Tag:

TMNT Nickelodeon

TMNT Season Two Predictions

by Zach Gasior September 9, 2013

written by Zach Gasior

With the first season in the books, and the show already set for two more, it’s time to look ahead to what the next chunk of episodes will bring to the newest incarnation of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The second season is set to air later this month, and the show should be trying to outdo itself in action, adventure, and comedy. So what can the audience expect moving forward?

Of all the information that was revealed before season one even ended was the exciting news that Casey Jones would finally make his debut. Casey is about the same age as the turtles and April (perhaps a bit older), and dresses like a vigilante ready to dish out punishment. He’s got more weapons and a mean new look that strikes fear in the hearts of evil. How he’s used in the series remains to be seen, although given his hate for mutants he’s likely to be an enemy to the turtles for a while. (If there’s one thing this series has been good at, it’s dragging out plot points, so expect any Casey/TMNT conflict to last a while.)

The only concern about Casey is his voice actor. Anyone familiar with Nickelodeon knows Josh Peck. He got all his big breaks working for Nick over the years, and now he’s back as Casey. The reason that this is a concern is that he is not known for serious/dark characters like Casey. This latest series has been excellent with the voice actors chosen for the main cast. So will a comedian fit with a character like Casey Jones? Preview clips haven’t revealed too much about actual dialogue, so that remains to be seen.

Another thing to expect out of season two (or, not expect really) is no resolution to the Karai/Splinter/Shredder story. Now that Master Splinter knows that Karai is Miwa, there will likely be a few developments interspersed through the episodes, but probably nothing solid – and certainly no resolution – until at least the season finale next year. It’s a little sad that that will be the case, too, because the show needs to avoid getting stale by rehashing the same plots for three plus years. The 1987 and 2003 series both had that problem, and the story lines got significantly weirder as each show progressed. Those behind the 2012 series should be thinking of ways to introduce characters, ideas, and subplots in this upcoming season that can be fully developed later. If they happen to be only tangentially related to Shredder or the Kraang, then all the better. (For instance, if Leatherhead stays in Dimension X, then there could be an entire season or episode arc dedicated to adventures on the other side of the portal to rescue their friend.)

New mutants and old characters have also been revealed for the upcoming season. Mutagen Man will get his suit and become something again. Slash, Krang’s warrior from Dimension X in the 1987 series, is also set to make an appearance in some form. Other artwork for mutants resembling old characters from the 1987 series have shown up on the Internet. So the number of standalone episodes may increase significantly this season, drawing attention away from major story points.

What would fans like to see added to the show in season two? For most, it’s probably some particular character that he or she loved. But the show can’t be built completely on nostalgia. It has to stand on its own, too. The general consensus from critics, fans, and the public was that the first season of the new incarnation was a huge success. While the writers can’t just repeat the same pattern again and expect another smash, they can remember what made the show so good. It was bold, unique, and mixed the action and comedy of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles perfectly. If that remains, and the stories are fresh, then the second season will have plenty to offer, and probably keep the show going strong for a long time to come.

September 9, 2013 10 comments

Playmates Ninja Turtles Raphael | TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles.com

Blog

New TMNT Playmates Toys Coming in Early 2013

by Justin W December 22, 2012

written by Justin W

Remember all the great and innovative toy lines that Playmates created for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in the late 80’s and early 90’s? They did everything from sports and military themed turtles to Star Trek and Universal Studios Monster sets. Some of the toys were even creative enough to feature interesting items, such as a line that found the boys throwing pizzas at their enemies. Well, what would you say if I told you that they are about to bring some of those good old days back with their newest line for the Nickelodeon TMNT show?

Yes, it would appear that this much beloved toy company is looking to past success for new ideas. The next set of toys being released will include four new Mutagen Ooze turtle figures, featuring packs on their back that can be filled with ooze to launch at their enemies. This hearkens back to some of the toys made in the 90’s, which featured similar capabilities. Another line that is due around the same time is the Flinger set, which features Leonardo and Michelangelo flinging pizzas at their enemies, much like the Pizza Tossin’ Turtles set from Playmates back in the day. In this set, the figures of Raphael and Donatello don’t throw pizzas, but they do have a cool weapon flinging action.

