TMNT Season 3 Best Episode Tournament Round 3: Tale of the Yokai vs. Serpent Hunt

[JTH]

ROUND 3

Well, it took three and a half rounds. It took 18 matches, but we finally have our first lower seed advance. And it was a 5 over a 4 no less. I think it shows the seeds were pretty much on point. And it would really shock me if we got any more. But that said let's move on to the next match. This is 2 vs. 7. Will the top seed rebound and hold serve?

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

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

To check out the complete up to date bracket, the link is here:
http://www.bracketmaker.com/tmenu.cf...Best%20Episode

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

Official Seed: #2
Where JTH seeded this episode: #5
Total Points Received: 151
Official IGN Review: 9.0/10
Current TV.com Rating: 9.9/10
Highest Rating Episode Received: #2 (8 Times)
How did it get here?: Defeated In Dreams in Round 2

Official Seed: #7
Where JTH seeded this episode: #14
Total Points Received: 58
Official IGN Review: 8.7/10
Current TV.com Rating: 9.5/10
Highest Rating Episode Received: #5 (GoldMutant)
How did it get here?: Defeated Turtles in Time in Round 2

- Winner faces winner of #3 Return to New York/#6 Battle for New York in the Final Four


Which episode will win in your mind, vote away. Remember...HAVE FUN!!!

[Aaronardo]

Let's just be honest with ourselves here. Serpent Hunt is a great episode but could never measure up to the greatness that is Tale of the Yokai. I mean, that episode is the reason I still watch this show today. There's absolutely no way Serpent Hunt will win.

[GoldMutant]

Once more it's going to be a predictable victory with Tale of the Yokai being the clear favorite due to what it got away with onscreen; that said, I must ask why it's great. While I consider it superior to the finale in some regards (specifically the emotion factor), Serpent Hunt is personally a much better episode. Just like last two times, summarize plot and give general thoughts; to differ my process, how about I start with the fan favorite to win?

Continuing where Turtle in Time previously concluded, Tale of the Yokai causes our favorite reptiles to land in Japan from Renet's mishaps of the Time Scepter. They meet the old Hamato Clan and delve into a little more detail on the origin of Oroku Saki and Hamato Yoshi before they became their respective villain and heroic counterparts. However, Tang Shen starts to fall in love with Saki due to Yoshi refusing to leave Japan despite the opportunity to start a family. Once the existence of the Turtles' family starts to vanish ala Back to the Future, the Turtles must correct Shen on the right path. Even though this occurs, history takes its toll with the death of Shen, Miwa captured, and the rest of the story being predictable.

I'm well aware of the strong merits this episode possesses as the scenery especially the fire scenes and the painting are marvelous. In addition, we see a not so innocent side to Hamato Yoshi, demonstrating more than him being a caring man with a cocky attitude towards his "brother". Finally, Tang Shen is well casted with Minae Noji, the actress who portrays Karai in the Platinum Dunes first TMNT movie, in her first animated debut. The warmth and heartfelt voice of Noji conveys a tender character, which made many depressed upon her onscreen murder, the first of a main character outside blown up mutants previous. Despite that, there are flaws that hamper the episode.

I understand the route they were going for Shredder to make him sympathetic over Splinter back as humans, making Saki a tragic villain; despite this, the character is rushed. He suddenly becomes a bad guy over rejection; I'm well aware jealousy is the motive of this Shredder incarnation, but they at least could have added a scene to lament his misfortunes. Add in the fact that a large amount of the Hamato Clan joins up with him without any justification or Tang Shen rushing to save the former 'brothers' and leaving baby Miwa on the ground. Ultimately, this contributes to the main problem with the episode itself, it's heavily predictable.

We knew a good amount of what was to occur in this story and despite the imagery and comedic moments (especially Leo's "butt line"), it feels like putting a puzzle together at most when your mind is used to it. Furthermore, due to the contrivances present in the script, the episode loses emotion partially due to the pacing for Shredder's betrayal and not enough time is given to the different characteristics. Finally, why didn't they attempt a plot twist of the Turtles doing something to save everyone or transition into Attack of the Mega Shredder? Does anyone remember the line Leo said in the commercial being: "It's time we stop Shredder, once and for all."

Personally speaking, the emotion factor of an onscreen death and brutal imagery with bits of comedy and cuteness make the episode a solid watch. It will win the poll most likely, but the mispotential in the episode causes my vote to go toward to it's competition. However, best to explain Serpent Hunt on why it's personally the superior of the two.

