Official Ep Discussion S4 Ep 1: Beyond the Known Universe

[Vicky82]

Originally Posted by kelligrafie

Can we talk about Mikey's face right after Fugitoid bitchslapped Raphael.

He's like, "Wanna laugh. But can't. Mustn't. Daren't."

Yeah and when he was holding on to Casey

[Eurydemus]

I really enjoyed the episode! Like others have said, the production values made a huge leap befitting the season's new setting. The first episode alone is visually impressive (especially the variety of alien models at the Mos Eisley analogue) and I can't wait to see more.

I found the writing alright. The time travel thing was a bit shocking (not really a "surprise") because of how early that big plot point was resolved. However, it also gives the Turtles a long term goal, so at least we have a unifying story element for the first half of S4. Plus I think it'd be too grim to have the Turtles go off on their adventures and still play to the show's comedic nature with Splinter's - and billions of others' - death(s) hanging over their heads. I think even Mikey would have a hard time Booyakasha-ing with that on his mind. I mean, look at the viewer response to Casey's reaction in the S3 finale.

There were some awesome Under-the-Radar slips, too: Raph not giving a flying (you know) and - perhaps unexpectedly - three explicit and permanent onscreen deaths. Unless Dregg's insect minions were robots, one got stabbed repeatedly, another got a hole blown into its torso, and a third lost an arm and its head. They all seemed to "bleed" green goop, too.

Overall, a brilliant start to S4 in my view.

[CyberCubed]

More April fanservice. The camera focuses entirely on her ass again when she came out with her yellow outfit. Why do the animators keep doing this?

I'd expect this from anime but not an American cartoon.

[neatoman]

Originally Posted by CyberCubed

Did this episode really remind anyone else of Fast Forward? It was like a mix of 4kids Turtles in Space and Fast Forward. Turtles get new suits/weapons, they fight random aliens, Mike tries to eat alien food, etc.

I thought that too, it does really remind me of that first episode of FastForward. Just replace "Earth in the future" with "Space in the past" and this season is basically FastForward 2.0 .

It's basically the same thing really, a radically new status quo, most of the characters getting replaced for a while, "fish out water" type storytelling etc.

Spoiler:

Or maybe I just have FastForward on the brain since IDW is bringing back Jammerhead but it still feels pretty close.

[CyberCubed]

Originally Posted by neatoman

I thought that too, it does really remind me of that first episode of FastForward. Just replace "Earth in the future" with "Space in the past" and this season is basically FastForward 2.0 .

It's basically the same thing really, a radically new status quo, most of the characters getting replaced for a while, "fish out water" type storytelling etc.

Spoiler:

Or maybe I just have FastForward on the brain since IDW is bringing back Jammerhead but it still feels pretty close.

Fast Forward was essentially a full season of "Turtles in Space" even though they were on Earth in the future.

There's like no difference.

[kelligrafie]

I quite liked how different the music was in this episode. When they're all being chased, it was upbeat and jazzy like the cantina theme. Except more brass like instead of woodwind.

[The Happy One]

Originally Posted by Toadtrooper

The animation is good, but the writing is so awful I want to skip the entire space arc.

I face-palmed when Donatello immediately knew how far back in time they were just by looking out the window from an angle he has never viewed Earth from before.

The concept of "localized" time travel is beyond stupid. Yes, you could have a little bit of gravitational time dilation but then you just time travel farther away from the source of the gravity. It's a silly way to build tension, and it doesn't, because they've spoiled the ending in the first five minutes. If you can only do it once, they're going to do it. Now they have the daunting task of making it interesting.

Which won't be done with made-up words and ignoring simple things. You don't just send a bunch of kids into a strange market without some money and a few ground rules. That would at least give us a reference for how expensive things are. But no, the kids need to be stupid so the show can introduce Dregg, who again, is pretty much spoiled in the first five minutes of the show when April mind-kicks his butt.

But whatever. Stuff! Things! Let's sell some toys.

You good?
But, yeah, I'msure someone as smart as Don could figure that out. Heck, he probably learned that at five by hacking into NASA!

And as for turning back time? I said this before and I'll say it again...how else were they gonna do it?

And for the localized turning back of time? I can only think of Superman and that this is a cartoon. Not everything has to be overly complicated. Yeah, it's a quick fix but only a half-fix they still have a lot to do to stop it. I mean, if you're just too mature that you just can't possibly watch something so childish then- welp- it was nice knowing ya!
Because honestly, pal, it's not nearly as bad as you're making it out to be. Chill out and just wait it out. Or, if ya can't....then perhaps this iteration of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles isn't for you, which is fine.
It's not for everybody.

[tylerdavies]

Originally Posted by OrangeNinja1987

Great episode. I loved almost everything about it and it would surely get a 10/10 in my book if it hadn't been for the stupid way of fixing the Earth in the first episode! That removed so much tension and emotional motivation for the turtles, and now it's extremely obvious that after the space arc that things will go back to the status quo and everything will be fine and dandy.
I don't see any other solution to the destruction of earth other than time travel, but in the first episode of the season? Really!?
Kind of funny that the episode began with the retelling of what happened in the season finale, only to have the new theme song recap yet again seconds later. Meh. Both did a good job of it.

