Before the review begins, we must give a SPOILER ALERT for Ninjago if you have not watched it before. Also, we will be doing the UK version of the pilots, which had 2 episodes instead of 4.
Overview:
The episode starts at the 4 Weapons blacksmith shop, where two teenagers, Kai and Nya, are working on weapons. Whilst they are working, a traveller known as Wu enters the shop asking whether there are any weapons for a Ninja, and Kai says no and sends him on his way.
Suddenly the skeleton army arrives, scaring the villagers. Kai tries to protect everyone but comes face to face with Samukai, who orders the other skeletons to kidnap Nya. Kai then nearly gets crushed by a water beaker, but Sensei Wu saves him using Spinjitzu and the skeletons leave.
After they have left, Kai thanks Wu for saving him, and Master Wu tells the story of the Golden Weapons: how they created Ninjago, how Wu’s brother Lord Garmadon tried to steal them and how he was banished to the Underworld.
After the story, Wu convinces Kai to become a Ninja. He reluctantly says yes, but only because he wants to save his sister. So they head to the Monastery of Spinjitzu to train, and Kai fails the course several times until he succeeds. Later that night, three other Ninja break in and Kai attacks them until he learns they’re his teammates, and they get their Ninja suits.
NOTE: THIS IS WHERE THE SECOND EPISODE BEGINS IN THE US
The three Ninja introduce themselves as Cole, Jay and Zane. Together they head off to retrieve the first Golden Weapon, the Scythe of Quakes, from the Caves of Despair. In the process, they also retrieve the map to the other Golden Weapons.
As they head into the cave, they move a giant boulder to retrieve the Scythe, but they are heard by the skeletons. The Ninja then quickly retrieve the Scythe, but the entire army is waiting, so a huge battle takes place. During the battle the Ninja learn Spinjitzu, forcing the skeletons to retreat.
After the skeletons retreat, the Earth Dragon who guards the Scythe starts attacking them, so they use the Scythe to escape, disobeying Wu’s orders. Later, though, Wu is not happy with them for using the Scythe.
Our thoughts:
For the first episode ever, we think it was very good, and it still holds up today.
Facts:
- Focus Character: Kai
- Focus Villain: The skeletons
- How long: 22 minutes
- Released on: 14th January 2011
- Overall star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 9-10 stars
0 Comments