Serpent Hunt reintroduces Anton Zeck and Ivan Steranko, somehow not among the New York population mutated. In an attempt to finally survive and escape the Kraang Invasion, they attempt to seek out the mutated Karai for Shredder in exchange for freedom. What transpires is Karai's mutation explained, as a three way chase occurs with the Turtles looking to save their sister permanently, Rahzar and Fishface tasked to find her for Shredder, and the aforementioned duo. The groups clash at several points, climaxing at the docks where the Turtles free Karai (previously captured by the Foot, but Zeck seizing the opportunity from an argument) and Zeck and Steranko captured. The episode concludes after the fight with Karai revealing to find her at a place with a "comet" (explained in Pig and the Rhino) and the awaited mutation of Zeck and Steranko into Bebop and Rocksteady.

A rather simple episode to return to the norm involving the repetitious Karai arc involving her mutation. Barring the mutation scene, the dock fight is a contender for best fight of the season, involving comedic antics of Zeck, the Turtles fighting Shredder (with an epic encounter involving Leo vs Shredder) and the underhanded tactics of Steranko. In fact, the action stands strong this time conveying all the sides of the conflict with three battles:

1. 1. Turtles vs Zeck and Steranko on the roof, also giving another good Raphael line ("1987 called, it wants it's jumpsuit back!") and giving an intimidation factor by Steranko and Zeck as tough opponents with minor sympathy.
2. 2. The Turtles fighting Rahzar and Fishface in the abandoned building poisoned to rescue/capture Karai depending on the side of the war.
3. 3. The aforementioned dock fight

Granted, the main issue most people have with the episode is either the placement of the episode and Karai's prolonging. The former I agree on; if the brief Kraang appearance is removed and some alterations to where the team is, the episode could have waited until after Battle for New York. This issue does bring up a flaw of how Steranko and Zeck know of Karai or haven't been mutated by the Kraang. Personally, the latter might be due to the immunity Steranko has for connections to the Shredder and knows of certain issues he has as "old friends." As for Karai, I do understand the problems as it won't be until later where we get progression for her conflict.

Other than issues that can be explained, Serpent Hunt has more going for it as it's comedic, action packed, and at times depressing. Whereas Yokai needs to establish an identity for the new setting, not so much for Serpent Hunt as the issue of survival is understandable. Both are even in some aspects, superior in areas the other lacks in such as Yokai's imagery or the interactions in Serpent Hunt.

Tl;dr: Serpent Hunt's identity has better establishment and excellent action throughout with a strong atmosphere whereas Tale of the Yokai is more of imagery and shocks. However, the latter's predictability in most aspects cause Serpent Hunt to be the personal choice for my vote.

Originally Posted by Aaronardo

Let's just be honest with ourselves here. Serpent Hunt is a great episode but could never measure up to the greatness that is Tale of the Yokai. I mean, that episode is the reason I still watch this show today. There's absolutely no way Serpent Hunt will win.

(Dang you whippersnapper outbeating my comparison ) You may be surprised Aaron, but we'll wait and see. (It's going to be a predictable victory though)

[Casey]

Easily Tale of the Yokai.

[ssjup81]

Originally Posted by Aaronardo

Let's just be honest with ourselves here. Serpent Hunt is a great episode but could never measure up to the greatness that is Tale of the Yokai. I mean, that episode is the reason I still watch this show today. There's absolutely no way Serpent Hunt will win.

This for me (minus the last part) just in reverse. My vote goes to Serpent Hunt.

[tylerdavies]

Originally Posted by GoldMutant

Once more it's going to be a predictable victory with Tale of the Yokai being the clear favorite due to what it got away with onscreen; that said, I must ask why it's great. While I consider it superior to the finale in some regards (specifically the emotion factor), Serpent Hunt is personally a much better episode. Just like last two times, summarize plot and give general thoughts; to differ my process, how about I start with the fan favorite to win?

Continuing where Turtle in Time previously concluded, Tale of the Yokai causes our favorite reptiles to land in Japan from Renet's mishaps of the Time Scepter. They meet the old Hamato Clan and delve into a little more detail on the origin of Oroku Saki and Hamato Yoshi before they became their respective villain and heroic counterparts. However, Tang Shen starts to fall in love with Saki due to Yoshi refusing to leave Japan despite the opportunity to start a family. Once the existence of the Turtles' family starts to vanish ala Back to the Future, the Turtles must correct Shen on the right path. Even though this occurs, history takes its toll with the death of Shen, Miwa captured, and the rest of the story being predictable.

