The battle-hardened Knuckles couldn’t be more different from the speedy Sonic. Where Sonic relies on quick wits and faster feet, Knuckles possesses brute strength born from centuries of echidna warrior tradition. Fans first fell for this crimson commander in the mid-90s video games where his role protecting the Master Emerald frequently pitted him against Sonic.
More recently, moviegoers watched the softer side of Knuckles emerge on the big screen as he learns to trust Sonic and calls planet Earth his new home. Now the Paramount+ series gives Knuckles his first starring role in a live-action adventure sure to please both gamers and film fans. Teaming up with hapless human Wade Whipple, their road trip antics launch laughs while action scenes showcase Knuckles’ power and flair.
Across six funny yet heartfelt episodes, the new series taps the best of this beloved character. It celebrates Knuckles’ fighting spirit through inventive fight choreography and respects his complexity with thoughtful character beats. Moreover, the series delivers steady doses of Sonic nostalgia through clever nods that will put a grin on any longtime fan’s face. Overall, Knuckles Takes Electric Red to Streaming proves a vibrant addition to the ever-expanding Sonic saga.
Knuckles and the Bowl-Off Brouhaha
After settling into life on Earth, the crimson echidna Knuckles finds himself searching for purpose. Seeking a protege to pass on his martial skills, he spots the unlikely candidate Wade Whipple – a bumbling sheriff’s deputy with dreams of bowling glory.
Whipple is chasing success at an upcoming tournament in Reno, where his estranged pro bowler dad reigns as champ. But with his team kicking him to the curb, he’s in need of coaching. Enter Knuckles, who agrees to train Whipple in exchange for tagging along on the road trip west.
What Knuckles doesn’t bank on is Whipple’s total lack of coordination or focus. Every move is a pratfall, every thought interrupted by fantasies of fame and fortune. Yet underneath the haplessness lies a good heart, and Knuckles’ stern yet stoic ways start to rub off.
Their training is hampered by a pair of shady agents also hot on Knuckles’ trail. Mason and Willoughby will stop at nothing to seize the power contained in Knuckles’ fabled quills. A showdown with their villainous boss is inevitable, powered by a mysterious device fueled by Knuckles’ inner glow.
As the tournament kicks off, Whipple must face his past and confront dad. With Knuckles in his corner and newfound confidence, can he roll to victory? Bonds will strengthen under gleaming lights, and our unlikely duo might just prove themselves the ultimate tandem – if they can stay one step ahead of the baddies, that is.
A Colorful Adventure
Knuckles brings the Sonic universe to life with vivid production values. Idris Elba reprising his role as the titular echidna warrior lends authenticity, his quills glowing red with power. When combat occurs, quills fuel explosive mayhem in rousing sequences. Choreographed chaos ensues across settings like a neon-drenched bowling alley. Familiar friends also feel believably translated, like Sonic himself in a meaningful appearance.
Music elevates enjoyment. An ’80s anthem perfectly captures Knuckles’ spirit, while licensed tunes amplify key moments. Imaginative segments break conventions joyfully, such as a dream sequence reimagining the story as song and dance. Visuals throughout transport viewers into the heart of the action.
Skilled direction and cinematography indulge both action fans and those seeking fun adventure. Fights flow fluidly, capturing kinetic energy. Yet sweeping shots establish picturesque vistas too. Whether portraying familial warmth or feats of daring, technology brings characters and worlds to three-dimensional life. Minimalism sometimes signifies too, as when scaled-back moments focus attention on relationships developing.
Overall, Knuckles transports audiences with rich production executing its colorful vision cleverly. Technical mastery joins narrative strengths to keep sights and sounds exciting, helping bring a beloved world vibrantly to new audiences.
Red Echidna’s New Recruit
Knuckles’ stoic nature makes him an unlikely source of comedy. But as the series pairs him with hapless human Wade Whipple, a fresh dynamic emerges that keeps viewers chuckling. Wade is nothing if not amusing in his constant blunders and desperation to prove himself. From a botched bowling tournament introduction to dreaming elaborate fantasies on the road to Reno, the deputy’s antics inject plenty of laughs.
Supporting players amplify the hilarity too. As Wade’s sister, Edi Patterson slays with constant jabs at his inadequate police work. And Cary Elwes hams it up grandly as Wade’s father, a champion bowler clad in an absurd Union Jack outfit. Even the stoic bounty hunters tracking Knuckles and Wade find humor’s way in, with Kid Cudi displaying impressive comedic timing.
Yet it’s Idris Elba leading the charge in unlocking Knuckles’ own potential for comedy. The actor imbues barely-there smirks and eyerolls with perfect deadpan delivery. A surprise reveal of Knuckles fandom for Paul Blart: Mall Cop especially stands out. Elba forms a brilliant comedic pairing with Pally too, their contrasting energy constantly entertaining. Whether reacting to Wade’s antics or dryly commenting on human oddities, Knuckles brings plenty of laughs from Elba’s skilled performance.
Humor aside, the series balances lighthearted fun with heartwarming moments. Knuckles’ journey embracing Earth as home pairs effectively with revealing layers to Wade’s backstory. And potent fight scenes throw down exciting action when the stakes rise. With style and substance in equal supply, the mix keeps viewers fully engaged along Knuckles and Wade’s road trip towards finding purpose and victory.
References and Nostalgia
Those who enjoy a healthy helping of nostalgia alongside their entertainment will find much to savor in Knuckles. Chock full of references to 1990s and 2000s pop culture, the series creates a fun scrapbook of the period through its detail-packed sets and one-liners.
