Does anyone here still enjoy the 80s series?

[TurtleGuy]

I ask because it seems that every time a thread involving the 80s series opens, there's always those guys who come in and say how much it sucked and that people need to take of their nostalgia goggles and see the show for the trash it truly is. I know there's a difference in opinions and a forum would be boring if everyone just agreed with everything but they keep doing this.

Every. Single. Time.

But enough of that rant. I just want to know is there anyone else on this forum who still at least likes this show?

I don't really care if the show doesn't have overdrawn overarching plots, character development, or focuses on humor. And I know that the other shows are "superior" in storytelling and action, but sometimes I just want to watch a fun show. That's it.

[lonewarrior20]

yes. yes sir i like it.

[plastroncafe]

I enjoy my memories of it, which is why I choose not to rewatch it.

[TMNTooze]

I bought the entire collection DVD set and like watching them. Reminds me of my childhood. I watched a few of the seasons with my kids but they do like the new TMNT cartoon better. Cant say I blame them since this is their time for turtles and cartoons look so high def. I will always like the originals and the new cartoon too.

[CyberCubed]

This forum is filled with people who like the cartoon, that much has always been obvious. Its just always the people who dislike it that tend to be the loudest.

I enjoy my memories of it, which is why I choose not to rewatch it.

This is rather bizarre. Usually for shows/movies I haven't watched in ages I would want to rewatch them to see if my memories of them still hold up, or if I still like it.

[Powder]

Yeah, the hate is just a vocal minority. & even many of us who nitpick or resent it still like/love it, just not necessarily the effect it has had on the franchise.

[CyberCubed]

To be fair I actually see dislike for all 3 cartoons almost equally. There are plenty of bashers of the Nick cartoon, and I always see people say they "couldn't get into" the 2k3 series.

Weird, because I love all 3 for different reasons.

[Zage]

I still like the original series, just watched the two Lotus Blossom episodes, earlier. :D

[Chabrendeki]

I loved the Fred Wolf cartoon as a kid very much - it was definitely my favourite show.

Now, with my re-found Turtle-fandom, my connection to it failed... yet. But I'm still trying.

But even I don't make it, you will never see me as a hater of it, that's a promise. :tcool:

[FredWolfLeonardo]

Never grew up but heard about it after being introduced to the 2k12 series via a friend who grew up with it.

Watched it and loved it all the way through even though i was expecting it to be lame. The first episode I ever watched was Splinter Vanishes

My favourite version of turtles is a tie between the Fred Wolf cartoon and the current Nickelodeon series.

[ssjup81]

I still like the OT. Ironically, today I was decked out in OT gear. OT hoodie, t-shirt, and wallet. Unfortunately, I haven't any OT skirts. :-P

[Prowler]

Yeah, the hate is just a vocal minority. & even many of us who nitpick or resent it still like/love it, just not necessarily the effect it has had on the franchise.
Pretty much this.

However, I do not enjoy it as much as I did back when I was a kid/teenager. I'm sure that having re-watched it several times in the past doesn't help either, but it's not the best TMNT version around.

I think a lot of Mirage fans are also a bit tired of all the latest nostalgia pandering of this series. Plus, Michael Bay's films seem like a pretty bad parody of the FW series. Back in the 2k3 series days, you didn't see FW related stuff everywhere, and the show didn't really have many throw backs to it, all thanks to Peter Laird, who wasn't big on the FW series, calling the shots. So I'd wager that there was stronger nostalgia for the FW series back then and also hope that the franchise would have moved past it eventually. But no. Almost 30 years later, the FW series still seems to be considered the standard by the general audience, and that upsets Turtles who are into many versions of the franchise, especially the Mirage ones, and understandably so.

So yeah, I like the FW series and many of its characters as much as the next guy, but I don't think it deserves all the attention it does nowadays after all these years. Let the franchise move on and get something to replace it as the standard.

[DarkFell]

I still do like the OT. It is interesting to note that I find the series even more enjoyable as an adult than I did as a child.

I lost interest in the show in my teenage years, forgot about the cartoon some years later ...and went back to watching it again.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Watched it and loved it all the way through even though i was expecting it to be lame. The first episode I ever watched was Splinter Vanishes

One of the best during season 4.

[thundermaster612]

I enjoyed the 80s series and still do, the 2k3 series may have been my first exposure to TMNT but it wasn't long after that I found out about the old toon and started watching it.

Sadly in those days it was almost impossible to find episodes of the old series...

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I enjoyed the 80s series and still do, the 2k3 series may have been my first exposure to TMNT but it wasn't long after that I found out about the old toon and started watching it.

Sadly in those days it was almost impossible to find episodes of the old series...

I recall wanting to rewatch more than just my old videotapes back in late-2003 and early-2004, also having problems to find more episodes using the Internet. Today it's just search the Internet and it's there within the very next moment.

[thundermaster612]

I recall wanting to rewatch more than just my old videotapes back in late-2003 and early-2004, also having problems to find more episodes using the Internet. Today it's just search the Internet and it's there within the very next moment.

Yeah, but to be honest I kind of enjoyed doing all that scrounging and searching on the deep web. It helped make me the tech guy I am today

[Powder]

You said you were 14.

[Luzmagica]

Another turtles all times lover here! Of course you can count me between people that love 80 OT :tgrin:

[TigerClaw]

To be fair I actually see dislike for all 3 cartoons almost equally. There are plenty of bashers of the Nick cartoon, and I always see people say they "couldn't get into" the 2k3 series.

Weird, because I love all 3 for different reasons.
The ones who dislike them would be those who prefer the mirage comic, the 2k3 series was close to that, but they still dislike it for how it handled the shredder.

There's a vocal minority that like the comics more then the shows.

[Etsyturtle2]

i just enjoy the first three episodes and the theme song, but can't stand when someone else tries to emulate it and fails miserabley. (coughcoughnickelodeoncough)

[mikey22]

the old show had- great audio- great voice cast.



had they kept season 1s story going better with more mutated punks... more on shredder trying to create another retromtuagen gun.... where krang actually came from.


and more importanly mikey using his chucks as well as season 1s japanese anime for animation it woulda been better to watch now

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

had they kept season 1s story going better with more mutated punks... more on shredder trying to create another retromtuagen gun.... where krang actually came from.

Shredder mutated more punks from Bebop's and Rocksteady's gang during late-season 1 (probably far away from all of them, since some appeared as humans in later episodes).

[Aaronardo]

I talk a lot of sh*t about it, but I still find a lot of enjoyment in it. I grew up on the DVDs of the show as they were being released, and they were pretty much my introduction to TMNT. Transdimensional Turtles on the Nick show gave me a reason to watch some of the 80s show again, and I was reminded on just how legitimately humorous it is. Super Rocksteady and Mighty Bebop in particular is just comedy gold.

[Wesley]

I still like the OT. It's not as good as I remembered it as a kid, but nearly half of the episodes are still fun to watch. I rewatched some of the series recently and I actually enjoyed some episodes more as an adult, as a lot of the humour went over my head as a kid. It's not one of the best shows out there and parts of it haven't aged well, but it's alright in small doses.

[cammy85]

Sadly, with the different tone for each season and certain episodes, I spend more time deciding and less watching. Knowing that I would blow through Seasons 1, 7 (Saturday episodes), 8 and 10 if given the chance.

[ToTheNines]

I still love it, especially season 3.

I actually just watched Leonardo Versus Tempestra last night.

[plastroncafe]

This is rather bizarre. Usually for shows/movies I haven't watched in ages I would want to rewatch them to see if my memories of them still hold up, or if I still like it.

It's almost like we're completely different people.
Weird.

[ProactiveMan]

I enjoy it, and I'm willing to admit that nostalgia plays a role, but I think nostalgia has gotten a bad wrap lately. Besides, people who tell you to 'take your nostalgia goggles off' are usually just trying to convince you that your love of something is invalid because it's subjective, without being self aware enough to realise that they dislike it for equally subjective reasons.

[Unworthy tinker]

I like it. It's my least favorite of the cartoons, but that's not to say it's actually "bad". Were there flaws? Yes, very, very many. The continuity may be all over the place, but it can totally be fun to watch. Sometimes you just need a laugh.
And I know this isn't nostalgia talking, because I didn't really grow up watching it. Sure, I saw a few episodes when I was like, five, but that's it. Heck, I just got finished watching it last Thursday.

[Andrew NDB]

But enough of that rant. I just want to know is there anyone else on this forum who still at least likes this show?

Pretty much everyone of The Powers That Be at Nickelodeon really, really, really love the 80s show. And since they're the gatekeepers of TMNT now, that's all that really matters.

Unfortunately.

[neatoman]

Pretty much everyone of The Powers That Be at Nickelodeon really, really, really love the 80s show. And since they're the gatekeepers of TMNT now, that's all that really matters.

Unfortunately.

