#franchise dealers

[awesome-casuallyfamouscollector]

At one point, Tesla opened a “gallery” in Connecticut. In that gallery, Tesla claimed that it didn’t have sales operations and would only educate the public. The auto dealer association managed to have Tesla’s “gallery” shut down through an effort that involved sending “secret shoppers” to try to make Tesla staff talk about sales and shut down the gallery.

After the latest efforts to change the laws were shut down by state legislation, Tesla has decided to change its strategy.

In New Mexico, Tesla found an interesting way to get around the direct sale ban. In 2021, Tesla managed to open its first store and service center in the state by opening inside an old casino north of Santa Fe, and it did it by partnering with the First Nation of Nambé Pueblo and opening the location on their tribal land.

P.S. Very good news! Car buyers have the opportunity to avoid overpriced ICE vehicles and unfair business schemes that enforce badly overpriced products...! American car dealership business schemes are very strange and harmful to consumers...

[texaschainsawmascara]

Franky G as Xavier Chavez, Saw II (2005)

[a-bluedream-posts]

Selene by vznnry

[vorpalmuchness]

listen I love Scooby Doo but I'm the opposite of excited for this new series

[tefnutappliances]

Celebrate with our amazing appliances this #Christmas2024 get discounts and many more. #MerryChristmas    #Crypto #tefnut #TefnutAppliances #kitchen #ChristmasEve #kichendecor #interiordecor #interiors #MerryChristmas2024 #mery #exclusive #store #business #India #modularcabinets

[veghautomobiles]

What Are the Factors Affecting the Price of Electric Scooters?

Electric scooters are becoming a popular choice for commuters and eco-conscious individuals. Electric scooters have a fun, efficient, and environmentally friendly way to get around. But if you’re in the market for one, you might be wondering why the prices vary so much. What makes one electric scooter more expensive than another? In this blog, we’ll see the key factors that affect the price of electric scooters, helping you understand what to look for when making your purchase. Whether you’re eyeing the latest models from Vegh Automobiles or just starting your search, we’ve got the insights you need.

1. Battery Capacity and Range

The battery is a crucial component of an electric scooter, and its capacity directly affects the range and performance.

Battery Type and Technology

The type of battery and its technology play a significant role in determining the charging scooter price. Lithium-ion batteries are more expensive but give longer life and better performance compared to lead-acid batteries.

Range Per Charge

Scooters with a longer range per charge tend to be more expensive. If you need a scooter for long commutes, investing in a higher-range model like the Vegh S60 Electric Scooter might be worth the additional cost.

2. Motor Power and Speed

The motor power determines the scooter’s speed and ability to handle different terrains.

High-Speed Capabilities

Scooters with high-speed capabilities are generally more expensive. For example, the Vegh S60-beta Electric Scooter has higher speeds, making it a preferred choice for those looking for a faster ride.

Motor Type

Brushless motors are more efficient and durable than brushed motors, but they also add to the overall cost of the scooter.

3. Build Quality and Materials

The materials used in the construction of the scooter significantly impact its price.

Frame Material

Scooters with lightweight and durable frames, such as those made from aluminum or carbon fiber, are generally more expensive.

Suspension and Tires

High-quality suspension systems and pneumatic tires improve ride comfort and handling but also increase the cost.

4. Features and Technology

Advanced features and technology can drive up the price of an electric scooter.

Smart Features

Scooters with smart features like app connectivity, GPS, and Bluetooth are more expensive. These features can enhance the riding experience and provide additional security.

Lighting and Safety Features

Enhanced lighting systems, including LED headlights and taillights, and additional safety features like anti-lock braking systems (ABS) can also increase the price.

5. Brand and Reputation

The brand and its reputation in the market can influence the price of an electric scooter.

Brand Value

Well-known brands with a reputation for quality, such as Vegh Automobiles, often have higher prices due to their reliability and customer service.

Warranty and After-Sales Service

Brands that provide extensive warranties and reliable after-sales service may charge a premium for their scooters.

6. Dealer Location and Availability

The location of electric scooter dealers near me can impact the price due to shipping and handling costs.

Local Availability

Scooters that are readily available locally may be cheaper compared to those that need to be imported.

Dealer Network

A wide dealer network can provide better service and availability, sometimes at a higher cost due to the associated support and infrastructure.

7. Import Duties and Taxes

Import duties and taxes can affect the price of electric scooters, especially for international brands.

Customs and Import Fees

Scooters imported from other countries may incur additional costs due to customs duties and import fees.

Local Taxes

Local taxes and regulations can also influence the final price of the scooter.

8. Subsidies and Incentives

Government subsidies and incentives can reduce the effective price of electric scooters.

Government Programs

Many governments offer subsidies and incentives to promote the use of electric vehicles, which can make scooters more affordable.

Tax Rebates

Tax rebates for electric vehicle purchases can also help reduce the overall cost.

9. Dealership Investment

Investing in an electric scooter dealership can influence the price of scooters due to the costs involved in setting up and maintaining the dealership.

Initial Investment

The initial investment required for setting up an electric scooter dealership investment can affect the pricing strategy of the dealer.

Operational Costs

Ongoing operational costs, including rent, staff salaries, and maintenance, can also impact the final price offered to customers.

10. Franchise Opportunities

Opportunities for electric scooter franchise India can impact the availability and pricing of scooters.

Franchise Fees

Franchise fees and associated costs can influence the pricing structure of the scooters sold through franchise networks.

Market Penetration

The extent of market penetration and brand presence through franchises can affect pricing due to economies of scale.

Conclusion

Understanding the factors that affect the price of electric scooters can help you make a smart purchase. From battery capacity and motor power to build quality and brand reputation, each element plays a crucial role in determining the cost. If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient option, consider the offerings from Vegh Automobiles. Their models, including the Vegh L25 Electric Scooter, Vegh S25 Electric Scooter, Vegh S60 Electric Scooter, and Vegh S60-beta Electric Scooter, provide excellent value and performance. Choose wisely, and enjoy the benefits of a high-quality electric scooter that meets your needs and budget.

FAQs

1. What should I consider when looking for the best electric scooter in India?

When looking for the best electric scooter in India, consider factors such as battery capacity, range, motor power, build quality, features, and brand reputation.

2. How does the charging scooter price vary with battery type?

The charging scooter price can vary significantly with battery type. Lithium-ion batteries are more expensive but have better performance and longevity compared to lead-acid batteries.

3. Are high-speed electric scooters more expensive?

Yes, high-speed electric scooters tend to be more expensive due to the more powerful motors and advanced engineering required to achieve higher speeds.

4. How can I find electric scooter dealers near me?

You can find electric scooter dealers near you by searching online, checking local business directories, or visiting the websites of popular electric scooter brands.

5. What is the typical electric scooter dealership investment?

The typical electric scooter dealership investment can vary based on the brand, location, and size of the dealership. It includes costs for initial setup, inventory, staff, and ongoing operational expenses.

[amzorhealthcare1]

What are the ways to Expand our Pharmaceutical Company Globally?

Expanding a Top Pharma Franchise Company in India globally requires careful planning, strategic decision making and a deep understanding of international markets. Here are some ways to expand your pharmaceutical company globally: For more information contact Amzor Healthcare at +91 9216325808 or email - amzorhealthcare@gmail.com.

Our Location - Top Pharma Franchise Company India: 2ND FLOOR, Quite Office1, Sector 35, Chandigarh, 160022.

[pikpartblogs]

Two Wheeler Parts Distributors in India

[bharatkadistributor]

Distributors Channel is a leading B2B portal designed for small-medium enterprises and distributors. It unites manufacturers, traders, distributors, brand owners, and many more on a single platform to support their operations. The ability to find numerous business prospects for both distributors and corporations looking for dependable distributors is provided by the Distributors Channel. For more details regarding Distributorship business opportunities please visit www.distributorschannel.com

[awesome-casuallyfamouscollector]

JEEP RAM TOYOTA CAN'T SELL TRUCKS OR SUVS!

Car Questions Answered

In this video we go to some new car franchise dealers to find out why vehicles aren't selling.  Jeep and Toyota's sales numbers just came out and they are terrible.  I talk about why Jeep and Toyota are having a hard time selling.

P.S. Who said that EVs are expensive? Compare with ICE vehicle prices and look at “cheapest” Jeep Compass for $40,000 or Grand Cherokee for $70,000??? 

People, are you crazy or just stupid consumers to pay these high prices and interest rates??? Are there really no affordable car models in the entire North American auto market? Do you really need these overpriced vehicles for your daily commute to work?

[loomsolarblog]

Bright Business Ideas: Collaborating with Loom Solar for Success

Are you tired of your financial dreams being tied down by daunting startup costs? Well, prepare to witness a revolutionary approach to entrepreneurship, courtesy of Loom Solar! Say goodbye to overwhelming expenses and hello to boundless success with three extraordinary ways to kickstart your business without breaking the bank.

#1. Shine as a Solar Dealer: Light Up Your Profits!

Picture this – you can now embark on your business journey with just a mere Rs. 1000 registration fee and a GST-registered platform. Welcome to the world of Loom Solar dealers! With this brilliant opportunity, you become an esteemed agent of Loom Solar Pvt Ltd. No hefty investment is required! Simply display some of their cutting-edge solar products, catch the attention of your local market, and voila! You are all set to shine as a solar dealer in your area. It's a simple, smart, and financially empowering way to kickstart your entrepreneurial dreams.

#2. Illuminate Lives as a Solar Distributor: Light the Way to Success!

Calling all real estate professionals and go-getters! Loom Solar invites you to embrace the solar sector with open arms. And guess what? It won't burn a hole in your pocket! For just Rs. 1,05,000, you can ignite your business by becoming a solar distributor. This fantastic package includes registrations, product demonstrations, marketing materials, and more. No need to worry about stocking up on products – Loom Solar has you covered! So, illuminate lives while making a savvy and cost-effective business move that promises to brighten your future.

#3. Radiate as a Solar Influencer: Let Your Light Lead the Way!

Dreaming of making money from the comfort of your home? The solar industry has the perfect online money-making opportunity for you – become a solar influencer! The best part? It won't cost you a single dime! That's right; you can earn up to Rs. 25,000 per month with zero investment. Your influence and passion for solar energy are your greatest assets. Share your knowledge, promote Loom Solar products, and watch your financial gains soar. It's a win-win situation where your online charisma leads to financial freedom.

Imagine a world where your entrepreneurial dreams are within reach, where investing in your future doesn't feel like an insurmountable task. Loom Solar paves the way for aspiring entrepreneurs like you to take the plunge without the fear of financial constraints. So, why wait? Get ready to shine, illuminate, and radiate with Loom Solar's groundbreaking opportunities. Your journey toward success and financial empowerment starts here – take the leap today!

[gofordistributors]

Go4Distributors.com is a top B2B portal that offers distributor opportunities in India for all business owners looking to hire Distributors, Wholesalers, Dealers, channel partners, sales agents, sales networks, franchisees, and other types of distributors.

Web:- www.go4distributors.com Facebook:- https://www.facebook.com/go4distributors Twitter:- https://twitter.com/go4distributors

[bizzclassified]

PCD Pharma Franchise in Chandigarh

Bizzclassified is a business portal which helps to approach best PCD Pharma franchise in Chandigarh and help you find out which company type is best for you and your requirements.

[tefnutappliances]

Simplicity carried to an extreme becomes elegance. #tefnut #tefnutappliances #brand #interiordecor #Interiors #design #kitchen #home #exclusive #store #franchise #bluesky #inktober2023 #LokiSeason2 #appliances #laxury #life #architecture #CustomerServiceWeek #earthquake #smart

[veghautomobiles]

Electric scooters are transforming the way Indians commute. With their eco-friendly design and cost-effective operation, electric scooters offer a sustainable solution to urban transportation challenges. As cities grapple with pollution and congestion, more people are turning to electric scooters as a clean and convenient alternative. Experience the future of mobility with electric scooters in India.

[thankskenpenders]

The Knuckles show

The announcement of a live action Knuckles streaming miniseries was surprising, to say the least. I mean, what would such a show even be about in a version of the Sonic universe with no Angel Island and barely any characters from the games around? Is he gonna go treasure hunting with the gang from Montana or something? Would a streaming miniseries have the CGI budget to squeeze in any new game characters, even briefly? Rouge? Amy? At least one member of Team Chaotix? Anyone?

Now the show is finally out, and it turns out what they actually made was a comedy show about bumbling deputy sheriff Wade Whipple, the minor comic relief character played by Adam Pally who you might not even remember all that well from the first two movies, with Knuckles as his sidekick. While, yes, Knuckles does get a decent amount of screentime and opportunities to punch bad guys and do cool moves from the games, large stretches of this show focus on Wade's personal life, to the point that a couple times I almost forgot I was watching a Sonic-related show. If you're judging it purely by the metric of how well it adapts and engages with its source material, this surely must be one of the worst adaptations the Sonic franchise has ever seen.

So then, despite some huge complaints... why do I kinda like it?

(This will contain full spoilers for the Knuckles show.)

A brief summary of what the show is actually about because I know half of you aren't going to watch it

The show picks up not too long after the end of the second movie. Knuckles is now living in Montana with Sonic, Tails, and the Wachowskis out of a sense of debt to them, though he doesn't really see it as his home. He doesn't feel like he belongs on Earth, and his life currently lacks direction. After communing with the ghost of Pachacamac, though, Knuckles is instructed to keep his culture alive by teaching "the ways of the echidna warrior" to a new apprentice: deputy sheriff Wade Whipple, who's currently more concerned about winning a bowling tournament in Reno than anything else.

Things are complicated by the interference of two rogue GUN agents - Agent Willoughby, played by Ellie Taylor in a bad wig, and Agent Mason, played by Kid Cudi. (Yes, the artist behind the second movie's credits song is one of the bad guys in this.) They want to steal Knuckles' power and sell it to a former associate of Robotnik's played by Rory McCann (The Hound from Game of Thrones), who now works as a black market arms dealer. Yes, they're still doing the thing where Sonic and friends' quills radiate some kind of super-energy that the bad guys all want. No, I don't particularly love this element of the Paramount Sonic continuity. Anyway, they go after Knuckles and Wade, complicating their straightforward road trip to Reno. Antics ensue.

The Wade show

So here's the thing. While the first episode focuses largely on Knuckles, the entire rest of the show is very much the story of Wade, and by extension the other original human characters invented for this miniseries.

Episode 2 is about Wade having to rescue Knuckles from captivity after the GUN agents get him. Knuckles spends most of the episode in a cage.

Episode 3 is about introducing Wade's Jewish family, including his slightly overbearing mother and weird sister, so that Knuckles can learn about their family traditions and have Shabbat dinner with them (and then save them from bounty hunters that the GUN agents hired).

Episode 4 only features Knuckles at the very beginning and very end of the episode, probably for less than a minute total. Wade is captured by a bounty hunter he personally knows, and Knuckles decides to let that be a trial for Wade to overcome on his own.

The last two episodes feature the climactic showdowns with the GUN agents and their arms-dealing ally, who comes in with a mech for the obligatory final boss fight. You'd think this would be Knuckles' time to shine, but really, these episodes are mostly about the bowling tournament in Reno where Wade encounters his estranged father, wrapping up his own personal arc. While Knuckles does get some fights, a lot of the finale is spent on lengthy bowling scenes where Knuckles isn't in the room or even mentioned. It frequently feels more like a spiritual successor to '00s sports comedy movies like Dodgeball, Talladega Nights, or Blades of Glory than it does a part of the Sonic franchise, and the presence of ESPN 8: The Ocho commentary in the finale only drives those Dodgeball comparisons home. They get so immersed in the bowling stuff that it's genuinely hilarious when the show suddenly pivots and remembers "oh shit we still need to do the final boss fight"

Throughout all this, Wade is the protagonist. He's the character we spend more time with, he's the character who drives most of the major events, he's the character who gets more of an arc. The emotional core is Wade's journey. Knuckles is still present - sometimes, at least - but he's there as Wade's wingman, and also just as the excuse for there to be some fight scenes.

How much Sonic stuff is actually in this show?

Honestly? Not much.

Sonic and Tails are only in the first episode. Sonic gets some good scenes, but Tails gets a grand total of five lines. I counted. Unsurprisingly, Jim Carrey is absent as Robotnik, though he does get mentioned a fair bit. (For that matter, basically the entire established human cast beyond Wade is absent, even including Tom, though Maddie is there in episode one.)