Who said after the space arc things are going to become back to normal? I see a lot of people complaining about this but we don't know how this arc concludes. Also the turtles watched Splinter die before their eyes by the shredder. Surely they'll go nuts when they see him again and tell him about it.

I also thought the double recap was kind of silly. I love the new intro though. I thought it was pretty kickass. I also just finished rewatching season 3 today, just in time for this episode.

Originally Posted by GoldMutant

This episode is severely disappointing to me, but okay nonetheless. The visuals were good yes, but my gosh were the characters stupid, especially the motive of Dregg in this incarnation. Seriously, a grocery is why he hates them?

I don't really blame you for feeling this way. I personally thought the turtles were pretty antagonizing towards Dregg. Poor Dregg was just trying to trade for a rare spice when the turtles run into him and knock him over after pissing off some other aliens. Then the turtles start talking to smack to Dregg instead of politley apologizing? Then the turtles break his expensive spice vial and start attacking him...The Aumanator's writing at his best.

Originally Posted by neatoman

Anyway, I can see why Ciro thought space was a budgetary nightmare, so much stuff was just painted in, they probably didn't have the budget to render it in CGI so I can expect a lot of that type of "cheating". It's not so bad when it's the backgrounds but the food stand and aliens really stuck out like sore thumbs, it's way more distracting than when they recycle assets and that already bugged me.

I'm surprised this wasn't talked about more in the forums. I thought the animators did a great job at blending in the 2D elements with the 3D elements. I felt the 2D characters or set pieces weren't that intrusive because it was shot in a way that they weren't the focus.

[victory_angel]

I personally liked this episode.

I admit that I wished the Turtles had a little more time to absorb the tragedy that had just happened. But having them go back in time roughly six months to stop the distruction of the world.

And of course this is their only chance to prevent earths distruction which makes it really imperative that they find those pieces of black hole generator before the Triceraton's

While they are doing this with the belief that by doing this they would be able to save earth and prevent the death of Master Splinter. It is still possible that they manage to save the Earth but still pay a heavy price despite their efforts.

It was funny seeing Leo living his own personal space heroes fanfiction. Heck with the look on his face when he was putting on his helmet looked like he was about to jizz if not pee himself out of pure excitement.

And then flying around out side in space for saying "I'm Captain Ryan!"

I wouldn't say the Fugatoid was entirely blameless for not offering the Turtles, April, or Casey any forms of currency. Or telling them what the currency is. I mean Donnie did say that the place they were docking was frequented by Smugglers, Space Pirates, and other Criminals. And the Fugatoid did warn them that Space Port was not part of the federation. So that alone should have told them that they had to be careful about who they pissed off.

Though it was awesome to have all the Turtles, April, and Casey all mess up on the planet rather then having it just be Mikey's fault. Especially when they collectively disrupt that drug sale between Dregg and those three dwarfish aliens.

Also when April mentioned that they Kill bugs on Earth, she also forgot to mention that People Eat bugs as well. Before you say only some cultures do...keep in mind that Crab, Lobster, Shrimp, and Crawfish are related to cockroaches. That and red40 which is a food dye is some foods also comes from insects.

[TurtleTitan97]

Pretty hilarious episode. Looking forward to the next one.

Originally Posted by victory_angel

Also when April mentioned that they Kill bugs on Earth, she also forgot to mention that People Eat bugs as well. Before you say only some cultures do...keep in mind that Crab, Lobster, Shrimp, and Crawfish are related to cockroaches. That and red40 which is a food dye is some foods also comes from insects.

Gee, thanks for ruining sea food for me.

[victory_angel]

Originally Posted by TurtleTitan97

Gee, thanks for ruining sea food for me.

Hey, I love Shrimp and one of my favorite Chinese appetizers are cream cheese and crab rangoons. And it's because they are related to cockroachs is why I don't feel bad about eating them... it's a bit easier to enjoy them when they are served without the head still attached. Cows, Chickens, and pigs...I do include in my diet, but I've also lived in and visited places around California such as the Napa Valley area, and of course there is the little farm up in Tilden Park in Berkeley which does have cows, goats, chickens, rabbits, Geese and Yes they do have a pig as well. And yes, I much prefer seeing them alive and happy to seeing them crispy fried in a greasy bucket.

There is also a burger place in Berkeley called farm burger that has photos of the slaughter house in the restrooms, which makes just makes you feel so happy with the fact you haven't gone vegetarian yet, and yes I am saying that quite sarcastically.

[TurtleTitan97]

Originally Posted by victory_angel

Hey, I love Shrimp. And that's why I don't feel bad about eating them...though it's a bit easier to enjoy them when they are served without the head still attached.

Either way, some things should just never be said. This is one of them.

