Knuckles season 1 perfectly fits in between Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Sonic the Hedgehog 3, and delivers a hilarious buddy comedy adventure.
The Sonic Universe just got a bit bigger. After the hit films, Paramount has released a Knuckles series, which drops all six episodes on Paramount+ on April 26th, 2024. This series fits in the timeline between Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Sonic the Hedgehog 3, however it is likely not going to be required watching in order to understand the next movie. That being said, you really should watch it, especially if you are a fan of the movies, because this delivers the same vibes, is absolutely hilarious, and a whole lot of fun.
Don’t worry Sonic stans, he makes an appearance and is actually quite a big part of the first episode. It is a joy to see him back on screen, as the talented Ben Schwartz is just fantastic in this role. He makes it easy to love this blue hedgehog, and Idris Elba does a wonderful job as Knuckles.
In this series, Knuckles is trying to find purpose for himself. He isn’t quite sure what to do now that his mission is over. Seeing a warrior like him struggle is key to some of the emotinal moments through the six-episode season.
Knuckles teams up with Wade Whipple (Adam Pally reprises the role) to go on a wild, crazy, bonkers, and absolutely hilarious road trip to a bowling tournament. This delivers similar vibes to Sonic and Donut Lord’s adventure in the first film, but still brings something unique and fun to the table. The two are fantastic together, leaving viewers feeling as if Pally really was acting opposite an echidna instead of what must have been a tennis ball or little stuffed beanbag.
Story wise, it is a fun addition to the franchise. It offers some high stakes, but it is apparent that this is not required watching in order to understand Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Still, Knuckles fans will be over the moon as it is lovely to get to know him a little bit more, and spend all this time with him.
The episodes are each about thirty minutes long, making the whole season just three hours. Essentially this is a long movie that follows the adventure of Knuckles and Wade. Even if the third film aludes to some of the things that went on in the series, it surely will not take away from the experience. Certainly Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will once again focus on Robotnik and Sonic’s rivalry.
Overall, this season of television flies by thanks to great pacing and well placed jokes. It is a ton of fun, delivering some hearty laughs, as well as some truly emotional moments. Don’t worry, Knuckles gets into some brawls too, and the action sequences are fantastic.
There are surprises in store for even the biggest of fans, making this a must watch for those who enjoy the Sonic Universe. Fingers crossed that Paramount continues to deliver these live action seasons of television to hold us over between movies.
Rating: 4 out of 5
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About Knuckles
The new live-action event series follows Knuckles (Idris Elba) on a hilarious and action-packed journey of self-discovery as he agrees to train Wade (Adam Pally) as his protégé and teach him the ways of the Echidna warrior.
The series takes place between the films SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 and SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3.
All six episodes will premiere Friday, April 26 exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S. and Canada.
On Saturday, April 27, all six episodes will premiere in all additional Paramount+ territories, and then in Japan later this year.
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Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.