Is the Nick series a parody...

**Jester** · 10-02-2012, 12:20 AM

...of the Turtles themselves.

In 1984, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird took a joke sketch and added parody/homages to Frank Miller's Daredevil run and his own Ronin as well as Marvel's then popular New Mutants book that had Teenage Mutants in them. Not sure how many anthropomorphic critters were running around at that point, but they get a jab, too. Now we have the new Nick show and I wonder: Is it a parody/homage of TMNT as a whole?

I'm only half joking here. I was (over) thinking about some things:

1. Splinter's "sage sayings" are almost always contradictory or double talk. The whole "Yes...and No." bit, the "No Right or Wrong Just Choices" scene. The wise old rat's words of wisdom are almost platitudes.

2. Leonardo is leader...just 'cuz. Ok, so he asked...but that's not much more than "just 'cuz." He has always been the leader, and he always will be.

3. Donatello's such a dork, he's even really tall and lanky and has buck teeth. Are there prescription lenses under his mask? (Ok, this is probably one of the more reaching points.

)

4. Many people seem to think Mikey is DUMB. Like really, really DUMB. Like an exaggeration of how dumb Mikey's been in the past.

5. Raph just has to bully everyone. Leo, Mikey, Donnie, Snake. Everyone.

Again, this is not completely serious...but I couldn't help wondering. Thoughts?

*Luzmagica* · 10-02-2012, 12:31 AM

Nop...Sorry Jester, Im not agree,....
This show is only another Alternative Universe (like Turtles Forever show us)...

!!!

~~Leo656~~ · 10-02-2012, 12:42 AM

I do kinda feel like some of the writing was leaning towards self-referential humor. Which is fine sometimes, if over-done it gets annoying. We'll see which way they go with this show.

My biggest problem with that sort of humor is it's exclusionary, it goes over the heads of anyone who hasn't seen any of the other versions. So far though in this series it's clever enough to still be funny on its own while still getting the humor across.

And far be it from ME to accuse anyone ELSE of over-thinking, Cuz!

Lil G · 10-02-2012, 12:52 AM

I agree, but i dont parody is the right term. I think they're going in with more of a “Well this is ninja turtles, we HAVE to throw this in” type attitude. And they execute that by making Mikey a little to dumb, Raph a step away from being a bully, Don by being a tall lanky geek, and Leo by showing the fact that hes always the leader

Dirty Blond · 10-02-2012, 12:56 AM

I pretty much agree with Leo656 here.

Some of the best humor was derivative, especially Mikey's "that was us" comment; also, the Turtles trying pizza for the first time was funny if only because we already knew how crazy they were about it in the OT.

So, I would say there's some parody going on.

~~Leo656~~ · 10-02-2012, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirty Blond

I pretty much agree with Leo656 here.

Careful, around here that can get you shot.

Dirty Blond · 10-02-2012, 01:20 AM

Maybe so, but this is a fairly sophisticated idea that Jester is positing here.

It's not parody the way Mad Magazine would do it, (or the way I'm parodying the Mirage Turtles in my TMNT Strip. Ahem). It's more self-parody.

*Zulithe* · 10-02-2012, 01:35 AM

Ciro Nieli has talked several times about his initial goals for the series, the big one he emphasizes time and time again was how he wanted to distill the TMNT down to their core elements, really figure out who these characters are, and build up from there. It's very evident in Rise of the Turtles what characteristics he feels are the most defining for each character, and you've touched on a lot of them.

Not so much parody, just being honest about what the history of these characters is about and not glossing over it. Each character boldly wears their personality on their sleeve.

Splinter, very early on, was clearly a very Yoda-like character (And Stick from Daredevil, of course), and like Yoda he talks in this very broad way that probably sounds pretty wise to a kid, which as we're all very aware is the intended audience here. I'd like to see Splnter give some real, mind blowing wisdom once in a while but this is a limitation of not only the intended audience but also the writers.

Scud · 10-02-2012, 07:32 AM

Parody? No. More like homage maybe.

They seem to be focused on a single personality for each character and almost over doing it. Since it's only one show, we'll see how they carry forward and hopefully they will grow as the show does.

~S~

*Slade* · 10-02-2012, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jester

Raph just has to bully everyone.

You just scared me a bit. As soon as I read the word bully I started to think about Nick doing some stupid anti bullying episode focused around Raph...

FoxZerro · 10-02-2012, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jester

3. Donatello's such a dork, he's even really tall and lanky and has buck teeth. Are there prescription lenses under his mask? (Ok, this is probably one of the more reaching points.

)

Is it a buckteeh / gap. The more I looked at it in the show the more it seemed like he was missing his front left tooth. It was that little bit off center that I thought maybe he lost it in training exercises with his brothers.

