Knuckles

We were actually looking forward to this series. Me, my husband, and the kids really enjoyed both recent Sonic movies. We saw both in the theater. So when we saw this was coming out, we were looking forward to the release.

Okay, let's be fair, the good stuff first. It's clean and appropriate for children, other than no one dying violence. I always appreciate family entertainment because I like it too. CGI is fabulous. The episodes look visually well made. Love the soundtrack.

Now the bad. It's boring. We made it through the first 3 episodes before we unanimously decided to stop watching. The story just wasn't interesting. The acting is not real good either, that was bothering me. We are not planning to finish watching the series.

This show is stuck in this awkward spot where it looks great, but the show's reluctance to have any mature moments drag it down. Adults aren't allowed to be adults, and every line has me waiting to groan at a punchline. The villains are used for gags that ruin any sense of intimidation they could otherwise have had. The show has its great moments - the expressiveness of the characters is very fun to watch - but it's overshadowed by a reluctance to take itself seriously or respect its characters. The show focuses far more on Wade than the titular character, action scenes are inconsistent with how they use their powers and technology. While there are high points, overall it's generally disappointing.

A better title would have been "Wade Whipple with occasional appearances by his friend Knuckles".

Not to say that it is a bad show. I actually liked a lot of of it and when Knuckles does appear he is pretty great. But, that has everything to do with Idris Elba because that dude is awesome. The guest stars are mostly good. My personal favorite was Julian Barratt of "The Mighty Boosh". However, Adam Pally, who is really the star of the show, kind of wears on you. I am all for the loveable lover, I am one myself, but after awhile his antics wear thin. There is a family subplot that was resolved in a pretty obvious way, but I still had fun with the show.

Yeah, this is more the Wade Wipple show instead of Knuckles, but once the Echidna is on screen, it's gold. Idris Elba is spot on making this character take himself very seriously, which leads to some great comedy moments in episode 1. But the scenes with Wade, his family and the bowling tournament made it look like you're watching something else.

The sister character, Wanda is just too psychotoic to be in a Sonic show. SHE STABS HER BROTHER IN THE ARM WITH A FORK! Also she doesn't get punished for her behaviour. This scene got the show a 12 rating in the UK, also what if kids try to copy that scene?

Cary Elwes has fun playing the narcissist bowling champion, I thought the cup of tea in the bowling ball was funny, though.

Overall, an average show. Hopefully Sonic 3 will be better. Hopefully no one gets stabbed in the arm next time.

Knuckles is a type of series that is more of a promotion for Sonic The Hedgehog 3. I'll say that there are some redeemable things it got right such as great visuals, enjoyable action scenes and good acting. But I feel that the story for this miniseries relies more on Wade than giving Knuckles a story arc, which can sometimes make it sound like a generic bowling story and that Knuckles himself can often be treated more of a side character. I think this series will be a lot more suitable for those that are huge fans of the Sonic films. However I know that not everyone has Paramount Plus, so you probably won't miss much from it. Considering we are getting another Sonic movie right at the end of this year, maybe I can look at this series as a side project and would just save the real fun for it. Maybe Paramount Plus will do more of this in the future with other characters having their own series perhaps after the events of the third film seeing the direction how the franchise will probably go. As this series has given Knuckles his own arc after the events of the second film, at least it tried.