TMNT Season 3 Best Episode Tournament Round 3: Match 1 + "Last Chance Tiebreaker"

[JTH]

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ROUND 3

Well, welcome to Round 3 of the TMNT Best Episode Tournament, but this is a bit different than most times I've introduced a new round. This is a first that we're about to do here. So read closely to what is going to happen in this thread.

As everyone that checks these polls has probably seen, we can't seem to figure out which is the better episode between Battle For New York/Casey Jones v. The Underworld, so we're going to try one last time, and when I say one last time, I mean it. This is a first here, a "Last Chance Tiebreaker". This is a bit unique since we're now into Round 3 so now Round 3 rules will apply for this Round 2 match. This is now going to be a 7 day poll and will be a public poll, so now we're going to see who everyone is voting for in this Tiebreaker.

But this is the twist, if we can't determine a winner after this poll, niether will advance. So it's all or nothing, one goes or both don't.

Note: I also noticed this in the last poll, This are two sperate matches, so be sure to vote for either Annihilation/Pig & Rhino, and then vote for either Battle/Casey Jones vs., I'd hate for someone's votes to not mean anything because they picked two in the same match. So be sure to remember that.

So with that said, the regular set match is 1 vs. 8, along with our 6 vs. 11 Last Chance Match. Let's see what happens.

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Round 3 Polls will last 7 days and will be public polls.

Note: Round 3 Matches will begin on Tuesdays. Going to keep it uniform, so always be tuned in this time each Tuesday.

To check out the complete up to date bracket, the link is here:
http://www.bracketmaker.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=460628&tclass=TMNT%20Season%203%20Best%20Episode

Now with that said and done, it's time to take a look at the rare "Tales of the Turtle Tape"!

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Official Seed: #1
Where JTH seeded this episode: #2
Total Points Received: 187
Official IGN Review: 9.7/10
Current TV.com Rating: 9.4/10
Highest Rating Episode Received: #1 (Everyone but me)
How did it get here?: Defeated Clash of the Mutanimals in Round 2

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Official Seed: #8
Where JTH seeded this episode: #13
Total Points Received: 56
Official IGN Review: 8.5/10
Current TV.com Rating: 9.4/10
Highest Rating Episode Received: #4 (ToTheNines)
How did it get here?: Defeated The Fourfold Trap in Round 2

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Official Seed: #6
Where JTH seeded this episode: #7
Total Points Received: 85
Official IGN Review: 8.8/10
Current TV.com Rating: 9.8/10
Highest Rating Episode Received: #4 (cookie jar)
How did it get here?: Recieved Bye

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Official Seed: #11
Where JTH seeded this episode: #21
Total Points Received: 40
Official IGN Review: 8.6/10
Current TV.com Rating: 9.4/10
Highest Rating Episode Received: #2 (GoldMutant)
How did it get here?: Defeated Race with The Demon in Round 1

- Winner of Annihilation/Pig & Rhino faces winner of #4 Vision Quest/#5 Dinosaurs Seen in Sewers! in Final Four

- Winner of "Last Chance Tiebreaker" faces #3 Return to New York in Round 3


Which episodes win in your mind, vote away. Remember...HAVE FUN!!! :D

[GoldMutant]

(sigh) I really hate to keep quoting it, but I'm doing it for the last time. My thoughts on the tiebreaker remain the same:

I'm going to have to be honest on Battle for New York, it's entirely a missed potential hour long special, moreso than Showdown back in season 1; it's quite possibly the weakest of all the specials thus far and pales in comparison to Annihilation Earth! later in the season.

So on paper, there's some very good potential ideas, among the most noticeable is the introduction to the Mighty Mutanimals for the first time on television, consisting of Slash, Dr. Tyler Rockwell (who has Tom Kenny voicing him now), the now alive Leatherhead and Pigeon Pete. In addition, we get the return to form of concluding the Krang arc, tensions with Leo and Slash, the raid in Dimension X, etc. I won't deny the story it wants to tell, but there are several glaring issues in this episode.