Regarding the whole parody of a parody of a parody thing. I think that they wanted to let the hardcore fans know that they knew where the turtles came from and have respect for them. By putting in the little caveats that they did in the first episode any fears I had of them destroying these characters I love were completely alieviated and with that fear gone I feel I will be able to proceed with a more open mind regarding the 2k12 Turtles.

*oldmanwinters* · 10-02-2012, 09:50 AM

I'd just say the show is self-aware of the franchise's storied history, and it has fun with some of the stereotypes.

*MikeandRaph87* · 10-02-2012, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luzmagica

Nop...Sorry Jester, Im not agree,....
This show is only another Alternative Universe (like Turtles Forever show us)...

!!!

But Turtles Forever made a parody of the '87 cartoon opposed to what it really was...

*chrisdude* · 10-02-2012, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FoxZerro

Regarding the whole parody of a parody of a parody thing. I think that they wanted to let the hardcore fans know that they knew where the turtles came from and have respect for them. By putting in the little caveats that they did in the first episode any fears I had of them destroying these characters I love were completely alieviated and with that fear gone I feel I will be able to proceed with a more open mind regarding the 2k12 Turtles.

That's the way I saw it. I agree with this.

In The Clouds · 10-02-2012, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jester

2. Leonardo is leader...just 'cuz. Ok, so he asked...but that's not much more than "just 'cuz." He has always been the leader, and he always will be.

Pretty sure that's exactly what happened here. I mean, everyone knows Leo's the leader - it's even in the theme song. Why spend precious plot time trying to figure out which turtle could possibly be the leader when we all know the answer?

Of course, the show still might do that, since apparently Raph's not happy. But personally, I thought it was kind of funny that they made a joke out of it, since other incarnations have already done the "leader" thing to death.

TurtleMaster4 · 10-02-2012, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeandRaph87

But Turtles Forever made a parody of the '87 cartoon opposed to what it really was...

Well, yea, but you really think a dark and gritty turtle universe teamed with the fun loving turtles won't make the fun loving one look dumb in this day and age?

Besides, Laird wasn't exactly a fan of the old toon, i believe the Nickelodeon folks have a bit more respect for the old series.

Viacom on the other hand, i'm still not sure what to say about them, especially after seeing the leaked script!

*Zany Orange Dude* · 10-02-2012, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zulithe

Ciro Nieli has talked several times about his initial goals for the series, the big one he emphasizes time and time again was how he wanted to distill the TMNT down to their core elements, really figure out who these characters are, and build up from there. It's very evident in Rise of the Turtles what characteristics he feels are the most defining for each character, and you've touched on a lot of them.

Not so much parody, just being honest about what the history of these characters is about and not glossing over it. Each character boldly wears their personality on their sleeve.

Splinter, very early on, was clearly a very Yoda-like character (And Stick from Daredevil, of course), and like Yoda he talks in this very broad way that probably sounds pretty wise to a kid, which as we're all very aware is the intended audience here. I'd like to see Splnter give some real, mind blowing wisdom once in a while but this is a limitation of not only the intended audience but also the writers.

Very nicely said sir!

magidkaiser · 10-02-2012, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirty Blond

I pretty much agree with Leo656 here.

Some of the best humor was derivative, especially Mikey's "that was us" comment; also, the Turtles trying pizza for the first time was funny if only because we already knew how crazy they were about it in the OT.

So, I would say there's some parody going on.

i agree with that !

*TurtleTitan97* · 10-02-2012, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zulithe

Ciro Nieli has talked several times about his initial goals for the series, the big one he emphasizes time and time again was how he wanted to distill the TMNT down to their core elements, really figure out who these characters are, and build up from there. It's very evident in Rise of the Turtles what characteristics he feels are the most defining for each character, and you've touched on a lot of them.

Not so much parody, just being honest about what the history of these characters is about and not glossing over it. Each character boldly wears their personality on their sleeve.

Splinter, very early on, was clearly a very Yoda-like character (And Stick from Daredevil, of course), and like Yoda he talks in this very broad way that probably sounds pretty wise to a kid, which as we're all very aware is the intended audience here. I'd like to see Splnter give some real, mind blowing wisdom once in a while but this is a limitation of not only the intended audience but also the writers.

^ This. Well said, dude.

Master of the Foot Clan · 10-02-2012, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luzmagica

Nop...Sorry Jester, Im not agree,....
This show is only another Alternative Universe (like Turtles Forever show us)...

!!!

I like that idea. It allows creators in different media a little freedom and everything doesn't have to be exact and things can be different. Exploring different realities of Turtles.

But where do we draw the line? How far is to far when taking liberties with the property?

Just asking because all the latest news with the Michael Bay reboot has got me wondering.

