Knuckles Review: Idris Elba's Voice Work Outshines The Shoddy Writing & Lackluster Execution

Summary Idris Elba excels in the role of Knuckles.

Knuckles' CGI quality is good overall.

The show lacks engaging writing and a fresh plot, with the existing world limiting its potential.

The Sonic the Hedgehog CGI hybrid movies have been well received and have broken box office records for video game movies, and anticipation for the third film grows stronger each day. Although the budding franchise hit a massive roadblock with Sonic's character design, the audience and the production rallied and have built something that continues to grow and flourish. So, it comes as no surprise that the franchise has expanded to television with the action buddy-comedy Knuckles.

Knuckles is a spin-off of the Sonic the Hedgehog movie franchise created for Paramount+. Idris Elba reprises his role as Knuckles the Echidna in the action-adventure series, and the show will follow him on a new adventure as he meets new allies and faces new foes. Pros Idris Elba nails his performance as Knuckles

The CGI rendering is good

The series has sentimental story that is a touch endearing Cons Poor writing that is neither funny or engaging

Adam Pally is phoning it in

A TV series set on Earth is limiting

The spin-off series stars Idris Elba as the warrior echidna who has settled in Green Hills with Sonic and Tails. After Sonic the Hedgehog 2's ending, Knuckles has become increasingly restless and in need of purpose and a home. Enter Wade Whipple, deputy sheriff and Tom's friend. Wade becomes the unwitting apprentice to the bright red echidna as the two embark on a warrior's quest, being chased down by a former Doctor Robotnik lackey who wants Knuckles' power.

Knuckles Fails To Live Up To Its Potential

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Despite the excitement for the live-action Sonic the Hedgehog universe, with the hype reaching new heights with the announcement that Keanu Reeves will be voicing Shadow in the next film, Knuckles highlights an inherent problem with this franchise — the human element. The formula needs to evolve past the archetypes. We have human companions treating evolved animals as children needing chaperones or evil humans who are out for their powers. Our good guys have awkward dialogue with the anthropomorphic beings where they teach them the ways of being human, and villains delightfully divulge their evil plans to whoever's within earshot.

The human element goes beyond the characters; it is the world itself. Earth is no longer an exciting backdrop for these adventures. There are more options, especially considering these characters are from a distant planet. The novelty of Knuckles, Sonic and Tails engaging with humans doesn't last. There also needs to be more Knuckles onscreen, with the human characters taking up so much screen time. When it's all said and done, Knuckles runs close to three hours, making a case for the time and effort it took to develop this show to be spent producing a film spin-off instead.

Ambition & Creativity Are Scarce In Knuckles

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The central theme for Knuckles is that the red combat-driven echidna does not have a place to call home and is especially lost due to no longer having a tribe. He trains constantly as Sonic and Tails try to encourage him to relax, but the echidna wants the thrill of battle and the comfort of like-minded kin. But Knuckles is wasted as a TV series, especially when, in a moment of vulnerability, the title character discusses how he's traveled across the galaxy, seeing planets and stars that the likes of Wade and Tom can only dream of.

This opens up a reality where we could have enjoyed a sweeping and vibrant adventure in far-off worlds with Knuckles in search of his purpose, but instead, we must endure a flat and dull journey down on earth. Knuckles expressly highlights the limitations of the live-action hybrid format, where it often strips the most compelling components in favor of tired tropes of zany adventures between a person and a CGI creation.

As it stands, I don't see how Knuckles is a better option for kids when the original animated series are a few clicks away.

Knuckles has one thing going for it, and that is Idris Elba. His deliberate and committed voice performance is so well-suited to the role of Knuckles. The series captures the spirit of Knuckles well enough, and Elba's line delivery makes Knuckles' words much funnier than they probably would be. The character design is spectacular, proving the effectiveness of constructive criticism.

While there is still a ways to go to making CGI creations like Knuckles, Sonic and Tails appear believable, the problem does not lie with them but rather with the flatness of their surrounding environment. If anything, the Sonic universe could take its cues from the live-action Detective Pikachu, opting for exaggerated lighting and a heightened reality that makes the VFX appear normal. Regardless, Knuckles looks and sounds solid in the world of the series.

Knuckles Cast Idris Elba , Adam Pally , Jaimi Barbakoff , Alice Wren Tregonning , Tony Coughlan , Colleen O'Shaughnessey , Daniel Singh , Alfredo Tavares Release Date April 26, 2024 Seasons 1 Franchise(s) Sonic the Hedgehog Writers John Whittington Directors Jeff Fowler , Brandon Trost Showrunner John Whittington Main Genre Adventure Where To Watch Paramount+

The Potential For Something Better Casts A Large Shadow Over Knuckles

Knuckles' writing is overly simplistic, suggesting it's intended for younger audiences. The films are more well-rounded. Adam Pally is usually very funny, but here he seems deflated. The actors do their best to inject life and humor into their lines, but to be very honest, the show can easily lose its audience after the first episode due to how poorly scripted it is. The key ingredient is humor, and it can't manage to be funny enough to endure 30-minute episodes. Luckily, the heartfelt sentiment of the show is effective, but the potential for better is a hard feeling to escape.

The series captures the spirit of Knuckles well enough, and Elba's line delivery makes Knuckles' words much funnier than they probably would be.

It's a shame that a massive, colorful adaptation is not what we get here. Knuckles is endearing enough; Pally is an okay lead as Wade, and Elba is the saving grace, but the show leaves much to be desired. If the episodes were longer, the series would have been hard to watch. There are no laugh-out-loud moments or a mildly entertaining story. There are a couple of chuckles to be had, and the show has an overt sentimentality that one can't help but succumb to.

But Knuckles falls short of expectations, and it's a real disappointment. The kiddos may enjoy it, but even then, I wonder why the warrior-trainee couldn't just be a kid — Knuckles meets Karate Kid, if you will. If the show is meant to be childish, then let's have children be the leads. As it stands, I don't see how Knuckles is a better option for kids when the original animated series is a few clicks away.