here.

Yeesh, give the Nick show it's own freeing, creative space (like those previous depictions had without the heavier, hovering atmosphere of nostalgia)... please...

[tylerdavies]

I would highly disagree on the "reinvent them really well aspect", but the bigger issue is why all the need for SO many OT references and nostalgia, SO early in the show. The "reinvention" is one thing, but having so many OT elements this early in the show indicates more of dependency on eliciting nostalgia rather than giving nods to something.

It's dependent on people's individual tastes and tolerance, but there comes a time when constantly referring to a particular aspect of the franchise (especially the OT being the most popular depiction) starts to transition from having many OT tributes into becoming a "culturally modernized" (the "reinvention" aspect so to speak) derivation of the OT. Sure the tone is different in Nick with its contemporary form of cartoon darkness and comedy, but the same core foundations of the Kraang-Shredder team up, replacing the human Foot with Robotic Foot Soldiers, April having Irma (same nosy personality) as a friend, the Kraang military hierarchy (with Traag) and immense technological wisdom which is very similar to the OT, the fact that iconic Bebop and Rocksteady are being incorporated, Baxter becoming a fly,... (I could go on and on) says another.

As I've stated before, it's saying something if the fandom's excitement is far greater over what nostalgia characters are being "reinvented" or having a bigger role rather than Nick's plotlines and original characters. It's so excessive how so many want these Nick episodes to parallel the plotlines from the TMNT franchise's episodes of the past. How many times have we read somebody posting, "I hope they have it ____ just like it was in the OT! It would be the best eva!! ", or "They gotta have _______ like they did in 4Kids cause that was so cool and dark back then!", or something similar with others wanting it to be influenced by some other TMNT depiction (i.e. comics, movies)? It seems to indicate an obvious bias for tickling one's nostalgia bone rather than having Nick have it's own identity here.

Yeesh, give the Nick show it's own freeing, creative space (like those previous depictions had without the heavier, hovering atmosphere of nostalgia)... please...

I agree completely.

[Konchadunga]

The Nick show has been at least not as reliant on nostalgia as the IDW series, but recent events really do have me wondering how much more things could slide into Fred Wolf fanservice.

[Shark_Blade]

Fred Wolf is the holy grail of tmnt, and anything referencing it is gifted with abundance of blessings.

+1K for Ciro and his team. :tlove:

I don't deal with delusional people. I point and laugh at them.Get left behind the times then. Depressing ol fart Nick haters to the garbage chute, thank you. :tcool:

[DarkLightDragon]

Oh no. Someone doesn't like the Nick show you like so much. What the hell is wrong with them?

Seriously, blind fanboyism is just as annoying as "hating."

[Shark_Blade]

Complainers complaining about complainers are just as annoying.

Get back on topic.

[BabyTurtles]

^let's not start something guys....people can have their own opinions about the show whether they are positive and negative.
:) no need to hate on someone that wants to get their thoughts out.

[Konchadunga]

People can have their own opinions without being douchebags. Zarius calling people who think the 2003 show was the best delusional is being a douchebag, and deserves calling out, if not worse. I'd say It's only a matter of time before he's banned again.

[DarkLightDragon]

I just get annoyed when people get labeled as 'haters' for actually giving good reasons why they don't like something.

That's not to say I think Zarius is completely innocent when it comes to how he expresses his displeasure with the show, but I certainly can't blame him for getting fed up with hearing how 'great' the show is and how "DON"T LIKE IT? WELL SCREW YOU THEN SINCE YOU GOT PROBLEMS!" the tone can get when it comes to saying something less-than-good about the subject.

[Bossa Nova]

After these past couple episodes, I think as sad as it makes me, I'm at the point where I'm ready to cut myself off from the show entirely. I'm tired of waiting week after week for something redeemable that will once again make me excited and actually want to root for my favorite characters again. At this point, the portrayal of all their personalities has fallen so flat for me that I get annoyed with practically every other line they say. April is such a huge can of worms I can't even read her name anymore with rolling my eyes and wishing for pretty much ANY other version of her to come back and prove that she can actually be a real, 3-dimensional character.

The whole direction of the show is frustrating, not only with its constant plot amnesia and the fact that it can't seem to decide if it wants to be a comedy or something with actual substance, but that the Shredder and the Foot hardly even seem like a villain anymore, much less the main one. Sci-fi is awesome and all, but for me it always felt like an element that needed to come into the turtles' main plot AFTER we get some one on one time with other actual ninjas.

I'm disappointed. I really am. I wanted to like this show very badly, especially since it was coming out right when I was just getting back into turtles so my mind was completely open to just about anything they could throw at me. But time and time again the execution of what could have been promising plot points has just failed miserably. I mean, I don't really want to step away from the biggest turtle thing out there at the moment because I still love the turtles themselves, but I don't know if I can spare any more faith in this show that only proves it will irritate me to no end.

[CyberCubed]

Anyone notice most of the people disappointed with the show are female? Its something I noticed, but why do females have a bigger problem with the way the Turtles and April are portrayed compared to males?

[Metalwolf]

Anyone notice most of the people disappointed with the show are female? Its something I noticed, but why do females have a bigger problem with the way the Turtles and April are portrayed compared to males?I don't know, even though I'm female myself :ohwell:

What were they saying that they had a problem with?

[Technogeek29]

Anyone notice most of the people disappointed with the show are female? Its something I noticed, but why do females have a bigger problem with the way the Turtles and April are portrayed compared to males?

Oh that's not true. I haven't posted on this topic because I would just be treading the same ground many of my fellow dromers have already covered. That and I've gone over what I dislike about this show in various other topics. Nothing has made me want to drop this show (except maybe Mikey)

[snake]

I really like the direction that the show is going.

[CyberCubed]

As long as they tone down the mutants in Season 3 I don't have much to complain about. I just want more human enemies.

[snake]

As long as they tone down the mutants in Season 3 I don't have much to complain about. I just want more human enemies.

I want a mutant hunter.

[Shark_Blade]

I'm fine with everything at the moment, they keep delivering things in aces. Those easter eggs like "go ninja go ninja go", OT references and characters galore.. :tlove:

They just need to refrain themselves from making Mikey too retardedly stupid or heartless like in Mutation Situation. Oh and make April more loveable across all turtles, not just as love interest for Donnie. :)

[Technogeek29]

As a huge TMNT fan, you should be allowed to point out a flaw you have with a certain incarnation. It's your opinion overall and it doesn't make you less of a fan.

Besides all of the things you guys have listed, the thing I have with this series is that while this show may have somewhat of an identity, a lot of the times I feel that it tries to be a little too similar to the previous cartoons (or at least the 87 series) which is becoming increasling amplified with more OT influences. This show is said to be a blend of both of the previous cartoons and yet, as one person made a topic on the following issue, what is there for the 4kids series fans? All there is are the Raph slapping Mikey moments, Karai being Shredder's adopted daughter, and Raph being afraid of insects. And even so, they don't seem to want acknowledge what they've taken from that series.

Purple Dragons being a reacurring theme. Leo liking Karai or wanting to help her even though she is almost a lost cause. Mikey adopting another Super hero allias. Don liking April although is cranked to 11 in this version.

[LeotheLateBloomer]

The Purple Dragons are rarely in this show and Leo and Don's relationship with Karai and April in 2k3 are based off of the comics. Also, Mikey's interest in superheroes is scarce in this toon.

[Whatswiththeheadbands?]

Don't hate me for saying this, and it's probably going to be the only time I say this, but I'm starting to lose interest in this show. I haven't really felt the urge to watch the episodes like I did with the 2003 series.

[Luckyday]

Don't hate me for saying this, and it's probably going to be the only time I say this, but I'm starting to lose interest in this show. I haven't really felt the urge to watch the episodes like I did with the 2003 series.

I'm not losing interest but I am starting to take this show less seriously now. There some great stand alone episodes but overall the direction feels....aimless. It's like every time when we get to the story arc episode, I either dislike it or I feel nothing towards it because I know nothing is going to change.

It's weird because Adventure Time was like that in the beginning, but it didn't bother me as much as this show. Could it be that the reason was that it was a entirely new show and not a reboot?

[bobby6shotz]

I've never seen an episode of tmnt since the early 90s but I just dvrd this series waiting for an episode to record. Hopefully it will be good and I can understand what you guys are talking about lol.