For starters, it's the Mutanimals themselves. Barring the recent comic book origin to tie strings together, what exactly causes them to join forces in the show alone? By this point, Slash and Leatherhead went MIA with the former going wherever after season 2 and LH presumed dead in The Invasion. As for Rockwell and Pete, they feel randomly thrown and beyond brief dialogue explaining the joining under Kurtzman, there's no clue on how these guys formed especially with how they ended up where they are. Furthermore, why is it Leo is the only Turtle to despise Slash; shouldn't Mikey and Donnie have animosity towards Slash after being nearly beaten to death, especially Don? The characters aren't exactly clear in continuity interaction wise; without references to the Kraang back in season 2 Metalhead Rewired and The Invasion it entirely feels like a mashup outside putting LH and Slash in due to being on the Mutanimals in the past.

Outside the main plot, why did Mikey screw with the retromutagen; though later proven in Creeping Doom with his memory, it feels too much like a deus ex at this point. I can't tolerate Mikey's character changing on a weekly basis in the show, and though a great moment it's also one of the worst. Outside no sense of the mutagen set from the previous episode with Karai, Bebop and Rocksteady, why did Mikey think this was a good idea? I thought Michelangelo was a caring individual towards all and would want to save New York, not endanger all citizens from his idiocy.

Of all the main problems with this episode though, I personally feel is there was no buildup to set this event in stone and the rushed story doomed this episode. Beyond Buried Secrets with the Kraang and brief appearances in Serpent Hunt and Return to New York, it feels like the entire "New York in peril" plot established vanished. A little more time should have been given to set up the stakes, whether it be a Mighty Mutanimals origin or a "meanwhile in NY..... setting." Lastly, considering this is an hour long special, this felt especially rushed, which compared to a simple 30 minute episode makes no sense. Without any sort of idea of what happens outside the basics of "Save the city", Battle for New York feels like a rushed production relying on fans to watch from the beginning to get any involvement, ultimately undermining the entire drive of plot.

I won't undermine the positives though. After all, who doesn't love Gilbert Gottfried appearing? :) The scenery of Dimension X is just as crisp from season 2 and the epicness is where it succeeds with suspense in conflict. However, it doesn't make up for a lack of substance nor buildup which this needed; as a result it feels the entire story rushed. If it were a 30 minute episode I understand, but not an hour long arc.

I know people might be curious why I put Casey Jones vs the Underworld as my second favorite episode of the season; beyond it being a personal favorite, I nearly feel it contributes more to the story over the hour long episode before it. As the Kraang had almost no influence on the season outside the Triceratons at the very end and me being a sucker for gang war, Shredder's more of the primary focus with Karai and eventually the mind control arc, even with that arc of mixed reception at best.

Where I feel this episode succeeds is in addition to continuation, giving Casey some limelight and the introduction of Bruce L...... I mean Hun (:lol:), the biggest strength is it setting up future events. It might not be on an epic scale, but it does play a little low with raising the stakes for future exploration down the line; the dynamic of Casey and Raph also gets a little more usage sorely lacking. Finally, who doesn't love references to the 1990 live action movie ("The class is pain 101, your instructor is Casey Jones."). I guess what I'm saying is the episode's handling playing up Casey as over his head, but succeeds as the rogue vigilante he's known for in the franchise. Ultimately, it handles itself quite well on previous characters with motive and characterization, something Battle sorely lacked.

Then again, the episode is still flawed. Common complaints often stem from the animation of Shredder riding a motorcycle in addition to Casey being extremely over the line. Now the motorcycle I will admit is silly on Shredder (you want a limo instead? :P) but Casey has proven to handle himself; he might not be a skilled warrior like the Turtles or April, but he does show a strategy side. He didn't entirely win as he merely got a surprise attack against Shredder, a cheap shot against Tiger Claw and merely beating Rahzar and Xever in a simple hit.

Granted though, Casey fighting underhand does offer the possibility of his own style; if he defeated Shredder then yes that's Gary Stu type writing, nearly in an identical manner to April's powers. However, the surprise shot does offer Casey playing wise something that yet to have been utilized due to the continuous triangle he's often involved in for the show and very rarely gets to shine. Simply put, he'd get his butt kicked still but like Batman, Casey planned because he knew he was screwed (until the Turtles arrived).

