To begin, there must be an apology to anyone who wants to be surprised by the upcoming season, or who still wants to see what’s to come with their own eyes. There was a big reveal at New York Comic Con about the fate of Master Splinter. As every fan will recall, the season three finale included a terrible scene where after putting their differences aside to save the Earth, Shredder turned on his old foe at the last possible second and ran Splinter through, killing him on screen. With the Earth sucked through a black hole and the fate of everyone who disappeared with it still up in the air (it wouldn’t be out of the question for the world to be put back together somehow), there was some clarification on Splinter from the Executive Producers themselves. So close your eyes and cover your ears, because spoilers are on the way.
During the TMNT panel, Ciro Nieli and Bradon Auman told those present that Splinter will no longer be responsible for the turtles’ training because he did, in fact, die during that betrayal by Shredder. Master Splinter is gone, and even if the world is put back to normal somehow, he will not return. So what does this mean for the turtles and the show itself?
For the boys, it means coming to grips with death. It’s hard to know how everyone will react, but this isn’t the first time Splinter died or was presumed dead. In other incarnations of the TMNT universe, Splinter has flirted with death many times, and has even died on several occasions. So that in itself is nothing new. However, for this show – one that has constantly made sure characters come back and the status quo is returned relatively quickly – it’s quite the step in a new direction. There has been great need for something that will shake things up, and so to know that this was the huge step taken proves that the new season will, in fact, be stepping out on its own and reinventing the show.
For the show itself, this won’t be a bad thing. One of the faults of Master Splinter during the last two seasons was that he never really did much. He saw action in the finale and then maybe in one other episode during the season, but otherwise he was utilized almost exclusively as a mentor that only popped in when his extended absence would seem a little too strange. While no one should ever say that he served no purpose, his utilization steadily declined over the last two years, to the point where he seemed almost unnecessary to the show’s development. That’s problematic in itself, because if such an important character is essentially a superfluous element of the show, then something has to be done. This way, his death will likely serve a greater good, and drive his sons to become better ninjas.
While Splinter’s untimely demise does come as a shock, it may not be the worst thing for the show right now. Hopefully, however, there is proper tribute paid to his memory, and the lessons he left everyone with will drive them to become even greater than what they once were. Rest in peace, Master.
27 comments
I am saddened and happy about this. One of the problems I have with comic books is that they never move forward. Characters should actually age in our comics and shows. They should get wiser, grow stronger and weaker…and they should die.
I understand that fan favorite characters “come back to life” because fans demand it. But honestly, I think the more mature way to do this is to just tell new or more stories during the time they were alive. Resurrecting a dead character ALWAYS cheapens death in comics. I really wish that a comic book company would consider making a “bible” how to age characters and give them a real future. Even if they decide every 2 years is a year of real life, it begins to give a realistic flow to the writing and the characters…it will even give the world a much more realistic feel. Hey in reality that Joker battle was the biggest thing that happened that year. Everything else was kinda small fries.
So keeping Splinter dead in this series that will probably only have 2 or 3 more seasons is a wise choice.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Splinter’s spirit will appear in season 4.
The Turtles go back in time far enough to prevent the invasion of earth, which would also prevent Splinter’s death.
The ’87 series aired 10 seasons and hopefully Nickelodeon does the same. Maybe keeping Splinter out for a little would allow the turtles to develop, as well as add new inspiring characters. At any point, Renet Tilley could help reverse matters.
Steven New makes a good point about letting characters age. It would be tough to accept, but starting and finishing a show/movie/comic would be entertaining. Reincarnations are always made so it’s an interesting idea.
WOW. TMNT IS AMAZING!!! (we all knew that)
Freaking beautifull!! Splinter will no longer be there
Si pudiera elegir, preferiría que Splinter viviera, aunque también estoy de acuerdo conque las tortugas crezcan a través de eventos traumáticos… Aunque las de 2003 crecieron sin que Splinter muriera (Me gustaría ver un crossover entre 2003 y 2012)
Y en cuanto a las temporadas, para hacer justicia debería haber unas ocho temporadas, pero eso depende más del dinero y los productores, lo único que puedo hacer es animarlas desde lo mas profundo de mi corazón.
¡Ánimo!
If I could choose, I would prefer that Splinter lived, but also I agree so the turtles grow through traumatic events… Although those of 2003 grew while Splinter died (I would like to see a crossover between 2003 and 2012)
And as soon as pre-season, in fairness there should be some eight seasons, but that depends more on money and the producers, the only thing I can do is encourage them from the depths of my heart.
Mood!
In a series that just introduced time travel as a possibility a few episodes before his death, something tells me we’ll be seeing Splinter again at some point.
Yay!
I agree. Splinter should stay alive in Season 4 as the Turtles change history and collect the Black Hole Generator pieces.
Yeah!
When I first saw the first episode Nickelowns Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the only thing I like about it was Splinter. And still I do.
Now him gone, this series is losing my afection.
I hope they bring Splinter back. Without him, I lose my respect to Nickeloedeon.
To Nickelodeon:
You add in this serie time travel and other weird things, but if you let Splinter completely out of this series in this cruel way, you have made the sadest and worst TMNT series ever.
In other words,… Time-travel. Make it happen and bring Splinter back.
I’ve been watching tmnt since i was a kid and now i got kids i find myself watching cartoons some but this tmnt is the best by far..
On the NICK video for NYCC 2015, THEY DID NOT MENTION SPLINTER DYING FOREVER. I didn’t hear that at all from there.
i just want splinter back so he can see miwa. ghost form or actually there i want to see splinter see his sons and little miwa together as a family.
sorry but I have had a few people tell me who went to that panel,they haven’t seen anyone mention ANYTHING about this, I’ve been looking all over the place to find some more mentions on Splinter’s presumed death, But I’ve gotta say that I can’t find anyone else talking about this, except form this blog
and I’ve watched the panel again, and I can not hear anything about it , so can you confirm this by showing either the video or audio of this being said please?
Right on, man!
R.I.P.Splinter :'( the turtles should sing see u again
EXACTLY! I had them to that on a Truth or Dare. I love that song.
but….he didn’t even have last words ? I swear, there better be a lot of angst out of the boys for this..
*tear*
While its a bit cruel for NICKALODEON I was unaware of this fate because for some reason the on demand version is confused between 2003 TMNT and 2012 TMNT so all of this is confusing!
Many fans will be so disappointed if Splinter doesn’t appear in Season 4.
Yeah. I mean, the show’s ratings are already going downhill.
Has Nick confirmed this? Because when I watched the YouTube video for NYCC, they didn’t talk about Splinter dying forever.
Excuse me, Zach Gasior. Where exactly in NYCC 2015 did they say that? B/c the video from NICK talks about his death, but nothing about him being dead forever. Where did you get the idea that he won’t be coming back? We need some proof.
Where exactly in the video for NYCC can I find this video? Like: __:__ (minutes:seconds). Thx!
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