The Knuckles TV series is finally here. That fiery and red Echidna (voiced brilliantly by Idris Elba) went from being Sonic’s opponent to his “base of ball” loving friend by the end of Sonic 2. This show takes us into Knuckles new life as he (poorly) adjusts to being on Earth. Knuckles is a very unserious adventure with its titular character and Green Hills deputy Wade Whipple as the pair go on a journey to Reno, NV. Knuckles is determined to make Wade into an Echidna warrior and Wade is determined to reconnect with his estranged dad and beat him in a bowling tournament. Fans of this universe may be wondering how Knuckles sets up Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and, well, the answer is pretty simple.
Knuckles Digs Deeper Into G.U.N.’s History
Knuckles does have some connective tissue to the Sonic films, specifically with learning more about G.U.N (Guardian Units of Nations). The first episode introduces us to the antagonist The Buyer, whom we later find out is a former G.U.N. employee who worked under Robotnik. In case you forgot, G.U.N. is that evil military organization run by Commander Walters that is doing some no-good research with Project Shadow. (Totally looking forward to Keanu Reeves voicing Shadow the Hedgehog.)
The Buyer said after Robotnik lost his mind pursuing Sonic, the organization tried to kill him but he survived and made a lucrative living selling tech on the black market. His next goal is to capture Knuckles’ power and use it to get revenge against aliens like Sonic and friends. He enlists two rogue G.U.N. agents to do his dirty work but they predictably fail more than once. One of the agents, Willoughby, is unhappy that G.U.N. is allowing aliens like Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles to live on Earth. She sees them as a threat to humanity and wants them dead.
The Knuckles TV Series Ending, Explained
The series basically ends with Wade finally discovering his inner strength and discovering his father isn’t a good man. Meanwhile, Knuckles forms a bond with Wade, his mom, and his sister and finally sees Earth as his new home. Knuckles uses two rings to send the agents to some unknown place and, with Wade’s help, crushes The Buyer and his mechanical suit with a globe. It is a much more self-contained story with a neater ending than most fans would expect; however, it gives Knuckles and Wade some necessary growth.
At the end of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Knuckles primary concern was protecting the Master Emerald versus saving the planet. Now he has friends and family to fight for. Wade can also prove to be useful instead of just being Tom’s dimwitted friend. He’s still silly but certainly much braver now.
Is There a Post-Credits Scene in Knuckles?
For those who are wondering, there is a mid-credits scene in Knuckles but it has nothing to do with setting up Sonic the Hedgehog 3. It is Knuckles and Wade on a motorcycle heading back to Green Hills. Wade puts on “The Warrior” by Scandal and Knuckles claims it as his jam. (This is also one of my jams, too.) It is cute but without big revelations.
There’s no confirmation that Wade Whipple and his family will be in the next Sonic sequel. But it seems pretty likely given their importance in Knuckles’ life. Either way, Knuckles is a fun romp in the Sonic universe to hold you over until the next movie.
More must-reads: