Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2024 Paramount+ Series): Season 1 - Screen Scene

RE: Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2024 Paramount+ Series): Season 1

Matt Zimmer — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 15:43:59 +0000

Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "Mutant Battle Arena" I don't like the fact that Spuds is evil and with the Purple Dragons. I thought he was actually really good for Raph. He actually could have been a good mentor, but the show sort of took an easy way out and made the visible Black dude the requisite thug instead. It's not like this show isn't already diverse, so it has more license to do that than most properties, but it still grates a little. I like that the Turtles consider Bebop and Rocksteady their friends and the city likes them at the beginning too. The show still refuses to recast Jackie Chan and instead finds ridiculous new reasons for Splinter not to speak. It's unnecessary, and nobody would mind a recast, so it's getting annoying. Cloverfield homage in the middle. Like all animated shows attempting to do "reality" footage it shamelessly (and repeatedly) cheats camera perspectives. In fairness, most live-action shows' take on that trope usually cheat things too, but the difference there is they don't ALWAYS do it. Animation is the one medium that refuses to ever even TRY to ape it properly. It's another thing that annoyed me. Honestly, mind control shit is one of my all time most hated tropes. But the stuff outside of that was pretty interesting. Although it would have been more-so of they had set up Spuds to be a recurring ally. 3 stars. Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "Mutantweight Title Bout" I love this version of Hun. We've only seen three different versions (he was introduced in the 2003 cartoon) but out of all of them this one is the best. I will have more comments on the Purple Dragon's plans when I see the fall-out in the next episode. But so far, they make me unhappy for multiple reasons. We'll get into that. I love the bit of Mikey failing to get a laugh at improv with his Mark Walberg impression. It is legit terrible. Also laughed when Leo asked if everyone got the Italian voices out of their systems. Pigeon Pete remains nothing but a nuisance and super annoying. And still 100 times LESS annoying than the original 2012 version. Let's bring this home. 4 stars. Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "Raph Fights Everyone" Okay, this did not exactly LEAN into Kitsune's plan, which is good because it sucked ass, and the more attention drawn to it, the worse off everyone is. Heroes, villains, the show, even the viewer. The reason the plan won't work is obvious. Kitsune got greedy. She would have done gangbusters business with JUST Raph. If this Knox asshole wasn't interested in buying the franchise with only one Turtle there are probably plenty of other rich influencers who WOULD. Basically Kitsune had a good thing going and ruined it for little gain. But let me point out that the fact that she had a good thing going is fucking TRAGIC, and says that Raph is an idiot with almost no redeeming qualities. And that wrecks EVERYTHING. The fact that this mind-control of his friends and super shady shit is going on behind his back and he notices NONE of it is freaking appalling. I'm glad this episode did not fully explore Raph's culpability in Bebop and Rocksteady's suffering because frankly, the dude sucks. Maybe not as bad as the 2012 version. But that's the only version that's worse. The animation in the action sequences is sick, and yet STILL not a rocking and bananas as Rise Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This show is good, but I still contend that not only was that short-lived animated comedy very underrated, but just going by quality, it was the best Turtle cartoon. Fans hated it because it refused to be slavish to Turtle canon. The fact that it didn't weigh itself down in that stuff is what I think made the show refreshing and stand on its own. The sequences here are also boarded as a 1970's Kung Fu movie which is super cool. Bebop and Rocksteady are good again at the end. Yay! Okay, finding Pigeon Pete a little funnier, but the dude is still pretty goddamned useless. When Spuds was talking about "repairing" I am shocked Pete managed to talk Raph out of throwing him off the roof. Thought he was goner. It's not as tone-deaf as response as Warren's "I know you're in pain," to Dark Willow in Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Not QUITE in that deplorable league. But it's like foot massages. Same ballpark. I don't see a redemption arc coming for Hun. If they try one, I'll call foul. In order for a character to redeem themselves, they have to do bad shit to begin with. Hun may be on the bad guys side but he himself only does kind things. He has nothing to redeem himself from. I wonder if the show understands that distinction. Considering what an idiot Raph is portrayed as, it might not. Fun conclusion. 4 stars. Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "The Island" Here's something. Just based on the naturalistic performance of Donnie's actor as he's walking around the dark laboratory in horror-movie terror, this has the best voice performances of any Turtle toon. There's some nuance present here not in any of the other stuff. This is pretty much my favorite version of Irma ever, but where the hell is April? We haven't seen her all season. I love the notion that Donnie's dysfunction and entire conflict with his brothers might just be down to the fact that they don't like Robotech. It's a legit grievance, but as Irma noted, some people just watch One Piece. Still, it's clear the other Turtles take him for granted. And everybody wants selfies now. I love Wingnut pointing out the Luke and Leia parallels to her rescue, but she warns she and Donnie probably have even closer ties as siblings, so she advises him not to get any ideas. Yeah, Wingnut, Donnie's problem is that he might fall for YOUR gross ass. This show is out of its mind and I'm here for it. Fun episode. 