If you're talking about the crew of the current cartoon then that's a maybe, if you're talking about the executives of Viacom I doubt they "really, really, really love the 80s show". It's more likely they just view TMNT as a money making asset and that (for the time being) instruct the people making new material to emulate what is (in their mind) the most successful version.

Not that it's very comforting either way, it's just that I don't think the gatekeepers really care about the property beyond how much money it can make them, that includes the Fred Wolf show.

[billbot85]

I still love the OT series, it was a huge part of my childhood. Sure there were some episodes that weren't that great, but that can be the case with almost any cartoon. Overall, the show was enjoyable and entertaining enough to have fond memories of and look back on, and I still enjoy it even as an adult. :tgrin:

[Andrew NDB]

If you're talking about the crew of the current cartoon then that's a maybe, if you're talking about the executives of Viacom I doubt they "really, really, really love the 80s show". It's more likely they just view TMNT as a money making asset and that (for the time being) instruct the people making new material to emulate what is (in their mind) the most successful version.

Dan Berger was pretty clear when Viacom bought the TMNT, all the conversations he was privy to their main and central interest was in all things Fred Wolf. And each and every thing I've seen spawn from their ownership of the TMNT would lead me to conclude he was absolutely right.

[MrPliggins]

I loved the show when I was a kid into my teen years. I don't think I could binge watch it today like I did back then. If I had kids, I'm sure I'd have no problem watching it with them. I do still like to collect some of the cels, but watching the show is something I never feel like doing anymore (except maybe season 1 and 2). It's a fine show for kids which has aged pretty well.

However, I do feel the show should RIP and we don't need all of these OT crossovers and throwbacks. Turtles Forever was an awesome one-time thing, but the Nick show crossover with another one on the horizon is getting to be too much and feel redundant. I don't care to see the OT Turtles return again and again. Let's move forward.

[neatoman]

Dan Berger was pretty clear when Viacom bought the TMNT, all the conversations he was privy to their main and central interest was in all things Fred Wolf. And each and every thing I've seen spawn from their ownership of the TMNT would lead me to conclude he was absolutely right.

I'm not denying the Fred Wolf cartoon was a major part in Viacom's reasoning for buying TMNT, nor that it has influenced their marketing of the TMNT brand since.

I'm saying there's a difference between "loving" something and just seeing it as profitable.

[BH Daimaouji]

I do, i have it even on 3 DVD boxes, it may be a lighthearted show, but at least children can watch it without parents worrying

[Candy Kappa]

I enjoy the show a lot more now then I did as a kid.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I loved the show when I was a kid into my teen years. I don't think I could binge watch it today like I did back then. If I had kids, I'm sure I'd have no problem watching it with them. I do still like to collect some of the cels, but watching the show is something I never feel like doing anymore (except maybe season 1 and 2). It's a fine show for kids which has aged pretty well.

However, I do feel the show should RIP and we don't need all of these OT crossovers and throwbacks. Turtles Forever was an awesome one-time thing, but the Nick show crossover with another one on the horizon is getting to be too much and feel redundant. I don't care to see the OT Turtles return again and again. Let's move forward.

I could live even without "Turtles Forever", since it started up all this hype of alternate realities with the turtles. Each TMNT version is great on its own and doesn't need support from others!

[Cryomancer]

It's effects on the franchise are the problem, definitely.

The show itself ranges from actually pretty funny or interesting to total worthless garbage. There's probably...at least two seasons of really good material in there, but unfortunately it's 10 seasons long. It's "harmless" and enjoyable on it's own, but when it's become this unstoppable force of...I don't even know how to describe it, but it gets really old really fast.

First season's pretty good, Krang is great, sometimes cool stuff happens or a joke lands. But then you have stuff like the Euro season or the dullness that is Red Sky that just drag it down. So when (nearly) the entire franchise is basically locked into a cage of eternal "childhood" made from (probably) mis-remembered nostalgia...yeah it's easier to say negative things about it than positive.

Much like how they couldn't go three feet without finding a new Shredder to fight in 2k3, there comes a time when it's better to move on than retread, and we're well past that. It's also really hard to develop a new feeling of warm remembrance for a setting that they continue to constantly pull from, reference, bring up, and straight up cross over into. Maybe try giving it a few years off first, guys?

[ABrown]

ABSOLUTELY. If I had the free time to do so, I would rewatch all of the dvds again. Unfortunately, as it is right now, my lack of free time limits me to only rewatching the 2007 TMNT film and Turtles Forever about once a year or so. You know instead of watching the new episodes of Nick's series, I should rewatch an episode of the original cartoon (or the 4Kids series) every time Nick airs a new episode. Lord knows I would enjoy it more.

[ToTheNines]

I enjoy the show a lot more now then I did as a kid.

Same here. Back in the day I was more into the toys, video games and movies. But now I appreciate the humor and characters so much more.

[Utrommaniac]

I didn't watch the show growing up. But when I felt that it finally came time for me to watch it, I watched this at the same time as the Nick show. And then watched the Nick Show a little more at the start.

For sure, I like it, even as far as 80's tv shows that would get held back by Soccer Moms and what the "charts" say is trendy. It could have used more care, for sure. I would like to see those characters get a good polish by current cartoon crews. There are several writers out there who would be able to take on those characters and settings seriously while still retaining the spirit and tone of the original run.

I'd love for them to be broken out of the live action "everyone is a doofy beach dude pizza freak" that has been the image of them since the show's decline in the early 90's (probably with kids moving into favor of Pokèmon?), and maybe keep something in the mood of the first season...maybe first three.

That said, I still enjoy it. Even in the "Yeah...that's just silly..." department, there is still something to enjoyed. My favorite of all being the flying carousel in Poor Little Rich Turtle. That's just a regular speed. And there it goes. Off to follow its dreams.

[CyberCubed]

Honestly, aside from most of the Euro vacation episodes and some of the weaker episodes in the middle seasons (particularly some of the early/mid Season 4 eps), I enjoy the majority of the show.

I also think there was a noticeable increase in quality around Season 6 that continued into Season 7 and beyond. If you notice the "action" of the show starts to return around Season 6.

[Jephael]

I remember the last time I did a DVD marathon of the original cartoon was late 2012. I enjoyed watching it for the most part, especially considering what a rough time I was going through back then. There were moments though where I just about tuned out on certain episodes. Someday I'd like to do another marathon and maybe watch it with my little nephew, though it depends on what happens down the road.

[sdp]

I rarely watched the OT as a kid for whatever reason I just never caught it on air enough and only remember a few episodes here and there. It wasn't until the DVDs came out that I really started watching it and I did a full run a few years ago, I think it's very entertaining and a solid show, not something you can say for most 80s shows. While there is a little biased since I did watch some episodes as a kid, there's less nostalgia when I view it than most here who saw it as a kid.

[Prowler]

Honestly, aside from most of the Euro vacation episodes and some of the weaker episodes in the middle seasons (particularly some of the early/mid Season 4 eps), I enjoy the majority of the show.

I also think there was a noticeable increase in quality around Season 6 that continued into Season 7 and beyond. If you notice the "action" of the show starts to return around Season 6.
The most poorly produced season is probably 4. Lots of badly animated episode in that season. The Rondo and Turtle Maniac episodes were notorious examples.

It seems to me that most people remember the first 3 seasons the most. So I guess I can see why many casual TMNT fans remember the FW series having a lot of action back in the day. They don't remember or missed out on seasons 4 and 5.

I gotta give it to the European side season one thing however, it was good to see Mike's chucks again. It was produced at the same time as season 4, but it didn't air until after season 6 for some odd reason, making some people think to this day that it was part of season 7. Season 7 doesn't deserve to be lumped in with the European vacation side-season/arc.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

The most poorly produced season is probably 4. Lots of badly animated episode in that season. The Rondo and Turtle Maniac episodes were notorious examples.

It seems to me that most people remember the first 3 seasons the most. So I guess I can see why many casual TMNT fans remember the FW series having a lot of action back in the day. They don't remember or missed out on seasons 4 and 5.

I gotta give it to the European side season one thing however, it was good to see Mike's chucks again. It was produced at the same time as season 4, but it didn't air until after season 6 for some odd reason, making some people think to this day that it was part of season 7. Season 7 doesn't deserve to be lumped in with the European vacation side-season/arc.

Both seasons 3 and 4 have their up and down episodes.

[Prowler]

Both seasons 3 and 4 have their up and down episodes.
From the top of my head, Pizza By the Shred was a not so well animated episode form season 3. But I quite enjoyed that episode as a kid even if it barely had any action.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

From the top of my head, Pizza By the Shred was a not so well animated episode form season 3. But I quite enjoyed that episode as a kid even if it barely had any action.

I think my favourite was the "Turtles on the Orient Express". The action was always present as the train was moving across the railroad tracks of Europe from France to Turkey while the turtles and Shredder, Bebop and Rocksteady threw each other off the train and they had to jump inside again.

