Phil Roberts 
Although Knuckles never reaches the dizzying heights of its big-screen counterparts, there are plenty of gold rings to reach for.
Knuckles is the first of many spin-offs expected to emerge from the world of SONIC THE HEDGEHOG. There are high expectations for this new venture, which involves transitioning the game verse and adapting it for the small screen. This is a bold move that comes with its fair share of risks. However, following the incredible success of Sonic on the big screen, it’s clear that the proposed tidal wave of spin-offs will have a perfect home in Paramount Plus.
In this series, Knuckles, the legendary red Echidna, embarks on a new journey after successfully protecting the green emerald. But what happens when a semi-retired Echidna completes his purpose? Knuckles sets out to answer that question with an unlikely companion, Wade (played by Adam Pally). Together, they embark on a quest that will redefine Knuckles’ existence. But is this new series worth watching, or should Knuckles’ adventures remain on the big screen?
REVIEW
Although the series showcases all the franchise’s classic hallmarks, tropes, and iconography, it feels slightly undercooked. The special effects are seamless, and the rapport between Wade and Knuckles is electric and hilarious. The lore of the IP also expands before our very eyes. However, the series is let down by lackluster storytelling, an often eye-rolling script, and some obvious cost-cutting exercises that find the red Echidna sidelined in his own series.
Ultimately, the series doesn’t capture the same magic as its big-screen counterparts. Nevertheless, it still delivers enough fun, action, and lore to satiate our appetite while we wait for the main course later in the year.
SONIC & TAILS
Although the wait for SONIC 3 will be arduous, this series does feature Sonic and Tails. The first episode is full of the usual Sonic brilliance, reminding us of the vast sandbox we are playing in. The duo’s typical hijinks set the standard for the next five episodes, and the show starts with a bang. However, it soon becomes evident that their role in the proceedings is brief, as it should be. After all, this is Knuckles’ show. Nevertheless, it becomes difficult to overlook their lack of participation after a few episodes.
Wade Whipple (Adam Pally), the lovable but clueless police officer from Green Hills, fills the void left by the duo, and his involvement doubles down on the childlike innocence of this series. This show might not suit you if you were anticipating a series with high stakes and intense drama. Instead, the series revolves around two social outcasts who embark on an unplanned road trip in search of their purpose in life. The show has a heartwarming core, but its exterior is filled with juvenile humor, silly physical comedy, and forgettable plotlines.
KNUCKLES & WADE
In a big-screen adventure, these hallmarks would harm the finished product. However, here, it fits the tone of the series well. On the one hand, we have Knuckles, an honorable Echidna whose duty is to uphold the principles of his people. On the other hand, Wade is at a crossroads in his life. Wade is not content with being an ordinary police officer; he aspires to become legendary. However, due to his lack of awareness, his attempts do not lead to the desired outcome. He is even replaced on the championship bowling team by an 8-year-old girl, and this rejection spurs the story into existence. Yes, really!
Enter Knuckles.
The steely Echidna is tasked with taking on an apprentice and passing on his people’s legacy, and soon, his quest for a student brings him to Wade. With the promise of great power ringing in his ears, Wade jumps at the chance to become Knuckles’ new apprentice, and very quickly, the duo sets off on a journey of self-discovery. The series follows Wade’s journey to learn the ways of the Echidna and reclaim his spot on the bowling team as they head to the championship game in Reno, Nevada.
TOKEN VILLAINS
As always, villains lurk in the shadows with grand plans to capture Knuckles and exploit him for profit. Though their role is fleeting, they bring some welcome menace to proceedings. Leading the cast of villains is Rory McCann as The Buyer. McCann brings his formidable presence to the series and creates a chilling new villain for us to despise. Agent Mason (played by Scott Mescudi) and Agent Willoughby (Ellie Taylor) are assigned to catch Knuckles, giving outstanding performances.
Although the roles of typical villains in this series are pretty shallow, Mescudi and Taylor perform exceptionally well with the material and make their mark as disposable baddies. Admittedly, this series is aimed at a younger audience, so their evildoing has been toned down to match. However, both actors deliver enough menace to entertain us throughout the series.
RORY McCANN
On the other hand, McCann is criminally underused. Right from the opening moments, McCann makes his presence felt and captivates our attention every time he appears on the screen. Despite his role not being as substantial as Jim Carrey’s Dr. Robotnik, he still manages to leave his mark, which is a testament to his excellent acting skills.
Fans will be left wondering why the Buyer’s screen time was cut short in its prime by the finale’s end. Hopefully, we will see more of this criminal mastermind in another spin-off series or even in Sonic 3. Either way, spending more time with the Buyer would be great.
SILLY COMEDY
The show may not be theatrical, but it is hilarious. The series doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is good. However, my only complaint is that it can sometimes be too silly. Nevertheless, we all enjoy a bit of silliness, especially since it’s about a fictional red alien teaming up with a clueless police officer. But after an hour of relentless stupidity, one begins to crave something more tangible than disposable humor, and sadly, Knuckles falls short here.
Julian Barratt, as Jack Sinclair, encompasses that fact. Sinclair is a professional bounty hunter who manages Wade’s bowling team. The show portrays him as a typical bounty hunter with a motorcycle, leather jacket, and impressive tools. However, the character’s development is hindered by some clichéd dialogue that may entertain younger viewers. But it will not resonate with those who prefer more relatable characters.
IDRIS ELBA
The only character to fulfill this need is Knuckles, voiced by the irreplaceable Idris Elba. Elba delivers an exceptional performance by portraying a new side of the beloved Echidna that we have never seen before. He shows Knuckles’ vulnerability, and his performance is outstanding.
Elba recently disclosed that he accepted the role to please his children, and his commitment and passion for the character are evident in his performance. Although Knuckles is entirely computer-generated, Elba’s acting skills make the character feel real, and he leaves a lasting impression on the audience. Sadly, Knuckles is sidelined for large parts of the series, especially episode 4. Still, ultimately, the character grows beyond the technology and establishes a stronger connection with the audience as a result. However, is that sufficient to rescue the series and validate its existence?
VERDICT
Overall, Knuckles is a fun series that delivers bags of laughter and buckets of silly action. Although I found myself needing some seriousness injected throughout, the series is a fun aperitif for the big-screen main course heading our way later in the year. That said, sidelining Knuckles as a passenger for large parts of the show is criminal. Wade was never a character that yearned to be explored further. Although the narrative switch pays off, it never feels like the Echinda’s show. In this sense, KNUCKLES & WADE would have been a better title.
If this is a benchmark for the inevitable wave of spin-offs the studio plans, then the series is in good hands. With a little more creativity and a more tangible storytelling approach, the world of Sonic the Hedgehog could expand beyond the legendary blue speedster. So, get ready for a fun but daft adventure with Knuckles and Wade that’s fun for the whole family.
Although the show never reaches the dizzying heights of its big-screen counterparts, there are plenty of gold rings to reach for. Let’s see where the adventure goes from here!
All episodes of KNUCKLES are available to stream on Paramount Plus starting Friday.
Phil Roberts is the owner, daily content manager, and editor-in-chief of The Future of the Force. He is a huge fan of Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies.
If he’s not in the cinema he’s probably streaming something equally awesome!