[pannoni1]

Since I prefer OT to 4kids, I seem to still enjoy many episodes that have come out, with the occasional stinker, but not enough for me to lose loyalty. While the plot movement is slower, it does move fast enough to not make it pointless, and I'm hoping that later seasons will think outside of the same old mutants and explore new areas and issues. I feel that running out of ideas however may kill this series and Nick has a tendency of cancelling shows early, and I really hope that the movie allows this series to survive. I just hope that April graduates high school after this season and becomes more of an adult, Casey more determined, and more females on this show (explains why the female audience doesn't like this).

[Warhorse]

I'm not losing interest but I am starting to take this show less seriously now. There some great stand alone episodes but overall the direction feels....aimless. It's like every time when we get to the story arc episode, I either dislike it or I feel nothing towards it because I know nothing is going to change.

It's weird because Adventure Time was like that in the beginning, but it didn't bother me as much as this show. Could it be that the reason was that it was a entirely new show and not a reboot?

If they don't start to take things seriously, how are they going to treat the whole Leo getting beaten when that time comes, if it does? It just might be an empty promise from the head creators to try and keep some fans tuned in, but right now, I don't know how they are going to handle it. During the Casey Jones episode, the whole (Raph's temper is so dangerous that it's deadly) wasn't exactly done in a serious tone, nothing like the 2k3, where his brothers had to stop him. In this one, he just knocks Leo off of his feet, and maybe almost sticks Casey in the eye, but he still had enough control to stop it himself.

[Technogeek29]

The Purple Dragons are rarely in this show and Leo and Don's relationship with Karai and April in 2k3 are based off of the comics. Also, Mikey's interest in superheroes is scarce in this toon.

With their realtionships it was more sharing common interest while 2k3 played up as having a small crush. And I just mean't having a Superhero Alias in general Turtle Titan and Turfylte (I think that's how that's spelt?) And yeah Purple Dragons became familair through 2k3 instead of being a one off gang from issue 1. Before than they probably would've never have been brought up again.

[electric_sheep]

If they don't start to take things seriously, how are they going to treat the whole Leo getting beaten when that time comes, if it does? It just might be an empty promise from the head creators to try and keep some fans tuned in, but right now, I don't know how they are going to handle it. During the Casey Jones episode, the whole (Raph's temper is so dangerous that it's deadly) wasn't exactly done in a serious tone, nothing like the 2k3, where his brothers had to stop him. In this one, he just knocks Leo off of his feet, and maybe almost sticks Casey in the eye, but he still had enough control to stop it himself.

Well this is much more a cartoon than an animated tv show, and that's exactly what's wrong with it.
It runs mostly on cartoon logic which means the lesson that you learn in one episode will not neceserly be remmbered in the next, overaching plot is not necesary also it will never be alowed to go as dark as we want it , because it's a cartoon.
I lost interest somwhere before the finale of the first season and generic Krang prime and Technodrome designs only inforced it...

The Nick show has been at least not as reliant on nostalgia as the IDW series, but recent events really do have me wondering how much more things could slide into Fred Wolf fanservice.

They pretty much used up most of the cool charachters and they've done nothing with them, what does Shredder do? Exactly! he just sits there and makes empty threats, even 87 Shredder got on the action, what's gonna be the plot for season 3, Shredder sits some more but this time he has even more mutants and empty threats. And they greenlight season 4 already, Jesus..
How long untill they bring back Lord Dregg?

[Netkeeper]

I hated this show since I saw the first episode of it. I knew it would do poorly; characterizations are inconsistent, April isn't treated like a "human" as much as she is a "requirement" for the series. It's obvious the writers have no idea what to do with her and that she's just there because TMNT.

Every episode I have forced myself to sit through was horrendously paced -- it felt like they were glossing over things that could handle elaboration and that the "action" had to be going ALL THE TIME GET TO THE COOL STUFF FASTER FASTER!!!![/I] Plots that could have benefited from being two or even three-parters were crammed into one episode. I noticed this was particularly heavy in a fairly recent "fears" episode that made an attempt to explore character and show us the worst fears of Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, Michelangelo, April, and Casey. They tried to show us the fears of six characters in one episode. It worked as well as you'd expect it to: not at all. Some of them were very shallow and while Donatello's COULD have had some meaning behind it as it's obvious he does not like being a mutant where his brothers appear to have more or less embraced it [a very interesting character trait might I add], the way they choose to express this with him is very disgustingly annoying. Yes, he likes April. Repeat ad nauseam.

Which brings me to the problems I have with the individual characters. Donatello's personality did a complete 180 and they decided to give him this high-strung personality that doesn't make any sense. He's way too angry. His problems with his own weapon also astound me. The bo is simple but effective, with long reach and versatility as well as being incredibly easy to improvise should the need arise. It is a fantastic weapon, and anybody who uses it shouldn't be complaining. For this reason, I have problems with the Naginata as well; it teaches the viewer, as well as Donatello, that a blade instantly makes a weapon better. This is not true at all. I don't believe the weapon is necessarily out of place with this character, but I feel the emphasis on bladed weaponry isn't necessary.

Then there's the worst problem of all, his issues with April. IT. IS NOT. CUTE. His behaviour towards her is self-centred, obsessive, creepy, and most certainly not something I would want to put in a cartoon marketed towards young children. He makes flow charts trying to map every possible "no" answer April may have to offer into a "yes" and if you don't realise how that can lead to sexual assault in a real-life scenario I'm not sure what to say to you. He spies on her. He takes pictures without her consent and uses them as wallpaper? WHAT? This problem is not even presented AS a problem, nor is his behaviour ever touted as being unacceptable. Do you know what this does? This shows the viewer that acting this way is fine, cute, romantic, even. It reinforces that behaving this way is fine which is completely inaccurate. It's an insensitive and distasteful "joke" to make and I'm horrified that my favourite character had to be the subject of it.

Purportedly, Raphael was the one originally meant to be given the crush on April. This was dropped and switched over to Donatello because they felt it "added more to his character", or something similar. To me, this speaks VOLUMES in regards to the writers' abilities to understand Don's character. Don has a LOT to him: he's an intelligent, level-headed and reasonable turtle who has the best handle on his emotions among his brothers. He is looked to for the answers, and if he doesn't have them, he will not rest until he gets them. He is a gentle but resilient soul, not afraid to snap at somebody that tries to walk all over him but hardly ever losing control of himself. That is a lot you can work with. The fact that he was given a completely different personality coupled with this just shows me that the writers don't care about the fountain of character Donatello really has, and that they'd prefer him be reduced to "nerd rage and awkward creeper crush".

To say nothing of April herself, who isn't much better, honestly? She has very little actual character and personality. So she's a high school kid. And? What does she do in school? What is her life like outside of mutant turtles? Does her world now revolve around them? Why? I haven't seen the episode where she gets apparently inconsistent superpowers or some ****, but I find it funny that a podcast had apparently said previous to this that "April is too powerful" SO YOU SOLVE THIS BY GIVING HER SUPERPOWERS? REALLY? You don't even know WHAT to do with her, so you just tack a bunch of things on! That does NOT make a compelling character, it makes a plot device that struggles to stay relevant!

[Also, podcast proclaimed that April and Karai were "enough" female characters for the show. Okay, so if they're going to treat fictional women that badly, I can't imagine them treating real women much better.]

Oh, but I haven't moved on to Michelangelo yet! Let's remedy this. The writers misunderstand Mike's character on a fundamental level -- he's not stupid, he is just laidback and prefers to see the positive or funny side in any event. He is perceptive and naturally gifted, with the flaws of being lazy and unmotivated. He cares for his brothers and knows them well, and they do the same in return. Except wait, none of that is present in this series. We just get a failure of a turtle that exists to be the butt of "lol stupid" jokes, and oh, OH, I almost forgot that THIS Michelangelo had ADHD, doesn't he? Disgusting. The writers are just using it for an "explanation" for his stupidity.

Also, most of Mike's comments aren't even funny, like they were in other incarnations. I think the only time he was written well was that episode when the turtles meet Leatherhead, who I think I'll talk about in a bit since he's my favourite mutant, but more pressing matters demand my attention:

The turtles have a power imbalance in this show. The very first episode establishes Mike and Don as a "B Team" who are inferior to the "A Team" of Leo and Raph. This imbalance never existed in the other canons, so what is the deal here? The whole point is that the four turtles have varying levels of maturity, use different weapons, and have different motivations and personalities but they are all still stand as equals. It's a familial teamwork like no other that I have come to adore over the years. But it's ****ing broken apart in this show for no reason at all aside from a potential creator bias and I hate it.

