Of all the classic video game heroes, Sonic the Hedgehog has had the most success in the world of animation. While other iconic characters like Mario, Link, and Donkey Kong have had one or two Saturday morning cartoons, Sonic has consistently been brought to life on the small screen. And now, with Sonic Prime, the franchise has reached new heights. As the sixth full-fledged animated series for Sega's beloved character, Sonic Prime has even been renewed for a second season.
What sets Sonic Prime apart from its predecessors is its ability to combine the best elements of the previous shows. From goofy comedies to sincere anime-inspired action, Sonic Prime offers a little bit of everything. And the result is a solid outing for Sonic and all his friends, providing fans with a thrilling ride that's not to be missed.
What Happened in Sonic Prime Season One?
Sonic Prime takes our beloved characters on a journey through multiple alternate realities. The adventure begins in a familiar setting where Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Rogue, and Big are ready to face off against Dr. Eggman and his army of robots. However, their plans are thwarted when Eggman reveals another magical MacGuffin, the Paradox Prism. During the intense battle, Sonic inadvertently shatters the prism, propelling him into a different dimension. The power of the prism becomes embedded in Sonic's body, causing him to be transported to new worlds whenever he touches its shards. Each world presents unique versions of his friends and foes, requiring Sonic to find a way to save or stop them.
The first new world Sonic encounters is New Yoke City, a dystopian cyberpunk future controlled by the Chaos Council, comprised of five Eggman variants. Sonic's alternate universe friends have formed a resistance group to overthrow Eggman's tyrannical rule. The effort to liberate this gritty futuristic city becomes the primary storyline of Sonic Prime. Sonic attempts to use his newfound Paradox powers to assist the resistance, but his unpredictable disappearances cause him to abandon his team. As he navigates through primal jungles and treacherous seas, Sonic tries to unite different versions of his allies and overcome their unique challenges. Nine, the New Yoke version of Tails, invents the Shatter Drive, a device that enables travel between dimensions. Unfortunately, the Chaos Council captures the device, intending to seize Sonic and rule the multiverse.
The season one finale of Sonic Prime leaves viewers with an unexpected twist. After aiding Knuckles and his pirate crew to victory, Sonic is transported to the void between realities. There, he comes face to face with his long-time rival, Shadow the Hedgehog, who has had limited screen time throughout the series. In a flashback, the two hedgehogs engage in a fierce battle just before Sonic shatters the Paradox Prism. Shadow had foreseen the destruction of the prism but was unable to prevent it. In the second-to-last episode of the season, Shadow informs Sonic that he is trapped in the void and that their original universe no longer exists. Due to Sonic's actions, their home and loved ones have been destroyed. In a moment of rage, Shadow unleashes a brutal attack on Sonic, sending him hurtling through the void as the season ends on a somber note.
What lies ahead for Sonic and Shadow in season two of Sonic Prime?
Sonic Prime is slated to have a whopping 24 episodes, with the first season serving as a mere eight-episode trial run, much like Castlevania's four-episode debut series. The upcoming 16 episodes present an opportunity to present fresh realities, alternate versions of fan-favorite characters, and thrilling action-packed escapades. However, the protagonist's story has taken a turn for the grim, with Sonic's original dimension lost, New Yoke City's overlords wielding even more influence, and Shadow seeking revenge. Sonic and Nine might be able to construct a new home using the power of the Shatter Drive, but a large portion of the forthcoming narrative will likely revolve around reassembling the Paradox Prism and saving the prime reality. Although the rules governing the Paradox Prism remain ill-defined, it is reasonable to assume that Sonic will eventually be able to restore his former companions.
Sonic Prime introduces the beloved franchise's characters and relationships to new, exciting scenarios. The first season balances a serialized story with episodic adventures, providing a unique viewing experience. With three potential 8-episode seasons on the horizon, Sonic Prime has ample opportunity to continue this trend. As the film franchise gears up for its first TV spinoff, Sonic Prime is poised to become an integral part of the overarching Sonic universe. Fans can now catch up on the first season on Netflix, with Season 2 set to premiere on July 13th.