[Prowler]

I think my favourite was the "Turtles on the Orient Express". The action was always present as the train was moving across the railroad tracks of Europe from France to Turkey while the turtles and Shredder, Bebop and Rocksteady threw each other off the train and they had to jump inside again.
That one was my favourite European vacation episode.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

That one was my favourite European vacation episode.

OK, thought it was "Ring of Fire".

[Prowler]

OK, thought it was "Ring of Fire".
I don't like that episode. Extremely inaccurate.

[CyberCubed]

I actually don't mind that "cartoony" or "squishy" animation style they used for some Season 3 or 4 eps. Yeah, those eps weren't as well animated as the others, but I dunno, something about that style fit the show.

[Prowler]

I actually don't mind that "cartoony" or "squishy" animation style they used for some Season 3 or 4 eps. Yeah, those eps weren't as well animated as the others, but I dunno, something about that style fit the show.
I mostly disliked how April's face looked terrible in some episodes.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I don't like that episode. Extremely inaccurate.

Bullfighting exists also in Portugal.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullfighting

[wpugh2424]

I still watch the series almost daily while I do cardio. I cycle the series over and over.

[Gunstar_Red]

Enjoy? No. Love? Yes. I don't have the nostalgia for it (I was lucky to watch TV when I was younger and spent most of that small window of watching on Sonic the Hedgehog). My intro to the Turtles was the Mirage comics and then the 2k3. I found the 80s toon as a neat time capsule with a great voice cast. I watch it for some silly action and probably a hamfisted moral where the heroes always win. There's nothing wrong with that. It's the only version I watch if I'm feeling down and need cheering up.

Their designs are so simple and marketable. I love that about them. They have that 'cute but deadly' appeal to them that hits the right markets: children and both genders.

The only thing I probably resent from it is the constant pandering to it because every time it's referenced or brought back in a crossover, the writers can't seem to get their personalities right. Then when it comes to merchandise, it's the same tired reimaged stock art. (It's a breath of fresh air to occasionally see old Japanese stock art since they are less used.) It's all just a cheap money/ratings grab at people with nostalgia. If they actually put effort into research and making new art, I think I wouldn't be so sour about the sad state they are in.

[shuriken]

yeah, just bits and pieces though. I wouldn't wanna re-watch the whole thing though.

[DVD]

Oh yeah!!! I still love watching a batch of episodes every other week. Easy to watch and still entertaining after all this time. Love it.

[Prowler]

Bullfighting exists also in Portugal.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullfighting
I'm aware of that. But there's no such thing as bulls running on my city's streets or "bullfighting festival" or wtv that was all about. Don't try to educate me on this matter. Over half of this country doesn't give two damns about bullfighting.

[pferreira]

Next to The Real Ghostbusters the Fred Wolf cartoon is my favourite cartoon of all time. I loved the mix of sci-fi and action comedy. It really engaged me as a child. There's a tendency to think the people behind the scenes like Fred Wolf and David Wise didn't care about the show but I don't really get that impression. I do think they cared it's just animated shows were produced differently back then. I mean hardly any of the writers who worked on the FW met each other to discuss plots which is the opposite of now. When the animation was of the same level as Return of the Shredder or Season 7 then the show was great but even most of the poorly made episodes are watchable.

While I'm not in the minority of liking the cartoon I have to admit I'm probably in the minority who feels the FW cartoon generally it's as good or as valid as the other animated shows, not lesser overall. And you know what? That's fine by me. ;)

[BH Daimaouji]

I do, love the light hearted version of the original, and i have many episodes on 3 DVD boxes with german and english

Still waiting for TMNT to air on TVP ABC, don't care if it has new lector

[Danetello]

I watch the odd episode off and on, but I tend to avoid the "filler" eps, which I consider pretty much junk. I know that's harsh, but I like to watch the ones that feature characters that span several series, fan favourites and eps that help the core storyline. So yes, I love the OT, but in my own fashion these days.

[wayneepoo]

As someone who grew up watching the 80s series, I can look at it now and definitely see how poorly animated it was at times (inconsistently so at that), how they'd mess up matching the voices with the correct turtle, and some of the plots were very silly, and of course the action sequences were quite tame.

Yet, even with acknowledging all of those flaws, I still enjoy watching it. It might just be nostalgia, but I think there was also some good dialogue and good stories, and that I can enjoy some episodes without having to put on the rose-colored glasses.

[Andrew NDB]

I ask because it seems that every time a thread involving the 80s series opens, there's always those guys who come in and say how much it sucked and that people need to take of their nostalgia goggles and see the show for the trash it truly is. I know there's a difference in opinions and a forum would be boring if everyone just agreed with everything but they keep doing this.

Every. Single. Time.

I guess I'm OK being that guy. But I'm not sure what alternative you seek... a dedicated Fred Wolf forum where everyone has exactly the same taste and thoughts, all the time? Sounds pretty... dystopic.

[wpugh2424]

I am actually watching season 5 now

[pannoni1]

I honestly feel that the nostalgia for the '80s show has run its course. It was cool when we first discovered the memories online and reading the posts in the early-mid 2000s show how pleasurable most responses were. However, we've had Turtles Forever, numerous classics releases, the Bay film(s) heavily influenced by the original series, the re-releases of the Archie Adventures which was also heavily influenced by FW, numerous voice cast/writers/Eastman reunions, and now of course the obligatory Nick episode with the actual voice cast returning that most wanted after TF. Sure, for those who didn't see every episode nor got every joke should still take a look, but I feel that the peak of interest for the nostalgia will slowly but surely fade based upon the law of diminishing returns. Think of back when you were kids and your parents loved to listen to the "oldies" station with music from the 1950s-70s? Nowadays, "classics" means '80s-'90s and the older stuff, while there are some gems like you'll find in some of the OT episodes, most of the other stuff hasn't aged to well and no longer shocks and wows you like it once did. The future of TMNT is through imaginative new stories and merchandise that IDW, Nick, and hopefully Bay will improve upon. Now of course this means I have nothing against the show and still love it for what it was, but we all get older too along with the show. Indigo/Johto League Pokemon is now in a similar state of nostalgic lure that the OT was a decade ago, meaning that its cool to reminisce about it since it hasn't been overdone to death just yet, but that too will grow stale as the main audience becomes so busy with life/family and the younger generation grows up on different things.

[Wesley]

I honestly feel that the nostalgia for the '80s show has run its course. It was cool when we first discovered the memories online and reading the posts in the early-mid 2000s show how pleasurable most responses were. However, we've had Turtles Forever, numerous classics releases, the Bay film(s) heavily influenced by the original series, the re-releases of the Archie Adventures which was also heavily influenced by FW, numerous voice cast/writers/Eastman reunions, and now of course the obligatory Nick episode with the actual voice cast returning that most wanted after TF. Sure, for those who didn't see every episode nor got every joke should still take a look, but I feel that the peak of interest for the nostalgia will slowly but surely fade based upon the law of diminishing returns. Think of back when you were kids and your parents loved to listen to the "oldies" station with music from the 1950s-70s? Nowadays, "classics" means '80s-'90s and the older stuff, while there are some gems like you'll find in some of the OT episodes, most of the other stuff hasn't aged to well and no longer shocks and wows you like it once did. The future of TMNT is through imaginative new stories and merchandise that IDW, Nick, and hopefully Bay will improve upon. Now of course this means I have nothing against the show and still love it for what it was, but we all get older too along with the show. Indigo/Johto League Pokemon is now in a similar state of nostalgic lure that the OT was a decade ago, meaning that its cool to reminisce about it since it hasn't been overdone to death just yet, but that too will grow stale as the main audience becomes so busy with life/family and the younger generation grows up on different things.

I agree. The thing is, though, I don't really have nostalgia for the 1987 cartoon, as I was able to watch it on rte two in the 00s, since it was rerun a lot at that time. I have just a small amount of episodes on DVD, but I think that's sufficient enough, as I have no interest in rewatching the entire series and it gets repetitive at times. The best episodes were in the shorter seasons anyway that are easier to binge watch through.

[CyberCubed]

There are good episodes scattered all throughout the show though. The show was never consistent. I rewatch the entire series every 2-3 years in the span of about 4 months.

[dragonside]

watching season 7 on tv when i was a kid was pretty good.

watching the vhs tapes of this series, you know i couldn't appreciate when i was about 10 years old.

then when the dvds started coming out from Lionsgate, i started to really appreciate the humor and fun that came with each episode. Except for the Europe Vacation which was a pretty weak season. It was a lot of fun.

i watched the series completely about 3 times since i started really getting into it. and you know what its charm is still there.

TMNT was based heavily on popular culture, so I liked living in that era. That era was fun. Now everyone has a lot of stress, and even the new series is trying hard to be a success, be relevant. So returning to simpler times is a nice break. It's like visiting an old friend, and laughing again.

