Official Ep Discussion S4 Ep 14: Earth's Last Stand

[kelligrafie]

Originally Posted by oldmanwinters

So... will the next episode go back to using the old theme song sequence?

YES PLEASE.

And the animators will have to get used to doing an extra half minute of animation to account for all the talking Leo does before the song starts.

[Vicky82]

Yeah I expect we will see the old or new intro.

I'm just glad the space arc is over, i've never been a fan of space and time travel but It was great to see the Turtles in space visiting different planets, new villains and new friends but it was starting to drag and bore me and I also missed New York, Splinter, ICK, The Mutanimals.

Hopefully now the last 12 episodes will just focus on the turtles fighting Shredder and his henchman, hopefully find out whats happened to Karai and hopefully this mutants vs humans story will be good.

I don't want to see any more alien villians, the Kraang ect, in any more episodes this season. I just hope the season final isn't going to be another alien invasion but as Season 5 starts off with the episode Scrolls of the Demodragon hopefully the season 4 final will be a lot different.

[MikeandRaph87]

Here is IGN's review of the event episode.
http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/04/...t-stand-review

Now humans vs mutants.

[LeotheLateBloomer]

The thing about Splinter though....

Spoiler:

Does this mean that the news on Splinter's fate was false? We've read somewhere that they revealed that he was no longer going to be responsible for the turtles' training due to his death but since they went back in time to prevent his death, was this all a joke?

[Vicky82]

Originally Posted by LeotheLateBloomer

The thing about Splinter though....

Spoiler:

Does this mean that the news on Splinter's fate was false? We've read somewhere that they revealed that he was no longer going to be responsible for the turtles' training due to his death but since they went back in time to prevent his death, was this all a joke?

Don't know, maybe he dies in the season 4 final or maybe it's because he's getting old and hurting more he's probably going to take a back seat and let Leo do all the training.

[Ursalink]

I haven't been so nervous for an episode of TMNT in years.

+ Thank Godness!! Splinter and the Earth were saved!! I wonder what made different the result this time. I don't complain at all, but what made Splinter to avoid Shredder's attack this time? The turles didn't have time to warm him. Maybe the visit from the crossover's events made him suspect or something? Anyway, so glad this was avoided.

+ The time solution for the double Turtles, April, Casey and Fugitoid was quite lame. I mean, following traditions from other time travel stories, the future and past characters should have been merged into one, turning the whole thing into a whole new timeline. I'm so confused now. I guess in the future, the group who left Earth this time could return somehow. I think it would be interesting.

+ It's official, the Shredder is a miserable and stinking son of a ****!!!! So, are you telling me he left the Earth being destroyed, with Karai in it, just to have revenge of Yoshi, and now he dares to call Splinter a monster?!!!!!!!! Just like Splinter said, "The only monster here is you!!!".

+ I highly doubt Tigerclaw had stayed with Shredder if he knew what happened the first time. Now that I think of it, how is it possible he stayed with the Shredder. I mean, Spinter wasn't killed this time, but Tigerclaw should have seen that Shredder was willing to left the Earth die (including himself) just for his insane revenge. I hope he finally change sides in the future somehow, possibly thanks to April showing him the events of the first time with her psychic powers; making him realize the Shredder is completely insane.

+ Well, if the events prior the Heart of Darkness remain the same, I suppose we could say Kraang Subprime and Kraang Prime are gone when the Triceratons destroyed the Technodrome; but since they survived to imminent death before, I highly doubt it. I doubt Mozar and the other Triceratons died too, even with what we saw. Like they say, "Bad habits die hard".

+ I want to believe Bishop survived too. We saw him being shot in this version too, but since the Kraang/Utroms seem strong enough to survive a lot of things, I guess he could survive to this.

+ Well, I don't know what it's coming now, but I hope we will see Karai again, possibly restored to the good side again. I really hate they left us with that cliffhanger last season.

By the way, LeotheLateBloomer, I suppose they were talking about the time the turtles would spend in the space. The Fugitoid was the one who trained him with the holograms.

[Ninja Tiptup]

I've been losing interest in this space arc for a while now and am glad it's over but what the shell did I just watch?

