Besides everybody’s favorite plumber jumping from video games to the big screen, the Blue Blur is currently going through a similar renaissance. The firstSonic The Hedgehoglive-action film, which was released in early 2020 by Paramount Pictures, was a huge hit both at the box office and with critics. With that success, a sequel was released two years later, bringing more references from the Sonic franchise lore and introducing two more mainstay characters – Miles “Tails” Prower and Knuckles the Echidna.
With all three characters ultimately teaming up to take down a giant mechanical version of Robotnik, this entry was also a win, grossing four times its budget in worldwide ticket sales. On top of that, we now have a spin-off series on Paramount+,Knuckles, that features the red echidna training deputy Sheriff Wade Whipple in the ways of the warrior.
In the six episodes that are currently streaming, thebuddy cop duofight off bounty hunters in a Shabbat spectacle, battle against former agents of Robotnik who harness echidna-powered gloves, and figure out the meaning of family. As of right now, both critics and audiences seem to be somewhat divided onKnuckles. While some praise its action sequences and the overall vibe that Wade brings to the show, others focus on the fact that a good portion of the episodes either feature Knuckles sparingly or not at all. While that could be considered a legitimate concern for hardcore fans of the franchise, they will be pleased to know thatSonic himself, as well as Tails, do have screen time in this wacky andridiculous spin-off. But just how much are they featured on-screen?
Do Sonic and Tails Help Knuckles on His Mission?
Suffice it to say, the blue hedgehog and the tail-spinning fox don’t hold major parts in this miniseries. But that’s not to say their screen time is wasted, either. Just as Sonic and Tails are foundational parts of the 30-year-oldvideo game franchise, they certainly help to ease viewers, both young and old, into the Knuckles solo story.
After all,the first episode starts with a voice-over by Sonic himself, who not only quickly retells the plot of the second movie but also shows footage of the trio jamming out in Tom’s attic.This 55-second refresherends with Knuckles dealing a final, smashing blow to a huge boulder. Those who wish to see the three iconic names on the screen at the same time are going to love this next segment.
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With Knuckles using his skills from being an Echidna warrior to take care of some landscapers that Maddie hired, the now adoptive mother talks to Sonic and Tails about his barbaric ways. Sonic tries to tell Knuckles that Earth is the best place to rest from being a warrior, and he tries to inspire Knuckles to make this place his home now. The hedgehog leaves the scene, and Knuckles meditates through the galaxies, finally realizing what he must do.This eye-opening segment (for Knuckles, that is) clocked in at 2 minutes and 39 seconds.
Knuckles Is on a Solo Mission
Sometime later, Maddie makes the final preparations for breakfast and heads to the table. As she calls Sonic and Tails, they are all stunned to see that Knuckles has made himself a huge chair made up of items around the house (including a tailpipe). When Tails asks what a trial by combat is (in order to claim the spot of family champion), he brings them all to the living room. Knuckles has transformed it intoa fighting pit. Maddie then goes into a rage and grounds him. Since we then switch to the formal introduction of Wade and his bowling adventure, this segment comes to a close andfinishes in 2 minutes and 23 seconds.
Unfortunately, the last segment involving the video game characters only includes Sonic and Knuckles. Sorry, Tails fans. The red echidna is lamenting on the attic floor, blaming Sonic because he wouldn’t be grounded right now if he hadn’t taken his advice.The blue hedgehogtries telling him that there are still loads of things to do, like reading comic books, making viral dance videos, or playing in virtual reality. VR surprisingly scares our noble warrior. Sonic then takes off as fast as he came, dropping down and back into the house – never to be seen again in the show.Unlike the other segments, this was much quicker – only 47 seconds long.
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The results are in, and they aren’t pretty.Sonic and Tails are in this newKnucklesminiseries for only 6 minutes and 44 seconds – and that’s all within the first episode. After that, it’s all about Knuckles showing Wade Whipple about becoming a true warrior, a master bowler, and a man who can stand on his own two feet.
Nevertheless, theSonicspin-off seriesdoes set up some interesting facets for the future of the franchise, like G.U.N (Guardian Units of Nations)’s ability to use the trio’s powers, Wade becoming a much braver character, and Knuckle’s new Flames of Disaster attack. These will undoubtedly come into play whenSonic The Hedgehog 3runs into theaters on June 23, 2025.Knucklesis streaming now onParamount+.
