‘Knuckles’ 4K UHD Blu-ray (review)

The first season of Knuckles unfolds as a spin-off set in the Sonic the Hedgehog cinematic universe, blending humor, action, and lore.

It focuses on Knuckles, a stoic yet earnest warrior voiced by Idris Elba, who takes on the task of mentoring Deputy Wade Whipple, a comedic and well-meaning character portrayed by Adam Pally.

Their relationship evolves across six episodes, showcasing Knuckles’ rigid, honor-driven personality against Wade’s bumbling yet heartfelt efforts to rise to the occasion.

The series balances individual character development with a road-trip narrative. Knuckles and Wade journey to a bowling tournament while evading corrupt G.U.N. agents and bounty hunters.

Episodes like “Don’t Ever Say I Wasn’t There for You” highlight their growing camaraderie as they escape capture.

Moments of cultural and personal discovery, such as a Shabbat dinner with Wade’s family in “The Shabbat Dinner,” provide comedic and emotional depth. Wade’s interactions with his estranged family and a surreal encounter with Pachacamac in “The Flames of Disaster” connect his growth to the broader Sonic mythology.

Throughout the six episodes, the show enriches Sonic lore, referencing the Echidna warrior culture, Robotnik’s technology, and cameo appearances by Sonic, Tails, and Maddie. Sonic, voiced by Ben Schwartz, remains consistent with his cinematic portrayal: a quick-witted, energetic hero who plays a supporting role here.

These ties maintain continuity while subtly expanding the mythology.

Knuckles’ struggles to reconcile his warrior instincts with life among humans mirror Sonic’s adjustments to his found family, weaving a thematic connection between the two characters.

While the show includes action sequences and emotional arcs, it suffers from uneven focus. Some episodes sideline Knuckles to emphasize Wade’s personal growth, diluting the main narrative.

Villains like “The Buyer” fail to bring significant stakes, though Julian Barratt’s eccentric bounty hunter Jack Sinclair adds flair. The finale ties up loose ends with a bowling showdown involving Wade’s father but disappoints by not teasing Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

Despite its flaws, Knuckles offers fans an engaging glimpse into the Sonic universe, deepening character relationships and providing lighter fare between film installments.

Extras include brief featurettes, and gag reel.

It solidifies Knuckles’ role as a complex figure in the franchise, balancing his warrior ethos with newfound connections in Green Hills.

Would I recommend it?  If you’re a fan of the Sonic Universe, it’s definitely worth your time.  As a more casual fan, it really depends on one’s level of interest. As a casual fan of the property, it was beautiful visually with solid voice work, and a somewhat engaging execution.