Tl; dr: The glaring aspects in Battle for New York plot wise and from a lack of build up make it a severe disappointment among the hour long episodes compared to the surprises from Casey vs the Underworld. Due to this, I place my vote towards the latter.

Now that we got that out of the way, time to discuss this actual matchup now. It's obvious that Annihilation: Earth is going to win due to its popularity, but might as well address my thoughts anyways because at this point, my stance on the episode has changed. However, I might as well start off with the underdog in the match, The Pig and the Rhino.

Continuing the neverending Karai arc of the season/series, the mutated Steranko and Anton Zeck are once again tasked to hunt Karai, but actually target the Turtles instead in an act of vengeance for their mutation from the previous Serpent Hunt. With some hilarious antics by Zeck fighting Donatello and April and brutality from Steranko against Raphael and Casey, it leaves Michelangelo and Leonardo to locate the declining Karai in Coney Island (referencing the "comet" last episode too). Simply all that occurs is Mikey distracts the duo and fails somewhat, captive heroes free, big fight scene, Karai can't be demutated, and the newly named Bebop and Rocksteady capture Karai for Shredder after escaping their loss.

With that said, it's a simple continuation of the previous episode implied by their horrific mutations; compared to Serpent Hunt which I personally think has the perfect balance of drama, action, and comedy, this episode amplifies the action to a degree. The Coney Island fight on the rollar coaster between the Turtles (sans Don) and Rocksteady is among the best fights the show has done. It's intense and makes Steranko extremely threatening in mutant form (despite losing brain cells though. :lol:) while also knowing the Turtles are forced to use stealth to defeat him. Unlike previous fights, the Turtles are heavily outmatched and are forced to adapt and use the environment to defeat their enemy; in Rocksteady's case, it's manipulating him through Raph and Leo to save Mikey and then shocking him through hitting the Russian rhino with the rollar coaster's cart. Zeck gets some fun as well too with his antics being a lot less annoying than his last two appearances, especially with his "kindness to a lady" in the funhouse, spoiling his location twice, and of course I am not going to be called Bebop! That is the dumbest name ever!

(continued in second post)

[GoldMutant]

(continuing from first post due to length)

Although not as comedic as Serpent Hunt either, it makes up for it in intensity. Despite the predictable outcome of failed retromutagen on Karai, the episode is extremely intense with the outmatched six fighting two previous enemies, who were once destructive before mutating. However, it has it's moments, especially showing the knucklehead duo's awareness of retromutagen being of help to them and a weapon against the Turtles. Besides, who didn't get a guilty smile out of "Time for the Next Mutation!" :P

I am aware though the episode has problems, specifically it is the sudden transformation of Steranko and Zeck used to their mutant bodies, which I understand as it is a personal gripe as well. In addition, though I'm aware Shredder is a tough nut to defeat, but to compare it to last episode again, how the shell does Shredder stand up to these new mutants? That, and the unfortunate ending of Karai being Shredder's pawn again. :ohwell: Although the writing is far from horrible and the action makes up for everything, The Pig and the Rhino was a decent episode; however I do believe this should have waited until after the Kraang were defeated in Battle for New York.

And now for the episode everyone knows is the best episode of the season, the season finale Annihilation: Earth, an episode serving as continuation of Raphael being foolish with the Triceraton Zog last time. Due to what Zog did in Dinosaurs Seen in Sewers!, the Triceratons are altered of the Kraang's return; as revenge for their homeworld's destruction it only makes sense to destroy Earth. Bringing in the remaining Mighty Mutanimals, primarily Leatherhead to stop the Technodrome yet again (:roll:), the Triceratons annihilate the damn thing alongside Sub-Prime (who survives again oddly) and Kraang Prime. Following this, the Turtles must battle the Triceraton Empire (led by Mozar, voiced by Trekian Micheal Dorn) after Mikey accidentally is kidnapped and prevent the destruction of the planet.

