"Demons and Dragons" episode discussion

[VaughnMichael]

Originally Posted by Masked Ninja

OK, I'll clarify.

Not all anime influences are bad. Avatar is good because it uses its anime influence to support the story, instead of the other way around as the bad ripoffs do. Some of the visual influences of the earlier 2k3 seasons (the standard "speed" background, for one) played the same support role IMO. And they never went too far with it. (though Leo holding the Sword of Tengu in Return to NY was close, heh)

My problem with the Lost Season anime influence so far is that it's overriding the "Turtle" feel. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles don't need to announce their attacks as they do them. ("Neck Snap!" *crunch* and the like.) They just kick butt as ninjas do, silent and efficient. The glowy chi stuff is OK enough, as a visual representation of increased focus, but I can see it becoming a powerup-type deal so easily in the future.

In this episode it made me happy to see Mikey really take to using his focus for stealth... but of course they had to trivialize it by making him goof it up every time. By the end he probably should have been able to get it right, but there goes their plot device, right?

I dunno, my feelings are so mixed. Some things are done the good ol' way, but then some things are so awkwardly thrown together. I love some things and squirm at others. Splinter looks absolutely awesome this season, and I love him being back in the role of protective father. And yet as I watch I can't help but criticize writing and storyboarding choices, where in regular 2k3 I was usually very appreciative of them. Hence my "clumsy storytelling" complaint.

I really hope this gets better... I'd hate to have to give up on another season of Turtles.

And re: Putrescent: Sorry if I offended you, but your history does indeed suggest that you would bring that up, even if you're better about it now. I was just trying to stop that line of discussion before it started, as you were already in "told you so" mode. But whatever... I'm willing to drop it if you are.

The season is over and while I'm not happy about it I keep my opinions about Fast Forward in threads about those episodes.
I was not in any sort of mood or mind set at all, I was simply saying how these episodes are not as great as everyone has been preaching they are.
And everything you just said is what I was talking about exactly, You get it.
I will say one final time now These Episodes Are Only Ok They Are Not Great But They Are Not Sacks Of Crap Either, Got It? Good!
And Yes they do get better, quite frankly I wish they would have gone with the entire world take over thing by demons and zombies only, intead of all of this mystic stuff.