[Bry]

Some of it! A lot of it is... nnnnot great. It's very inconsistent, and the writing and production values got way spottier as the show went on. I still appreciate certain chunks of it, the first season in particular, and there's some decent self-aware camp material in the stronger episodes. Overall, a great deal of it doesn't hold up well, but the better stuff is still quite enjoyable. A mixed bag.

I think it's pretty damn uneven as a series, though, and my nostalgia for it has definitely waned over the years. It's still enjoyable, but it's far from the "best" version of the property, and I'm kind of tired of it being considered the be-all-and-end-all of TMNT lore by those calling the shots.

[Wesley]

There are good episodes scattered all throughout the show though. The show was never consistent. I rewatch the entire series every 2-3 years in the span of about 4 months.

There were good episodes in each season, but I thought the shorter seasons like two and seven were more consistent. I'd say nearly half of the episodes in the series are still fun to watch, though.

[Garfield]

YES I still very much love the original cartoon.

here is something that I wrote on this forum a while back getting into more detail. because I don't feel like writing something very similar all over again.

I like it mostly for the same reasons but I understand why much more now than I was when I kid. There are some standards that I have that the 87 cartoon doesn't live up to, but it doesn't matter that much and i'll explain why.

What I like then and what I like now are the charming colourful, quirky, lovable and funny characters. The only difference now is that I understand what makes them this way because I understand those concepts beyond face value. Its gone from. "I Like Raphael because he makes me laugh" to. "I like Raphael's sarcasm...his out look on the situation through witty humor and how his humorous quips and expressions represent an outward look about how ridiculous the story of there lives are."

I understand how Mike is the heart of the team, How Splinter is a caring father figure, and how Don is just the most charming guy ever.(okay maybe Don isn't REALLY charming, but I think he is.

There are some things that I didn't realize than that I do now. Like I never realized how campy the show was. I didn't understand the satire and the parody. And that's just because, when you're a very small child, things like camp, parody and satire don't stand out to you. I didn't realize the show didn't take it self seriously because I sure did.

There are things like the inconsistent writing, plot holes and continuity errors as well as animation and voice over mistakes that I'm aware of that lower the quality to some degree, But it doesn't really matter that much to me because I just don't take it that seriously and I got into Ninja Turtles at a time in my life when things like that meant little or nothing to, and honestly for this cartoon it still doesn't because the nostalgia is so strong with this one that I just don't care about those flaws.

Now when speaking of 87 Ninja Turtles objectively, I will take all of those flaws into consideration, and when talking objectively I tell people that its full of lots of flaws, but when in a subjective context it becomes less about the structure and technicality of the product and more about the warm and happy memories and how it makes me feel.

[Jephael]

I'm not sure what alternative you seek... a dedicated Fred Wolf forum where everyone has exactly the same taste and thoughts, all the time? Sounds pretty... dystopic.

The same thing could be said about how a forum dedicated to the original comics or the 4Kids animated series would be. How about we find some middle ground and show respect for all the different incarnations of the Ninja Turtles instead of putting certain ones on a pedestal, while considering others to be garbage? The world doesn't have to be as black and white as some people make it out to be.

[TonySiegel]

-UnFK9v_BDU

the cartoon intro is classic that is undeniable...

[Shark_Blade]

Mainly Season 1 thanks to the dvd release (turtle van version). :tlove:

[Sage Ninja]

I for one still enjoy the classic series. It has my favorite interpretations of the turtles characters. I am saddened that there were so many missed opportunities to make it better than it was but over when I'm totally honest with my self, the classic turtles is still the version I enjoy the most out of all of them.

[shuriken]

There are good episodes scattered all throughout the show though. The show was never consistent. I rewatch the entire series every 2-3 years in the span of about 4 months.

That's dedication. I think the only series I've watched in its entirety (once) is the 2k3 series. I think the inconsistency in the OT really throws me off if I were to try and re-watch it.

[Prowler]

That's dedication. I think the only series I've watched in its entirety (once) is the 2k3 series. I think the inconsistency in the OT really throws me off if I were to try and re-watch it.
It was once a yearly tradition of mine to re-watch the FW series every Summer. Did it so between 2003 and 2008. I was a big fan of the show when I was younger.

[ssjup81]

That's dedication. I think the only series I've watched in its entirety (once) is the 2k3 series. I think the inconsistency in the OT really throws me off if I were to try and re-watch it. I've never done this with the OT series, but I do usually watch Ronin Warriors and Gundam Wing in its entirety at least once a year.

[Prowler]

I've never done this with the OT series, but I do usually watch Ronin Warriors and Gundam Wing in its entirety at least once a year.
There's plenty anime I enjoy... but I can never bring myself to re-watch any. Dunno why that is. And I've talked to many anime fans who say pretty much the same thing.

[Sumac]

I do.
Despite the fact that in this day and age, all wannabe cool edgy kids, accompanied by "purists" (LOL) love to **** on this series as something sacrilegious and VERY bad, I consider OT being quite a good 80s cartoon. It's fun, it's extremely lighthearted and doesn't worry about consistency. It's something that you can watch and laugh (and sometimes cringe, but in a fun way).

It's just pure fun, which explains why some people intent on putting this series down, because nobody want fun today. Everyone (or at least some vocal people) nowadays want DARK GRIM CONTINUITY WITH SERIOUS THEMES AND PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDIES AND NO FUN ALLOWED BECAUSE FUN AND LIGHTHEARTEDNESS IS DUMB AND FOR KIDS AND IDIOTS WITH **** TASTE. Things are slowly going away from it, but there are still plenty of this water.

This kids and purists should understand when and why this series was made and see it for what it is: a cartoonish (action) comedy. It seems some people expect this series (any TMNT series, really) to be DARKGRIMDARKNESSACTIONBLOODKILLMURDERNINJAACTION, which this show was never supposed to be in the first place.
Their complaints are like ******** on a comedy show for not being a gory horror movie. Senseless, like most of the complaints nowadays.

[Powder]

Wow, what a toxic post. Are you okay?

[Wesley]

It was once a yearly tradition of mine to re-watch the FW series every Summer. Did it so between 2003 and 2008. I was a big fan of the show when I was younger.

I liked rewatching it too when rte two aired reruns every now and then on weekday mornings from the mid 90s to late 00s. I was still a big fan of the cartoon when I was 17 because I tended to rewatch the best episodes of the series rather than the bad ones and I then understood a lot of the humour that went over my head as a kid. It was only when I realised how inconsistent the show was that I stopped being a big fan. I think the OT is still a good cartoon in small doses, but there are better shows out there to rewatch.

[Editor's Note Comics]

Rewatching it took a few years for me. Some of it holds up, but the majority was a tough watch. That's fine, I loved it as a kid. It just doesn't appeal to me anymore.

[Prowler]

Wow, what a toxic post. Are you okay?
This. Holy hell.

I liked rewatching it too when rte two aired reruns every now and then on weekday mornings from the mid 90s to late 00s. I was still a big fan of the cartoon when I was 17 because I tended to rewatch the best episodes of the series rather than the bad ones and I then understood a lot of the humour that went over my head as a kid. It was only when I realised how inconsistent the show was that I stopped being a big fan. I think the OT is still a good cartoon in small doses, but there are better shows out there to rewatch.
When I was 6-7 years old, Raphael's jokes went over my head. As did Krang's. As I got older(teenager), I started to find them funny.

[Sumac]

Wow, what a toxic post. Are you okay?
What so toxic about it?

I just said how it is. Today I see a lot of people hating on the series, seemingly, because, without any understanding when and why it was made. It's like they expect action masterpiece, but when they discover that it's just kiddy comedy (as intended to be in case of that series) they go into a fit of purist rage.
Senseless.

[Wesley]

What so toxic about it?

I just said how it is. Today I see a lot of people hating on the series, seemingly, because, without any understanding when and why it was made. It's like they expect action masterpiece, but when they discover that it's just kiddy comedy (as intended to be in case of that series) they go into a fit of purist rage.
Senseless.

I think the OT was good for its time, but it had flaws. It's not as good as I remembered it (I thought it was slightly serious as a kid when I didn't realise how cheesy the show was at times), but I still like rewatching some episodes, specifically the ones from shorter seasons and the good episodes from longer seasons.

I have a lot of favourite episodes such as the ones mentioned in the following thread:

http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showthread.php?t=54888

along with other eps like Enter: The Fly, Enter the Rat King, Shredder Truimphant, Shredder's Mom, Corporate Raiders from Dimension X, Shreeka's Revenge, Wrath of the Rat King, Split-Second, The Day the Earth Disappeared and Divide and Conquer.

[neatoman]

What so toxic about it?

I just said how it is. Today I see a lot of people hating on the series, seemingly, because, without any understanding when and why it was made. It's like they expect action masterpiece, but when they discover that it's just kiddy comedy (as intended to be in case of that series) they go into a fit of purist rage.
Senseless.

