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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The early 2000s cartoon was TMNT’s best project

By Mark Lynch

TMNT during The World Premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures' "TMNT" at Chinese Mann in Hollywood, CA, United States. (Photo by E. Charbonneau/WireImage for Warner Bros.)
TMNT during The World Premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures' "TMNT" at Chinese Mann in Hollywood, CA, United States. (Photo by E. Charbonneau/WireImage for Warner Bros.) /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 01: A replica of the Party Wagon or Turtle Van from the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” comic franchise is displayed during Unicon 2021 at the World Market Center on October 01, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 01: A replica of the Party Wagon or Turtle Van from the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” comic franchise is displayed during Unicon 2021 at the World Market Center on October 01, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images) /

10. The heroes evolution

When a show lasts more than a few years, the characters have to improve. That doesn’t mean they have to become good or bad. What’s needed is for the main characters to grow as individuals. This version of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles did this every season.

Michelangelo remained a goofy carefree character but showed a lot of maturity when required. Leonardo went through a tough loss that had him questioning his ability to lead. This left him angrier and more ruthless.

Watching him overcome his rage and become an improved leader was phenomenal. Donatello may have been the same throughout the series. However, his genius grew with every new challenge he was presented. Raphael learned to keep his temper in check. This leads to Raph being ready when it was time to take charge.

April O’Neil has to be mentioned. She was never the damsel in distress in this series. At first, she wasn’t a fighter. She was the scientist that helped the turtles when needed. As the show progressed, she learned how to hold her own in a fight. She may be the best example of character development in the entire series. This writer believes she’s the reason the Aprils in future projects fought more.

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