There are so many problems here I barely know where to start but Splinter simply avoids getting stabbed this time? Just cuz. The turtles didn't really change that so it was just another possibility that played out. I guess I can swallow that but how much better would it have been for one of the A) the turtles to actually save Splinter or B) for their attempts to save him to fail just the same (and yes I'm sure they wouldn't go that route but it would have been interesting to see).

Fugitoid shows up and isn't phased by there not being a problem? I suppose he might be thinking that if he shows up and the earth is safe then his back-up plan must have worked and therefore he's not worried but that's still pretty questionable writing.

I think Leonardo's reaction to Fugitoid coming clean was pretty reasonable but flying off on his own was more boneheaded than usual. Still that's a minor issue.

Sure those 6 would love to go enjoy a space adventure but the way they just left is pretty messed up. I agree with folks saying Renet should have come to fix this or the blackhole generator being destroyed could have caused the timelines to merge or the space 6 to vanish. They even could have had the current space adventurers go off with the other Fugitoid and make a spin-off with them. Maybe they did it to maintain the time loop but they shouldn't have to go back in time since the job is done. I could probably forgive this decision if they do something interesting with having a second set of turtles and maybe eventually has Renet fix situation but for now we can only guess what they'll do.

Pretty unfortunate that Tiger Claw's back to square one but I'm not at all surprised.

I do hope the Fugitoid head floating in space leads to him returning.

As of this moment the whole thing seems really pointless though I wouldn't be surprised if the season finale brings back the space characters and the other 6 for yet another "save the earth" finale.

Here's hoping future episodes sort this mess out.

[CyberCubed]

So our Turtles are living 6 months in the past on Earth while the past Turtles are now traveling in space.

I'm sure during the Season 4 finale we'll see both sets of Turtles again and maybe Renet or Fugitoid will fix the time gap. You guys worry over nothing.

[TMNTInsighter]

Originally Posted by Ursalink

I haven't been so nervous for an episode of TMNT in years.

+ Thank Godness!! Splinter and the Earth were saved!! I wonder what made different the result this time. I don't complain at all, but what made Splinter to avoid Shredder's attack this time? The turles didn't have time to warm him. Maybe the visit from the crossover's events made him suspect or something? Anyway, so glad this was avoided.

.....

+ It's official, the Shredder is a miserable and stinking son of a ****!!!! So, are you telling me he left the Earth being destroyed, with Karai in it, just to have revenge of Yoshi, and now he dares to call Splinter a monster?!!!!!!!! Just like Splinter said, "The only monster here is you!!!".

...

1) Leonardo actually did warn him. Go back and look.
2) Actually, as far as everyone knows, she drowned at the end of "The Fourfold Trap." We may know she's alive but not everyone else does.

[THGhost]

Pretty decent episode, so glad to have the Turtles back on Earth and reunited with Splinter. It's been a long time coming.

I forget, is Karai still a snake? If so, maybe the Turtles can finally get back to saving her?

[Zulithe]

I'm glad the arc is done, I didn't dislike it as much as some people though. There were some cool encounters and some nice changes of environment. And I like Fugitoid and the space tech stuff.

But man it's GREAT being back on Earth! Hopefully with some new more ninja and mutant madness soon. And lots of Pizza.

Just in time for the movie, too. Now the new episodes will match up with the film environments more.

It wrapped up the story threads nicely but left some great threads for more adventures in space. I hope this show gets to live long enough for us to do more wacky stuff like this arc.

Curious to see how thing swill go with Shredder and his crew after his defeat. He's gonna have to crank things up to 11 now.

Fugitoid's return is clearly setup, so that will be really interesting... hopefully not for another season or so though, hah. Let's explore more of Earth for a while.

[matteso586]

Originally Posted by TMNTInsighter

1) Leonardo actually did warn him. Go back and look.
2) Actually, as far as everyone knows, she drowned at the end of "The Fourfold Trap." We may know she's alive but not everyone else does.

Have you forgotten what Splinter said Annihilation Earth? They searched for her, but is gone. Yet they somehow know that she's alive, and vanished from the city.