Look, the problem isn't really that it's kiddy comedy, it's that it doesn't really hold up quality wise. It omitted quality control and sped up the time table in order to make sure the episodes were done as quickly/cheaply as possible, while it wasn't "bad" compared to most other shows at the time (because most other shows did the same thing back then), it's still full of writing and animation problems.

Edit: To clarify, there's nothing wrong with the tone, it's the excecution that's not very good.

[Powder]

What so toxic about it?

I just said how it is. Today I see a lot of people hating on the series, seemingly, because, without any understanding when and why it was made. It's like they expect action masterpiece, but when they discover that it's just kiddy comedy (as intended to be in case of that series) they go into a fit of purist rage.
Senseless.

You went into a babyrage slamming people for their opinion because of the incorrect way you perceive it.

[Prowler]

What so toxic about it?

I just said how it is. Today I see a lot of people hating on the series, seemingly, because, without any understanding when and why it was made. It's like they expect action masterpiece, but when they discover that it's just kiddy comedy (as intended to be in case of that series) they go into a fit of purist rage.
Senseless.
Actually, I think most people who grew up with it as kids never actually try to re-watch it. Or just watch a few episodes and then claim that the 2k3 and the Nick Turtles aren't the "real Turtles". From my experience, most people view the Turtles as a fond memory from their long gone childhood and can't take it any more mature attempt at it seriously.

[Hero]

I certainly do. I've recently gotten my kids into it also. The 2k12 crossover episode made my daughter curious.

It is good to now re-watch this show unedited and beyond Season 3. I missed out on a lot back then as Cable/Sky TV aired later material and those extra channels were expensive to subscribe to. Back then, most of us UK kids had to settle for the bog standard 4 TV channels. That was analogue for you.

Editing-wise. No more silly jump cuts during the fight scenes either to avoid the exposure of Nunchucks. Were enjoying this show in a newer way.

[ABrown]

Is there a reason that the show hasn't aired on television (in the United States) in so many years? Countless other actions cartoons from around the same time have reaired: G.I. Joe, Transformers, Thundercats, Batman The Animated Series. It just seems like a given to me that someone would've aired the series at some point this century.

[Prowler]

Is there a reason that the show hasn't aired on television (in the United States) in so many years? Countless other actions cartoons from around the same time have reaired: G.I. Joe, Transformers, Thundercats, Batman The Animated Series. It just seems like a given to me that someone would've aired the series at some point this century.
It is odd considering there's tons of channels in the USA. In European countries like Portugal, Spain and Republic of Ireland, it had reruns in the 21st century.

[ssjup81]

There's plenty anime I enjoy... but I can never bring myself to re-watch any. Dunno why that is. And I've talked to many anime fans who say pretty much the same thing.I just really really like those two shows.

[Blossombrooks]

Heck yeah I still enjoy it, like Hero said it's nice to be able to watch unedited episodes. I wish the dvds were easier to get hold of for the later seasons in the UK though. Is it my favourite version of TMNT? Nope that changed but that doesn't mean it isn't still enjoyable, I was laughing my head off at 50ft Irma the other day. :D

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I Their complaints are like ******** on a comedy show for not being a gory horror movie. Senseless, like most of the complaints nowadays.

I think some people wish it was more like the 2003 cartoon. But action cartoon's weren't made that way during the late-1980's and early 1990's.

[Mzx10484]

Have watched all seasons again and noticed that I enjoy all episodes where villains are introduced or play a role again, villains that I had as a toy figure in my childhood: alongside Shredder and his gang also Baxter, Leatherhead, Rat King ... the reference to them was crucial. I was bored when no one of them was there.

[Spike Spiegel]

I like the first two seasons, but my suspension of disbelief isn't strong enough to still enjoy the others. They don't have the same nostalgic charm for me as something like Secret of the Ooze.

[Wesley]

Heck yeah I still enjoy it, like Hero said it's nice to be able to watch unedited episodes. I wish the dvds were easier to get hold of for the later seasons in the UK though. Is it my favourite version of TMNT? Nope that changed but that doesn't mean it isn't still enjoyable, I was laughing my head off at 50ft Irma the other day. :D

I agree that it's nice to watch unedited episodes alright. Some scenes make more sense now and it's like seeing extras. The entire series was aired in Ireland, but most of it was edited. I still enjoy it but not as much as I did when I was younger.

[nellyp]

Is there a reason that the show hasn't aired on television (in the United States) in so many years? Countless other actions cartoons from around the same time have reaired: G.I. Joe, Transformers, Thundercats, Batman The Animated Series. It just seems like a given to me that someone would've aired the series at some point this century.

In Canada it aired on tv until recently on Teletoon Retro until that channel was sadly discontinued.

As for the thread topic, I do watch and enjoy episodes of the OT still. I own all the seasons individual releases on DVD but rather than take it off the shelf each time, we just Stream them as it is more convenient. I watch it with my 2 boys and we usually get the episodes with the appearances of other mutants like mutagen man, Muckman, mondo gecko, leatherhead, etc. They think it is cool to see the episodes based on the vintage toys I have been getting on eBay. They really liked the episode "Muckman messes up" so when I got the Muckman toy they were really excited.

[pferreira]

I do.
Despite the fact that in this day and age, all wannabe cool edgy kids, accompanied by "purists" (LOL) love to **** on this series as something sacrilegious and VERY bad, I consider OT being quite a good 80s cartoon. It's fun, it's extremely lighthearted and doesn't worry about consistency. It's something that you can watch and laugh (and sometimes cringe, but in a fun way).

It's just pure fun, which explains why some people intent on putting this series down, because nobody want fun today. Everyone (or at least some vocal people) nowadays want DARK GRIM CONTINUITY WITH SERIOUS THEMES AND PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDIES AND NO FUN ALLOWED BECAUSE FUN AND LIGHTHEARTEDNESS IS DUMB AND FOR KIDS AND IDIOTS WITH **** TASTE. Things are slowly going away from it, but there are still plenty of this water.

This kids and purists should understand when and why this series was made and see it for what it is: a cartoonish (action) comedy. It seems some people expect this series (any TMNT series, really) to be DARKGRIMDARKNESSACTIONBLOODKILLMURDERNINJAACTION, which this show was never supposed to be in the first place.
Their complaints are like ******** on a comedy show for not being a gory horror movie. Senseless, like most of the complaints nowadays.I little over the top but I agree mostly with what you said. What you've got to understand is that fortunately or unfortunately kids today or kids who watched the FW show and are now all grown up expect something more serious. The world of today is much different to the 80s. Everything and everyone has matured, become more cynical to some extent. A fun, episodic action adventure show with a lot of comedy really doesn't cut it today for kids. They want a dark, serious show with quick comedy and anime. They want serialised television where every episode leads onto the next. It's just the television and film landscape we live in at the moment.

The Fred Wolf cartoon is therefore seen as dated and useless, frowned upon by grown-up fans who expect the Ninja Turtles to be gritty and violent. Adults who have fond memories of watching it when they were younger refuse to or can't be bothered. In twenty years time when the television landscape changes again maybe episodic cartoon storytelling like the Fred Wolf Turtles will be considered worthy. But at the moment it's easy to put down.

I personally aren't bowled over by dark and gritty unless it has a purpose to exist in the first place. Instead of making a case of which is better the best way to look at it is what contributes what to Turtles. Each animated TV incarnation of the Turtles does something different for better or worse. Is the Fred Wolf better than the 4Kids and Nick show? No because they both do stuff better than the 80s cartoon. Are those two better than the FW show? No again because the Fred Wolf cartoon does stuff more successfully the other two don't do. It takes a thoughtful person to see each as valid rather than using the old "it's dated badly" or the rose tinted glasses response.

[neatoman]

I little over the top but I agree mostly with what you said. What you've got to understand is that fortunately or unfortunately kids today or kids who watched the FW show and are now all grown up expect something more serious. The world of today is much different to the 80s. Everything and everyone has matured, become more cynical to some extent. A fun, episodic action adventure show with a lot of comedy really doesn't cut it today for kids. They want a dark, serious show with quick comedy and anime. They want serialised television where every episode leads onto the next. It's just the television and film landscape we live in at the moment.

The Fred Wolf cartoon is therefore seen as dated and useless, frowned upon by grown-up fans who expect the Ninja Turtles to be gritty and violent. Adults who have fond memories of watching it when they were younger refuse to or can't be bothered. In twenty years time when the television landscape changes again maybe episodic cartoon storytelling like the Fred Wolf Turtles will be considered worthy. But at the moment it's easy to put down.

I personally aren't bowled over by dark and gritty unless it has a purpose to exist in the first place. Instead of making a case of which is better the best way to look at it is what contributes what to Turtles. Each animated TV incarnation of the Turtles does something different for better or worse. Is the Fred Wolf better than the 4Kids and Nick show? No because they both do stuff better than the 80s cartoon. Are those two better than the FW show? No again because the Fred Wolf cartoon does stuff more successfully the other two don't do. It takes a thoughtful person to see each as valid rather than using the old "it's dated badly" or the rose tinted glasses response.