Wade Whipple’s childhood bedroom is a true time capsule, wallpapered with posters of Total Recall, Speed and Beavis and Butt-Head. Elsewhere, callbacks give a nod to classics like Dumb and Dumber while subtly sneaking in gems for eagle-eyed fans. The effort adds depth, transporting viewers back to an era of leisure suits, blockbuster hits and TGIF lineup magic.
Of course, any show set in modern times must also contend with commercial interests. Product placements here take a comedic bent, with Doritos bags and TJ Maxx discounts fueling gags. While some eye-rolls may arise, most can appreciate the lighthearted spirit of it all.
Nostalgia spreads beyond aesthetics too, with appearances from veterans like Christopher Lloyd helping to anchor the fantasy in beloved characters. Playing an elder guardian, Lloyd taps into the warmth and wonder of yore. Elsewhere, a boisterous mini-musical helmed by none other than Michael Bolton spins sheer silliness into gold.
Overall, Knuckles proves a deft navigator of past and present. Viewers can delight in spotting winked references or simply relax in the fun, knowing they’re in capable hands guided by passion and a spirit of levity. Some may yearn for modernization, but for those longing to revisit an era of exuberance, Knuckles delivers a most affable tour of days past.
A Home Away From Home
Wade Whipple brought plenty of laughs as a hapless deputy in the Sonic movies. Yet in Knuckles, we see deeper layers to the man. Beyond his comic stylings lies a story many can relate to – that of finding where you truly belong.
Wade never knew his father growing up. “Pistol Pete” Whipple was too busy dominating the bowling scene. Now, as an adult, Wade hopes competing in Reno will reconnect them. Meanwhile, his sister Wanda never fails to remind Wade he’ll never measure up. Only his mother Wendy offers unconditional support.
These family dynamics shape Wade. He dreams big but doubts himself. So when Knuckles offers to train him, it’s more than bowling – it’s a chance to prove his worth. Wendy’s family dinners, filled with laughter, also give Wade comfort Knuckles never knew. Through them, he comes to see Earth could be home, if he opens his heart.
Knuckles witnesses this and more on their journey. Battling baddies is nothing new, yet bonding with Wade peels back his guarded layers. Knuckles starts to understand family isn’t just who shares your blood, but who accepts you as you are. By story’s end, their unlikely friendship becomes an anchoring force for two kindred spirits still finding their place in the world.
Though Wade drives much of the action, it’s the humanity in all characters that provides soul. Their lives impact Knuckles in ways no fight ever could, cementing Sonic’s world as much about heart as speed.
Echoes of the Green Hills
Idris Elba reprises his role as Knuckles in the new Paramount+ series, which sees the character venture beyond the leafy backyard setting of the recent Sonic movies. Picking up after the events of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Knuckles finds himself without a tribe and in need of purpose on Earth. This leads him to an unlikely partnership with Wade Whipple, played by Adam Pally, who he takes under his echidna wing to train for an bowling competition.
The series bears some similarities to the formula that brought success to the Sonic films. Once more we’re treated to a road trip adventure as Knuckles and Wade journey across landscapes both familiar and new. Their dynamic, with Knuckles playing the straight man to Wade’s hilarious antics, echoes Sonic and Tom’s relationship. And we’re given brief moments to reconnect with other characters, like Christopher Lloyd’s charming appearance.
However, the series also moves the needle in meaningful ways. With Wade taking center stage more than Knuckles, the focus shifts from blue super speed to exploring ideas of found family and self-discovery through heartfelt comedy. The scale is smaller too, with tighter serialized storytelling within a string of half-hour episodes rather than spanning feature films.
While light on major continuity, the series does add new shadings to Knuckles’ character outside of combat. But it stops short of significantly progressing the wider Sonic world, meaning the films remain the driving force of this expansive universe. Overall, the show brings us closer to our spiked friend through a touchingly odd pairing, even if the magic remains best captured on the silver screen.
Stepping Into Knuckles’ Shoes
So in the end, does Knuckles work as an extension of the popular Sonic world? While some elements could use fine-tuning, overall it delivers an enjoyable adventure for its target young audience.
The series aims squarely for family fun without straying far from the lighthearted spirit that’s made Sonic a favorite among kids and nostalgic grown-ups alike. Sure, not everyjoke or subplot lands perfectly, but it presents Knuckles’ quest alongside Wade’s bowling dream in an upbeat way most families can share. Their dynamic, like Sonic and Tails before them, charms through their differences.
Diehard fans may wish Knuckles took a more central role, rather than tagging along Wade’s escapades. But casual viewers still see glimpses of his strength and honor core to his character. Young knuckheads also get a laugh out of how much ground he has to make up learning Earth customs! And who doesn’t root for the underdog like Wade finding his way?
There’s room to explore deeper stories within this universe. But as a first step into TV, Knuckles provides just the right dose of lighthearted adventure between the big screen blockbusters. With any luck we’ll see many more characters get the chance to shine in future installments.
For now, its glimpse behind the scenes of Sonic’s world adds welcome context between the next game or movie. And isn’t sharing fun times with family and friends what it’s all about? Knuckles proves there’s room under the sun for everyone when we run together.
The Review
Knuckles
Knuckles delivers a solid start to Sonic's television adventures, offering young viewers lighthearted fun while hinting at potential for deeper stories. Though not without flaws, its heart serves fans old and new well.
PROS
- Characters are charming and relationship between Knuckles and Wade is fun
- Visuals are appealing and bring the Sonic world to life
- Stays true to Sonic franchise's lighthearted tone for family audience
CONS
- Knuckles overshadowed by Wade storyline at times
- Jokes don't always land and some gags wear out their welcome
- Villains are underdeveloped and lack memorability