[GoldMutant]

I figure now would be a good time to discuss season 4's space arc (no Cube, it's not a critically praised work of art ). It just feels... there. There just wasn't enough attention to make it enjoyable personally and only served as retaining the same progress every time. To make it easier, I'll break it down in style to the Youtuber Fawful's Minion, Good, Bad... Disappointing:

The Good:

1. Animation: If there's one thing this series has going for it, it's the animation continuously improves. Environments are well varied yeah, but I'm talking as just the background and at times the creatures. The space background itself is gorgeous to look at, pure eye candy. Additionally, the creatures were nearly varied in over the top looks such as Beyond the Known Universe or Wyrm as prime examples.

However, a personal issue I take is just the look of some of the planets, specifically in Moons of Thalos 3 and the recent Ever-Burning Fire. It might be me, but the animation just felt lackluster in comparison as video games and other shows have had that colorful variety. Thalos felt too dark to contrast with the zaniness of the season's opening and Ever-Burning Fire didn't have enough color, opting for a more cliche look. Other than that, the planets were well done for the most part and on that alone is the standout part of the show by far.

2. Mozar and the Fugitoid: Although the Triceratons leave a lot to be desired, the character of Mozar was rather interesting, especially near the end of the arc where he descends into madness. His brutal outlook, sinister voice by Michael Dorn, and blood-lust made him one of the best villains of the series. He didn't do too much, but left a significant impact as one of the Turtles' deadliest foes to date.

As for Fugitoid, what can I say that hasn't been said? Voiced by David Tennant, known as the Doctor himself, he was brilliant. Maintaining likability and a comedic charm that bests Michelangelo himself, Fugitoid is the highlight of the season. While his demise was inevitable and predictable too, he easily made the story watchable. Really would have loved more to be done with him, but for the most part he was a joy. Outside these main things though, the rest of the season falls flat.

The Bad:

1. The pacing: Identically to Northampton last season, the pacing felt rather jerky in terms of writing. It's a continuous tug of war for the Turtles where they get the pieces of the Heart of Darkness only to lose it immediately to the Triceratons and briefly Dregg. Each episode feels too condensed in story; I'm well aware Peter DiCicco brings up it's hard to script a 22 minute episode, but that's no excuse for such poor decisions.

Besides Evil of Dregg, the episode I can't stand from the arc the most, let's take a solid episode. A good example is Revenge of the Triceratons, an episode concerning with Donatello struggling to be as smart as Fugitoid while dealing with a Triceraton ambush. Certainly a good idea after Fugitoid is knocked out, but then we have space gremlins to contend with; instead of balancing it though, Don's plot is handled entirely off screen. When compared to a character like Iron-Man or Spider-Man, we understand how these guys face their issues. Whether Tony building his armor or If This Be My Destiny...! with Peter desperately trying to escape a water pipe on him to save his Aunt May.

Obviously, it's a poor comparison between comics and movies to television which is understandable, but we've gotten to know Don by now. We know he's the smart one, the fellow with a way for machines. Despite it, I don't understand rushing a narrative for off screen treatment.

2. Out of character behavior- Raphael I'll get to later, but literally everyone was out of character this season with the exceptions of Michelangelo and even April. Casey is the prime suspect here, voicing juvenile behavior with his catchphrases and not giving a damn. Leo with this episode too being irrational even with motivation, Don not getting enough screen time to formulate thoughts.... the list is endless. I thought The Croaking, Clash of the Mutanimals, and Turtles in Time were bad, but at least they were spaced out. Such rather annoying writing that doesn't understand why we like these characters as a team.

Disappointing:

1. The reinterpretations: I might have praised Mozar and Fugitoid as excellent additions, these new versions of the characters leave a lot to be desired. Over the course of this arc, we got the aforementioned Lord Dregg and Mona Lisa; also the animation debut of Bellybomb and Armaggon and a brief stint with the Neutrinos. I've already discussed the Neutrinos being generic, lifeless pawns and Bellybomb, though here for one episode, is alright. Wyrm while also rather not needed gave a rather entertaining episode, but how does the rest of the cast fair?

