Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu

I love the Ninjago series, because it has so many different factors that work in its favour: the characters are unique and relatable, the plots are exciting and engaging, the script can be funny at times, and the graphics are pretty good. My favourite thing about the series is how it immerses you in the world of Lego Ninjago, and you feel yourself drawn into it so that you want to watch more and see how it develops. I recommend it for kids and adults alike!

As a kid, I used to watch this show a lot. I stopped after it was originally supposed to end but I gave it a second chance recently for nostalgia sake and rewatched the pilot and first 2 seasons. Everything after that was completely foreign to me. I thought the first few seasons were great, but the seasons after that were phenomenal. I originally thought that the show would lose its touch, but in my opinion the seasons got even more complex and entertaining. I really enjoyed how dark it got in the later seasons and how you could forget that it's a show about Lego people due to the amazing character development. Overall I love this show because of its humor (even though at times it could be better) and that it's self aware and doesn't always take itself too seriously. I would recommend that anyone, kids or adults give this show a chance! It's way better than it sounds!

Almost all of the "professional" critics gave this an unfair score because they didn't see it as anything past a toy commercial. That is wrong, you must see it as a show, and nothing else, in order to rate it. And of course Lego's main reason of making the series is to promote the sets so that they can get attention. But if that was so (it is only a toy commercial), then why is there such attention to detail that one might argue that there is too much detail?

Ninjago's story starts out basic, but as the show progresses, the plot starts to get very interesting, just like any other show. It combines interesting topics with Japanese and Chinese culture, so it isn't the same thing you've seen a million times. Characters are different, with unique drives and personalities.

A strong point for Ninjago is it's graphics. If you can, watch it in HD, and the details I was talking about will keep someone who is uneasy staying (Especially the spirits season). The characters are not shiny, as is assumed since they are minifigures, rather certain parts of the suits worn are (armor, badges, gold and silver decorations). It is the best looking 3D show on Cartoon Network. Also, the show might be based on the Lego sets, but the show itself actually has no Lego to be seen besides the characters.

The show is suitable for anyone apparently 7 and older, but there is still some uneasy moments, death, and light blood as well as small to large scratches are visible on characters (but it's almost unnoticeable).

On the topic of toy commercials, yes there are certain sets that can be seen in the show, but not all of them. For example, the largest Lego set in the season 5 wave is a huge temple, yet it is not seen in the show at all.

All in all, Ninjago is a brilliant show that honestly deserves no less than a 7/10, as anything less is most likely someone who has harshly branded the show as a giant toy commercial that is only watchable by kids.

So far, we've been surprised by how well done this series is. Being a toy-selling series, we honestly were expecting the kind of shows we saw advertising toys when we were young: pointless, poorly written, and cheesy beyond belief. As adults, we actually ENJOY watching this series, and seeing what happens! Since it is geared to children (I would say about ages 8- 12), some of the plot "twists" are actually fairly obvious for an adult, but still interesting.

The ideas about devotion, loyalty, and accepting differences have also been really useful in our household, where we have been able to have effective discussions about autism, disability, and ability based on these characters and their adventures. We have also been able to discuss social interactions and ways to think about others in ways that can be hard to broach with this middle-elementary age: that people who seem to be friends may not be, that bullies have their own issues, and ideas of including others and finding your own talents when others don't include you. There are lots of other good, complex issues of relationships presented here, in terms this age group can grasp and see.

We actually find ourselves wishing there were MORE toys associated with this series, not less. And unfortunately, many of the figures are exclusively available through the larger, very expensive Lego sets (do keep in mind this series is intended to sell you toys!)

My kids started watching this and I found myself getting sucked in. The characters and plot have a depth to them that even an adult can enjoy. Great show!