So, I actually made my first experiences with the brand with Rise of the TMNT, which I love very much, thank you, but since I am now on vacation and have a lot of time to kill, I started watching TMNT 2012.
I’m only a few episodes in, but I have Thoughts and Opinions ™ that I felt like sharing with you regardless.
• I kinda like Raphael more than I thought I would. Sure, he’s a far cry from Rise!Raph, but I was expecting more of a constantly angry murder hobo than what I got. Sure, he’s still a murder hobo, but he’s more of a disgruntled teen and you know what, he’s 15
• Michelangelo is another pleasant surprise. Yes, he’s dumb, but he’s also a ray of sunshine. So far, he’s not as annoying as I was expecting, because most comic relief characters, when overused, can awaken that primal urge to throttle, but so far, I haven’t experienced that with Mikey
• I’ve always liked Donatello and I always will be here for adorkable science disasters. Though, from what I’ve heard about his behavior towards April down the line, I’m curious as to whether or not I will change my tune
• Leonardo feels kind of flat to me. It’s understandable that he wouldn’t compare positively to Rise!Leo, whom I also used to strongly dislike at first, because I don’t jell with those ego types. So far, he’s not bad, just feels kind of flat. He’s the leader, he’s trying to be responsible while also trying to emulate his favorite character from the TV show he hyperfixates on. What a mood.
• Splinter, I’m on the fence about, but when have I ever not been.
• Ngl though, having a hard time getting over the fact that his and Shredder’s rivalry starter over a love triangle. That’s just, wow. Okay then.
I appreciate the show trying to teach kids valuable lessons, such as
‣ When you see a pretty girl get kidnapped, you have to help her cuz she pretty. Forget about her dad tho
‣ Don’t let insults get to you
‣ Online friends are fake friends
‣ Don’t let Mikey have your experimental military-grade hardware
‣ Drones are bad
‣ ??????
• My only grievance is the show’s focus on action over emotional beats and that means April suffers. Rise has a higher focus on characters over plot. We’re introduced to her as damsel in distress that we have to save because Donnie thinks she’s gorgeous. She’s freed but her dad is kidnapped. Instead of dwelling on that for a moment, she’s like “Well, good thing I can live with my aunt. But since we’re out of time for this week, I’m going to be fine, just drop by occasionally to further the various subplots I am now involved in. Don’t worry about my emotional stakes, I promise I won’t take the focus away from anything important” and then we don’t see her for some episodes, or she just randomly drops by to chill with the Turts without much introduction to the lair. Not even a comment or anything. I dunno, it felt rushed and like you could have gotten more out of that
•Krang, my guys, my dudes, just talk in your mother language when speaking to each other. I’m 89% certain that would be more specific and efficient
• The theme song will never not slap
In summation, it’s a very different show from what I’m used to, but also different from what I expected. It’s definitely enjoyable though, it’s gotten a few laughs out of me and I’m interested to see where it goes from here.
Today I watched Batman and the TMNT and I was pleasantly surprised. It’s a really fun movie, even for me, who isn’t the greatest Batman fan to ever have lived. The art direction is great, the fight scenes are dynamic and engaging, it’s just plain fun. The story may be a bit cookie cutter, but that’s not the real meat of the film. That’s the character interactions. And I love them from the bottom of my heart.