GUN is involved in the story, which helps it feel slightly more connected to Sonic, but it kind of feels like it's GUN in name only. They don't use any recognizable GUN tech, and they don't call in the military. It's just two agents in suits. They might as well be the Men in Black.

The Master Emerald is mentioned as something Knuckles has to guard, but it's never seen. Angel Island is pictured as a drawing during the show's intro, appearing exactly how it does in Sonic 3, but it's never referenced at all beyond that.

I guess the climax taking place in and around a Reno casino is a reference to Sonic's many casino-themed levels. That's something. I'll give them that.

Oh, and if you're wondering if this is the point where we finally start to get actual music from the games: no, it's not. The soundtrack consists of a lot of '80s needle drops, many of which are generic Hollywood picks like "Holding Out for a Hero" for the billionth time, thought it at least has some slightly less obvious picks than the Mario movie. The theme song is '80s rock song "The Warrior" by Scandal. You'll hear it many times. You'll hear the Adventure era Knuckles raps zero times in this. You'll briefly hear classic A Tribe Called Quest song "Can I Kick It?" before Knuckles takes the question too literally and breaks the radio in Wade's car.

Beyond a handful of surface level references for nerds (one of which is admittedly wild - we'll get to that), this is probably the least an officially licensed adaptation of Sonic the Hedgehog has ever tried to actually engage with its source material. I struggle to think of another Sonic adaptation that has less to do with Sonic. For as much shit as I and countless others have given Penders for seemingly ignoring the content of the games in favor of building his own convoluted mythos, his Knuckles comics honestly included way more elements from the games than this show does.

Somehow, the one new(-ish) Sonic character introduced in this is the ghost of Pachacamac of all characters. Not even Tikal! Pachacamac! A very minor character nobody has particularly strong feelings about! You can't even use the excuse that they already had the character model, because they completely redesigned him compared to his cameo in the first movie to better match his Sonic Adventure design. And he's voiced by Christopher Lloyd! Honestly, so many of his lines are strained that it sounds like he's on death's door here, but then he'll surprise you with a more casual line like "just do it, man" and it catches me so off guard that I can't help but laugh.

Pachacamac here has basically nothing to do with the game character he takes his name and appearance from. Where the game character was a cruel warlord who kicked off a 3000 year cycle of violence, Paramount Pachacamac is now just this chill old man who gives Knuckles (and later Wade) advice in two episodes of the show. Hell, he also feels completely disconnected from his established role in the movies, where he's literally the guy who shot Longclaw. The show will not grapple with this contradiction at all. He's just here to be a thing fans like me will recognize from the games. Again, if that's all they wanted, it's kind of baffling that they didn't just use Tikal.

I don't love Knuckles in this

But what about Knuckles himself? Well, he doesn't feel all that much like Knuckles to me. Ironically, he sometimes feels like one of the weaker elements in his own show.

Back when the second movie came out, I noted that Knuckles' characterization seemed to be pulling heavily from MCU Thor as a gallant warrior from an archaic alien culture who doesn't really understand modern day Earth stuff. That worked for me in that movie. It was just there for spice. Just a little extra flavor for the character in what was otherwise a very faithful adaptation of Knuckles' storyline in Sonic 3 & Knuckles. Without those familiar elements grounding him and with a much higher reliance on comedy, Idris Elba's Knuckles becomes a pretty one-note character in this.

In damn near every scene with Knuckles, he's going to say something about being a proud, honorable echidna warrior, or brag about his glorious feats of strength, or be confused about some Earth thing and call it sorcery, or act like every other character is also a member of some noble warrior clan. He still has his moments for sure, but this schtick kinda gets old fast, and it just doesn't feel like Knuckles to me. His entire character feels derived from the scene in the diner where Thor smashes the cup on the ground and goes "Another!" Sure, I can picture game Knuckles smashing a radio to turn it off and being a little too gung-ho about busting holes through walls. That's Knuckles behavior. But building a barbarian combat pit in the living room so the Wachowski family dog can fight the mailman? Nope. That's some other guy now. It really does just feel like them taking a broad character archetype from something popular that kinda sorta fits Knuckles and just running with that, rather than trying to actually adapt the character.

Oh, but don't worry, he wears the OVA hat for like two minutes! AND he loves grapes! See, Sonic nerds? We read the wiki! That's his favorite food! Grapes! This is gonna come up like five times!

