MovieChat Forums > Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987) Discussion > Which had the better pilot ep, this or t...

Which had the better pilot ep, this or the '03 series?


Both great ways to kick their respective series off, but I honestly like 'em both equally. The 80's series started off noticeably more grounded and serious than it would later become, which surprised me, and of course the '03 series started off with a great, serious pilot that wasn't light on jokes or personality either. Both pilots also leave you anticipating the first appearance of Shredder instead of shoehorning him in from the start for the sake of making fans happy. I know that if I watched both pilots back-to-back for the first time, I'd have a hard time deciding which show to watch in its entirety.

Mighty Mouse.

reply


I think both pilots were equally awesome. I found the pilot for the 2012 series underwhelming though.

If I told you cretins, your feeble brains would fail to comprehend it. - The Shredder

reply

I gotta see the 03 series, havent seen it, going through the '87 again as cant remember it, up to season 4 which is a not at all as good as the first 3 so far

reply

'87, '03, and 2012 openers each delivered fantastically, with each providing a strong foundation for each series. But I think I like the 2012 one the best.

Exemplifying the importance of the 'Turtles heading out into the world for the first time is something I felt the '87 and '03 show lacked. They'be been in the sewers for 15 years yet there isn't much anticipation or weight of intrigue on the audience's part of the 'Turtles about to venture into the great unknown.

2nd half sort of falls off, as it kind of becomes a standard "rescue April" plot, but everything else kicks such major shell. Some comedy, a bit of shell-kicking action, each character has a chance to shine, great set-up for different villains.

I do love the more relaxed feel, with an unsteady undertone, that the '03 series first episode does. Giving us a little taste without going too far into it. Essentially you could say the first ever episode of the '03 series is an episode where we see the ninja turtles move to a new house, but then you've got the little threats slightly showing their teeth, a showcase of the 'Turtles abilities, Ninja stealth, some family aspect in togetherness. It's kind of like watching the cool kid at school. He doesn't go out of his way to give you a load of reasons why you should care, he casually nods, keeps calm, but pulls you into such a level of allure and mystery that has you wanting to explore that universe.

reply