Raphael and Leonardo have had their characters simplified to a mere collection of tropes. There is a distinct lack of attention paid to 2k12 Raphael and Leonardo, though admittedly it isn't as bad as the other two turtles [or April]. Raph has been reduced to a bully, as the first episode established with him breaking Don's bo right in half because Don dared not to listen to him. What?

Raph's major flaw is his temper and how it gets control over him in ways that are destructive. I can't tell you how many 2k3 episodes elaborated on this, and well! In this show, that flaw is only occasionally present, and doesn't seem to be as big a problem as much as it is a reason or excuse for Raph's bullying behaviour.

Then there's Leonardo, who was given some fascination with this weird TV show for... some... reason. Okay, fine, I can accept that. What I can't accept is his inability to properly lead. I think he was just VOTED leader or something in this show? He didn't properly EARN the position, and outright calls himself a leader as well as clearly aspires to be a good one. This bothers me because it wasn't present in the other series. The original movie never even established Leo as any leader nor did he ever claim to be; he just was because that's how it ended up working out for them. He's a NATURAL leader in that movie. It's a much more believable development.

As I said earlier, Splinter is downright abusive. He doesn't seem to care about the turtles, and his role feels much more like a "Master" than a "father", and he's supposed to be a mix of both. The bond Splinter has with his sons is so powerful in the other canons, but here, it's completely absent. I can't even feel anything positive for this guy. Every other Splinter has a better balance of "teacher" and "father" than this one. What makes Splinter a fun character to begin with is the balance of being a good teacher vs. being a good father and the way these ideals sometimes conflict because they don't always co-exist peacefully. 2k12 Splinter has some moments, but they're quickly overridden by the fact that he outright hurts the turtles, and hardly ever accompanies them anywhere. He's not even as prominent a figure as he was in the other continuities.

And I just wanted to talk about Leatherhead for a moment too, since as I said earlier, he's a personal favourite. The 2k3 version of him, anyway. He broke two stereotypes at once -- he's a menacing beast but has the gentlest of hearts, and he's huge and strong but intellectually gifted. He's like Marvel's Beast, and I love that. [To say nothing of the fact that a muscular anthropomorph wearing glasses and a lab coat is visually appealing to me.] In 2k12, that intelligence was stripped and we're left with a half-tame half-feral crocodilian that kinda acts like an oaf sometimes. It isn't the worst by any means, but I feel like depth was lost when his genius was removed from his character. And depth was CERTAINLY lost when no attempt to elaborate on the cause of his emotional issues with himself was made. 2k3 Leatherhead had a lot of time dedicated to showing the effects traumatic experience had on him, even giving him a believable depiction of PTSD. He had so much to him and this version just doesn't live up, even if he is still a pretty cute character.

[electric_sheep]

[QUOTE=Netkeeper;1263013]I hated this show since I saw the first episode of it. I knew it would do poorly; characterizations are inconsistent, April isn't treated like a "human" as much as she is a "requirement" for the series. It's obvious the writers have no idea what to do with her and that she's just there because TMNT.

Every episode I have forced myself to sit through was horrendously paced -- it felt like they were glossing over things that could handle elaboration and that the "action" had to be going ALL THE TIME GET TO THE COOL STUFF FASTER FASTER!!!![/I] Plots that could have benefited from being two or even three-parters were crammed into one episode. I noticed this was particularly heavy in a fairly recent "fears" episode that made an attempt to explore character and show us the worst fears of Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, Michelangelo, April, and Casey. They tried to show us the fears of six characters in one episode. It worked as well as you'd expect it to: not at all. Some of them were very shallow and while Donatello's COULD have had some meaning behind it as it's obvious he does not like being a mutant where his brothers appear to have more or less embraced it [a very interesting character trait might I add], the way they choose to express this with him is very disgustingly annoying. Yes, he likes April. Repeat ad nauseam.

Which brings me to the problems I have with the individual characters. Donatello's personality did a complete 180 and they decided to give him this high-strung personality that doesn't make any sense. He's way too angry. His problems with his own weapon also astound me. The bo is simple but effective, with long reach and versatility as well as being incredibly easy to improvise should the need arise. It is a fantastic weapon, and anybody who uses it shouldn't be complaining. For this reason, I have problems with the Naginata as well; it teaches the viewer, as well as Donatello, that a blade instantly makes a weapon better. This is not true at all. I don't believe the weapon is necessarily out of place with this character, but I feel the emphasis on bladed weaponry isn't necessary.

Then there's the worst problem of all, his issues with April. IT. IS NOT. CUTE. His behaviour towards her is self-centred, obsessive, creepy, and most certainly not something I would want to put in a cartoon marketed towards young children. He makes flow charts trying to map every possible "no" answer April may have to offer into a "yes" and if you don't realise how that can lead to sexual assault in a real-life scenario I'm not sure what to say to you. He spies on her. He takes pictures without her consent and uses them as wallpaper? WHAT? This problem is not even presented AS a problem, nor is his behaviour ever touted as being unacceptable. Do you know what this does? This shows the viewer that acting this way is fine, cute, romantic, even. It reinforces that behaving this way is fine which is completely inaccurate. It's an insensitive and distasteful "joke" to make and I'm horrified that my favourite character had to be the subject of it.

Purportedly, Raphael was the one originally meant to be given the crush on April. This was dropped and switched over to Donatello because they felt it "added more to his character", or something similar. To me, this speaks VOLUMES in regards to the writers' abilities to understand Don's character. Don has a LOT to him: he's an intelligent, level-headed and reasonable turtle who has the best handle on his emotions among his brothers. He is looked to for the answers, and if he doesn't have them, he will not rest until he gets them. He is a gentle but resilient soul, not afraid to snap at somebody that tries to walk all over him but hardly ever losing control of himself. That is a lot you can work with. The fact that he was given a completely different personality coupled with this just shows me that the writers don't care about the fountain of character Donatello really has, and that they'd prefer him be reduced to "nerd rage and awkward creeper crush".

To say nothing of April herself, who isn't much better, honestly? She has very little actual character and personality. So she's a high school kid. And? What does she do in school? What is her life like outside of mutant turtles? Does her world now revolve around them? Why? I haven't seen the episode where she gets apparently inconsistent superpowers or some ****, but I find it funny that a podcast had apparently said previous to this that "April is too powerful" SO YOU SOLVE THIS BY GIVING HER SUPERPOWERS? REALLY? You don't even know WHAT to do with her, so you just tack a bunch of things on! That does NOT make a compelling character, it makes a plot device that struggles to stay relevant!

[Also, podcast proclaimed that April and Karai were "enough" female characters for the show. Okay, so if they're going to treat fictional women that badly, I can't imagine them treating real women much better.]

Oh, but I haven't moved on to Michelangelo yet! Let's remedy this. The writers misunderstand Mike's character on a fundamental level -- he's not stupid, he is just laidback and prefers to see the positive or funny side in any event. He is perceptive and naturally gifted, with the flaws of being lazy and unmotivated. He cares for his brothers and knows them well, and they do the same in return. Except wait, none of that is present in this series. We just get a failure of a turtle that exists to be the butt of "lol stupid" jokes, and oh, OH, I almost forgot that THIS Michelangelo had ADHD, doesn't he? Disgusting. The writers are just using it for an "explanation" for his stupidity.

Also, most of Mike's comments aren't even funny, like they were in other incarnations. I think the only time he was written well was that episode when the turtles meet Leatherhead, who I think I'll talk about in a bit since he's my favourite mutant, but more pressing matters demand my attention:

The turtles have a power imbalance in this show. The very first episode establishes Mike and Don as a "B Team" who are inferior to the "A Team" of Leo and Raph. This imbalance never existed in the other canons, so what is the deal here? The whole point is that the four turtles have varying levels of maturity, use different weapons, and have different motivations and personalities but they are all still stand as equals. It's a familial teamwork like no other that I have come to adore over the years. But it's ****ing broken apart in this show for no reason at all aside from a potential creator bias and I hate it.

