REVIEW: ‘Knuckles’ Isn’t Exactly a Knuckles Series

After being introduced in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Knuckles is back with his own series on Paramount+. The six-episode limited series is set in between Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Sonic the Hedgehog 3. We find Knuckles (voiced by Idris Elba) attempting to adjust to his new life in Green Hills, Montana with Sonic (voiced by Ben Swartz), Tails (voiced by Colleen O’Shaughnessey), Maddie (Tika Sumpter), and Tom Wachowski (played by James Marsden). But when Knuckles’ Echidna warrior traditions begin to clash with his new family, Knuckles sets out to find a new purpose. And that new purpose is Wade Whipple (Adam Pally). Tasked to turn Wade into a warrior by Echidna ghost Pachacamac (Christopher Lloyd), Knuckles will do whatever it takes to make this dream a reality.

You would assume with a show titled, Knuckles, Knuckles would be the primary focus of the show. However, Knuckles is more of a secondary character, as the series primarily focuses on Wade and his need to become a warrior. Because of this, the moments shared between the two characters are few and far between. Both characters had their own separate storylines going on that would intermingle with each other every now and then, but they didn’t intermingle enough. Pally and Elba are just as fun as Marsden and Shwartz are in the Sonic movies, so it’s too bad the writing team didn’t capitalize on these two’s chemistry.

Also, unlike the Sonic movies, this series felt like it was aimed at a younger audience. The acting was way to overtop, especially the villains of the story, Agents Willoughby, and Mason (Ellie Taylor and Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi, respectively), and Wade’s sister, Wanda (Edi Patterson). Their performances completely turned me off of their scenes. The writing also felt younger. This series wasn’t written so all ages could relate to it. It was written so only young kids could relate.

Although, even with the younger feel to it, it’s not a bad series. Elba’s deadpan take on Knuckles is what makes you want to tune in. Add in the back-and-forth banter between Knuckles and Wade and you will find something to keep you tuning in. Thankfully, the show is a quick watch with each episode sticking around the 30-minute mark if you do want to check it out. For those on the fence, I would suggest getting your Knuckles fix by rewatching Sonic 2 or waiting until Sonic 3 comes out in December.