Recap: 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' - New Girl in Town

After the Turtles are unsuccessful in hunting down Snakeweed, Raphael claims that Leonardo is an unfit leader. Tired of his criticism, Leo decides to let Raph take the helm for a while. As he blows off some steam on the rooftops, Leonardo is attacked by a female ninja called Karai who proves to be a worthy adversary. He’s intrigued by her character, but is conflicted as she is a member of the Foot Clan. Meanwhile, Raphael attempts to lead the team against Snakeweed, but finds it much more difficult to lead in the heat of battle.

While these two plots are very familiar, they play out wonderfully with the right amount of action and comedy. The fights between Leo and Karai as they converse between crossing blades was incredibly entertaining and I really want to see more of them. Raphael’s hot-headed nature in leading the team had predictable results, but the battle with Snakeweed as they rescue hostages from his lair made for some great set pieces. It also made for a fantastic finale in which Raph delivers a pretty gruesome final blow.

Even though Karai is inserted as a conflicted villain for Leo to identify with (and perhaps meld into the Turtles’ fold), she works well for her purpose. This was an episode of plots that felt all too familiar, yet so very satisfying. The energy and humor continue to win me over a little more with every episode. I’m not declaring the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to be a grand success, but it’s slowly convincing me that is may be the best entry in the franchise.