Knuckles kind of gets an arc here, but not as much as Wade does. I think the stuff about him starting to feel at home on Earth thanks to Wade's mom and the way he connects with their Jewish family traditions is oddly sweet. This arc is kind of let down, though, by the fact that Knuckles' heritage is treated as a complete joke. He's a cartoonish pastiche of various historical warrior cultures stuck together in a blender and used mostly for comedic effect. When Pachacamac's ghost appears, he's reading a newspaper and bemoaning the fact that the Mets lost again. This is not the place for a serious examination of Knuckles' feelings on being the last of his kind.

This is far from the only time the show undercuts itself with its jokes and attempts at self-parody. In the first episode, for instance, Knuckles clashes with GUN Agent Mason and his tech-enhanced punches, leading to an extremely on-the-nose inversion of the "Do I look like I need your power?" scene showcased in the trailer for the second movie. Except this time, Agent Willoughby butts in and points out how stupid that line is in this new context, since they're literally trying to steal Knuckles' power. The fight can't just be cool, they have to get cute with it. A lot of stuff like that happens in this show.

Given all these complaints, the first two episodes left me thinking I'd be fairly negative on this show overall. This seemed like the version of the show from the fandom's collective nightmares, one that undoes all of the progress the movie series seemed to have been making towards faithfulness to the games. Like, just look at these cast posters. Is this what you want out of Sonic? Do these excite you?

But then, something strange happened. Over time, I just kind of let the jokes and shenanigans wash over me and basked in how fucking weird this show is.

And I started to actually enjoy it.

Look. The Wade & Knuckles Show was never going to be peak Sonic. But that sure as hell doesn't mean it can't be entertaining.

This show is so fucking goofy

Here's the thing.

The show is funny.

Unlike a lot of other people, I didn't hate all the wedding stuff in Hawaii in Sonic 2, because I thought a lot of it was funny, both in its actual jokes and in the ways in which they tied everything back to Sonic. Tom looking wistfully at some bodybuilders doing Top Gun shit and spraying each other with beer and being like "I wish Sonic had that" is weirdly funny. The twist that those muscle bros are all agents of the newly formed GUN, who orchestrated the wedding as an elaborate scheme to catch Sonic, is funny. Mr. Olive Garden becoming the fucking GUN Commander is VERY funny. Are any of these elements of my dream Sonic movie? No, of course not. But my dream Sonic movie was never gonna happen in live action.

The Knuckles show follows up on the comedy of the previous films by being probably the funniest live action Sonic release yet. Did every joke land for me? God no. There are some stinkers in there that made me roll my eyes. But enough of them landed that it worked out for me overall. A big part of this is the fact that they've got a good cast of actors and/or comedians here.

Adam Pally is funny as Wade, and I found myself liking him more and more as a character as the show went on. He becomes an oddly endearing loser, with some sweet moments in his personal arc that made me feel for the guy. I like Wade more than Tom now, thanks to this show. I will now be happier to see Wade in Sonic 3 than I would have been previously.

The supporting cast is frequently great, too, many of whom are playing completely cartoonish, over-the-top characters. They took a cue from how exaggerated Carrey's performance was as Robotnik and decided to just abandon all pretense that this is the real world. Stockard Channing as Wade's mom is funny, and carries some of the more sincere parts of the show. Cary Elwes as Wade's very British dad who abandoned him as a child to run off and be the world's most egotistical professional bowler is funny. Edi Patterson as Wade's sister Wanda is... well, she's kinda trying too hard, but she has her moments. The Mighty Boosh co-creator Julian Barratt(!!) as a scenery-chewing bounty hunter, who was also somehow Wade's former best friend and bowling partner, is VERY funny. I love this guy.

(Honestly, they should let more people who were on Garth Marenghi's Darkplace be in Sonic stuff. Where's Matt Berry)

This is kind of a stacked cast for a bunch of stupid side characters in a live action Knuckles show! And honestly, that just makes it funnier to me. Even when they're not funny, the fact that this exists makes it funny. They somehow convinced Paramount to give them a bunch of money to make a spiritual successor to Dodgeball about a schlubby guy who wants to beat his dad at a bowling tournament... except also Knuckles the fucking Echidna is there as his personal life coach. My life is richer for the fact that I can say that sentence. I think about all the little kids who are probably watching this show this weekend, going in expecting a show about Knuckles the Echidna and having to sit through extensive bowling scenes and lore about Wade's family, and sorry kids, but I just have to laugh. Wade isn't even on the poster! The poster is just a picture of Knuckles!! They punked those kids!!!

