Paramount’s Surprising 6-Part Action Series Deserves More Than Its 75% Rotten Tomatoes Score

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Eventually, Paramount+ has the potential to become a leading streaming service, especially if the planned merger with Skydance and Warner Bros. (including HBO Max) goes through. While viewers might look to Rotten Tomatoes for recommendations, it’s not always the best guide for what to watch. A great example is Knuckles, a show on the platform that deserves a better rating than the 75% it currently has.

Most people recognize Sonic the Hedgehog as a legendary video game character, right up there with Mario and Lara Croft. Even if you haven’t seen the Sonic the Hedgehog movies, you probably know the speedy blue hero. While the movies have a great cast – including stars like Jim Carrey and Keanu Reeves – Idris Elba truly shines as Knuckles the Echidna, bringing a unique energy to the role that no other actor has matched.

The show centers around Knuckles as he takes on a new trainee, Wade Whipple – a somewhat clumsy deputy sheriff from Green Hills, played by Adam Pally – who’s preparing for a bowling competition in Reno. While those unfamiliar with the Sonic universe might find it unusual, Knuckles is actually a really funny and heartwarming story about dealing with the past, learning to accept yourself, and, of course, plenty of action!

Knuckles Is A Better Show Than It Gets Credit For

It’s Got Action, Drama, Comedy, And Plenty Of Heart

After seeing the first two Sonic the Hedgehog films, you might think Paramount’s decision to create a series centered around Knuckles is strange, especially since both Knuckles and Wade mostly provide comic relief. But this unexpected pairing actually leads to some of the most compelling stories, not just within the Sonic movies, but throughout the entire video game series.

Earlier Sonic games already established the Echidna tribe, but Knuckles gives the character real complexity. He’s a warrior striving to live up to the expectations of his ancestors. Wade, who is lonely and insecure, is a good contrast to Knuckles. However, as Knuckles learns about Wade’s longing for his father’s approval – his dad being a bowling champion – the two discover they share similar reasons for wanting to succeed.

While Knuckles and Wade get ready for a bowling tournament, they’re also being pursued by a dangerous individual known as the Buyer. He wants Knuckles’ quills to use in powerful and destructive weapons, raising the tension. This pursuit also provides plenty of opportunities to showcase Knuckles’ incredible fighting skills with exciting action scenes.

Knuckles Starts Slow, But Gets Better As It Goes

The Series Hits Its Peak In Episode Four And Doesn’t Drop Off

If you’re still unsure whether to keep watching Knuckles after the first episode, stick with it until episode 4. It’s directed by Jorma Taccone, known for his work with The Lonely Island on SNL, and delivers the exciting action many viewers will be craving after the more low-key third episode. That episode focuses on Knuckles and Wade taking refuge at Wade’s family home and experiencing a Shabbat dinner, where Knuckles gets a glimpse into Wade’s complicated family life.

When Wade gets taken, Knuckles really pushes him to go to this incredible place called the “Great Battleground in the Sky.” That’s where Wade learns all about Knuckles’ history from an Echidna Elder, and honestly, it’s a huge moment for both of them. It not only fills in so much of Knuckles’ past, but it’s where Wade really finds his courage and starts to transform from this lost guy into a proper fighter – someone who’s just like Knuckles, really. It’s a fantastic turning point for his character.

Beyond this excellent episode, Knuckles is filled with genuinely funny moments and features a fantastic supporting cast, including stars like Christopher Lloyd, Rory McCann, Edi Patterson, Kid Cudi, Stockard Channing, and Cary Elwes. It’s possibly even more lighthearted than the Sonic movies, but its quality is encouraging and suggests Paramount+ might deliver more great shows down the line… potentially.

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2026-05-17 02:09