Did anyone else like how Splinter wasn't "action oriented" in the show?
 

In the original cartoon, Splinter would often give advice or words of wisdom for the turtles, but he only ever got involved in the action in the most dire situations or when they really needed him.

Splinter wasn't treated like a "kung fu martial arts master" in the original cartoon, but instead as a wise sage who gave advice.

Did anyone else kind of like this in retrospect?

I do prefer Splinter as the sensei/guru/wise master, but when he joined the fun I always got very excited.
After all, you gotta see his skills to believe 'em.

I agree that it wouldn't make sense if Splinter didn't practice or see action once in awhile, as he always preaches to the Turtles the way of the warrior/physically teaches them the art.

That being said, I do prefer Splinter as the "stay at home" or behind the curtains type over the overly active Splinter of the 2k3 show. I just feel like he was too involved in the 2k3 run. Once in awhile is fine for me, but too much takes away from the Turtles, in my opinion.

Now when I watch the episodes of the original cartoon, I find it strange that Splinter just sat around at home while the turtles were off fighting HIS nemesis. It made a lot more sense the way that Splinter's involvement was handled in the 4Kids version. Any time that the turtles had one of their big battles with Shredder, Splinter was right there beside them.

True. But Splinter sat around at home while the turtles massacred his nemesis in the original comic too. =p

I always thought it made sense that he would stay at home. He was always using a cane so it showed that he was past his prime, but of course he would still be very good with martial arts. He just couldn't run around with the turtles like he would have when he was younger.

Exxxxactly.

I like him presented like Yoda, wise sage who can still put a beat down on when required

They should have done an episode of how Splinter spends his time in the lair when the Turtles are away.

An entire episode of him sitting cross legged and meditating, think of the cost savings, lol.

When Splinter would occasionally get up and fight, it made me think of the Mr. Miyagi moments from Karate Kid. I always did enjoy that dynamic.

Or sneaking a slice of pizza!

I love that deleted scene from TMNT when Donny catches Splinter trying to eat a piece of leftover cake, and he lectures him on how he shouldn't be eating that - as Mikey slips Splinter a piece behind his back unbeknownst to Donny. I crack up every time I see that scene. Why the hell would they delete it from the final film? WHY?! (end rant)

Im agree....I use to imagine the same....he is an old wise master...tho. if an enemy tries to attack him....he will show why he is the master/sensei of 4 formidable/fantastic ninja turtles!!!!..... :tgrin::tcool::twink:

I was thinking of that yesterday, while watching some of the later episodes. The Turtles in the OT were taught to fend for themselves, and after "finally defeating Shredder and Krang" a few times it was evident they didn't need his help all the time. With the Red Sky seasons, after the Turtles got their confidence back in "Wrath of the Rat King", Splinter only appeared at the end of "Cyber Turtles" and the beginning of "Turtle Trek" so it was obvious he was letting go or maybe just getting older? That's how I see it.

Never seen that. I am now going to have to check my DVD to see if it has it on there.

No, I didn't like that at all. I liked him better in the 2K3 toon where he would get some action and kick a**. Him sitting at home just seemed lame for me. But then again, he was just their teacher in the old toon while he was treated as a father in the new toon.

Am I the only one who thought of splinter as a father figure in the ot. Not just there sensie.