I really needed to draw something of Zephyrini and their partner Hektor because oh my god. They're my everything. I'm SO glad nothing bad ever happened and they got to spend their lives happily together! It's so good everything worked out perfectly and they didn't have to separate because of some unknown issue. So lovely they didn't have to spend literal years longing for what they once had and SHOULD still have while trying to raise their daughter at the same time. Truly fortunate. And then no-one died and left those unknown issues unresolved for good.
i am so mad ubisoft pussied out and cancelled the assassins creed that took place post/mid american civil war (cant remember which) and the protag was a former enslaved Black man fighting the triple K and the Templars
I’m watching Sonic Underground in search of inspiration to finish a fic I’ve been writing forever. It’s a sad state of affairs. See the recap of the first three episodes here, if you're interested!
This is episode 5: Mobodoon, which is supposedly telling you about how wonderful Mobius used to be, but is actually showcasing Manic’s emotional centre and how he Longs For A Home.
…Grown up LeDiz has so little patience for this episode, especially in a series that otherwise does a goddamn amazing display of a well thought-out post-monarchy dictatorship. It’s going to show you a perfect little commune and tell you this is how Aleena’s whole kingdom was and IT’S NONSENSE.
The plot (for want of a better word): On the search for their mother, the royal triplets uncover a magical portal that takes them to their birthplace: Mobodoon! In a peaceful sanctuary where everything is free and everyone is equal, Manic finally feels at home for the first time in his life. Will he abandon the fight against Robotnik—and his family—to stay where he feels he truly belongs?
Of course he won’t, that would require continuity. And I’m running out of wine.
Aleena… it’s episode five. Of forty. Don’t threaten me with the end of the Sonic Underground. Honestly.
Manic said something very quickly, too quickly for me to follow, but “second day of the third month” is their birthday, COMPLETELY OVERRIDING established Sonic canon on his birthday being in June. Yes I make too much of this.
Also, side note, there’s some actually not terrible animation in this opening sequence. Props where due.
Never mind, we’re at the two minute mark, the animators gave up again.
So, Mobodoon. It’s a little hidden portal to city/town/thing that connects to the normal world once every four years, where the royal children are all born. All greenery everywhere, no money, it’s a proper communist dream. Not bad world building for a magical monarchy’s private retreat, I’ll grant you.
And again, everyone knows and recognises the triplets, who I remind you, were removed from public life before they were one. (The world builder in me assumes this is because hedgehogs with their specific colouring went quickly extinct after Aleena put them into hiding. Sonia only survived because of Windemere’s protection and/or lies)(I am such a problem)
(Also, I’m doing the maths. The portal only opens once every four years. Say they were born and immediately left, because no way they were four when they were running from Robotnik. Power to Aleena for being able to make that trip right after giving birth to triplets. Anyway. Four, eight, twelve… they’re either thirteen or sixteen today and either way I’m not… asking any questions, why would I ask questions?)
Seriously, though, if you don’t just accept what she says because of the magic of Mobodoon, Mayor Winniham is creepy as hell.
Ah haha… the town is possible due to a chaos emerald Power Stone, which gives them power and life. Yes I absolutely make too much of that, too.
SERIOUSLY. If you don’t take her at her world, the MENTAL CONDITIONING THIS MAYOR IS PULLING ON MANIC.
Sonic “and his mondo world” (in his wooooooorld where one is all, in his world never fear the fall!). Not a reference, but appreciated as if it is one.
…Dingo, you’re supposed to be in love with Sonia, don’t give me this “I hate Hedgehogs” line. That’s your boss’s line. No stealing.
Seriously, this plays so much like Winniham is trying to take advantage of Manic. Animation errors even make her look super sinister in some shots. She’s not, though, she’s just creepy to an adult.
The SONG: I found my home. A rare Manic lead song. When I was a kid, I thought this was the best sound… amazing how your opinion changes, huh?
Ah, evil tax collector Sleet. As distinct from queen hunting Sleet or bounty hunter Sleet. As long as he’s Short Sighted Sleet.
Y’know Manic, in a better series, this whole realisation you have about “I finally found a place to call home and now it’s […] doomed” would lead you to realise you have to keep up the fight to protect it. Funny how you’re not actually going to come to that realisation.
Also, in a better series (though this is still sadly uncommon even in good shows), the fact this is a Manic-centred episode would allow him to take charge with how to protect the town. But no, of course Sonia has to do that, because Sonia is present.
And it’s ultimately Sonic’s plan to recharge the medallions and play roadrunner that saves the day. He's the hero and the drawcard for the Trashfire, so it's ALLOWED, but it's still frustrating. Why have the OC if you're not going to actually give them room to be used???
JEEZ, Sonia, what has Manic ever done to imply he would pawn off the magical medallions that give you all music and power? I know I give you a hard time, but that was so uncalled for! And yeah, he plays along, but jeez!
…and ultimately, Manic decides his home is with his siblings. Two seconds after he says goodbye to them. UGH. I know it’s a pacing thing, and it was common in 90s cartoons, but that does not stop it from being annoying.
Though I will say his point about how the Sonic Underground needs a drummer is legit. It’s actually a thing: rock bands need a drum to keep time and without one will need to find a different way to remain in rhythm. I make too much of this. I really wish the show did too.
Look. LOOK.
This episode is…
I mean, look, the series as a whole is bad, but as I mention when doing the plot synopses, the ideas behind the episodes themselves are pretty sound. You can see how they got through a writing pitch. But what always frustrates me when I watch these bad shows that I love is how good they COULD be with just… minor changes. Like Manic coming up with the idea to save the day, or having a change of heart because of the danger, not his siblings. Also Winniham… you’re still creepy. There’s no getting away from how much you creep me out, I’m sorry.
The counters:
Sonic implying less than 100% American heterosexuality: 2
