This show suffers from what people refer to as the Saban Touch, but even if it does have poor effects and tired stories, it did serve as a fun, unique installment in the TMNT franchise. It may not be better than the old show, it's certainly not better than the new one, and the first two movies could be considered leaps ahead of this, but for a group of people who like their cheesy monster men made of rubber and silly fun, this show does bring out the inner child. Besides, the writing was good and funny, the voices of the characters worked well, and the action was a cut above other Saban series. It's darker than Power Rangers, but still completely child friendly. While many complain about Venus, I thought she was a good addition, if only for that show. She added a fun element that many TMNT fans secretly thought should be there, which was a female turtle. I mean, come on, what fanboy could honestly hate a CUTE ninja turtle? :) Anyway, this show should probably be considered an acquired taste for older fans, and for the PR generation more of the same stuff that still passes for Saturday morning action fare.