[Shiro Kame]

Originally Posted by ObiWanFan4life

I wonder why they did the turning back time thing so early.

I believe they did so so that whatever the turtles did, and whoever they met during Season 4's "Turtles in Space" arc would matter. This was one of my concerns, especially with Mona Lisa showing up and the possibility of the turtles saving others who were either under Kraang, Triceraton, or anyone else's oppression. To me, it would have been a big waste if they did the time travel thing much later in. I knew they were going to do time travel, especially after seeing the Earth get demolished. I knew that there was no way in hell that the Earth and its inhabitants could come back unless there was time travel or some crap involved. Therefore, due to my above reasons, I'm glad that they used time travel at the start of the season.

[MsMarvelDuckie]

Originally Posted by victory_angel

Also when April mentioned that they Kill bugs on Earth, she also forgot to mention that People Eat bugs as well. Before you say only some cultures do.... keep in mind that Crab, Lobster, Shrimp, and Crawfish are related to cockroaches. That and red40 which is a food dye is some foods also comes from insects.

Yes and no. They are related in the same way people are related to pigs- they are both invertebrates and arthropods. Otherwise, crustaceans have NO close relations to insects. They are on a completely different evolutionary branch of the animal kingdom. And red 40 comes from a specific insect, so that's really kind of irrelevant.

Originally Posted by TurtleTitan97

Either way, some things should just never be said. This is one of them.

Agreed.

[THGhost]

Originally Posted by GoldMutant

Turning back time, really?

Come on I know they're following the book, but even with the time frame, that's a serious cop out of a fix. At the very least, the visuals for space are spectacular to see, animation really got boosted.

What else could they have done? There was literally no other way to get the Earth back.

Originally Posted by TigerClaw

Casey Jones just said, Were out like Vanilla Ice.

Originally Posted by ObiWanFan4life

Good to know that Tatooine hasn't changed much throughout the years.

Precisely my thoughts.

This was a great episode, a nice change of pace. I love the new opening and Lord Dregg's design is awesome. Can't wait to see more of him.

[yellowmario27]

I have a question, so the went back in time 6 months...so everyone on earth is still alive

So this means Master Splinter is at home, in the sewers, wondering where his sons are?

[ssjup81]

So, finally saw the ep. It was interesting. Nice how they're 6 months behind and now have a window to stop the Triceratons. Can't help but wonder how, though.

Dregg...wow. I'm a bit Lukewarm to him as a villain so far. Loved how Leo was nerding out. Oh, and I must say that Casey's line, "I'm out like Vanilla Ice" just had me laughing. I'll probably write more out later....just thouht I'd post something for the time being.

Originally Posted by yellowmario27

I have a question, so the went back in time 6 months...so everyone on earth is still alive

So this means Master Splinter is at home, in the sewers, wondering where his sons are?

I kind of doubt it. I'm sure their past selves are there...wouldn't they be?

[MsMarvelDuckie]

Originally Posted by yellowmario27

I have a question, so the went back in time 6 months...so everyone on earth is still alive

So this means Master Splinter is at home, in the sewers, wondering where his sons are?

Or possibly wandering the sewers in a feral state, given how far back they went. Kraang invasion, guys!

Originally Posted by ssjup81

So, finally saw the ep. It was interesting. Nice how they're 6 months behind and now have a window to stop the Triceratons. Can't help but wonder how, though.

Dregg...wow. I'm a bit Lukewarm to him as a villain so far. Loved how Leo was nerding out. Oh, and I must say that Casey's line, "I'm out like Vanilla Ice" just had me laughing. I'll probably write more out later....just thouht I'd post something for the time being.I kind of doubt it. I'm sure their past selves are there...wouldn't they be?

More likely in Northhampton, given the time frame. Six months.... That would put it either just before, or after the main Kraang invasion took place, I believe.

[Ursalink]

1º) I really hope the turtles will manage to save Master Splinter.

2º) 80's reference with April's space suit. Very convenient she looks just like her 80's counterpart, even her blaster looks like a videocamera. I would like these two girls meeting each other in the incoming crossover with the 80's crossover.

3º) Quite strange the spacesuits, don't you think? I mean, it seems the Fugitoid already have everything suitable exactly for the turtles, April and Casey. I mean, ninja tech's weapons, explosive pucks... etc. Too much for a coincidence, don't you think?

[Leaf]

Originally Posted by Ursalink

I mean, it seems the Fugitoid already have everything suitable exactly for the turtles, April and Casey. I mean, ninja tech's weapons, explosive pucks... etc. Too much for a coincidence, don't you think?

Just on this, the Fugitoid did say that Bishop sent him (or something along those lines) so I would assume this is how he knows what kind of gear they would need perhaps? In addition to knowing their names etc.

Finally watched the episode and I am liking what I'm seeing so far. I did think that it would be nice to have more screentime of Dregg, but I suppose it's not so bad considering how much we saw of the Shredder in the first episode.

(As an aside, woo! First actual forum post!)