10-02-2012, 12:20 AM	#1
Jester Rat-faced Dude-guy Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Arkansas Posts: 26,294	Is the Nick series a parody... ...of the Turtles themselves. In 1984, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird took a joke sketch and added parody/homages to Frank Miller's Daredevil run and his own Ronin as well as Marvel's then popular New Mutants book that had Teenage Mutants in them. Not sure how many anthropomorphic critters were running around at that point, but they get a jab, too. Now we have the new Nick show and I wonder: Is it a parody/homage of TMNT as a whole? I'm only half joking here. I was (over) thinking about some things: 1. Splinter's "sage sayings" are almost always contradictory or double talk. The whole "Yes...and No." bit, the "No Right or Wrong Just Choices" scene. The wise old rat's words of wisdom are almost platitudes. 2. Leonardo is leader...just 'cuz. Ok, so he asked...but that's not much more than "just 'cuz." He has always been the leader, and he always will be. 3. Donatello's such a dork, he's even really tall and lanky and has buck teeth. Are there prescription lenses under his mask? (Ok, this is probably one of the more reaching points. ) 4. Many people seem to think Mikey is DUMB. Like really, really DUMB. Like an exaggeration of how dumb Mikey's been in the past. 5. Raph just has to bully everyone. Leo, Mikey, Donnie, Snake. Everyone. Again, this is not completely serious...but I couldn't help wondering. Thoughts? __________________ "Clearly, you're Ninja Turtling incorrectly." - Leo656

10-02-2012, 12:31 AM	#2
Luzmagica A Magic Light Dudette! Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Spain. Posts: 3,878	Nop...Sorry Jester, Im not agree,.... This show is only another Alternative Universe (like Turtles Forever show us)... !!! __________________

10-02-2012, 07:32 AM	#9
Scud Hench Mutant Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Sol 3, Gould Belt, Milky Way Galaxy, Virgo Supercluster Posts: 485	Parody? No. More like homage maybe. They seem to be focused on a single personality for each character and almost over doing it. Since it's only one show, we'll see how they carry forward and hopefully they will grow as the show does. ~S~ __________________ New to the Technodrome? Why not introduce yourself here. To read the forum rules click one. For guidelines on Buying/Selling/Trading click two.

10-02-2012, 09:50 AM	#12
oldmanwinters Overlord Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Between yesterday and tomorrow! Posts: 15,473	I'd just say the show is self-aware of the franchise's storied history, and it has fun with some of the stereotypes. __________________ Experience the TMNT Fan Commentaries! Check out my TMNT fan comic, "Nothing to Fear"! View my sketch work! I'm selling some of my hard-to-find TMNT items!

10-02-2012, 12:42 AM	#3
~~Leo656~~ Banned Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: nWo Country Posts: 27,703	I do kinda feel like some of the writing was leaning towards self-referential humor. Which is fine sometimes, if over-done it gets annoying. We'll see which way they go with this show. My biggest problem with that sort of humor is it's exclusionary, it goes over the heads of anyone who hasn't seen any of the other versions. So far though in this series it's clever enough to still be funny on its own while still getting the humor across. And far be it from ME to accuse anyone ELSE of over-thinking, Cuz!

10-02-2012, 12:52 AM	#4
Lil G Stone Warrior Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: In west philadelphia born and raised... Posts: 814	I agree, but i dont parody is the right term. I think they're going in with more of a “Well this is ninja turtles, we HAVE to throw this in” type attitude. And they execute that by making Mikey a little to dumb, Raph a step away from being a bully, Don by being a tall lanky geek, and Leo by showing the fact that hes always the leader

10-02-2012, 12:56 AM	#5
Dirty Blond Stone Warrior Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 827	I pretty much agree with Leo656 here. Some of the best humor was derivative, especially Mikey's "that was us" comment; also, the Turtles trying pizza for the first time was funny if only because we already knew how crazy they were about it in the OT. So, I would say there's some parody going on.

10-02-2012, 01:20 AM	#7
Dirty Blond Stone Warrior Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 827	Maybe so, but this is a fairly sophisticated idea that Jester is positing here. It's not parody the way Mad Magazine would do it, (or the way I'm parodying the Mirage Turtles in my TMNT Strip. Ahem). It's more self-parody.

10-02-2012, 01:35 AM	#8
Zulithe Ninjutsu Master Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 6,418	Ciro Nieli has talked several times about his initial goals for the series, the big one he emphasizes time and time again was how he wanted to distill the TMNT down to their core elements, really figure out who these characters are, and build up from there. It's very evident in Rise of the Turtles what characteristics he feels are the most defining for each character, and you've touched on a lot of them. Not so much parody, just being honest about what the history of these characters is about and not glossing over it. Each character boldly wears their personality on their sleeve. Splinter, very early on, was clearly a very Yoda-like character (And Stick from Daredevil, of course), and like Yoda he talks in this very broad way that probably sounds pretty wise to a kid, which as we're all very aware is the intended audience here. I'd like to see Splnter give some real, mind blowing wisdom once in a while but this is a limitation of not only the intended audience but also the writers.