REVIEW: ‘Knuckles’ Is Unserious In The Best Way Possible

Spearheaded by head writer John Whittington and showrunner Toby Ascher, the Knuckles TV series brings the fan-favorite character to Paramount+. Marking the Sonic franchise‘s first live-action series, Idris Elba reprises his role as the tough and stubborn warrior Echidna, Knuckles. Punching things comes easy for him, but what about family? With its blend of action, humor, and character development, Knuckles promises to deliver a feel-good exploration of friendship, self-discovery, and the meaning of home.

Following a recap of Sonic  The Hedgehog 2, the Knuckles TV series opens with the red echidna maintaining his dedication to warrior training. This commitment traces back to his childhood when his world collided with Sonic’s, intertwining their fates. Now, with the battles concluded, Knuckles grapples with the challenge of adapting to life on Earth, a task even more formidable for an Echidna warrior like himself.

Following a series of mishaps, Knuckles summons his former Echidna chieftain, Pachacamac. As the last surviving Echidna, Knuckles bears the legacy of his tribe. Pachacamac tasks Knuckles with training a new warrior to uphold their tribe’s traditions. Surprisingly, this new warrior is Wade Whipple (Adam Pally), the deputy sheriff comic relief from the Sonic films. Wade is participating in a bowling competition, which Knuckles views as an opportunity for Wade to prove himself as a warrior. Along the way though, Wade teaches Knuckles what it means to feel like you have a home.

Knuckles’ seriousness about the bowling tournament matches his concern about the villains’ threats, establishing both as the primary objectives for the duo in the series. Thankfully, the Knuckles TV series is keenly aware of the absurdity of the situations at play, incorporating them into the humor alongside the pop culture references and Easter eggs. Further, despite their differing personalities, Knuckles and Wade are undeniably endearing making them a match made in comedy heaven.

As Wade and Knuckles head to Reno for the tournament, they encounter former GUN Agent Mason (Scott Mescudi) and Agent Willoughby (Ellie Taylor). These two agents, along with their leader The Buyer (Rory McCann), are determined to address the perceived alien threats posed by Knuckles and his friends. They intend to take action by utilizing alien technology obtained from Robotnik, along with Knuckles’ quills, to create dangerous weapons.

Fans should be aware that the action is certainly not at the forefront of Knuckles. However, when it is, the CGI matches that of the films. The villains aren’t a world-ending threat, and Knuckles should easily defeat them. Yet, they push both him and Wade toward self-discovery, hopefully adding depth to their characters for Sonic 3. Further, Knuckles pulls out a few new moves from the video that will have long-time fans giddy with joy.

With its 6 sub-30-minute episodes, the series largely operates like a buddy cop movie featuring Wade and Knuckles. However, slowly but surely Wade Whipple begins to take center stage. If Wade wasn’t your cup of tea in the Sonic films, Knuckles is determined to change that. Throughout the season, Wade grapples with personal family matters, particularly his strained relationship with his father, as he discovers his inner strength.

As the backstory of Wade’s estranged father unfolds, more of the Whipple family is introduced. While Wade’s mother, Wendy (Stockard Channing), is a delightful play on Jewish mothers, Wanda (Edi Patterson) is another story. Wanda’s crude behavior as one of the protagonists felt out of place. More importantly, the jokes she makes at Wade’s expense disrupt the overall feel-good nature of the series. Her insults and dialogue seemed more fitting for villains rather than aligning with the banter between Knuckles and Wade.

However, aside from that, the comedy in Knuckles rivals that of the Sonic films. If anything, the comedy in this series surpasses that of the films because it doesn’t heavily rely on modern references. Instead, it enhances the irreverent humor associated with Wade’s character. That said, the slapstick humor doesn’t supersede the narrative’s messages. It remains clear that Wade’s endearing nature extends to influence Knuckles’ character as well.

To its credit, the Knuckles TV series delves into the concept of home through Wade’s storyline, exploring physical representations, cherished memories, relationships with others, and the preservation of traditions. Thankfully, Knuckles plays a significant role in pivotal character moments discussing these themes, despite not being as prominently featured as Wade. By the end of the season, Knuckles is a changed Echidna, forming meaningful connections with individuals on Earth beyond mere battlefield comrades. While the development may not have been as extensive as anticipated, it is good enough for a spinoff series.

Ultimately, Knuckles isn’t a must watch to prepare for Sonic the Hedgehog 3. However, for fans of Idris Elba’s Knuckles and a feel-good TV series, it’s definitely worth your time. Alongside Wade Whipple, Knuckles finds a new purpose now that his lifelong mission has been completed. With six short episodes, the journey comes equipped with the unserious self-aware comedy that one can expect of the franchise. By the end, it will make think about what home means to you and all the warm feelings that come with it.

Knuckles TV Series is streaming now, exclusively on Paramount+.