Again, no, that's probably not the reason. The reason a lot of people find it unappealing probably isn't so much the tone but rather the quality. If a show has no quality control and rush scripts, it's probably not going to be very good in the first place and it's going to look really bad the older it gets, which is exactly what has happened here.

[Wesley]

I little over the top but I agree mostly with what you said. What you've got to understand is that fortunately or unfortunately kids today or kids who watched the FW show and are now all grown up expect something more serious. The world of today is much different to the 80s. Everything and everyone has matured, become more cynical to some extent. A fun, episodic action adventure show with a lot of comedy really doesn't cut it today for kids. They want a dark, serious show with quick comedy and anime. They want serialised television where every episode leads onto the next. It's just the television and film landscape we live in at the moment.

The Fred Wolf cartoon is therefore seen as dated and useless, frowned upon by grown-up fans who expect the Ninja Turtles to be gritty and violent. Adults who have fond memories of watching it when they were younger refuse to or can't be bothered. In twenty years time when the television landscape changes again maybe episodic cartoon storytelling like the Fred Wolf Turtles will be considered worthy. But at the moment it's easy to put down.

I personally aren't bowled over by dark and gritty unless it has a purpose to exist in the first place. Instead of making a case of which is better the best way to look at it is what contributes what to Turtles. Each animated TV incarnation of the Turtles does something different for better or worse. Is the Fred Wolf better than the 4Kids and Nick show? No because they both do stuff better than the 80s cartoon. Are those two better than the FW show? No again because the Fred Wolf cartoon does stuff more successfully the other two don't do. It takes a thoughtful person to see each as valid rather than using the old "it's dated badly" or the rose tinted glasses response.

No, I don't think that's the case. I don't mind that the OT was mostly a comedy with some action in it. The main problem I have with the show is that it's hit and miss and repetitive at times. It was a product of its time, as other cartoons that were aired at around the same time such as Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog had the same problem. I think the 4Kids cartoon was much better, as it had a good mix of action, drama and comedy, though I liked the OT's characters more.

[plastroncafe]

So what I'm gleaning from this is that I'm not smart enough to know what I do and don't like.

Good talk.

[CyberCubed]

I want this thread locked so badly.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Again, no, that's probably not the reason. The reason a lot of people find it unappealing probably isn't so much the tone but rather the quality. If a show has no quality control and rush scripts, it's probably not going to be very good in the first place and it's going to look really bad the older it gets, which is exactly what has happened here.

By season 3-4 (the most critizised ones) TMNT peaked in popularity. That was 1989-1990 and everyone asked for more. MWS had no other choose than produce as many episodes as fast as possible.

[neatoman]

By season 3-4 (the most critizised ones) TMNT peaked in popularity. That was 1989-1990 and everyone asked for more. MWS had no other choose than produce as many episodes as fast as possible.

Season 3 was probably always going to be 47 episodes no matter what, 5+13+47=65, the minimum episodes needed for a cartoon to reach syndication standards. A lot of cartoons did this, made sure they reached that golden 65 episode mark by season 2 or 3, some even did it season 1.

Just a few examples include: Transformers G1, He-man, GI Joe, Jem, Original My Little Pony, Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Biker Mice from Mars, GoBots, Lilo & Stitch, Transformers Prime, MLP FIM, Aladdin, Batman TAS and I could go on.

But you're right on season 4, I guess. They produced 52 episodes which were chopped into three parts and aired different way, I can't really wrap my head around why they would that, other than the benefit of having a bunch of episodes on hold...

[CyberCubed]

Season 4 came out in 1990, the same year the first movie hit theaters. TMNT was still at the height of its popularity at the time so they made as many episodes as they could at the time.

Also keep in mind TMNT aired in reruns weekdays at like 2 times a day and in the mornings, so they needed a lot of episodes to cycle through.

TMNT was the "Pokemon" of its day. A lot of people who were too young in the late 80's or early 90's obviously would not know this. If you were around for the Pokemon craze that's what TMNT was.

[Utrommaniac]

I just barely remember the Pokémon boom, but I did realize that for myself. It would even make sense of Pokémon actually forced Turtlemania to phase out over time.

It makes that Ninja Squirtles joke a little funnier...

Come to think of it, there's so many "things" out at once that there isn't really a true "modern" turtlemania. Even Frozen has its big time competitors. Instead of a single thing all at once, it's several scattered everywhere.

[Ceres]

I can be honest i guess. I really only love the old cartoon for Krang, Shredder and their crownies. And the 4th wall breaking. Else i am indifferent to the cartoon itself. I hated the Neutrinos in the old cartoon and Mr.Ogg.

Else it was okay for an 80`s cartoon. Different times, different toons i guess *shrug*

[FredWolfLeonardo]

Tomorrow I shall be starting my marathon of the all 193 episodes of the OT. About two years ago, I watched the OT up until the end of season 4 and thoroughly enjoyed it despite formerly thinking that everything goes bad past season 1 and remaining a season 1 only OT fan up until when i gave the other seasons a chance.

By beginning on the 23rd April, I will be watching 1 episode a day in the order suggested by Mark at: http://tmntentity.blogspot.co.nz/2016/01/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-1987.html

At this rate, I should be able to finish the series on the 2nd November, exactly 20 years after the show ended in 1996.

[slingtheory]

While I've come to enjoy the other versions more I still enjoy the ot and I suppose I always will on some level because of what it meant to me growing up. I dont hate it for not being "grim dark" or straight up adaption of the source material because honestly its was a kids show from the 80s it was never going to be that. For what they set out to do worked.The problem as I see it is that maybe it worked too well. it embedded itself into pop culture so deep that almost 30 years later it's still the face of the franchise and thanks to that there's like an illagetimacy that the brand can't shake. I think that's where the resentment comes from. If you're a purist of mirage or someone like me whose moved on to other takes its frustrating to see the wacky side continously being the filter everything tmnt is run through. I believe that's why you get so many people lining up to point out its flaws and there's a lot to point out . But hey that's what happens when you're cranking things out to meet demand

[CyberCubed]

Look at this thread on neogaf with casuals talking about the original toon and its later seasons:

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1211677

[Prowler]

Look at this thread on neogaf with casuals talking about the original toon and its later seasons:

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1211677
That was actually a better read than I had initially expected.

They mention the Nick series but I didn't notice any of the mentioning the 4Kids series or claiming to be a fan of it. A sad that show has the tendency to be forgotten.

[CyberCubed]

People there are wondering who Dregg was but if they watch the Nick cartoon they should realize he's in that show too. They're also posted pics of the Turtles mutations as if they always looked like that in the final seasons instead of just brief scenes they mutated in.

[Prowler]

People there are wondering who Dregg was but if they watch the Nick cartoon they should realize he's in that show too. They're also posted pics of the Turtles mutations as if they always looked like that in the final seasons instead of just brief scenes they mutated in.
Still, I saw people there admitting that the show had its flaws and that the mid-seasons had less action and a more lighthearted tone. They even rmemeber Mike's nunchuks getting replaced by a grappling hook.

I loled @ the guy saying he dropped the show after the Neutrinos were introduced... so he gave up at the 4th episode? :lol:

[ranger_scout]

Of course. I am still watching episodes on I-tunes.

[THGhost]

While I admit that it is silly, I still enjoy it for what it is. There are a lot of really great episodes that still hold up today, and you just can't beat that theme tune.

[biganimefan]

Oh yes I still love the series! Did a marathon of it last time back in 2011(along with the 4Kids show). Feel like I need to do it again sometime soon-ish but I want to remain focused on my Doctor Who marathon at the moment.

[TMNT_1987]

Love the original series. Have zero interest in the second or third animated series. I hope to get my daughter into the original series when she is old enough.

[neatoman]

Love the original series. Have zero interest in the second or third animated series. I hope to get my daughter into the original series when she is old enough.

How old is she now?

[pferreira]

By beginning on the 23rd April, I will be watching 1 episode a day in the order suggested by Mark at: http://tmntentity.blogspot.co.nz/2016/01/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-1987.html

It's not a bad ordering but it's still a bit off so I don't totally go by Mark's list.

[pferreira]

Guys there's this fan site I discovered some years ago about the Fred Wolf show where they analyse every episode looking at the characters in depth and offering opinions of every episodes. I'd love to bookmark the site, does anyone know what's it called and where I can find it?

[neatoman]

Guys there's this fan site I discovered some years ago about the Fred Wolf show where they analyse every episode looking at the characters in depth and offering opinions of every episodes. I'd love to bookmark the site, does anyone know what's it called and where I can find it?

Someone made an in depth character analysis of a show that once had a villain trying to destroy the world because he was butthurt over a plant not being named after him?

[CyberCubed]

Love the original series. Have zero interest in the second or third animated series..

And why is that? Did you ever watch them? They're both good cartoons. Never understood people limiting themselves to one version.