I'm well aware of the strong merits this episode possesses as the scenery especially the fire scenes and the painting are marvelous. In addition, we see a not so innocent side to Hamato Yoshi, demonstrating more than him being a caring man with a cocky attitude towards his "brother". Finally, Tang Shen is well casted with Minae Noji, the actress who portrays Karai in the Platinum Dunes first TMNT movie, in her first animated debut. The warmth and heartfelt voice of Noji conveys a tender character, which made many depressed upon her onscreen murder, the first of a main character outside blown up mutants previous. Despite that, there are flaws that hamper the episode.

I understand the route they were going for Shredder to make him sympathetic over Splinter back as humans, making Saki a tragic villain; despite this, the character is rushed. He suddenly becomes a bad guy over rejection; I'm well aware jealousy is the motive of this Shredder incarnation, but they at least could have added a scene to lament his misfortunes. Add in the fact that a large amount of the Hamato Clan joins up with him without any justification or Tang Shen rushing to save the former 'brothers' and leaving baby Miwa on the ground. Ultimately, this contributes to the main problem with the episode itself, it's heavily predictable.

We knew a good amount of what was to occur in this story and despite the imagery and comedic moments (especially Leo's "butt line"), it feels like putting a puzzle together at most when your mind is used to it. Furthermore, due to the contrivances present in the script, the episode loses emotion partially due to the pacing for Shredder's betrayal and not enough time is given to the different characteristics. Finally, why didn't they attempt a plot twist of the Turtles doing something to save everyone or transition into Attack of the Mega Shredder? Does anyone remember the line Leo said in the commercial being: "It's time we stop Shredder, once and for all."

Personally speaking, the emotion factor of an onscreen death and brutal imagery with bits of comedy and cuteness make the episode a solid watch. It will win the poll most likely, but the mispotential in the episode causes my vote to go toward to it's competition. However, best to explain Serpent Hunt on why it's personally the superior of the two.

Serpent Hunt reintroduces Anton Zeck and Ivan Steranko, somehow not among the New York population mutated. In an attempt to finally survive and escape the Kraang Invasion, they attempt to seek out the mutated Karai for Shredder in exchange for freedom. What transpires is Karai's mutation explained, as a three way chase occurs with the Turtles looking to save their sister permanently, Rahzar and Fishface tasked to find her for Shredder, and the aforementioned duo. The groups clash at several points, climaxing at the docks where the Turtles free Karai (previously captured by the Foot, but Zeck seizing the opportunity from an argument) and Zeck and Steranko captured. The episode concludes after the fight with Karai revealing to find her at a place with a "comet" (explained in Pig and the Rhino) and the awaited mutation of Zeck and Steranko into Bebop and Rocksteady.

A rather simple episode to return to the norm involving the repetitious Karai arc involving her mutation. Barring the mutation scene, the dock fight is a contender for best fight of the season, involving comedic antics of Zeck, the Turtles fighting Shredder (with an epic encounter involving Leo vs Shredder) and the underhanded tactics of Steranko. In fact, the action stands strong this time conveying all the sides of the conflict with three battles:

1. 1. Turtles vs Zeck and Steranko on the roof, also giving another good Raphael line ("1987 called, it wants it's jumpsuit back!") and giving an intimidation factor by Steranko and Zeck as tough opponents with minor sympathy.
2. 2. The Turtles fighting Rahzar and Fishface in the abandoned building poisoned to rescue/capture Karai depending on the side of the war.
3. 3. The aforementioned dock fight

Granted, the main issue most people have with the episode is either the placement of the episode and Karai's prolonging. The former I agree on; if the brief Kraang appearance is removed and some alterations to where the team is, the episode could have waited until after Battle for New York. This issue does bring up a flaw of how Steranko and Zeck know of Karai or haven't been mutated by the Kraang. Personally, the latter might be due to the immunity Steranko has for connections to the Shredder and knows of certain issues he has as "old friends." As for Karai, I do understand the problems as it won't be until later where we get progression for her conflict.

Other than issues that can be explained, Serpent Hunt has more going for it as it's comedic, action packed, and at times depressing. Whereas Yokai needs to establish an identity for the new setting, not so much for Serpent Hunt as the issue of survival is understandable. Both are even in some aspects, superior in areas the other lacks in such as Yokai's imagery or the interactions in Serpent Hunt.

Tl;dr: Serpent Hunt's identity has better establishment and excellent action throughout with a strong atmosphere whereas Tale of the Yokai is more of imagery and shocks. However, the latter's predictability in most aspects cause Serpent Hunt to be the personal choice for my vote.



(Dang you whippersnapper outbeating my comparison ) You may be surprised Aaron, but we'll wait and see. (It's going to be a predictable victory though)

I really like reading your critiques of the episodes contending. Please don't stop making them. I find them very insightful.