For starters, Dregg was a pitiful secondary antagonist with a silly motive to take revenge. It wasn't specified in the slightest on why he wants vengeance outside it's cost. Sure enough, he does next to nothing this whole arc outside threatening the Salamanderians' home in The Evil of Dregg, the ambush in Cosmic Ocean, and a short term alliance in Ever-Burning Fire. He did nothing outside it for a shallow motive; at the very least, he could have been a worthwhile foe as he was in OT right? Well, if being reduced to whining in his last appearance before freezing is any indication, what do you think? I wanted to like Dregg, but he was a waste of time.

Next up, the time-traveling shark of the Archie Comics, Armaggon. While his design wasn't the greatest, I thought he was solid... at least in his debut. Barring my bias towards Ron Perlman, Armaggon just didn't seem as much a blast afterwards. Not only becoming irritating in his final appearance in Evil of Dregg but just a weaker Tiger Claw in terms of character and personality. Personally, Armaggon felt the best of these new introductions but that isn't saying much. As for Mona, well.....

2. Raphael and Mona- Do I even need to bother explaining why this sucks? Look, I thought Mona Lisa was a nice addition with Zelda Williams' voice and design, but other than that she's just not impressive. This pairing has been one of the absolute low points of the series: they meet in Moons of Thalos 3 and kiss here, kiss several times in War for Dimension X! and once more, Evil of Dregg reduced Raph further as a shallow caricature. Despite Raph having a motive for liking her, the duo are reduced to kissy face, getting old fast. Add in the line where Raph says he trusts her the most out of anyone in the galaxy and there you have a recipe for pure shipping fodder.

I don't get it, what the hell happened during this arc? It should have been a grand ol time, an opportunity to deal with so much while also balancing out with fun. Instead, it's a prolonged storyline that could have been done in about 10 episodes or less, easily could have been fixed. Just lacks immense heart and an overall disappointing story. I wanted to like this, I really did, but it did it's job of making me want to give up on the series. Hopefully, New York improves on this.

[OrangeNinja1987]

I hope the season picks up now that they're back in New York. While I do hate that an entire team of turtles who ARE the main characters (technically, I guess. It's hard to say.) just spontaneously left on a space adventure, presumably never to be seen again, let's just forget that happened.
The latter half of season 3, after Northampton, had some of my favorite episodes of the series and I hope season 4 can do that as well. I've always loved the concept of humans vs. mutants, which I hear is the story for the next 13 episodes, so I seriously hope they're good.
And, while I REALLY wish it never had happened, I hope they do something with the second team of turtles that went to space so that there's not a humongous problem ignored. I mean, those turtles are the exact same people as the main characters, with the same personality, memories, motivations, and rights, etc., as the future turtles, but they just get shipped off to space?! I hate it more each time I think about it. Anyway, I'm rambling now. Bye!

[tmntsplinterfan1997]

Who's excited for the humans vs mutants/City at War arc after a hiatus?

[Powder]

Let's stop calling it an arc. It'll probably be one episode & then you'll all freak out about "lies".

[TMNTInsighter]

Looking back on it, the decision to hold Fugitoid's secret regarding the BHG until the end of the arc may have been an attempt at making things come full circle but with only 22 minutes, it's robbed of any room for development. Maybe if it was revealed earlier...

[CyberCubed]

I still don't even understand what Leonardo was trying to do in this episode. Its the only odd part of the episode for me. All he did was rush into a ship, shoot down a bunch of Triceraton ships, then get blown up. What was his plan?

[TMNTInsighter]

Originally Posted by matteso586

Have you forgotten what Splinter said Annihilation Earth? They searched for her, but is gone. Yet they somehow know that she's alive, and vanished from the city.

That was just hopeful thinking on his part. You can just tell by the tone in his voice that he doesn't believe it that much himself.

[GoldMutant]

Originally Posted by CyberCubed

I still don't even understand what Leonardo was trying to do in this episode. Its the only odd part of the episode for me. All he did was rush into a ship, shoot down a bunch of Triceraton ships, then get blown up. What was his plan?

I brought this up earlier, but I'll say it again:

Leo's guilt caused him to snap at Fugitoid as he was indirectly responsible for Earth's destruction. If he didn't make the Heart of Darkness and sell it, this would have prevented Splinter being killed (it might have happened though at a later date, but not here). Emotions cause us to snap; Leo I'd assume was going to fight off the Triceratons alone as he let his own judgement blind him. It's an out of character moment though.