4 stars. Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "The Other Mutanimals" I can't say enough good things about the random cold opening. It was very cinematic, but the impressive thing is you see cold openings like that all the time on live-action prestige drama and genre shows. This was the first time I had seen something like that attempted for animation and it totally worked. The medium of animation can be a lot more flexible and similar to great live-action stuff if the care and effort is put into it. Rahzar has a great voice. I loved Raph's "Okay, okay, whatever, just go." Really. I thought it was great. 4 1/2 stars. Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "The Rejects" I actually thought the ending to the Monster Mutanimals was kind of nice. I'm with Tokka about the Omega-Mutant: "That's messed up." Good conclusion. 4 stars. Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "Rise Of The Night Ninja" That was super cool. The end fight sequence was awesomeness purely distilled. Leo being all "I didn't mean to--" after everyone cheers for him saving the day felt wrong. I was like "Leo, you caught the tire in one hand without looking. You are ALLOWED to take your props. That's how that works." Good to see April. First time we've seen her all season. If you are as amazing as this show and Rise Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are, you are canceled after two seasons. If you are a blight upon the Earth like TMNT 2012 was, you stomp on the fans' faces repeatedly for five. TV is SO not fucking fair. 4 1/2 stars. Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "The Night Ninja Returns" The fights on this show are so freaking sick. I love 'em. I'm calling it. This is the best official animated tie-in to a movie I've seen. And it's probably not even close. I love the Turtles questioning how April gets into their lair without a whole bunch of people asking questions of why a teenager is lifting up a manhole cover and dangerously going into the sewer. Great for the same reason was the bug pointing out how Leo's vengeance quote actually had no logic to it. I love shit like that. I also love Donnie pointing out that Scratch isn't very good at this. He really isn't. I completely forgot Leo and April actually like each other. It's totally cute whereas Donnie and April on 2012 was 100% creepy. Okay, NOW the cancelation is pissing me off. 5 stars. Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "The Itching Scratch" This is hands down the funniest Turtles project. It's not even close. I mean I was rolling when Scratch's response to Leo's monologue was "That is the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Are you seriously comparing being a hall monitor to me being abandoned by my family and losing my eye?" After that I want and need everything about this show. I love that the Turtles are telling Scratch if he were better at this he'd just take their Dad. Is he SURE he wants Scumbug? Because she like, pukes A LOT. Also hers and Splinter's romance remains one of the grossest in cartoon history. Maybe Skeletor and Evil Lynn in Masters Of The Universe: Revelation was sicker. But that's the only one off the top of my head. And La Fluer is beaten by April... by total accident. She'll borrow that now. I love that the show refuses to do the cliche that Scratch will be distracted by a laser pointer. And he mocks the idea too. And then the laser blaster blows him away. That is excellent comedy right there. The Baby Mutant Mayhem Turtles are literally the cutest Baby Turtles in the entire history of the franchise. Also another high that is not even close. Why couldn't we have had five 26 episode seasons of THIS? 5 stars. Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "Get Rod" I have to agree with everyone that Rod is the worst. The only thing more annoying than him is the fact that Mikey doesn't see how bad he is. There is something good about him though. He has a VERY expressive facial design. It's kind of amazing really. Speaking of which, this is my least favorite interpretation of Bishop ever. I remember although this season is bowling me over, the same was NOT true for Season 1. Bishop was a large reason why. For the record, The Simpsons did Rod, Todd, and Maude first. A little annoying, but still enjoyable. 3 1/2 stars. Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "The Unusual Suspects" I have to say, this feels like a very weak arc. Especially for the final one ever. Disappointing. 2 1/2 stars. Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "The Big Muck" It's clear the cancelation was unexpected. Not only would the last episode have been good if they knew it was the last, they wouldn't have tagged on the Bishop cliffhanger. Mikey's speech about why he needs to be there for Rod WAS pretty moving. The best part of the episode. This show is great. The animation style does SO much. But unfortunately, the last arc was quite underwhelming. It's unfortunate it was canceled when it was. It probably would have become outstanding and had an amazing series finale if it had been allowed to continue. 2 1/2 stars.

Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2024 Paramount+ Series): Season 1

Matt Zimmer — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 05:51:56 +0000

Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "Leo Nardo Stands Alone"

I think I'm going to have a hard time with this one.

Not saying it's bad. It will just take some getting used to.

I thought Mutant Mayhem was great. And yet the Turtle project THIS reminded me of was Rise Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. In both sensibility, art style, and action sequences, it was SO like that very underrated and canceled show I'm wondering why they even bothered to cancel it. It's not like they decided to go in a different direction.

Is Splinter's vermin talk going to be a permanent thing because they can't afford Jackie Chan? Gotta say, that is an idiotic decision. It's a cartoon. You can essentially recast whoever you want.

I've always loved the character of Bishop. The 2003 series version in particular was awesome on every level. Considering I found him the most creative villain, and certainly the one with the most creative fighting style, this version leaves me utterly cold.

Sounds like Bebop and Rocksteady are already misbehaving. Figures.

I will give this show credit for something: The dialogue, like in the film, is very naturalistic. Okay, Rise had that too, but that was still technically shtick. The Turtles and April talk like actual awkward kids here, which is I think the thing that sets apart this iteration.

Mutant Mayhem was a very special and unique movie. And when they bring it to the small screen, instead of recapturing that magic, they just ape everything Rise did. Again, it's too early to declare the show bad. But it does make me wonder what the point of canceling Rise in the first place was. 2 1/2 stars.

Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "Mikey Does The Right Thing"

Pigeon Pete was not on my Bingo card of Mutants the show should adapt. At least this version doesn't have those weird nipples.

Okay, if they're raiding the awful 2012 show for characters, they BETTER bring back Ice Cream Kitty, arguably the only good thing that show ever did.

Rod is obviously going to be a future Mutant (the eye thing is a dead giveaway) although I can't figure out which yet. Maybe Mutagen Man?

David Bowie, huh? Most kids cartoons don't reference actual celebrities and movies / TV shows. This show is different for that reason.

I liked it more than the first episode at any rate. 3 1/2 stars.

Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "Raphael Thinks It Through"

I'm on-board and like the show now.

This is the best version of Hun ever. I love that both he and the Purple Dragons are lovable and doofy.

Hun himself is Woke in chastising Raph for making fun of body types. I freaking LOVE that. Holy crap.

Asking the deal with the mask is a DAMN good question. The masks never made sense. Are we supposed to not be able to tell they're Turtles?

Kitsune is a pretty good villain, not because I'm as scared of her as the rest of the Purple Dragons seem to be, but because she's cunning enough to ask the right questions. She waits for Raph to finish his rhetorical threat, and sees he is unable to. Her selling Mutants for traffickers is also pretty fucking dark.

Angel is probably Casey Jones' sister. Interesting to set her up first.

I thought it was great. I freaking love Hun! 4 1/2 stars.

Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "Donnie Hangs Tough"

And that's the birth of Metalhead.

I love this version of Donnie. He's not just cute. He's relatable. I root for him unlike any other Donatello.

SO good. 4 1/2 stars.

Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "Bishop Makes Her Move"

This is Bishop In Name Only, which I don't like.

I don't feel her backstory remotely justifies her actions.

I think her interplay with Rod is DAMN good though. It's awkward as fuck, especially the point when he points out she ought to be making a big speech.

It's a good enough episode, but Bishop is a unique character and concept, and this show isn't doing them justice. 3 1/2 stars.

Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "Night Of The Mechazoids"

So this was like the origin story for Bishop being recruited to the Earth Defense Force. Still not crazy about it. Bishop seems dumber than she should be.

Love Metalhead's design. The X for one of the eyes makes me laugh.

I don't think much of making Pigeon Pete the Savior of the Arc. Just for the record.

It was still good. 4 stars.

Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "Raph Vs. Water"

So they gave Splinter a new voice. I don't know if it's supposed to be Raph's for affect or not, but they just should have hired a Jackie Chan soundalike.

I like how it looks like the main title is going to be changed up for each six episode arc.

Not thrilled with the East River Three. I mean, I know the show can't exactly use SHREDDER or anything, but no-name villains we've never heard of feels like a bad fit for the second arc.

Bebop and Rocksteady not being with the Mutanimals is telling.

Eh. 3 stars.

Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "Mikey Takes Charge"

So the recap makes clear Splinter's Raph voice is Raph translating the vermin speak. Gotta say, just recasting Jackie Chan would be a HELL of a lot simpler.

I love Genghis Frog. I love his voice and how laconic he is. I also love that because Hun loves animals they are instantly sworn enemies when he tries to eat the cat.

And I LOVE that Hun loves animals.

Mikey's stuff with Lee was surprisingly fun. For one of the arc's Big Bads, Lee is incredibly likable. Whatever she's doing, I don't think she's evil.

The climax was the absolute tits. Classical music, slo-mo, the works. Chef's kiss.

I liked it a lot. 4 stars.

Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "Splinter And April Fight A Goldfish"

Best episode title ever.

LOT to psychologically unpack about this Splinter.

Goldfin is a pretty good villain after all. Love that he's a James Bond fan, and I loved when he tried to lure Splinter and April into the horror movie scenario. They should DEFINITELY check that out. He'll still be here when they get back.

Can't say the episode doesn't deliver what the title promises. 4 stars.

Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "Donnie Goes Deep"

That was a legit intriguing ending.

An Akira reference? This kids show is not like other kids shows.

If my life flashed before my eyes, and it was Star Trek: Enterprise reruns, I'd be embracing death at that point. "Computer, end program." Puke.

I don't think Leatherhead's clarification was a slam on the sitcom "Friends" per se, but that show sucks, so I'll take it as one.

Danny Trejo, continuing to have the most interesting IMDB page of any actor living or dead.

I liked that it turned out the alligator was NOT Leatherhead. Good twist.

Nice! 3 1.2 stars.

Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "Leonardo Saddles Up"

Pigeon Pete was probably the most hated original character on 2012. Him being able to talk here, means he won't be for this show. It was a great and unexpected turn. And it's amazing how effortless it seems in hindsight. Really, it's a no-brainer.

That detective is purely insane. In the same episode as Pigeon Pete and Sally Mustang HE'S the nuts one.

Sick burn at the end there, Splinter. Nice! 4 stars.

Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "The Pearl"

This has the same sense of humor as Rise, but if it doesn't have dramatic stakes either, it at least seems to have life and death ones.

Leonardo IS Batman. Good moment.

Sorry, Wingnut. NOBODY is ever finishing One Piece. God, this is the nerdiest show ever.

Splinter being the Rat King? Not loving that idea. At all. Bernie would have made a better one.

The climax was tight as fuck and boarded to the hilt. Splinter's "Tsk, tsk" big save was almost legendary.

Seriously, though, the show either needs to get back Jackie Chan, or legit recast him next season.

The Mooks can't believe Goldfin ate the sushi. And if Goldfin believes BERNIE is living an enviable life, that's kind of pathetic.

Good finale to the arc all around. 4 stars.