Along the way, Mondo Gecko and Muckman return to the fray and we're introduced to a new version of Bishop (I'll get to him in a moment) plus an uneasy alliance with the Foot. Unfortunately, the Triceratons are able to fight back on Earth against the heroes, even taking down the Mutanimals. Following an acid trip with the Turtles' attempt at saving Mikey and Leo being badass, the alliance fails. As evident in Vicky's signature, the alliance stems from Shredder's treachery by literally stabbing Splinter in the back; after a beautifully timed moment of Splinter's demise, everyone dies. Well, except for our main quartet as well as Casey and April, who are saved by Fugitoid; whether everything is restored remains to be seen.

So, a great amount of content is present in this episode and I can see why it's the favorite episode of the season, refusing to hold back anything. After all of season 3 was primarily either hit or miss, the finale blows everything out of the water with the atmosphere and drama. However, with the hype of the episode died out now, I honestly feel while an amazing episode, it does feel extremely overrated. In essence, it feels like a carbon copy of The Invasion, the season 2 finale with the Triceratons as the focal point, being extremely predictable. Essentially, I don't feel it's the best episode anymore of the season as a majority of ideas aren't fully developed; nowhere near as bad as Battle for New York personally, but missed opportunities either way.

I did mention Bishop earlier, but time to bring him up; the popular tragic villain of the 2003 series is reduced to a Norman bot wearing sunglasses who is an Utrom in this version (cool chess reference though. :)). The only purpose Bishop served this episode was not only for another new Utrom/Kraang to be introduced in a finale, but to set up the episode and plays barely a role outside detailing the origins of the Triceratons vs. Kraang. It's a sincere disappointment to waste such a fan favorite character to just context telling for the audience; also doesn't help Nolan North also voices Bishop like every Kraang here. I will acknowledge it does give the audience more to invest into watching, but the character I personally feel should have done more.

Next up is the Technodrome invasion; the premise of the previous season finales is completely repetitious by this point after it was defeated in season 1 and caused destruction in season 2. Although it can be argued that it was set up for the Triceratons to demonstrate their dominance, I honestly feel it went by too fast and the Kraang's return is ultimately a waste of time. I do wonder what would have happened had they attacked humans more, but a personal gripe nonetheless despite the sky fight's fun factor.

Lastly, I brought this up before but I honestly didn't like the handling of Splinter's death. The alliance felt extremely rushed; even Mondo and Muckman's inclusions weren't specified either, exactly like the formation of the Mighty Mutanimals midseason. Given we don't have any opportunities to see how this alliance, it feels extremely forced despite being Shredder's character and motivation. Despite the significance of a main character killed on screen, it feels like shock value to say "Guys, we're going to do this." As a result, the whole event I don't feel attached to at all as the whole world blows up is followed up by Casey's idiotic line at the end. While done to make this the hardest of all the season finales the Turtles suffer in, Splinter doing nearly nothing this season undermines his death somewhat. If more time was dedicated to the alliance, then the death I'd see as well done even with the time ticking down to 0.

Outside my issues, it was well done as a finale. The fights were fantastic, the filler rewarded watchers of the season, there's drama and even a crazy Mikey moment that we all can giggle at. Beyond these aspects, I do feel it's around the middle for the hour specials due to being a carbon copy with identical actions, except more destructive and the Triceratons dominating the screen.

Although the episode is a powerful end to the season, I ultimately feel being a carbon copy of previous finales, it's not too special. Annihilation: Earth does remain a well done episode, but the concepts were not entirely well accomplished either for shock value or elements of disappointment in handling. I'm well aware the episode will win against Pig and the Rhino, but I did want to evaluate it either way compared to before where I passed it off on my first watch. I'm giving my vote to the latter and Casey vs the Underworld (it's obvious I like the episode, right? :P), although I have a feeling the midseason and season finales may triumph their competition.

Tl; dr: While a great episode, Annihilation: Earth having too many similarities to previous finales makes my vote go to The Pig and the Rhino.