Lion-O, who is constantly being outdone by his adoptive older brother Tygra, undergoes the ritual of being chosen by the Sword of Omens to be the next king of Thundera. Soon after, King Claudus welcomes the return of his friend Grune and holds a celebration in both his honor and in memory of the fallen Panthro. During the event, Lion-O defended a pair of captured Reptillians and convinced his father to release them. The next day, Thundera is attacked by Reptilians who have acquired salvaged technology. It is soon found out that this was organized by Grune and that Panthro is being held hostage. Though Lion-O comes to his father’s aid, “Panthro” is revealed to be Mumm-Ra, an old nemesis of the ThunderCats. He murders the king, while Lion-O and Tygra are captured, along with Jaga and Cheetara. However, due to his kindess to the Reptilian prisoners, Lion-O is able to escape with Tygra. They rescue Jaga and Cheetara, and Lion-O grabs the sword to blast Mumm-Ra out into open as the rising sun’s rays harm him. Jaga sacrifices himself to ensure the others’ escape, and Lion-O, Tygra, and Cheetara undergo a quest to find the Book of Omens.
WOW! WOW! WOW…This “new” ThunderCats is just awesome! I was so happy that producers allowed Lenny Kenney (1980’s Lion-O) to voice Claudus, Lion-O’s father. What a wonderful way to pass the torch to a new series, and it is already shaping up to be a great one.
The writing is just great, and even though it is obviously a reboot, the writers are definitely trying to be faithful to the original series. Wilykit and Wilykat are just so cool already–they are my favorite redesign so far. Another good change is Snarf. Gone is that whining, to be replaced with animal sounds; that old nursemaid used to annoy me back in the day. Now he appears to be a highly intelligent pet, which is fine by me.
As I watched the new show unfold, it seemed to blend old with new in a positive way. The mythos is being strengthened, and new paths are being created. I knew that Claudus and Jaga die, but I still hoped a bit they might make it. I knew Grune was trouble, but his teaming with Mumra? Now that is just cool. I love the whole technology is a “myth” thing, because it’s such a great reversal of the original series and a nice plot twist.
The animation was rock solid and had a animated movie feel. I certainly would have paid to watch it on the big screen. It still even has that Japanese infused animation that made it so memorable from the 1980’s.
If I had a complaint this far, it would be that I am only gonna get 30 minute episodes going forward. This 1 hour (2 part) premiere spoiled me, without a doubt. I have been waiting to see if Cartoon Network was going to destroy a cartoon that holds so many great memories for so many kids from the 1980’s. My thanks to you, Cartoon Network, for making something great even better. Keep this up, and show others how great reboots are done! The magic and the roar are still there!
See you next week…Until then…Thunder…Thunder…ThunderCats HO!
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