Official Episode Discussion S4 Ep 26: Owari

[GoldMutant]

Personally don't understand the hype of last episode and this one.

I will admit, the action was excellent; while not as good as Requiem to me, it certainly delivered. Each Turtle got one individual moment this episode, Raphael nearly killing Fishface, Michelangelo curing Baxter Stockman (more on that later), Leonardo killing Shredder (as expected) and Donnie... I'm not sure if he stood out despite the trap with Bebop and Rocksteady. I wouldn't say it's the series' best action, but it certainly was the most brutal in terms of the sequences.

I also enjoyed the opening sequence at the farmhouse. Minimal dialogue, just facial reactions until Leo goes to meditate, something I honestly wish was done more in the franchise itself cartoon wise. Then Leo talking to Splinter's spirit... while not that emotional for me due to the shock value being repetitious, I have to admit the farmhouse was genuinely moving this time. Seth Green has come into his own as Leonardo; while it's obviously him with his natural voice, he certainly shined this time as did Kevin Michael Richardson.

Little nods also like the introduction of Casey's signature hockey mask, the Outtie 5000 line, and the black and white still of Leo vs SS were very good as well.

However, though an action oriented episode, I almost feel not enough time was given in the emotional department. It's a criticism of not only this episode, but Requiem as well. Something felt missing for me due to Leo being the only one to fully reflect on Splinter's death this episode. Even with their father-son/teacher-student relationship being present, it just felt weird. You could make an argument for Mikey with the chains in the final fight, but I'd rather wait on season 5 before making that judgment call.

A personal gripe of this episode for me is Baxter Stockman. He's my favorite character in the franchise, a scapegoat who just doesn't catch a break but shines in small doses. I am happy that he was cured here as the fly. While synonymous with him after Fred Wolf besides being a cyborg, I certainly didn't like him saying he liked being a fly. Again, I understand you can argue he was woozy after being cured but I don't see how it helped Baxter at all, especially because when he was mutated in Lonely Mutation, he claimed he was a freak. It feels off putting for him to want to remain a fly, it's like I missed an episode when he hasn't had primary focus at all in season 3 and only in The Insecta Trifecta did he get the spotlight one last time.

Even though it's great this was a finale that lacked Kraang involvement and an invasion, Owari doesn't fully appeal to me. I see why a lot of you like it, but it's personally not my cup of tea. If it aired back to back with Requiem I'd assume the impact would be greater. The action may have been eye candy, but I wish more was done. Easily among the best of the season.... which unfortunately is not saying much. 8 out of 10.