Raphael and Leonardo have had their characters simplified to a mere collection of tropes. There is a distinct lack of attention paid to 2k12 Raphael and Leonardo, though admittedly it isn't as bad as the other two turtles [or April]. Raph has been reduced to a bully, as the first episode established with him breaking Don's bo right in half because Don dared not to listen to him. What?

Raph's major flaw is his temper and how it gets control over him in ways that are destructive. I can't tell you how many 2k3 episodes elaborated on this, and well! In this show, that flaw is only occasionally present, and doesn't seem to be as big a problem as much as it is a reason or excuse for Raph's bullying behaviour.

Then there's Leonardo, who was given some fascination with this weird TV show for... some... reason. Okay, fine, I can accept that. What I can't accept is his inability to properly lead. I think he was just VOTED leader or something in this show? He didn't properly EARN the position, and outright calls himself a leader as well as clearly aspires to be a good one. This bothers me because it wasn't present in the other series. The original movie never even established Leo as any leader nor did he ever claim to be; he just was because that's how it ended up working out for them. He's a NATURAL leader in that movie. It's a much more believable development.
QUOTE]

https://elab.athabascau.ca/sites/elab.athabascau.ca/files/citizen_kane.gif
Bravo sir, bravo, couldn't said it better my self. The only thing that is missing here is the complete bastardisation of the charachter of Casey Jones.

[Netkeeper]

https://elab.athabascau.ca/sites/elab.athabascau.ca/files/citizen_kane.gif
Bravo sir, bravo, couldn't said it better my self. The only thing that is missing here is the complete bastardisation of the charachter of Casey Jones.
I hit the character limit. That, and I don't know as much about this Casey since I haven't seen a lot of the episodes he's in. He's got that "rivalry" thing going with Donatello so it's made me hesitant to go near any episode with him.

That and I don't like his design.

[rickwj324]

D@mn.. I'm surprised that there's so much hate for this show! I absolutely love it!! I know everyone has there own opinions and to each his/her own, but I figured this is a show that most turtles fans would love.

I mised out on the 2k3 show when it aired and have since started watching it on youtube. I really like it a lot and like the slightly more realistic/adult approach (giving it a closer to Mirage feel than it's predecessor). However I have to say I enjoy the Nick show more. To be fair, I'm only in the first season of the 2k3 show so far, but my fave is definitely NICK.

I really wish/hope they release the 2k3 show on dvd/blu though... I really want to own them all.

Rick

[electric_sheep]

I hit the character limit. That, and I don't know as much about this Casey since I haven't seen a lot of the episodes he's in. He's got that "rivalry" thing going with Donatello so it's made me hesitant to go near any episode with him.

That and I don't like his design.
Oh if only it was his design that is the problem. He is arogant to the point of madness he's straight out on retarded level on intelligence. he's abilities are way inconsistent, one minute he kicks all kinds off asses the other he can't do the most basic of things like run normaly and he is so fricking annoying. Don't even get me started on his rivalry with Donatello over April...

[Netkeeper]

Oh if only it was his design that is the problem. He is arogant to the point of madness he's straight out on retarded level on intelligence. he's abilities are way inconsistent, one minute he kicks all kinds off asses the other he can't do the most basic of things like run normaly and he is so fricking annoying. Don't even get me started on his rivalry with Donatello over April...
Oh no, I WANT to get you started on his rivalry with Donatello over April. This mess deserves all the hate it gets.

[electric_sheep]

Oh no, I WANT to get you started on his rivalry with Donatello over April. This mess deserves all the hate it gets.

I was banned once dude, it was not fun, just let it go...

[NoName999]

I'm on the "like the show but it's starting to wear down on my patience" boat. The living pizza episode is not gonna help, I know that much

Maybe the writers for TMNT are all men, and they don't know how to write a typical female from a typical female's point of view?

Which is a bs answer for them considering females writers don't have the same issue writing dudes. Hell, Greg Weisman can write women just fine.

[Netkeeper]

I was banned once dude, it was not fun, just let it go...
Ah, fair enough.

Which is a bs answer for them considering females writers don't have the same issue writing dudes. Hell, Greg Weisman can write women just fine.
^This. Writing a female character is as simple as writing character first, gender second, instead of the other way around. Women are not objects, plot devices, or prizes to be won.

[NoName999]

The turtles have a power imbalance in this show. The very first episode establishes Mike and Don as a "B Team" who are inferior to the "A Team" of Leo and Raph. This imbalance never existed in the other canons, so what is the deal here? The whole point is that the four turtles have varying levels of maturity, use different weapons, and have different motivations and personalities but they are all still stand as equals. It's a familial teamwork like no other that I have come to adore over the years. But it's ****ing broken apart in this show for no reason at all aside from a potential creator bias and I hate it.


I disagree with this.

Imo it goes more like this:
A Team: Leo, Raph
B Team: Don
...
H Team: An appendage
...
W Team: Mikey

2012 Mikey is becoming the "Bolin" of the group only receving a little more dignity.... barely

[Netkeeper]

I disagree with this.

Imo it goes more like this:
A Team: Leo, Raph
B Team: Don
...
H Team: An appendage
...
W Team: Mikey
Potentially more accurate. Still a problem, though.

[Konchadunga]

Ah, fair enough.


^This. Writing a female character is as simple as writing character first, gender second, instead of the other way around. Women are not objects, plot devices, or prizes to be won.

You say that, but then you remember men have no requirements as stringent as the Bechdel Test. I'm not excusing this show's shafting of women, but you cannot claim all women want to be treated the same as men; some insist upon treatment as a special case. That Ciro was even harassed about that bothers me.

[electric_sheep]

You say that, but then you remember men have no requirements as stringent as the Bechdel Test. I'm not excusing this show's shafting of women, but you cannot claim all women want to be treated the same as men; some insist upon treatment as a special case. That Ciro was even harassed about that bothers me.

You can't treat women like man, that's stupid. You treat her as a person acordingly to her personality, pretty much as every other normal human and that's what most of the writers don't get it. Not all women are the same just as not all men are the same.

Edit: i must go on a little rant here. Writers if you want to write a strong female charachter you don't write her like a strong opinionated feminist who doesen't need men and can do all by her self, because equality God damn it! That's shallow and is a ****** way that Hollywood thinks how strong female charachters are, you write her as a fully rounded charachter with her little ticks and personality traits that build the charachter and make it stronger...

[Netkeeper]

You say that, but then you remember men have no requirements as stringent as the Bechdel Test. I'm not excusing this show's shafting of women, but you cannot claim all women want to be treated the same as men; some insist upon treatment as a special case. That Ciro was even harassed about that bothers me.
Men don't have a Bechdel Test because those characterization problems aren't widespread with them as they are with women.

[Konchadunga]

That's an excuse for scrutiny; I'll agree, but the Bechdel Test scrutinizes the wrong things. Any test concerned for what dialogue isn't rather than what it is, indicates in itself a crass feminist generalization of inter-gender relations bound to have as many exceptions as confirmations. I could write a whole blog explaining every reason this test is a terrible judge of progressive female characterization, and I intend to write it soon.

[Netkeeper]

I'd be interested. I realise the Bechdel Test has its flaws but I do think it's somewhere to start, at least.

[electric_sheep]

I'd be interested. I realise the Bechdel Test has its flaws but I do think it's somewhere to start, at least.

What's Bechdel test?

[NoName999]

A film/show must have 2 women have a conversation about something other than a man.

You would think it would be that simple, but very few can pass it. Then again, it's not really suppose to be a scorecard of the work's level of feminism.

[Sewer Sirens Podcast]

Plots that could have benefited from being two or even three-parters were crammed into one episode.

Man ... that post was really amazing. You brought up a lot of issues I have with this show. However, I do enjoy it, and am hoping they improve on a lot of aspects in future episodes and seasons (although I doubt that's going to happen). Even though this one has it's flaws, every iteration, at least for me, has too.

I'm on the "like the show but it's starting to wear down on my patience" boat.

Same. Been less and less excited about each upcoming episode. Sure, I still enjoy turning it on and watching it, I just don't highly anticipate each episode as I did when the show premiered.

How long untill they bring back Lord Dregg?

Personally, if done right, I think bring Lord Dregg back would be pretty cool. There's so many villains in the TMNT world that could end up being a threat to the turtles, other than just Shredder and the Kraang. Hoping that, maybe around Season Four, we start seeing new overarching villains, like Lord Dregg who could LITERALLY INVADE THE EARTH (unlike the Kraang's attempts), which Bishop could show up along that, or H.A.V.O.C. (basically TMNT's Sinister Six), which they could easily make with all the mutant of the week characters that we have running around (who have hardly had any development).

