The Netflix Series, SONIC PRIME, is a Family-Friendly Hit
By Allen Rushing, Movieguide® Contributor
Season 1 of the Netflix series SONIC PRIME is family-friendly with something to offer for both children and adults. This series is sure to delight new and old fans.
Similar to the movies SONIC THE HEDGEHOG and SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2,which Movieguide® honored at the Annual Movieguide® Awards, the series contains positive and uplifting content.
SONIC PRIME begins when Sonic and his friends find the evil Dr. Eggman trying to collect a multicolored magical gemstone from a cave. Against his friends’ advice, Sonic charges into Dr. Eggman as he is removing the powerful gem from the rock. The collision between Sonic and Dr. Eggman causes the gemstone to send Sonic and his friends into another world with a mixed-up timeline. Now Sonic must use the gemstone to save his friends and help return the world to normal.
SONIC PRIME is the best Sonic series to date. One series from 1993, ADVENTURES OF SONIC THE HEDGEHOG, was fun for younger audiences but offered little for adults. Another series, SONIC X, met mixed reception from fans due to its animation style not lining up with the original game. However, SONIC PRIME hits all the right notes while staying family-friendly and faithful to the games.
As Kenneth Seward writes in his season overview for IGN:
“As this is the sixth animated show based on the speedy hedgehog, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it’s another series dedicated to the ongoing conflict between Sonic and Dr. Eggman. Sonic Prime slightly elevates that premise, though. While yes, it’s very much about Sonic struggling to stop the latest machinations of an evil scientist, the series also seeks to improve upon his character. Moving through different worlds and bumping into different versions of his friends, Sonic is constantly being made aware of how his actions (or lack thereof) can negatively affect those he cares about. Still, Sonic Prime is family-friendly.”
Philosophically, the series stands head and shoulders above the previous adaptations. It contains a biblical focus on friendship and self-sacrifice, and extols these virtues. Characters learn from each other to overcome pride, forgive, and work together to overcome evil. Specifically, Sonic is self-centered at the start of the series and gradually begins to truly value others. In an opening scene, Sonic declares: “Home is where your friends are” (Episode 1), yet he continues to act as if life really does revolve around him. His later realization that his self-centered behavior is responsible for this bleak version of the world is powerful. Sonic’s time-traveling adventure allows him to learn, grow, and become a better version of himself.
Finally, and perhaps most refreshingly, Season 1 of SONIC PRIME seems to be free of woke elements. The series also has very high production values. The animated scenery for locations such as the Green Hill Zone is spectacular, and the characters and details are engaging.
Overall, this uplifting, family-friendly animated series is a big win for Netflix which has many looking forward to Season 2—available to stream on July 13.
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