Tales of the TMNT Season 2 TV Review

                           Tales of the TMNT Season 2

            Everyone's favorite heroes in a half shell are back on the scene. Within their own tales, each one has to

figure out a way to deal with fame, sibling squabbles, and hard lessons. Old enemies and new ones threaten

their bond, are they strong enough to stick together? (Note: Spoilers are contained in the following sections

of this review).

            Positive Elements: Just like Season 1, the turtles emphasize teamwork, family, and accountability.

They're willing to selflessly save the city and each other from danger. Each turtle arc (3 episodes each) is

brimming with lessons for fans.

            Raph likes to fight, but his brothers and Hun notice the out-of-control rage it presents. Even Pigeon

Pete tries to balance Raph's ego. Hun notes “You are so blinded by your anger that you're not aware of what's

happening around you, turtle.” Raph and Pete save their friends from a devious scheme. Hun expresses

discomfort with said plan, though his co-workers mock him for it.

            Donnie is still the nerd here. He uses his skills to save his brothers and Wingnut. Though praising a mad

scientist, he's able to discern crazy from normal. Leo engages in vigilante behavior, but quickly realizes he's in

over his head. He tries to save a villain from falling to his death. April encourages and bolsters Leo's

confidence. She grows concerned about her curfew.

            Mikey still cares for Rod, even when his family disowns him. Leo, Donnie, and Raph express concerns for

Rod's influence on their little bro. (Spoiler Warning): In a shocking yet positive confession, Mikey reveals he's

trying to be a brother to Rod like his three bros are to him. “The only difference is that you guys always have

my back. You're there for me no matter how big of an idiot I am. …My brothers make me a better person and

Rod deserves to have someone like that in his life. So, I won't abandon him, just like you would never abandon

me.” Rod is so moved by the speech, he decides to rescue his siblings. They all hug each other in a

heartwarming reunion.

            Spiritual Content: When Leo, Donnie, and Mikey are puzzled by Raph's change in mood, he says “I've

shifted my energy, and the universe has gifted me for that hard work.” Certain gang members have dragon

tattoos on their necks. Rod's brother Todd has his members wear animals masks to “connect with their animal

nature.”

            Sensual Content: Leo still has a crush on April, though this season doesn't give them time to act on

those feelings. Female characters wear immodest attire that accentuate their curves and midriffs. Though

Rod and Mikey's friendship is platonic, one moment has a callback to the infamous Brokeback Mountain film.

Splinter and Scumbug are still romantically linked, and the turtles reference their relationship a few times.

            Violence: Season 1 had moments of intense violence, but nothing too jarring. This season amps up the

action in some disturbing ways. Our four heroes battle several villains throughout the season. They suffer

from punches, kicks, and body slams. Raph and Leo both bear black eyes on occasion. Donnie enters a

creepy hospital and encounters different copies of animal mutants. Said copies explode into green ooze that

splatters over the turtles.

            Scratch has a vendetta against the turtles and uses mutant fleas to attack them. La Fleur is a French

mad woman who kidnaps dogs. Her gun is expanded during a moment of peril. A hotel is burned down,

windows are shattered, and property damage is severe. Raph drives recklessly, damaging cars and traffic

cones. Two large mutants wreck their respective workplaces. Some jump scares are present here as well.

            (Spoiler Warning): Three different areas in the season could be scary to young/sensitive viewers. Leo,

Donnie, and Mikey are captured by the Purple Dragons and mind controlled by a tech device, thus forcing

Raph into fighting them. Other mutant animals are mind-controlled as well, giving them a creepy vibe.

            Scratch is a vengeful cat, but meets his demise at the hands of his fleas. Rod's dad mutates into a

monster that scares not only the turtles, but the humans as well. He absorbs Rod's siblings and fights against

scientists, plus Mechazoids.

            Language: Several misuses of God's name, along with “heck,” “dang,” “imbecile,” and “jerk" are the

seasons main interjections.

            Drugs/Alcohol: People gather outside a club. Mutagen has disturbing side effects on humans. The

turtles and humans are shot with tranquilizer darts. April drinks coffee and is “buzzed" by its effects.

            Other Negative Elements: Several betrayals occur during this season. Raph belittles his brothers for

spying on him, and earns stuff through illegal means. The four teens (as the Night Ninjas) break laws to bring

down criminals. Vengeance plays a part as some characters go to extreme lengths to get what they want.

            Sibling squabbles sometimes take a heated turn, resulting in hurt feelings. Rod's family is

dysfunctional,  which each kid trying to make their dad proud. Rod's father says “Family and friends are a

distraction.” There are a few bathroom humor and gross out gags in the mix. Raph reads Leo's private diary

(much to the latter's embarrassment).

            Conclusion: Tales of the TMNT  has been enjoyable to watch, and this season is no exception. All four

voice actors from Mutant Mayhem and Season 1 return, bringing more quirky one-liners plus pop culture

references that devoted fans will appreciate. Even the supporting voice cast is solid, bringing life to the

villains and allies. The animation has that Rise of the TMNT vibe and illustrates New York with vivacious flair.

            I should note that while Season 2 is better than the first, parents should be aware of a few content

conundrums. The violence is kinda typical for TMNT, but some moments have an ominous vibe to them. One

of the turtle's arcs has horror elements that while not over the top, might scare sensitive viewers. Even some

pop culture callbacks have adult movies referenced. Our heroes engage in breaking laws, and their verbal

fights result in the silent treatment. Yep, parents might think twice about letting their younger ones watching

this Paramount + original.

            But just like Season 1, viewers will learn plenty of life lessons. Each turtle arc demonstrates

accountability, responsibility, teamwork, family, and friendship. Our heroes (though flawed) still love each

other, and risk everything for New York. Despite their different interests, these four brothers recognize that

having each others' back is more significant than flying solo.

            Leo, for instance, learns too quick that being a vigilante brings more damage and responsibility than he

bargained for. Yet, knowing Scratch's plan, he perseveres, and his brothers aren't far behind. Leo's arc brings

to mind Galatians 6:9(NIV): “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a

harvest if we do not give up.” As for Leo's ambition, Proverbs 23:4(NIV) is clear: “Do not wear yourself out to

get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.”

            In other words, it's okay to do good. But when certain deeds put people in danger and you wear

yourself thin, trusting in yourself is a foolish idea. Leo learns this the hard way, and despite his excitement,

tries to keep a level head.

            Raph's arc emphasizes the destructive power of anger. His brothers, Hun and Pete do their best to

steer him in the right direction. Ephesians 4:26-27 (NLT) states “And ‘don't sin by letting anger control you.’

Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” In Raph's case, he is

so blinded by his love for fighting and anger issues that he nearly loses sight of his family. But he does come

around, and express love for his brothers.

            While Tales of the TMNT  Season 2 has flair and humor, the themes mentioned above far outweigh the

negative content problems. Sure, parents won't be thrilled with the violence and light language presented

here. But Mutant Mayhem and both seasons aren't just for kids: teens and adults can learn lessons as well if

they choose to glance at them the right way. Yes, Season 2 has content concerns, but die-hard fans will love

the references. That plus the positive themes are what make this season shine.