In a franchise where every single aspect is so carefully micromanaged these days, it feels truly special to get an adaptation this bonkers. It frequently appeals to the same part of me that enjoys the fact that there's an officially licensed Knuckles comic in which Charmy Bee's best friend (also a bee) dies of an accidental LSD overdose from a drug-laced chili dog. Or like, everything about the original 1993 Super Mario Bros. movie. Or the fact that they made seven direct-to-DVD sequels to Alpha and Omega, one of which is half a retread of the adventure from the first movie (with more annoying supporting characters in tow this time) and half a literal clip show of the first movie. The sheer absurdity of the fact that these things exist is charming to me. Except, with the Knuckles show, it has the added benefit of frequently being funny on purpose! This is why I'm not sure I'd call it "so bad it's good." Like, it's not amazing, but there were a lot of parts that I enjoyed in the exact way I was supposed to enjoy them.

Look. Here's a list of real lines of dialogue from the Sega-approved Knuckles the Echidna streaming show that they're billing as a pillar of the Paramount+ lineup, to drive this point home. Let these marinate for a minute:

"I only eat grapes, and Cool Ranch Doritos™."

"Annihilate this little girl, Wade. Crush her spirit. Humiliate her so badly her parents won't even look at her again." "Doesn't that seem like we're going a bit far?" "Not far enough."

"So is he Jewish?" "Half, I think."

"I had a friend who when he listened to Alien Ant Farm he could lift a Toyota Corolla over his head."

"I'm in dire financial straits. Due to my lawsuit against an unnamed rainforest-themed restaurant franchise, I don't have two pennies to my name."

"We're here in sunny Reno, Nevada, which is so close to Hell you can smell the sparks."

"You can't threaten me with your Jewish karate chops because I am a federal agent."

"I will say, regardless of how you feel about child abandonment - and I'm against it! - the deals at TJ Maxx can't be beat."

This is a Sonic show in which they got Paul Scheer and Rob Huebel to appear as ESPN 8: The Ocho commentators.

This is a show where Wade's mom insists upon pronouncing "Knuckles" with the throaty Hebrew "ch" sound, and declares that Knuckles is basically Jewish. Later, they watch Pretty Woman together while enjoying a nice slice of key lime pie. Knuckles comments: "I don't understand. This young streetwalker with a heart made of gold, why do the others treat her with such disdain? Is it so wrong to walk the streets?"

This is a show where the fourth episode is directed by one of the guys from The Lonely Island and features a hallucinatory low budget rock opera stage musical put on by the ghost of Pachacamac. It recounts Knuckles' life story, with Wade playing Knuckles and the "evil" Longclaw played by the bounty hunter guy who's played by the Mighty Boosh guy.

Look at this.

And also, Knuckles' singing voice is provided by Michael Bolton, which they proudly announce in the middle of the musical.

And also...

Also...???

IBLIS IS IN IT????????????

Yes, Iblis!

From Sonic '06!!

Knuckles is said to have looked for a mythical power called the "Flames of Disaster" to avenge his clan, which ended up being the power that was within him all along that lets him do fire punches yadda yadda yadda. As part of this, he apparently fought Iblis off-screen at some point, as conveyed with the giant singing papier-mâché Iblis in the musical.

...Then Iblis sings about hitting up Facebook Marketplace

How? How does any of this exist? Why reference '06 of all games? How did Iblis get into the live action Sonic movie universe before Amy and Metal Sonic? Why are they using Iblis and the term "Flames of Disaster" in such a goofy way that completely disregards their original context?

I don't know. I don't know how any of this happened. But I love it. We got a Knuckles miniseries in which Michael Bolton sings the phrase "the Flames of Disaster." The world is a beautiful place sometimes.

Some people will tell you to skip episode four. "Knuckles is barely even in it," they say. "It's dumb and pointless," they say. "They clearly just ran out of special effects budget," they say. These are people whose opinions you should disregard. The episode with the least Knuckles in it is somehow the most entertaining episode of the show. I would, in fact, go as far as to say that if you only decide to watch one episode of the Knuckles show to see what goofy bullshit they get up to, it should be this one.