[snake]

Man ... that post was really amazing. You brought up a lot of issues I have with this show. However, I do enjoy it, and am hoping they improve on a lot of aspects in future episodes and seasons (although I doubt that's going to happen). Even though this one has it's flaws, every iteration, at least for me, has too.



Same. Been less and less excited about each upcoming episode. Sure, I still enjoy turning it on and watching it, I just don't highly anticipate each episode as I did when the show premiered.



Personally, if done right, I think bring Lord Dregg back would be pretty cool. There's so many villains in the TMNT world that could end up being a threat to the turtles, other than just Shredder and the Kraang. Hoping that, maybe around Season Four, we start seeing new overarching villains, like Lord Dregg who could LITERALLY INVADE THE EARTH (unlike the Kraang's attempts), which Bishop could show up along that, or H.A.V.O.C. (basically TMNT's Sinister Six), which they could easily make with all the mutant of the week characters that we have running around (who have hardly any development).

YES! I'd love to see HAVOC back with all the MOTW characters.

[Rooish]

I hated this show since I saw the first episode of it. I knew it would do poorly; characterizations are inconsistent, April isn't treated like a "human" as much as she is a "requirement" for the series. It's obvious the writers have no idea what to do with her and that she's just there because TMNT.


Which brings me to the problems I have with the individual characters. Donatello's personality did a complete 180 and they decided to give him this high-strung personality that doesn't make any sense. He's way too angry. His problems with his own weapon also astound me. The bo is simple but effective, with long reach and versatility as well as being incredibly easy to improvise should the need arise. It is a fantastic weapon, and anybody who uses it shouldn't be complaining. For this reason, I have problems with the Naginata as well; it teaches the viewer, as well as Donatello, that a blade instantly makes a weapon better. This is not true at all. I don't believe the weapon is necessarily out of place with this character, but I feel the emphasis on bladed weaponry isn't necessary.

Then there's the worst problem of all, his issues with April. IT. IS NOT. CUTE. His behaviour towards her is self-centred, obsessive, creepy, and most certainly not something I would want to put in a cartoon marketed towards young children. He makes flow charts trying to map every possible "no" answer April may have to offer into a "yes" and if you don't realise how that can lead to sexual assault in a real-life scenario I'm not sure what to say to you. He spies on her. He takes pictures without her consent and uses them as wallpaper? WHAT? This problem is not even presented AS a problem, nor is his behaviour ever touted as being unacceptable. Do you know what this does? This shows the viewer that acting this way is fine, cute, romantic, even. It reinforces that behaving this way is fine which is completely inaccurate. It's an insensitive and distasteful "joke" to make and I'm horrified that my favourite character had to be the subject of it.

Purportedly, Raphael was the one originally meant to be given the crush on April. This was dropped and switched over to Donatello because they felt it "added more to his character", or something similar. To me, this speaks VOLUMES in regards to the writers' abilities to understand Don's character. Don has a LOT to him: he's an intelligent, level-headed and reasonable turtle who has the best handle on his emotions among his brothers. He is looked to for the answers, and if he doesn't have them, he will not rest until he gets them. He is a gentle but resilient soul, not afraid to snap at somebody that tries to walk all over him but hardly ever losing control of himself. That is a lot you can work with. The fact that he was given a completely different personality coupled with this just shows me that the writers don't care about the fountain of character Donatello really has, and that they'd prefer him be reduced to "nerd rage and awkward creeper crush".

To say nothing of April herself, who isn't much better, honestly? She has very little actual character and personality. So she's a high school kid. And? What does she do in school? What is her life like outside of mutant turtles? Does her world now revolve around them? Why? I haven't seen the episode where she gets apparently inconsistent superpowers or some ****, but I find it funny that a podcast had apparently said previous to this that "April is too powerful" SO YOU SOLVE THIS BY GIVING HER SUPERPOWERS? REALLY? You don't even know WHAT to do with her, so you just tack a bunch of things on! That does NOT make a compelling character, it makes a plot device that struggles to stay relevant!

[Also, podcast proclaimed that April and Karai were "enough" female characters for the show. Okay, so if they're going to treat fictional women that badly, I can't imagine them treating real women much better.]

Oh, but I haven't moved on to Michelangelo yet! Let's remedy this. The writers misunderstand Mike's character on a fundamental level -- he's not stupid, he is just laidback and prefers to see the positive or funny side in any event. He is perceptive and naturally gifted, with the flaws of being lazy and unmotivated. He cares for his brothers and knows them well, and they do the same in return. Except wait, none of that is present in this series. We just get a failure of a turtle that exists to be the butt of "lol stupid" jokes, and oh, OH, I almost forgot that THIS Michelangelo had ADHD, doesn't he? Disgusting. The writers are just using it for an "explanation" for his stupidity.

Also, most of Mike's comments aren't even funny, like they were in other incarnations. I think the only time he was written well was that episode when the turtles meet Leatherhead, who I think I'll talk about in a bit since he's my favourite mutant, but more pressing matters demand my attention:

The turtles have a power imbalance in this show. The very first episode establishes Mike and Don as a "B Team" who are inferior to the "A Team" of Leo and Raph. This imbalance never existed in the other canons, so what is the deal here? The whole point is that the four turtles have varying levels of maturity, use different weapons, and have different motivations and personalities but they are all still stand as equals. It's a familial teamwork like no other that I have come to adore over the years. But it's ****ing broken apart in this show for no reason at all aside from a potential creator bias and I hate it.

Raphael and Leonardo have had their characters simplified to a mere collection of tropes. There is a distinct lack of attention paid to 2k12 Raphael and Leonardo, though admittedly it isn't as bad as the other two turtles [or April]. Raph has been reduced to a bully, as the first episode established with him breaking Don's bo right in half because Don dared not to listen to him. What?

Raph's major flaw is his temper and how it gets control over him in ways that are destructive. I can't tell you how many 2k3 episodes elaborated on this, and well! In this show, that flaw is only occasionally present, and doesn't seem to be as big a problem as much as it is a reason or excuse for Raph's bullying behaviour.

Then there's Leonardo, who was given some fascination with this weird TV show for... some... reason. Okay, fine, I can accept that. What I can't accept is his inability to properly lead. I think he was just VOTED leader or something in this show? He didn't properly EARN the position, and outright calls himself a leader as well as clearly aspires to be a good one. This bothers me because it wasn't present in the other series. The original movie never even established Leo as any leader nor did he ever claim to be; he just was because that's how it ended up working out for them. He's a NATURAL leader in that movie. It's a much more believable development.

As I said earlier, Splinter is downright abusive. He doesn't seem to care about the turtles, and his role feels much more like a "Master" than a "father", and he's supposed to be a mix of both. The bond Splinter has with his sons is so powerful in the other canons, but here, it's completely absent. I can't even feel anything positive for this guy. Every other Splinter has a better balance of "teacher" and "father" than this one. What makes Splinter a fun character to begin with is the balance of being a good teacher vs. being a good father and the way these ideals sometimes conflict because they don't always co-exist peacefully. 2k12 Splinter has some moments, but they're quickly overridden by the fact that he outright hurts the turtles, and hardly ever accompanies them anywhere. He's not even as prominent a figure as he was in the other continuities.

And I just wanted to talk about Leatherhead for a moment too, since as I said earlier, he's a personal favourite. The 2k3 version of him, anyway. He broke two stereotypes at once -- he's a menacing beast but has the gentlest of hearts, and he's huge and strong but intellectually gifted. He's like Marvel's Beast, and I love that. [To say nothing of the fact that a muscular anthropomorph wearing glasses and a lab coat is visually appealing to me.] In 2k12, that intelligence was stripped and we're left with a half-tame half-feral crocodilian that kinda acts like an oaf sometimes. It isn't the worst by any means, but I feel like depth was lost when his genius was removed from his character. And depth was CERTAINLY lost when no attempt to elaborate on the cause of his emotional issues with himself was made. 2k3 Leatherhead had a lot of time dedicated to showing the effects traumatic experience had on him, even giving him a believable depiction of PTSD. He had so much to him and this version just doesn't live up, even if he is still a pretty cute character.

