Spoilers!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles continues to prove why it's my favorite animated show currently on the air. 'The Pulverizer' is yet another episode that manages to balance humor, action and plot almost perfectly.
This episode has the Turtles dealing with their very first fanboy -- The Pulverizer -- and puts a primary focus on Donatello. He creates a new vehicle which Mikey dubs the "Shellraiser." The genius Turtle modified Leatherhead's old subway cart and has it running on the Kraang's power cell. While the Turtles enjoy this new vehicle, Donny attempts to train their number one fan. Unfortunately for him, this guy is all talk and training him proves to be quite a hassle. Meanwhile, we finally get to see Fishface in action and the Kraang continue to search for their power cell.
Seeing Fishface in combat was totally worth the wait. Xever's agility made him a blast to watch in prior episodes, and his new robotic legs have made him even more agile. Observing him flip around and use the powerful mechanical legs to smack around the Turtles was too fun. I still don't get why they attack him only one at a time (especially after realizing they need teamwork vs. Shredder), but whatever, it's something I can easily overlook. I just hope this isn't a case where a villain has an awesome debut and then acts like a total chump for the rest of the show.
Pulverizer's introduction is hilarious. It's pretty much the one time you'll feel sympathy for the dude before his arrogance explodes through the roof. He's still hysterical to watch, though, especially when Donatello gives him such stern and unamused looks. "When do I get my black belt?!"
No TMNT episode would be complete without some solid Mikey lines and 'The Pulverizer' definitely has some! From the phone conversation with Donny to his love for discarded gum, the orange masked Turtle continues to warm my heart and make me smile.
The Kraang getting their power cell back is nothing but good news. This opens the door to whatever their master plan is and that's something I'm really excited to see unfold. I'm especially curious to see how Shredder and his army will fit into the mix as well.
I loved the episode, but I do have some complaints. The scenes of them joy riding in the Shellraiser and Donny training their fan dragged on a bit too long. Both were certainly amusing but definitely could have been trimmed a bit.
Honestly, the trio of Purple Dragons shouldn't even make the Turtles break a sweat, even if they have a bumbling fool thrown into the mix. They've embarrassed these dudes before and even with the Pulverizer fumbling around I can't imagine them having much difficulty. It's a minor complaint, though. Additionally, I'm happy the world finally has a population on the streets of New York, but I saw the same old lady four or five times -- each at completely different locations!
It was a little disappointing this episode didn't involve Karai, but the sharp comedy, energetic fight scenes and plot development with the Kraang made 'The Pulverizer' another superb episode. Turtle fans, there's no reason to not give this show an honest chance.
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