[Wesley]

Guys there's this fan site I discovered some years ago about the Fred Wolf show where they analyse every episode looking at the characters in depth and offering opinions of every episodes. I'd love to bookmark the site, does anyone know what's it called and where I can find it?

I don't know if it's the site you're talking about, but there is a site that has reviewed all the episodes of the original cartoon called adventures in poor tastes TMNT. I discovered it a few years ago. There is also a site with a few seasons reviewed called Tmnt original cartoon reviews Angel Fire.

[TMNT_1987]

How old is she now?

Just turned one and has no interest in TV at the moment!

[TMNT_1987]

And why is that? Did you ever watch them? They're both good cartoons. Never understood people limiting themselves to one version.

Have seen clips but doesn't give me the same vibes as the original. I just like my cartoons 80's & 90's

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Season 3 was probably always going to be 47 episodes no matter what, 5+13+47=65, the minimum episodes needed for a cartoon to reach syndication standards. A lot of cartoons did this, made sure they reached that golden 65 episode mark by season 2 or 3, some even did it season 1.

Just a few examples include: Transformers G1, He-man, GI Joe, Jem, Original My Little Pony, Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Biker Mice from Mars, GoBots, Lilo & Stitch, Transformers Prime, MLP FIM, Aladdin, Batman TAS and I could go on.

But you're right on season 4, I guess. They produced 52 episodes which were chopped into three parts and aired different way, I can't really wrap my head around why they would that, other than the benefit of having a bunch of episodes on hold...

But it left syndication during season 4? Why would it be so important to reach syndication standards?

[neatoman]

But it left syndication during season 4? Why would it be so important to reach syndication standards?

Presumably so they could syndicate it later or they got a better broadcasting deal with season 4. Regardless, it's kind of ironic how the show is well within syndication standards but it has not been aired in it's country of origin since 1997.

[Shark_Blade]

With the recent OT turtles debut in the series, of course people like em (still do). :tlove:

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Presumably so they could syndicate it later or they got a better broadcasting deal with season 4. Regardless, it's kind of ironic how the show is well within syndication standards but it has not been aired in it's country of origin since 1997.

It maybe takes too long time to air all episodes, and interest may decline during that time.

[neatoman]

With the recent OT turtles debut in the series, of course people like em (still do). :tlove:

The ratings for that episode were not impressive though, blame easter all you want but it's still a fact that the episode had no impact on the ratings, just another step in the bumpy decline of viewership.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Isn't this entire series originally thought to be a remake of the 1987 one?

[Shark_Blade]

The ratings for that episode were not impressive though, blame easter all you want but it's still a fact that the episode had no impact on the ratings, just another step in the bumpy decline of viewership.

I don't care about ratings though. People dont even watch tv much nowadays tbh. There's the internet and also Netflix which are far more convenient.

This series can live off from toys, games, movies and merchandise just fine. :)

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I don't care about ratings though. People dont even watch tv much nowadays tbh. There's the internet and also Netflix which are far more convenient.

This series can live off from toys, games, movies and merchandise just fine. :)

While not legal, I believe Youtube says the most what's popular today. :)

[neatoman]

Isn't this entire series originally thought to be a remake of the 1987 one?

You mean the Nickelodeon cartoon? Not exactly.

I don't care about ratings though. People dont even watch tv much nowadays tbh. There's the internet and also Netflix which are far more convenient.

OK, where's the data from Netflix viewership? It's been said a million times before, you can't just use Netflix/iTunes/Amazon as shield if you don't know how many people actually use those means to watch the show.

This series can live off from toys, games, movies and merchandise just fine. :)

Then it might as well get replaced with a show that's cheaper to produce.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

You mean the Nickelodeon cartoon? Not exactly.

Yes, Nickelodeon. It seems to take most inspirations from the 1987 cartoon.

[neatoman]

Yes, Nickelodeon. It seems to take most inspirations from the 1987 cartoon.

Difficult to pin down, most of what it pulls from that series were the toy characters (who rarely ever popped up) and the general status quo is quite different. April isn't a newsreporter (meaning no channel six crew), Kraang is split up into a hivemind race, Bebop is Michael Jackson, Shredder is an actual villain etc. You get the idea, almost everything has been reimagined to a ridiculous degree, sometimes to an unrecognisable point (such as the Neutrinos).

Not to mention the fact that story is very loosly based on the old Mirage story. You know the drill:

Revenge backstory
Rooftop fight with Shredder
Infiltration of TCRI
Escape from NYC
Farmhouse
Return from farmhouse
Zog
Space adventures with the Fugitoid
Gang war following Shredder's defeat (coming after hiatus)


It's a pretty bare bones adaptation of the story with mostly new material but it's still clearly there.

[pferreira]

Someone made an in depth character analysis of a show that once had a villain trying to destroy the world because he was butthurt over a plant not being named after him?
Sorry I wasn't asking you. I wanted an actual answer. ;)

[pferreira]

I don't know if it's the site you're talking about, but there is a site that has reviewed all the episodes of the original cartoon called adventures in poor tastes TMNT. I discovered it a few years ago. There is also a site with a few seasons reviewed called Tmnt original cartoon reviews Angel Fire.No both aren't what I'm looking for. The website doesn't just review the episodes it looks at how the Turtles behave in each episode as characters. It was really detailed and analytical.

[Wesley]

No both aren't what I'm looking for. The website doesn't just review the episodes it looks at how the Turtles behave in each episode as characters. It was really detailed and analytical.

That website sounds good. Adventures in poor tastes gave some analysis of the characters in each season, though (season 10, for example).

[pferreira]

That website sounds good. Adventures in poor tastes gave some analysis of the characters in each season, though (season 10, for example).Bingo! After going through endless fan websites (a lot of them gone) I found it. Satirical but analytical a pretty enjoyable read:

http://media.tmnt.net/Dissected.pdf

[neatoman]

Sorry I wasn't asking you. I wanted an actual answer. ;)

Sorry, it's just that an in depth analysis for the FW cartoon seems like a joke to me and judging from what you posted, it seems like it is.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Difficult to pin down, most of what it pulls from that series were the toy characters (who rarely ever popped up) and the general status quo is quite different. April isn't a newsreporter (meaning no channel six crew), Kraang is split up into a hivemind race, Bebop is Michael Jackson, Shredder is an actual villain etc. You get the idea, almost everything has been reimagined to a ridiculous degree, sometimes to an unrecognisable point (such as the Neutrinos).

Not to mention the fact that story is very loosly based on the old Mirage story. You know the drill:

Revenge backstory
Rooftop fight with Shredder
Infiltration of TCRI
Escape from NYC
Farmhouse
Return from farmhouse
Zog
Space adventures with the Fugitoid
Gang war following Shredder's defeat (coming after hiatus)


It's a pretty bare bones adaptation of the story with mostly new material but it's still clearly there.

Yes, but the tone feels still more compared to the 1987 than 2003. But personally, I don't mind what inspires the producers as long as I like it.

[neatoman]

Yes, but the tone feels still more compared to the 1987 than 2003. But personally, I don't mind what inspires the producers as long as I like it.

Tonally... I'm honestly not sure.

I guess this:
http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/tmnt2012series/images/3/32/640px-Pizzafacepromo43.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140518060431

Can be compared to stuff like this:
http://www.adventuresinpoortaste.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-fred-season-4-leonardo-giant-celery.jpg

On the other hand.

Stuff like this:
http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/tmnt/images/1/12/Momthingy.png/revision/latest?cb=20141019153547

Reminds me more of stuff like this:
http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/tmnt/images/d/d8/2078447-stockman_12.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20130626134926

I can't give you a clear answer on this one, I wish I could but the tone is all over the place. One episode it's the Looney Wacky World show, the next it does something straight out of horror movies. I can't imagine the Fred Wolf cartoon trying to do straight up horror, but I can't imagine the 4Kids show having episodes about living food and this one does both...

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Wasn't it just a dream sequence when Leonardo was chased by those vegetables in "Unidentified Flying Leonardo"?

[neatoman]

Wasn't it just a dream sequence when Leonardo was chased by those vegetables in "Unidentified Flying Leonardo"?

I guess it's probably a dream sequence? It's Splinter having a vision and it has no bearing on the plot after it's revealed as such but it's edited into the episode like a normal scene until the revelation, so who really knows. But yeah, probably didn't actually happen.

Well, the episode was still about a mad scientist's plan to make giant veggies that will solve the problem of food shortages and somehow that's an act of evil...

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I guess it's probably a dream sequence? It's Splinter having a vision and it has no bearing on the plot after it's revealed as such but it's edited into the episode like a normal scene until the revelation, so who really knows. But yeah, probably didn't actually happen.

Well, the episode was still about a mad scientist's plan to make giant veggies that will solve the problem of food shortages and somehow that's an act of evil...

The tought behind the idea is good, but he tried to use it to knock out other local farmers and companies at the market and get some kind of monopoly.

