'Knuckles' Series Review

TV & Film

May 13

Knuckles is the SCU's first spinoff into nonfeature film territory. The show has been highly anticipated by fans and non-fans alike. However, is it truly rougher than the rest of them and tougher than leather? Knock knock! It's the Knuckles review! Warning: There may be some minor spoilers

Knuckles takes place after Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (the film) but before the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 3. The echidna warrior is having trouble adjusting to life on Earth after the conclusion of his “quest.” He is hyper-vigilant, defending his family from perceived threats that…aren't really threats, such as contractors coming to fix the Wachowski house after Knuckles’ fight with Sonic. Knuckles even tries to give warrior advice to the family dog, Ozzy. When Knuckles turns the living room into a gladiator pit, Maddie Wachowski has had enough and grounds the echidna warrior.

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Meanwhile, sheriff's deputy Wade Whipple (played by Adam Pally) is preparing for a bowling championship. Due to his lackluster performance, however, he is kicked off of his team. Knuckles, meanwhile, seeks guidance from the spirits of the echidna elders. He is visited by the ghost of echidna tribe chief Pachacamac (voiced by Christopher Lloyd), and he tells him to take on Wade Whipple as an apprentice. He finds Whipple and takes him under his wing as they go on a road trip to Reno, Nevada, all while avoiding agents Mason (played by Kid Cudi) and Willoughby (played by Ellie Taylor) who want to bring him to an arms dealer who used to work for Dr. Robotnik.

Wade in Knuckles — Image Source: Push Square

The plot somewhat mirrors the first Sonic the Hedgehog film but with a few twists here and there. It takes advantage of Knuckles’ “fish out of water” personality and uses that for much of the comedy. However, the story definitely focuses on Wade a little too much. Wade is not a bad character, perse. He actually grows a lot throughout the story and actually learns to stand up for himself, almost going toe to toe with some of the foes he and Knuckle face off against. However, for a show called Knuckles, the titular echidna just feels along for the ride.

Nonetheless, there are definitely some good character and family moments, particularly when Knuckles meets Wade’s mother, Wendy Whipple (played by Stockard Channing), and Wade’s sister, Wanda Whipple (played by Edi Patterson). The Shabbat dinner scene was perhaps among the best written in the series, and it shows the family dynamic Wade grew up with well. However, the characterization of Wanda was a bit much. Perhaps the most hilarious sequence was the big rock opera in episode four. That was quite the fever dream, but it was a lot of fun. It felt like a video from The Lonely Island, and that’s quite fitting considering the episode was directed by Jorma Taccone, who is a member of the aforementioned troupe. There are some slight pacing issues, though. The road trip element isn’t always executed the best and feels a bit forced at times. Also, the introduction of the Flames of Disaster was interesting and may have some lore implications considering how it was initially shown in 2006’s Sonic the Hedgehog. Overall, the plot is well constructed and written with several stand-out moments, but it's clear this is more Wade’s story than Knuckles’.

Knuckles on the sofa — Image Source: Push Square

The acting in the show is also pretty good. Idris Elba once again knocks it out of the park as Knuckles, portraying his unfamiliarity with Earth customs and social life perfectly. Adam Pally also does a good job as Wade Whipple, perfectly portraying him as a child stuck in a man’s body and acts wonderfully as a foil to Knuckles while not necessarily being the straight man either. Kid Cudi does an awesome job as Mason and makes him the standout of the agent duo. Another standout performance is Cary Elwes as Wade’s father, Pistol Pete Whipple. He is just as cartoony and energetic as his two children and honestly steals the show at times. Stockard Channing’s performance as the matriarch Wendy Whipple is also pretty good, with the Grease alum perfectly portraying her as the glue that holds the Whipple clan together.

Though Christopher Lloyd may sound slightly phoned in at times, he portrays Pachacamac really well, and it would be a joy to see him reprise the role in the mainline films. Perhaps the true standout performance would have to be Mighty Boosh alum Julian Barratt as bounty hunter Jack Sinclair. He truly steals the show in every scene he’s in, and he especially rocks it in the rock opera in episode four. Overall, the acting is pretty good with several standout performances.

Knuckles in action — Image Source: Nintendo Supply

The visual effects appear only slightly below the mainline movies. Knuckles and the rest of the denizens of Mobious are perfectly integrated into the “real world” with their stylized realistic designs. Even when taking into account the reduced budget of a television miniseries versus a feature film, the CGI still looks pretty good. Nothing really jumps out as being glaringly bad.

The lighting effects for Knuckles’ “Flames of Disaster” attack look especially good. The show doesn’t shy away from using more cartoon or comic book-like effects, but it thankfully never gets too close to 1960s Batman levels. The only time the CGI looked slightly off was when Knuckles was being grabbed by the Buyer’s machine, as the chains look a bit too cartoonish. Nonetheless, the visual effects in the series are especially good for a television show.

Lastly, the music is honestly pretty good. Tom Howe’s score is fittingly cinematic and perfectly fits each scene. Music-wise, the standout would have to be “Flames of Disaster,” the rock opera from episode four. Barratt does an awesome job singing as Longclaw and essentially acting as the narrator, and Michael Bolton as the singing voice of Knuckles is just the icing on the cake. The licensed music is also well integrated, and choosing Scandal’s “The Warrior” as the theme of the series was also a nice touch.

Overall, while Knuckles doesn’t focus enough on, well, Knuckles, and is actually Wade’s story, it is still a pretty fun romp. Knuckles acts more as a catalyst for Wade’s character arc, and from that perspective, the focus on Wade may be okay. However, the series does suffer from slightly juvenile writing and slight pacing issues at times. Showrunner Toby Ascher said that he is open to more seasons, provided the show does well and there’s a story to tell. If you’re looking for a series that focuses on the adventures of Knuckles, this show might not be for you, but it is still worth checking out!

Rating: 7/10

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