Reviews

There's a new Sonic on tv and he's nothing like the old one. In the adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog that aired in the early 90's, Sonic was sarcastic, and self absorbed. He had an attitude the size of the sky. He was the fastest thing on Mobius and the sole hero against Robotnic despite Tails and his other friends helping him. Robotnic looked like he was barely hanging on to the robots he had, much less being any threat to taking over the planet.

But all that has changed with Sonic Underground. He's more sarcastic (if that's possible) with an edge to him, but he also has more compassion, and he's not in it alone. Sonic doesn't win every time against Robotnic who is completely in charge of the planet. This Sonic has a personality and a soul. He's also got a sister, Sonya, and a little brother, Manic. They are part of a royal family that will one day overthrow Robotnic and take their place as rulers.

Their mother, Queen Aleena, listening to prophecy, separated them as children to protect them from the growing threat of Robotnic. Their new foster parents raised them which made it hard for Robotnic to find them. Their magic medallions protect them by doubling as weapons and musical instruments.

I like this series better than the old one. Maybe because he has a more rounded personality. Even though both series deal with the overthrow of Robotnic, the first was light hearted, humorous and for laughs. This is a much more real and darker Sonic, yet it still has its share of humor. It has also changed some characters and rewrote some of the history from the first series.

By the time you see Sonya complain or fuss at her brothers, or Manic overcome his problem of stealing you'll be hooked. Like Aladdin, Manic steals to survive, but now that he doesn't have to anymore it's still a hard habit to break and he's gotten in trouble more than once because of it. Sonic and Sonya have to constantly warn him not to take anything, and for the most part he doesn't. He uses his skills for the resistance and helping others.

Sonya is spoiled, moody and prideful. She had an easier childhood than her brothers, living in luxury and wealth. Even though her old friends are rich and snooty she left it all to join the resistance. Sonya cares about people and helping them even if they don't deserve it. Even Sonic and Manic won't do that. Sonic's special power is speeeeed. Sonya's is a spinning tornado.

The music in Sonic underground is beautiful, except for when the siblings actually sing themselves. While it's true that cartoons are here to sell toys, it is a pleasure when they rise above commercial status and bring us a cartoon worth watching.

Here's a little nitpick, more like a did you notice, that in the series the animals/people wear very nice clothes, except for Sonic and Manic. At least Manic wears a vest, Sonic is running around in nothing and no one says anything. Same thing with Knuckles. No clothes. Fascinating.

Should be watched by: 8 and up

Best show: ART. Robotnic finally has an invincible Robot to catch the hedgehogs. Too bad he gave it free will and the ability to learn. It sided with Sonic once it learned the truth. The ending was very touching for a so called kids show. No happy endings here.

Worst show: When a series is good, and exceptionally written it gets harder to pick awful episodes. But pick one I must. Come out wherever you are. The debutante ball. I know a girl needs a little fun, but at the risk of being caught by Robotnic just to go to a party? She didn't stay five minutes at the thing before the bad guys had her.

Things good about the show: I like the way the siblings must learn to work together. If anyone has a brother or sister, you know it's not easy getting along all the time. But despite their differences and jealousy of each other, Sonya, Sonic and Manic learn to work together. I like the planning of this show, and the overall quality. Fighting against wrong requires a sacrifice, and their mother made a big one.

Things bad about the show: Robotnic. His voice his looks, everything. He is the villain so they did a good job of getting me to hate him. It would be nice if he had more personality.

copyright 2000 EMartin