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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987)

Score: 9.4 Superb 66 votes

Turtle Tracks

Episode Number: 1    Season Num: 1    First Aired: Monday December 28, 1987    Prod Code: 001
April O'Neil, an ace reporter for Channel 6, investigates recent break-ins, allegedly by Ninjas, which have resulted in the thefts of numerous technologies. However, a chance encounter with a gang of thieves soon leads her to a bigger story when she is saved from the criminals by four Ninja-trained, mutated Turtles.
The Turtles take April back to their lair, and, after getting better acquainted, April learns they are good-hearted mutants. They decide to investigate the thefts together, and their efforts lead them into an encounter with the mysterious ninjas, The Foot Clan, and their leader, Shredder.
Shredder manages to keep the Turtles from advancing to the Technodrome by flooding the building it is connected to.

Cast and Crew

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Writer: David Wise, Patti Howeth
Director: Yoshikatsu Kasai
Star: Renae Jacobs (April O'Neil),  Peter Renaday (Splinter (Hamato Yoshi)),  James Avery (Shredder (Oroku Saki)),  Cam Clarke (Leonardo/Rocksteady),  Barry Gordon (Donatello/Bebop),  Townsend Coleman (Michaelangelo),  Rob Paulsen (Raphael)
Guest Star: Pat Fraley (Vernon Fenwick),  Jennifer Darling (Receptionist),  Cam Clarke (Cameraman)

Notes

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This episode was included on the TMNT VHS titled Heroes in a Halfshell. (edit)
This episode shows April buying the guys their trench coat outfits, which they often wear out on the streets in order not to be seen. (edit)
This episode includes one of the few times Shredder takes off his mask, as well as seeing Splinter human. This is the only episode where Bebop and Rocksteady aren't mutated without an illusion or a dream sequence taking place. (edit)
First appearances of Vernon and Burne Thompson. (edit)
Vernon appears much more friendly and non-competitive in this season, but would change into his arrogant chauvenistic persona in Season 2. (edit)

Quotes

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Solicitor: Fake teeth! Goofy noses! Get them here!
Raphael: Hey, April, why do humans want to make themselves dumber looking than they already are?
April: I really don't know, Michaelangelo.
Raphael: I'm Raphael.
April: Oh. Sorry! (edit)
April: Do you guys think of anything besides pizza?
Raphael: Not unless we have to. (edit)
April: This is great! I must be onto something really hot if they're trying to kill me! (edit)
Donatello: What is it, Raphael? A threatening note?
Raphael: Worse than that... It's the check! (edit)
Michaelangelo: Aw, she's no fun. She fainted. (edit)

Trivia

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After the Turtles slide down the rope and onto the neighboring rooftop, there are 2 Leonardos and 2 Raphaels. There is no sign of Michaelangelo or Donatello. (edit)
Thought the course of the series the Turtles were often referred to as amphibians, but in reality turtles are reptiles not amphibians. (edit)
When Hamato Yoshi finds the Turtles in the mutagen, it's coming out of a large hole in the wall. After the commercial break when Hamato goes over to wipe off the Turtles, they're in a puddle of the mutagen that's in the center of the room, with no trail leading towards a wall or the hole that it came from. (edit)
Shredder said himself that Turtles must not discover the Technodrome. But in the next scene, the Turtles clearly heard the voice that calls all Foots back in the Technodrome. How did Shredder let that happen? (edit)
The television April is broadcasted on is round-shaped, like an oval. (edit)

Allusions

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Raphael: Try again, Mr. Wizard!

This is a reference to the '80s educational TV series, Mr. Wizard. (edit)
Raphael: Here's lookin' at you, kid.

This is a very famous line from the movie Casablanca. (edit)
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Community Reviews (7)

 
10.0
Perfect
Turtle Tracks
"Exciting"
this episode kicks butt
Continue » Posted Aug 1, 2008 11:40 am PST
9.0
Superb
Turtle Tracks
"Pilot episode"
The origins of the turtles and their master, Splinter, is told in this episode. As well as the connection between Splinter and Shredder, from back in the days when the Foot Clan was an honorable ninja formation.
Continue » Posted Sep 13, 2007 10:48 am PST
9.1
Superb
Turtle Tracks
"Pilot episode"
The first in a Saturday Morning Classic from the 90's, Four turtles are mutated in the sewers, raised by their rat father, and taught in the ancient way of the Ninja.
Continue » Posted Jun 3, 2007 7:38 pm PST
9.4
Superb
Turtle Tracks
"Silly"
okay so i've seen the old series now! :) and i love it!
Continue » Posted May 13, 2006 2:35 pm PST
9.8
Superb
Turtle Tracks
"Pivotal"
The Genesis of the best show that ever existed and will ever exist.
Continue » Posted Apr 16, 2006 6:32 pm PST
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Episode Vital Stats

 
Episode: Turtle Tracks
Season Number: 1
Episode Reviews: 7
Episode
Score:
9.4 Superb 66 votes
Rating Statistics:
superb: 28 (42.4%)
perfect: 27 (40.9%)
great: 6 (9.1%)
fair: 3 (4.5%)
Other: 2 (3%)
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