To put it simply, this latest group of toys is made not just for the newer fans of the series, but also for the parents who have fond memories of the creative and imaginative TMNT play things they had when they were younger. Considering how unimpressive similar toy lines have been in the past decade or so, it truly is a joy to see a return to a higher standard of play. Sure, maybe some of those original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys weren’t the most structurally sound, but at least they were something new and different. Let’s hope that this latest line means good things for the years to come, with even more fun and creative shellraising action on the horizon.

Also set for release are the first incarnation of Baxter Stockman, Snakeweed and a slew of new vehicles for the turtles. Look for this latest line of TMNT toys to hit store shelves sometime in late January/Early February of 2013.

December 22, 2012 0 comment

Reviews TV/Cartoon Series

New Friend, Old Enemy Review

by Zach Gasior October 16, 2012

written by Zach Gasior

Last week’s episode was about the arrival of Shredder to New York to find Splinter. He did not fight, but he will more than likely play a major role later on.

The main focus on the episode was Michelangelo. It was a character development episode that featured the arrival of the Foot Clan.

The writers have been modernizing the Turtles very well in the new series and they used their best writing last week. Michelangelo used a social media website similar to Facebook. Teenagers want to have friends and the Turtles told Michelangelo humans do not like mutants.

Earlier in the episode Michelangelo found out first hand, when he tried to return a lost cat to its owner. The Human freaked out and it was a very humorous scene. Michelangelo decided to join a website to try and make a new friend, his idol Chris Bradford. Bradford is a famous martial artist who looks like Chuck Norris. Michelangelo is his biggest fan and he decided to meet his friend after he accepted his friend request.

As it turns out, Bradford was Shredder’s pupil. The episode becomes predictable and Bradford becomes Michelangelo’s friend only to find where Splinter is.

While Bradford was hanging with Michelangelo, Leonardo had his own issues to work out. He was out numbered in his fight with the Foot and told Splinter that the fight was not fair. A lesson was learned as Splinter took down Leonardo in one move, seek victory, not fairness.

Bradford’s annoyance with Michelangelo was becoming more apparent, and for good reason. Michelangelo had always appeared to be a goofball in past TMNT series, but he seems dumber in the new show. Bradford leads Michelangelo into a trap and lets the Turtles rescue him.

All seemed too easy and the Turtles knew it, but the writers did not let the audience know it. It almost looked as if the Foot were going to find out where the Turtles were hiding. Bradford led a team of Foot soldiers and a street punk recruit into the sewers to find the Turtles.

The Turtles took out the Foot one by one until only Bradford and the street punk were left. He did not take kindly once he learned that his fellow teammates were defeated and fought the Turtles head on. An epic fight broke out. The Turtles cornered Bradford and his friend, and as a treat, Michelangelo delivered the final blow using the move Bradford thought him.

Splinter revealed that a major fight will be on the way as Shredder will not stop until he catches Splinter.

The episode did have April in it for a brief appearance and the fights were entertaining. It would have been nice to see Michelangelo develop into less of an idiot, but he is the comic relief. His martial arts skills are good, he can fight. Overall an 7.9/10

October 16, 2012 2 comments

Reviews TV/Cartoon Series

TMNT | Turtle Temper Review

by Zach Gasior October 9, 2012

written by Zach Gasior

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Temper Review

The latest Turtles episode was about Raphael’s anger issues, hence the episode being called Turtle Temper. The Turtles were on surveillance when Raphael’s temper caused their cover to be blown. All because of one civilian named Vic, who is voiced by Lewis Black.

Vic is a New Yorker who is loud mouthed and somewhat rude. It seems only fitting that Black voiced him. Viewers are introduced to Vic on the roof tops on New York. He is yelling at the Turtles for being on the roof. Raphael’s anger problems are familiar to the original TMNT fans. His temper got the best of him, which caused trouble for the Turtles.

They were discovered by the Kraangs and the fighting began. The fight scenes were well animated. As the Turtles were fighting, Vic decided to record the event with his phone to try to make a buck. Raphael tries to tackle Vic, but he manages to get away.

Splinter hears of the Turtles failure, and reminds them that they must remain in the shadows. To help Raphael control his anger issues, Splinter provides some training. Leonardo, Michelangelo and Donatello are each given an opportunity to shoot Raphael. His skills are put to the test, and he passes with ease. Splinter then tells the Turtles to insult Raphael as they shoot.