I couldn't agree more. No one ever responds when I post a rant like this about Nick! I don't get why die-hard TMNT fans love it; the characters are like Flanderized versions of what they should be. I also don't like the acting like real teenagers! thing if it makes them jerks.

I agree most about Splinter. He is very very cold in this show. Also I hate the A team and B team ******** although it has improved, and the handling of Mike, Raph and Don!

[Cure]

I don't get why die-hard TMNT fans love it

Oh yeah, people having different tastes is soooooo mind boggling.

[Netkeeper]

I couldn't agree more. No one ever responds when I post a rant like this about Nick! I don't get why die-hard TMNT fans love it; the characters are like Flanderized versions of what they should be. I also don't like the acting like real teenagers! thing if it makes them jerks.

I agree most about Splinter. He is very very cold in this show. Also I hate the A team and B team ******** although it has improved, and the handling of Mike, Raph and Don!
Actually, I rather despise how people think some of the other turtles [I see this comment in criticism to 2k3 most] "don't act like real teenagers".

Do any of those people even remember what it's LIKE to be a teenager? The maturity levels can vary greatly, but even the 2k3 turtles have never once came across as "not acting their age" to me. Under the circumstances they were raised, you'd have to grow up pretty quickly. If anything, I think it's the more immature 2k12 turtles that feel less realistic to me.

[Rooish]

Actually, I rather despise how people think some of the other turtles [I see this comment in criticism to 2k3 most] "don't act like real teenagers".

Do any of those people even remember what it's LIKE to be a teenager? The maturity levels can vary greatly, but even the 2k3 turtles have never once came across as "not acting their age" to me. Under the circumstances they were raised, you'd have to grow up pretty quickly. If anything, I think it's the more immature 2k12 turtles that feel less realistic to me.

Very much agreed. I also like how in other versions they are less bullying, less sexist... the sort of guys I hung out with as a teenager.

[Netkeeper]

Very much agreed. I also like how in other versions they are less bullying, less sexist... the sort of guys I hung out with as a teenager.
Yes. These are the type of characters you want in a show marketed toward children. Role models. And they're still very vibrant, interesting characters. The only downside to this is that the more realistic character writing is probably less relatable for said target audience, since the broader, simplistic characterisations present in 2k12 [as well as 87] are easier to grasp.

It seems to be more of a question of "do you want characters kids can relate to so they will buy your toys" or "do you want to tell a better story and make your money off the quality of the show itself"?

[Refractive Reflections]

Netkeeper's post (http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showpost.php?p=1263013&postcount=195)

For me, I felt moderately the same way with the characters (just not with as much intensity ;):lol:) but... I wanted to give the show a benefit of doubt thinking maybe, just maybe, we'll see these characters become more mature as the series progresses, but with the frequent selective plot amnesia this show has, it hampers character growth time and time again. I'm not going to completely slam the door on this series since it's not done, but I've learned to lower my expectations tremendously with this series.

Ah, fair enough.

You can write criticisms of the show, all you have to do is read my history of posts on this Nick Forum as examples. :lol: Just be sure you give good supportive examples and don't personally attack others, saying something like, "Well you're a **** for liking it!", etc.

Actually, I rather despise how people think some of the other turtles [I see this comment in criticism to 2k3 most] "don't act like real teenagers".

Do any of those people even remember what it's LIKE to be a teenager? The maturity levels can vary greatly, but even the 2k3 turtles have never once came across as "not acting their age" to me. Under the circumstances they were raised, you'd have to grow up pretty quickly. If anything, I think it's the more immature 2k12 turtles that feel less realistic to me.

That's why I repeatedly stated that the Nick series should be called "Tweenage Mutant Ninja Turtles". :lol:

[Netkeeper]

That's why I repeatedly stated that the Nick series should be called "Tweenage Mutant Ninja Turtles". :lol:
The series makes so much sense now.

[Rooish]

I'm pretty sure that one episode of this show did pass the Bechdel test... when Karai and April were fighting.

[Shark_Blade]

Still the best toon show in the world atm imo.

[ThatMarvelousGuy]

Best cartoon that is currently playing

[Warhorse]

You can't treat women like man, that's stupid. You treat her as a person acordingly to her personality, pretty much as every other normal human and that's what most of the writers don't get it. Not all women are the same just as not all men are the same.

Edit: i must go on a little rant here. Writers if you want to write a strong female charachter you don't write her like a strong opinionated feminist who doesen't need men and can do all by her self, because equality God damn it! That's shallow and is a ****** way that Hollywood thinks how strong female charachters are, you write her as a fully rounded charachter with her little ticks and personality traits that build the charachter and make it stronger...

Or they could just hire Jane Espenson to help them out a little.

[electric_sheep]

Or they could just hire Jane Espenson to help them out a little.

Who is that?

[CowabungaMikey]

I think it's a great show, and I love it just as much as all the other ones. The special thing about the 2012 Turtles is the first Turtles I really watched en loved, so I will always remember it. I hope we will get a lot more seasons! :tgrin:

[The Big Bad]

I'm pretty sure that one episode of this show did pass the Bechdel test... when Karai and April were fighting.

Two, in that case: the first episode to pass was "The Alien Agenda", with Ms. Campbell and April.

[Warhorse]

Who is that?

She's a known writer for many sci/fi and fantasy shows. She's written for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and many other Joss Whedon TV shows, Games of Thrones, Torchwood, Once Upon a Time and Battlestar Galatica , just to name a few.

[Candy Kappa]

I still find this show much more entertaining the the previous ones, and the animation keeps getting better and better.

Flaws? Sure, but no 4Kids Mikey in sight.

[LH]

And I just wanted to talk about Leatherhead for a moment too, since as I said earlier, he's a personal favourite. The 2k3 version of him, anyway. He broke two stereotypes at once -- he's a menacing beast but has the gentlest of hearts, and he's huge and strong but intellectually gifted. He's like Marvel's Beast, and I love that. [To say nothing of the fact that a muscular anthropomorph wearing glasses and a lab coat is visually appealing to me.] In 2k12, that intelligence was stripped and we're left with a half-tame half-feral crocodilian that kinda acts like an oaf sometimes. It isn't the worst by any means, but I feel like depth was lost when his genius was removed from his character. And depth was CERTAINLY lost when no attempt to elaborate on the cause of his emotional issues with himself was made. 2k3 Leatherhead had a lot of time dedicated to showing the effects traumatic experience had on him, even giving him a believable depiction of PTSD. He had so much to him and this version just doesn't live up, even if he is still a pretty cute character.

The reason he loathes himself when we first meet him is because he feels that he is a danger to others... He said it himself, he is horrified by the results of his episodes. He suffers from PTSD, just as 2k3 Leatherhead did before him... He has spent his entire life being treated like nothing but a dangerous weapon... THAT is why he feels like a monster.

We still have so much more of him to see... He's not an oaf... He's a hero with a heart of gold... and his journey has only just begun.

[Netkeeper]

The reason he loathes himself when we first meet him is because he feels that he is a danger to others... He said it himself, he is horrified by the results of his episodes. He suffers from PTSD, just as 2k3 Leatherhead did before him... He has spent his entire life being treated like nothing but a dangerous weapon... THAT is why he feels like a monster.

We still have so much more of him to see... He's not an oaf... He's a hero with a heart of gold... and his journey has only just begun.
While that is an admirable comment, I doubt we'll get to see much; from the looks of it, seems like recurring characters like him might get one episode a season and that's it.

He suffers from similar emotional issues, but there isn't any elaboration or exploration. The first LH episode just kinda sped things up real quick-like.

[electric_sheep]

And the city, the night life, what nightlife? This is the deadest city ever, does this cartoon take place after the apocalipse?

[Netkeeper]

Yes, I was going to address that in my long post, but charlimit.

New York City has a population of like, 12.

[LH]

While that is an admirable comment, I doubt we'll get to see much; from the looks of it, seems like recurring characters like him might get one episode a season and that's it.

He suffers from similar emotional issues, but there isn't any elaboration or exploration. The first LH episode just kinda sped things up real quick-like.

Peter Lurie has said LH has a big role in season 3... So we can definitely expect to see more of him in the coming season... Leatherhead in Nick is not defined so much by his problems, but by his motivations. He spoke of the terrible experiments that the Kraang performed on him, and that his mission is to spare humanity from the torture he endured. Leatherhead is a noble survivor... He's not dwelling on what happened to him... He's fighting to stop it from happening to everyone else.

