As a long-time fan of the Sonic universe, I must admit that the release of Knuckles was a breath of fresh air. Unlike some cinematic universes that seem to be more interested in tying themselves in knots than telling compelling stories, Knuckles stood on its own two feet and offered a unique take on a beloved character.
The upcoming movie based on Sonic the Hedgehog 3 could be the most eagerly awaited video game adaptation in recent history. The first two films surpassed negative expectations by turning into well-crafted and entertaining action comedies. As fans eagerly await the debut of Keanu Reeves’ Shadow, one title in the series appears to hang somewhat incongruously alongside the other two. This year’s Knuckles seems to have passed by without much discussion, even as the third film garners interest. It might appear as a disappointment, but the charm of Knuckles lies partly in its self-contained storyline, with the noble echidna warrior standing independently.
Paramount has placed an unusual emphasis on its streaming platform’s success through video game adaptations. They are the studio behind the successful Sonic movies, which seems to be the only profitable aspect of this approach. Just like any other streaming service, Paramount relies heavily on exclusive content. They have a Halo series and an animated version of Ark: Survival Evolved. Regarding individual qualities, Paramount’s video game adaptations typically don’t reach the acclaim of productions like Fallout or The Last of Us. Each new Sonic show or movie represents an opportunity for them to prove this strategy effective.
Knuckles was a standalone spinoff
| Creators | Jon Whittington and Tobey Ascher |
|---|---|
| Showrunner | Tobey Ascher |
| Stars | Idris Elba and Adam Pally |
| Episodes | 6 |
| Release Date | April 26, 2024 |
| Streaming On | Paramount+ |
The first six episodes of Knuckles were released on Paramount+ in April, but didn’t create much buzz upon arrival. In August, Paramount attempted to rekindle interest by airing the series weekly on Nickelodeon, however, the response was still modest given the abundance of streaming content currently available. The show revolves around the titular echidna, Knuckles, who settles into a new life with Sonic and Tails. His unconventional lifestyle and militaristic background often clash with his new family, leading him to seek an alternate outlet. This is found in Adam Pally’s character, Wade Whipple, a comedic sidekick from the first two films. Knuckles mentors Wade, teaching him the ways of war while avoiding the grasp of two corrupt G.U.N. agents and their illicit contacts. The series shares many of the highs and lows of the original Sonic the Hedgehog movie, and offers a harmless yet entertaining viewing experience for fans, with plenty of unique moments and humorous callbacks. Idris Elba’s portrayal of Knuckles is a highlight, while younger viewers will appreciate the surprising depth of humor. Notably, the show serves as a standalone sequel that follows its own narrative path. Those less invested in the series can choose to skip it if their primary interest lies in Shadow.
People are used to cinematic universes
For over a decade now, Hollywood has obsessively followed the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While almost every other example has flopped hard and suffered an embarrassing death, the MCU boasts a box-office take that studios would kill to taste. Warner Bros., Sony, Universal, and the rest of the major brands have one or two comparable franchises. Marvel mastered the idea of continuity in major motion picture franchises. There are tons of TV shows that spin off from movies, but they aren’t usually required viewing. Marvel changed all of that, and they’re still the biggest culprit. The easiest way to call out how bloated Marvel has become is to pick a modern entry and lay out how many TV shows fans would need to consume before they’re prepared to fully understand the material. There’s some fun to be had with that arrangement, but the sinister truth is that it traps fans into watching shows they aren’t interested in. It provides a built-in audience of devotees who can’t afford to miss the details. Sonic the Hedgehogcould have done the same, but they resisted the temptation.
Sonic handles the franchise right
Paramount has managed to keep the enthusiasm high for each fresh Sonic adventure, suggesting that this series could continue for numerous years yet. They might introduce a couple of new characters here and there, gradually increasing the tension until Sonic and his team of companions are battling for the destiny of the world. Knuckles, on the other hand, is a spinoff in an old-school format. It delves deeper into a beloved character without any extra requirements. More Knuckles stories may be told, but viewers can choose to watch them if they wish. Paramount doesn’t feel the need to interconnect its productions. Audiences will naturally remain engaged, and newcomers are always welcome to join.
It’s refreshing when shows can stand on their own without resorting to annoying writing techniques to boost initial viewership. Knuckles, although not flawless, thrives based on its inherent qualities. When Sonic the Hedgehog 3 arrives, it may subtly acknowledge Knuckles, but it’s a fresh tale. Sonic is too swift to be entangled in countless past narrative threads. Instead, let the franchise progress and follow where the Blue Blur takes us.
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2024-09-18 23:03