User blog:TMNTInsider/The Top 5 Reasons You Can't Blame the 2012 Series For Destroying the Earth - "Under the Microscope"

In the mold of one of my old favorite sports shows, “Top 5 Reasons You Can’t Blame”, hosted by Brian Kenny, I like to follow that mold sometimes for entertainment topics, which I’m about to do here. Let me just say that when I was 5 years old, the third season finale (if you’ll call it that) of the original Ninja Turtles series aired. I can only imagine being a fly on the wall and seeing those kids around that age, as well as their parents, as they gathered on their couches that Sunday morning and watched the conclusion of the 2012 Ninja Turtle's Season 3 finale known intimately as “Annihilation Earth.”

I’m sure some of you may still question the validity of how and why they had to go up into space. Could Shredder have waited just a quarter of a second more to let Splinter stop the generator before he stabbed him (it's still a chippie after all)? Maybe. Did the Earth and its inhabitants really have to be destroyed to let the Turtles have to explore space? Well, the 2003 series would beg to differ. Whatever the case, certainly now more than ever, there can be no turning back for our characters. Fan or not of the conclusion of “Annihilation Earth”, hopefully anyone reading this will follow along with me as I count down the top 5 reasons why you CAN'T blame the 2012 TMNT series for destroying the Earth (and it’s inhabitants).

#5-Standards & Practices. A lot of you certainly know about this group of guys. Those of you who watched the 2003 series like I did may know them a little more intimately than others thanks to the “Insane in the Membrane” incident...and some question why they didn't do the same with SAINW. Anyways, these guys are basically responsible for the moral, ethical, and legal implications of the program that the network airs; and for whatever reason it did, this episode and its conclusion passed!

#4-The Toy Line. Animated shows, surprise surprise; are driven, money-wise and longevity-wise, not by ratings or quality but in larger part by the toy line. Equipping the Turtles with new gear and suits allowed Playmates to make more figures and play things to sell. A change of setting allowed these new toys to come about and help both Playmates, and in turn Nickelodeon, make more money. Anybody who follows the box office (or just about anything business-wise) will tell you that that's what it's all about.

#3-Celebrity Voices. Just like Season 3, the regular voice actors ‘went on vacation’ if you will, and in their place were a bunch of celebrities to voice certain new fan favorite characters. Last season, Renae Jacobs returned to the franchise, Jon Heder voiced the 2012 version of Napoleon Bonafrog, and horror maestros Robert Englund (Dire Beaver and Dread Beaver) & John Kassir (Dark Beaver and Dave Beaver) also came on board. This season, the Turtles are launched again onto uncharted waters, in large part to bring on board a lot of guest voices as treats for the fans once more. Those guests include David Tennant, Ron Pearlman, Zelda Williams, Keith David, and even Pat Fraley for an upcoming ‘80s crossover.

#2-The TMNT Universe is Expansive. The Ninja Turtles franchise is not just restricted to our own world. Beyond their home planet lie a whole lot of interesting characters and worlds to explore. From the Triceratons, to the Utroms, the Fugitioid himself, Lord Dregg (1987-1996 and 2012 series only) and others…not to mention the aforementioned ambition to bring as many elements of the TMNT franchise together!

#1-It Never Happened. Simple! :P