Michelangelo was very excited to help in Raphael’s training. Earlier in the episode, Michelangelo was being bullied by him. The insults the Turtles said provided a laugh. The result was that Raphael failed to dodge most of the attacks.

Splinter tells the Turtles to get the video back without violence. They find Vic and try to reason with him. He offered to sell the video to the Turtles for $ 1 million. Raphael hears this and is ready to beat up Vic. The Kraangs then come out of nowhere and another fight breaks out.

While in the midst of battle, Raphael decides to confront Vic about the video. He demands that he should give it to him, while Leonardo is getting beat up by the Kraangs. The Kraangs get away and capture Vic. Leonardo then sends Raphael home. His actions almost got the Turtles killed.

While at home, Raphael seeks the comfort of his pet turtle whose name is revealed to be Spike. Splinter hears Raphael and reveals to him that he lost his love interest , Tang Shen, because of anger.

Splinter reveals to Raphael that Shredder insulted him because of jealously. They both loved her. Splinter did not take kindly to the insults and fought back. The result was a rivalry that cost him everything. It is interesting to see a moral issue brought up in the series. Not many TV shows do that anymore. The lesson is violence solves nothing.

Raphael realizes what must be done. The rest of the gang tracks down the Kraangs and tries to save Vic. The Turtles are somewhat successful fighting the Kraang without the help of Raphael. Vic accidentally gets hit by some ooze and mutates into a giant spider.

The Turtles are well aware that they cannot defeat him. Raphael then returns just in time to help save his teammates. His training is put to the test as he is insulted while dodging Vics attacks. Raphael then defeats Vic, who is renamed thanks in part to Michelangelo, Spider Bytez.

The new series introduced Tang Shen the right way. In the original series she did not even make an appearance. The episode was basically a filler until next week, which was revealed to be the arrival of Shredder. Overall a 7.5/10.

October 9, 2012 2 comments

TMNT, TMNT Nickelodeon, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Blog

TMNT | Nickelodeon Rewards TMNT Fans for Promoting New Show

by Zach Gasior September 18, 2012

written by Zach Gasior

The new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series premiers in less then two weeks. Nickelodeon has been using social media not only to get information out, but they are communicating with Turtles fans.

Comic-con was the start of a massive advertising campaign. Nickelodeon set up street teams in both downtown San Diego and San Diego International Airport who handed out information about what side to choose.

Fans can still sign up at http://www.turtlesvsfoot.com/.

You can choose to join the Foot Clan or the Turtles. Upon joining you will automatically get 50 points that you can use toward prizes. The only way you can additional points for prizes is to: add a network, recruit friends, tweet, like a status, comment, retweet or link clicks.

The more you help out, the better your chances are to win prizes.

For every week that you earn 50 points, you will automatically be entered for weekly prize packages from co-creator of the original TMNT series, Kevin Eastman. Every fan who earns 300 points will be able to download a mp3 of the new TMNT theme song.

Fans who rank in the top 50 will get a free signed cast poster. If you earn at least 1,000 points by September 28, 2012, you will be entered for a trip for two to meet the cast and creatures of the show at Nickelodeon Animation Studios.

The point leaders are posted each day, so fans can keep track of who is in the lead.

Fans can also expect to see their e-mail packed with TMNT news including: never-before-seen videos, artwork and character sketches.

In addition to their contest, Nick has a TMNT website up, http://www.nick.com/shows/ninja-turtles/about/, which includes bios, games and a few videos. The site also includes a sneak peek on what is to come.

Each character has an interactive bio. Nick has set up each character’s bio in an interview style. The website includes a basic introduction for new fans as well as pictures and weapons info. Nick has changed a few things from the original show and the website shows it. TMNT will be introducing April O’Neil as a 16-year-old who looks to Splinter as a father figure.
The new show will keep Shredder the same, but information on the Kraang have been shrouded in mystery. Nick has posted this info for the Kraang:

“The Kraang could not be reached for comment. So far, all we know is that they are a race of multi- tentacled brain-creatures, who are very far from home and up to no good. Stay tuned!”

The TMNT marketing team is utilizing social sites to its full potential. TMNT fans are doing most of the advertising and it is working. The top leaders on the Turtlesvsfoot.com have over 20,000 points. Two ways to get the most points (other then joining, 50 points) are to add a network for 75 points, or to recruit a friend for 50 points.