[electric_sheep]

Yes, I was going to address that in my long post, but charlimit.

New York City has a population of like, 12.

I hate 3d animation so ****ing much, it limits everything, they are alowed to have only like 1 or two new sets per episode not to speak of charachter models, it's a pathetic way to save money and it needs to die...

[Netkeeper]

Peter Lurie has said LH has a big role in season 3... So we can definitely expect to see more of him in the coming season... Leatherhead in Nick is not defined so much by his problems, but by his motivations. He spoke of the terrible experiments that the Kraang performed on him, and that his mission is to spare humanity from the torture he endured. Leatherhead is a noble survivor... He's not dwelling on what happened to him... He's fighting to stop it from happening to everyone else.
It genuinely surprises me, then, that the writing staff would care about a recurring character like that. I hope his character arc does well, since he's the only 2k12 character I like and I'd like to see him develop and gain some depth.

I still don't think he'll ever be as good as 2k3's Leatherhead though since the ingenuity of his character was what made him so incredibly interesting to me. Well that and he's hot i mean what

I hate 3d animation so ****ing much, it limits everything, they are alowed to have only like 1 or two new sets per episode not to speak of charachter models, it's a pathetic way to save money and it needs to die...
I'm just plain tired of CGI, myself. It's everywhere and I really just like 2D animation much more in most media. But the limitations are also a problem indeed. The setting in 2k12 feels disconnected from the plot since it's SUPPOSED to be a big city yet people are never in the streets, cars are never on the road [and when they are, they're half the size of the turtles' transport vehicle which takes up two lanes or more all on its own] and just... GAH.

[electric_sheep]

It genuinely surprises me, then, that the writing staff would care about a recurring character like that. I hope his character arc does well, since he's the only 2k12 character I like and I'd like to see him develop and gain some depth.

I still don't think he'll ever be as good as 2k3's Leatherhead though since the ingenuity of his character was what made him so incredibly interesting to me. Well that and he's hot i mean what


I'm just plain tired of CGI, myself. It's everywhere and I really just like 2D animation much more in most media. But the limitations are also a problem indeed. The setting in 2k12 feels disconnected from the plot since it's SUPPOSED to be a big city yet people are never in the streets, cars are never on the road [and when they are, they're half the size of the turtles' transport vehicle which takes up two lanes or more all on its own] and just... GAH.
You can never, ever expand the world and create the mood with cg that you can with clasic animation, it's has been around forever, and it worked awesome. You don't need to change it.
Just look at this and tell me that it would have been better in 3d
gDYyAAdtDfk
Or look at the last airbender (Another Nick show) It looks awesome and it's 2d

[LeonardosBlade]

You can never, ever expand the world and create the mood with cg that you can with clasic animation, it's has been around forever, and it worked awesome. You don't need to change it.
Just look at this and tell me that it would have been better in 3d
gDYyAAdtDfk
Or look at the last airbender (Another Nick show) It looks awesome and it's 2d

Your Batman clip that you have included there is all CG and includes 3d CGI sections.

Much like this clip too

dXdOUavz1tg


But I really enjoy the 2k12 show, it can be cheesy at some points, but generally manages a fine balance of the humour and the action. While thats not the case in every single episode, in general it is.

I like the new takes on the characters and look forward to seeing more introduced!

Yes there are limitations with the CG aspect, but much of that had been explained by Ciro, mostly due to budget. But at the end of the day, the program is about the Turtles and not the people milling about their everyday business in the background. The stuff in the background isn't supposed detract from what the Turtles or any other characters are doing, you're just supposed to get a sense of where they are.

[Powder]

Well that and he's hot i mean what


Can you not?

[Metalwolf]

You can never, ever expand the world and create the mood with cg that you can with clasic animation, it's has been around forever, and it worked awesome. You don't need to change it.

Agreed, even though I do like the look of the Nick cartoon. 2d would allow them to 'fill up' New York and makes it less, uh empty looking. I've been to New York City and it is very filled with people on the main streets (I don't know if the side streets are as much though.) I'm guessing they think that kids would be bored with the 'old' 2d look or something, even though kids still get excited for cartoons made the traditional way. :ohwell:

[Shark_Blade]

Arguable. I personally prefer 3D/cgi now, 2D is with its problms too, i.e. lacking in a lot of things. Some tiny and intricate details are always left out from being drawn. Even when the camera zooms in and out, a lot of details were lost, but that's drawn art animation for you.

2D is obsolete and dying out anyway, no one makes 2D animated films anymore - not even Disney.

I wonder if Nick starts making Spongebob in 3D..

[Technogeek29]

Arguable. I personally prefer 3D/cgi now, 2D is with its problms too, i.e. lacking in a lot of things. Some tiny and intricate details are always left out from being drawn. Even when the camera zooms in and out, a lot of details were lost, but that's drawn art animation for you.

2D is obsolete and dying out anyway, no one makes 2D animated films anymore - not even Disney.

I wonder if Nick starts making Spongebob in 3D..

Depends if anyone wants to put that level of detail into small background things. Off the top of my head Adventure time is a show that pputs aot of effort into small unimportant details. But you aren't wrong not many 2D shows do that :/

[electric_sheep]

Depends if anyone wants to put that level of detail into small background things. Off the top of my head Adventure time is a show that pputs aot of effort into small unimportant details. But you aren't wrong not many 2D shows do that :/

This is Nick, they had some amazing animation before. Legend of Korra anybody? Yeah main charachter sucked and story wasn't that thought out but animation was amazing, to be fair it's best when cg and 2d work together...

[BabyTurtles]

Arguable. I personally prefer 3D/cgi now, 2D is with its problms too, i.e. lacking in a lot of things. Some tiny and intricate details are always left out from being drawn. Even when the camera zooms in and out, a lot of details were lost, but that's drawn art animation for you.

2D is obsolete and dying out anyway, no one makes 2D animated films anymore - not even Disney.

I wonder if Nick starts making Spongebob in 3D..

I hope 2D won't die.....then we won't have awesome animation like Young Justice/Avatar/even Adventure time is cute.

2D is so full of life and you can create huge areas with millions of characters with ease.

[Lameonardo]

I certainly haven't enjoyed season two as much as the first one. I haven't lost interest completely yet, but I'm getting there. The last few episodes have been some of the worst ones; 'Mazes and Mutants' and 'Pizza Face' being particularly awful. It seems to be heading into somewhat of a slump with mediocre storylines, though I hope it picks up again in an episode or two.

As it stands, I can see myself not bothering to follow season three when it airs, and only occasionally going back to the series to watch a few eps when bored, like I've been doing with the OT.

[ssjup81]

Hello everyone. Well, I gave in after, what, two years? lol I finally gave in and decided to watch the series a couple of days ago and finished watching all of season 1 today. I like it for the most part, but I do have some gripes, I'll admit, but I'll start off with what I liked first and this post is going to be get pretty lengthy so I apologize in advance.

I liked the Kraang for some reason. I like their speech patterns. I'm just weird, I suppose. I also like the fact that it feels like for the series they're obviously paying homage to previous incarnations. I can't really see connections to the 2k3 series, seeing as how I didn't watch it and couldn't get into it, but I can as far as the OT, Mirage comics, and Archie comics are concerned. I really like that.

As for the art style...well, I've never been a fan of full cgi animation. I'm still a fan of hand-drawn animation, but I guess this is slightly growing on me. I like how each turtle is designed differently. If they all wore the same mask, you'd be able to tell them apart, and having Donny as the tallest is just like the Mirage comics, iirc. I also like their eye colors for some reason, and their facial expressions, like Raph's when he's panicky. Don't know why. I like the freckles Mikey has.

The voice acting, also very nice and suitable...especially Greg Cipes as Mikey, but sometimes it can get slightly annoying, or either I'm hearing "Beast Boy" from Teen Titans. In the Leatherhead episode, I think it was, or either another ep, Mikey said, "Wakey Wakey, Eggs and Bakey". I was like, "Hey! He used that line as BB in Teen Titans! 'Wakey Wakey, tofu eggs and bakey'." I'm pretty sure he said this in the ep "Nevermore" to Raven which was one of my all-time favorite TT eps. But, overall, Greg Cipes has that youthful voice, so I do really feel that it suits him, especially since Mikey comes across as so young.