I cannot be mad at this show. It's so dumb, but it completely owns the fact that it's a dumb and unnecessary spinoff. Inferiority is baked into its very DNA. It's very self-consciously redoing the premise of the first movie, but stupider. It's about The Other Cop from the movies, instead of the competent one. Instead of being into a "cooler" sport, his life revolves around professional bowling. Instead of going to Vegas, he goes to Reno. Even his tragic backstory that shaped his entire life sucks. He was abandoned by his pro bowler dad in a TJ Maxx. Not even a nicer department store. A fucking TJ Maxx. This whole show is a Dril tweet.

They put a ton of effort into making it dumb in an occasionally spectacular way. So much effort was put into that joke rock opera that fans will just write off as stupid filler. They put their whole pussies into it. This is not a poorly made show. This has better production values than half the shit made for Disney+. This was made with love. Maybe not as much love for the Sonic the Hedgehog series of video games as we'd like, but it's love nonetheless.

Maybe this show broke me and these are the ramblings of a madwoman. Maybe I'm just really nostalgic for the '90s and '00s comedy movies all the Wade stuff is modeled after. Maybe the Alan Wake fan in me just really loves it when a story pivots to a silly rock opera for no real reason. I won't discount any of these possibilities. This isn't high art. This isn't something I would recommend to anyone with zero interest in Sonic, and it also isn't going to sway Sonic fans who hate the Paramount universe. I really can't blame them for being bewildered by this show. But for a specific type of person, this is the absurd three-star Sonic-adjacent comedy miniseries of your dreams. It's a mid masterpiece.

Again, I just have to step back, realize the fact that this shouldn't exist, and smile. Sega's too afraid to do stupid bullshit with the franchise like this these days. And I can't blame them, after years of Sonic being a treated as a laughingstock. But part of me misses some of the goofy shit. No matter how much I tore some of the Archie comics apart as I was reading them for this blog, I just look back on stuff like Cal and Al or the Many Hands issues and laugh. And that same part of me looks at this show about Knuckles being the sidekick to this fucking guy, and just goes...

"We're so back."

In conclusion, I genuinely think this was a more enjoyable TV show than Sonic Prime.

I wouldn't go back and rewatch Sonic Prime anytime soon, aside from maybe, like, a couple of the Shadow-heavy episodes. Huge stretches of that show bored me to tears. The writers squandered all of that show's potential. But I would rewatch the Knuckles show, which takes a terrible premise and has a lot of fun with it, in a heartbeat. Even the bowling parts. The bowling scenes in the Knuckles show are more engaging than 70% of the fights in Sonic Prime. I am not trolling. I mean that sincerely, with all my heart. Don't @ me.

Stray observations

There is effectively zero meaningful setup for the third movie in this, unless Wade's family or the two GUN agents come back or something. Project Shadow is not mentioned in this. There is no secret post-credits scene with Gerald

The CGI in this is pretty good. Not quite on par with the movies, but pretty good. Sonic's weird forehead wrinkles are distracting in his scenes though. Please fix that

I wouldn't say I liked this as much as the second movie, which obviously gets a ton of points for, you know. The Cool Sonic Shit. But I had more fun with it than the first movie, which I still feel is a painfully generic family movie that was only saved by Tyson's redesign

"Grapes are an interesting choice for someone who doesn't use his individual fingers."

Agent Willoughby was apparently the one at GUN who had to buy the Olive Garden gift cards and set up the fake wedding. Her origin story is that she hated doing shit like that and wanted to go fight aliens

This miniseries contains another Keanu namedrop because Wade's childhood bedroom has a Speed poster on the wall. I swear, if Sonic doesn't say Shadow sounds just like Keanu...

Knuckles is familiar with Paul Blart Mall Cop

Near the end the ESPN 8: The Ocho commentators say that the 1974 Reno bowling championship was also interrupted by an extraterrestrial, and given that was exactly 50 years ago I can't write off the possibility that that was Shadow. Please for the love of god give us a sequel series after the third movie where Wade takes Shadow the Hedgehog bowling. I need this more than I need air