Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-1255374-20151024145123/@comment-16581186-20151102042559

Gilgameshkun wrote: Okay, so tell me this: Why should I like what happened in this episode? It's a fair question. How did this episode improve the show's plot, character development or continuity? Did it give more than it took?

It's not enough for this show to just be action-packed and have some laughs and fanservice. That's like eating nothing but dessert&mdash;it's really bad for you. This series hooked me by having some great character development and writing and continuity. How does this episode further that interest? Does it give more to that interest than it takes away from it?

Everyone keeps complaining about no resolution for Karai and no resolution for Timothy and no resolution for lots of things. But this, too, is a matter of continuity. Stretching a story arc without really continuing to develop it does not to a service to its continuity, because to continue usually implies actually moving forward rather than recycling the same plot again and again. With only minor differences, The Deadly Venom and The Fourfold Trap were basically the same plot: Brainwashed Karai makes problems for turtles and her plans are foiled just before she slips away. When the writers give artificial longevity to a plot or just let plot threads dangle without resolution, they do not inspire faith in their storytelling abilities.

So ask yourself this. Everyone should be asking themselves this. Why does this show continue to inspire your faith in its writing when that writing mostly just disappoints you? Dude, we're two episodes into this arc. There ain't much to develop yet. XD But still, this episode demonstrated how Raph has matured over the past seasons to the point where he was the voice of reason who tried to make piece with the enemy despite their defience and uncooperation with them. When his brothers were indifferent, Raph of all turtles did not lose hope and eventually succeeded in bringing the Salamandrians on their side. That's decent character development if you ask me. Plus, the fact that Raph has a major love interest in general is character development. We saw emotional aspects and actions of Raph that we aren't used to seeing when the situation is concerning Mona Lisa. The two had their first REAL KISS, and the two grew emotionally attached to each other. In addition to all of this, Leo told Raph he will see her again, implying she will make a reappearance. THAT is character deveopment if i've ever seen it in this series.

FINAL POINT: No one is asking you to like what direction the show is going in. Repeatedly saying things like a show has become trash just because it's writing changed isn't really constructive criticism and just comes off as someone steaming because they can't open their mind.