I like Karai's backstory for this incarnation, although I don't care for her character design, but I digress. I just like the fact that she can think on her own, meaning, she doesn't always give into Shredder and actually stand up to him and questions him. Of course all I have to go by is the 2k7 movie and the comics for comparison. Oh, I also liked her interactions with Leonardo. For some reason, this didn't bother me or Leo possibly having a crush on her. I guess it's because it's so much subtler in comparison to Donny and April, but I'll get into that later. That aside, since I haven't seen any of season 2 yet, I can only hope that the reveal of Shredder not being her biological father and how he was the one to kill Ten Sheng and of Hamato Yoshi really being her father will be interesting.

Hm, oh I like the fighting styles and the fight scenes. Those are really nice and I really love Mikey's fighting style! I like his best out of the four. I love his Kusarigama and how he switches so fast between it and his nunchucks.
I enjoy the humor of the show, and seriously, I love that Space Hero show or whatever it's called. I always find myself laughing at the absurdity of it. A captain that goes around slapping is just funny to me. I've also been a fan of ironic, sarcastic humor (hence my liking of Raph in the OT series). I feel there's a decent balance between the drama and the humor. j

Oh, I also like the fact that Raph is the tough one, but he obviously has that softside, like how there were times so far where he reacted to Mikey's being harmed. Then there's his pet turtle as well. It almost reminds of how in the Mirage comic, he had a teddy bear and slept with that, whereas in the OT series, he slept while holding his sai. That aside, I hope they can kind of get into the issue of why he's angry and if they do, I kinda hope they go the Archie route. For that, imo, he seemed cynical and stuff because he fully realized the reality of their situation and how no one would ever fully understand them and how no matter what, they'll always technically be alone in a world where they'll always be shunned. Oh well. Who knows....

Oh! I like the Rat King! At least there's more to him this time as opposed to the OT/Archie Rat King! That's the only thing I hated about the character for that series. There was nothing to him. He was just a crazy dude who liked Rats and had a hardon for Splinter. *shudders*

Leatherhead's background was nice too for this one and I love how Mikey could calm him. I love this side of Mikey, always have. At least for that ep Mikey felt in-character.

Okay, enough of that....time for the nitpicks. I'll start with....hm...Shredder.

So far....I'm not really feeling him. He's bothersome to me. His revenge on Hamato Yoshi just feels so pathetic. In this regard, I really really wish they would've partially gone the Mirage route. Yoshi killing Nagi and then Saki going after Yoshi to avenge his brother ruining their friendship. I find his obsession with Yoshi to be bland and short-sighted. His working with the Kraang didn't bother me, though...partially. If his reasons for wanting Splinter would've been for revenge, I wouldn't have minded but acting butt-hurt because of a woman didn't like you? I will alway forever see that as being petty. I was more invested in the OT's Shredder's motives against Splinter than this one. At least OT Shredder (in my head-canon) probably wanted Yoshi out of the way just in case he did find a way to return and retake his place in the clan and prove that Saki had set him up.Next....Baxter Stockman so far. My gosh he's an annoying character. He just feels so pointless and I base this all on his debut episode. I just can't get into his character at all. I hear he'll get mutated into a fly like the OT Baxter did. Back then....it seemed suiting. It was paying homage to the recent remake of The Fly. Seems kind of pointless and out-of-date now, unless it is just a homage to the OT like having the four OT turtles in the show (I haven't seen it yet).

The Pulverizer. This was an extemely annoying character. No other words are needed, are there? Seriously, people complained about Zack of the OT series being annoying. As a kid, I never felt that he was. He at least listened to the Turtles most of the time. Even when revisiting the series as an adult, I still didn't find him annoying. The Pulverizer on the other hand....I'm so glad he's gone...but I hear he's going to become this series' Mutagen Man.

April... The main reason I avoided this series for so long was because of her. When I found out they were making her a teen, I really really was against it. I didn't want her as a peer of the turtles. I wanted her to have that "mother-figure" role. I was worried that if she was a peer to them, that they'd try to romantically link or pair her up with one of the turtles. Unfortunately, this happened from the get-go, but I'll get into that later. I hate the fact that there really is nothing to April's character. She is nothing but a plot device. Given that she's a teen, seems there should be more to her personality as opposed to her being pursued by the Kraang and stuff. What does she do in her spare time? She mentioned having friends. Who are they, where are they? When she was forced to stay in the lair, how did she take to that? At least in the other incarnations we did get a glimpse of that. Does she have extra-curriculur activities? Seriously, there's just nothing about her character that makes me care about what happens to her. She's just so boring. Do they ever mention what happened to her mother since she caught Karai offguard with that tidbit of information?

Oh, another nitpick. She doesn't seem as close with the turtles like in previous incarnations. In the other incarnations (I've been exposed to) they seem like family, ya know? Here, "get my father back" and "I want to be a ninja" and "I can hear things".

[ssjup81]

Splinter...I love how he trains the turtles and tried to share his wisdom, but there's still something about him that just feels off. I hate the fact that he comes across as grumpy. I honestly couldn't imagine any other incarnation of him acting in such a way. I like his wise old (young) sage persona...he just..doesn't give that off here. Wise, yes, patient, no. I don't like angry Splinter.
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.

As for Leo and Raph, I like those two okay. No real qualms with them. I do like the fact that Leo is learning how to be a good leader as opposed to show just jumping in and having him as the leader, although I found Splinter's reason for choosing Leo funny (but unnecessary). I was hoping he would've said he sensed something in him, etc. I also like how more lighthearted he can be compared to some of his past interpretations. I also love Jason's voicing of him.
So....that's about all I can think of to say of the 2k12 series so far. It's not bad so far and I look forward to more.

[saintsaucey]

Flashback to 2009. The rights to the turtles were sold to Nickelodeon, and we were all in shock. We didn't know how to feel...how would they handle the turtles? Will they do them justice? Why sell the franchise in the first place? All of our questions would soon be answered. Up until September 2012, Nickelodeon teased us with the new series. We saw a piece of production art, heard about details/voice actors, saw bits and pieces of the turtles' final designs...and then finally a trailer. After the trailer was nothing but speculation, this is when I joined the Technodrome, during all the excitement. Then on September 29th, 2012, the one hour season premiere aired on Nickelodeon...

Now, it's been an entire year and five months since the premiere of the show, and we've seen the entire first season, some of the second, COUNTLESS toys and other merchandise, and plenty of new fans, young and old. Now, after all this time...how do you feel about the series, how have your thoughts changed...have they stayed the same? Have you gotten used to the new designs (three toes! tooth gap!)?

I for one absolutely LOVE the new series...it's my favorite out of all the animated series' for TMNT. It's got references to many other parts of the franchise and is heavily inspired by them while still being it's own thing. I love the animation, all of the throwbacks/references, voice acting and characters. I hope the show has a good, long run...and it most likely will. Older fans aren't the only ones watching this. This show is extremely popular with kids! The toys are selling like hot cakes and are usually hard to find (the new ones, anyway), and the TMNT aisle is always packed with kids. I've seen kids wearing TMNT t shirts at the store, and at Mcdonald's I saw kids going CRAZY for the Happy Meal toys...it's very popular, almost as much as the OT was. Not quite, but I believe it could get there, maybe even surpass it. It's clear that this show wasn't just made for the money, the people working on this care about the brand and seem like they're fans themselves.

So, how do you feel about the Nickelodeon series?

It's a must watch for me. Best cartoon on tv right now.

I never watched the 2003 series though I had some of the toys. I remember the original series but wasn't allowed to watch it because of being a spaz and copying what I saw on tv. I did see the movies when I was in high school and I bought the prequal comics for the 2005 ish movie and saw it on dvd. When I first saw the figures/animation style for this show I thought hell no. But I saw the pilot episode and fell in love.

The musical opening plus the first sparring session between the turtles in the pilot was great. I loved that Raph won but leo was made leader. The constant gags ofmikey naming everything never gets old. I love the characturization of Splinter. I own all the dvds and about 75 percent of the figures.

[rickwj324]

It's a must watch for me. Best cartoon on tv right now.

Agreed! I'm 44 and don't miss an episode! My 5 year old is now crazy for all-things turtles because of me and one of the first words my baby said was "turtle"!! He's 21 months now and walks around saying Turtle... Hee Yaa! It's awesome!! :P

My wife even loves the show and she's not the type to watch cartoons really.