[pferreira]

Sorry, it's just that an in depth analysis for the FW cartoon seems like a joke to me and judging from what you posted, it seems like it is.It's half joking, have actual analytical and I love that website for it. Fred Wolf 80s haters need not apply. :lol:

[BlindFaith]

Hell yeah...Original series all the way :D

[Anarchistguy]

I used to LOVE the OT when I was a kid.

Now? I still love seasons 1, 7 and red sky but the rest? Not so much. I still enjoy the voice acting, the bad guys and Raph's sarcasm, but that's pretty much it.

And lol at the people who say the action was never important.

You do know this cartoon was originally supposed to be action oriented, right?

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I used to LOVE the OT when I was a kid.

Now? I still love seasons 1, 7 and red sky but the rest? Not so much. I still enjoy the voice acting, the bad guys and Raph's sarcasm, but that's pretty much it.

And lol at the people who say the action was never important.

You do know this cartoon was originally supposed to be action oriented, right?

Nothing beats the dialogue between the characters in the 1987 cartoon!

[Tetsu Deinonychus]

It is possible to enjoy a show while still acknowledging it's flaws and the impact it's had (both good and bad) on the franchise as a whole.

I still enjoy it, though (aside from the first two seasons which hold up surprisingly well) it is very flawed. It's full of sloppy production errors, and bad jokes. But, it's also got some clever jokes and is still entertaining (and self-aware) 80s kitch. It brought TMNT from an underground comics hit to a mainstream super-success, but it also ruined the public image of TMNT in general.

I would say the TMNT fandom as a whole has a love/hate relationship with the FW series. I'd say most hostility isn't directed at the show itself, but at the attitude that *all* versions of TMNT should be based around the FW show.

The best comparison would be to Batman. The FW TMNT series is very much the "60s Batman show" of the franchise. 60s Batman was a lighter, comedic version of Batman, and the show was notoriously goofy and cheesy. It was a fun show, but it was not a good representation of Batman as a whole, and not true to the original comics (it was too goofy to be like Golden-age Batman, and not goofy enough to be Silver-age Batman).

But, for a long time that was the best known version of Batman (TV shows simply reach more people than comics, after all). And, it's what brought Batman into the mainstream and even saved the comic from cancellation.

Now imagine a world where the public never got over the 60s Batman show. In this scenario, when the Burton films, animated series, Nolan films, etc. came out everyone just went "That's not the Batman I grew up with!" and dismissed them all as failed "gritty" remakes of the 60s show, not even being aware of the comics themselves.

There would still be nothing wrong with anyone enjoying or even preferring 60s Batman, but don't you think the Batman fandom would be frustrated that the public's perception of Batman was still Adam West? Especially, when all the merchandise and newer material started pandering to 60s fans and dismissing both the source material and other adaptations?

That's pretty much where TMNT is. I think that most TMNT fans have a lot of love for the show, being most people's entry point and a childhood favourite. But, (aside from seasons 1 and 2) it hasn't aged well. And, it's also a little frustrating that the public still considers it the "definitive" TMNT when it doesn't represent the franchise as a whole very well (though it does it's own thing just fine, and is good, corny, fun).

TLDR version: I do still like the FW TMNT show, but I like other versions better. And, I wish the general public would stop thinking of TMNT as "that kitchy 80s cartoon" and see it the way they do Batman, as an evolving property with many versions, one of which just happening to be a campy older TV show that was very different from the others.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I checked out some 1960's Batman scenes of the Youtube and it looks like it's trying to look like a stereotype comic book with all BANG! POW! SMASH! so the world probably got over it by the early-1970's. Also it was live action so maybe the films would have been similair if the first had been produced in 1969 instead of 1989 (maybe without BANG! POW! SMASH!).

[ZariusTwo]

I've been binging it again lately and I love it as much as always. Way better than the Nick show in my opinion (fight me), is it flawed? Quite. Is the 2000s era show better? Yes, but there's narm charm and a wholesomeness to the characters, it's an innocent show for more innocent times

[plastroncafe]

So long as one ignores the fact that our social mores have changed somewhat in the interim.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Also, it's not a catastrophe if anything isn't enjoyed by everyone 20-30 years later. Music, films, TV-series, video and whatever is mainly produced for being popular contempotary, no matter what someone thinks years later. What matters is an entire generation once had fun with it and great memories.

[Garfield]

I've been binging it again lately and I love it as much as always. Way better than the Nick show in my opinion (fight me), is it flawed? Quite. Is the 2000s era show better? Yes, but there's narm charm and a wholesomeness to the characters, it's an innocent show for more innocent times

I feel the same.

[SwordofTengu]

Yes, I still do. I watched the whole series for the first time from 2012-2013. The series has plenty of stupid moments and is largely a comedy, but it just has this charm to it with a great voice cast and some ridiculous and fun adventures.

[DoctorHver]

Sure, the theme song is classic masterpiece :D

Now considering what else Fred Wolf films has produced from **** underground movies like Dirty Duck as well as such odd TV shows such as James Bond jr other similar odd shows, or other shows that did only last few episodes. I did say the OT TNMT 1987 show is easily the best product Fred Wolf ever made at his own studio. Since I don't consider DuckTales and Wuzzles to be produced by Fred Wolfs Studio even if he supervised some of the episodes for those shows given that the logo of his studio never appear in the credits of these Disney shows

[pferreira]

Now considering what else Fred Wolf films has produced from **** underground movies like Dirty Duck as well as such odd TV shows such as James Bond jr other similar odd shows, or other shows that did only last few episodes. I did say the OT TNMT 1987 show is easily the best product Fred Wolf ever made at his own studio. Not even Budgie the Little Helicopter? That was big at least in the UK. :lol:

[retr0pia75]

I certainly do.
To me, the 1987 cartoon is like the Adam West Batman series; It's corny, has a lot of focus on jokes, and has a rather simple formula for each episode - but that's what makes it so entertaining and fun to watch.

[Wesley]

I certainly do.
To me, the 1987 cartoon is like the Adam West Batman series; It's corny, has a lot of focus on jokes, and has a rather simple formula for each episode - but that's what makes it so entertaining and fun to watch.

I agree. Also, you can enjoy a random episode without knowing what's going on, something that you can't really do with the 2003 and 2012 cartoons.

[ABrown]

Watched another couple of episodes last night, and I absolutely loved them. Ever heard of the phrase k.i.s.s. (keep it simple stupid)? That's exactly what the original cartoon did, and they did it well. With Nickelodeon's obsession with the original cartoon, that's what they should've tried to duplicate with their cartoon, rather than using continuity in their episodes as much as they do.

[TurtleGuy]

Watched another couple of episodes last night, and I absolutely loved them. Ever heard of the phrase k.i.s.s. (keep it simple stupid)? That's exactly what the original cartoon did, and they did it well. With Nickelodeon's obsession with the original cartoon, that's what they should've tried to duplicate with their cartoon, rather than using continuity in their episodes as much as they do.
Continuity isn't a bad thing. It's just that they seem to drop plots for no reason...

[Weapon X]

I decided back in 2010, I believe, to marathon the entire series, at least what was released to DVD at that point.

Season 1, as we all know is great, and the definitive season for the series. However I don't think it has the perfect animation that it's always complimented for. The fight scenes and action, yes, but there are a lot of moments where the animation and characters look very soft and inconsistent.

Season 7 & 8 have the best animation in my opinion. As far as consistency and keeping on model.

Anyways, seasons 4 & 5 were a chore to sit through. There are just too many forgettable episodes, it's quantity over quality.

Things get good again with 7. It's a nice tight season, only 14 episodes. Also features a great finale.

In the end, it's all about nostalgia, for me at least. The '87 series was a big part of my life and I can still watch the cartoon and enjoy it from that perspective.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Anyways, seasons 4 & 5 were a chore to sit through. There are just too many forgettable episodes, it's quantity over quality..

Don't you mean seasons 3-4. Season 5 is just 20 episodes.

[ABrown]

Continuity isn't a bad thing. It's just that they seem to drop plots for no reason...

Oh I've loved several cartoons that have featured continuity based stories. But if a show is going to feature a strong continuity, the show had better be GREAT. And I don't find Nick's series to be anywhere near great, I find it to be barely watchable.

[pferreira]

I agree. Also, you can enjoy a random episode without knowing what's going on, something that you can't really do with the 2003 and 2012 cartoons.I miss episodic television. It seems the upcoming Star Trek series is going the serialised route which is a shame. I'm more into TV that is a mixture of episodic and serialised storytelling. Shows from the 90s (especially Star Trek shows) did it well.

[Danetello]

In another thread just the other day I created a list of the episodes from the OT that I consider my "watch list", leaving out a lot of the junk. THOSE are the episodes I have the nostalgia for and that I consider worth my time, since they mean something in the over all TMNT universe. Things like the "The Big..." trilogy, and when we meet the Rat King, the Punk Frogs, etc. But episodes like Polly Wanna Pizza are just, well... lol.