Sonic the Hedgehog (1993), Episode 2.10: Cry of the Wolf

Sonic the Hedgehog (1993), Episode 2.10: Cry of the Wolf
Original Air Date: November 12th, 1994

Archie’s “Sonic the Hedgehog” comic and “SatAM” were conceived at the same time, utilizing the same base cast and premise. Yet the comic took a long time to start picking up plot threads and ideas from the show. Even though “SatAM” was talking about Naugus and the Void and crystallization all the way back in 1994, the comic wouldn’t run with those ideas until issue 53, three years later. Similarly, Lupe and the Wolf Pack would first appear a few episodes after Naugus. The comic wouldn’t get around to adding her to the cast until 1997 as well. Sort of weird how that worked but I guess it wouldn’t be the “Sonic” franchise if everything wasn’t done in as ass-backwards, digression-filled a manner as possible.

Which brings us to “Cry of the Wolf.” In the desert-like region of Mobius known as the Great Unknown, Robotnik is testing the Doomsday Pods, the nearly indestructible war machines that will become part of his Doomsday Machine, his ultimate weapon. These tests are interrupted by the local Freedom Fighter chapter, the Wolf Pack. This is one of the same groups King Acorn’s list of Freedom Fighters point towards. Sally, Sonic, and Antoine head into the Great Unknown to find the mysterious Wolf Pack. Soon, after much sneaking around underground tunnels and rumors of a curse, an alliance will be formed. Which comes in handy, when Snively is ordered to personally pilot the Doomsday Pod and wipe out the Pack.

I've always liked the Wolf Pack. Though “SatAM” has its share of canines, with Tails and Antoine technically qualifying, it's hard to beat the primal cool factor of the wolf. While the comic would certainly expand on her personality over the years, we still get a good sense of who Lupe is in this first appearance. She is characterized by her loyalty to her pack and her inventiveness in fighting her enemy. Shari Belafonte's vocal performance is similarly strong, making an impression on the viewer just with the way she intones her dialogue.

There's something else to consider about the Wolf Pack. Even though Mobius is either an alien world or a post-apocalyptic Earth, they are patterned after Native Americans. Lupe repeatedly talks about how the Wolf Pack lived in harmony with nature. Lupe has a mohawk, they gather around a fire to have powwows, live in caves carved into the side of a canyon, and all wear sandals. (Their fashion – Lupe wears a blue one-piece and the others all wear shoulder-padded vests – doesn't seem inspired by anything in particular.) Of course, associating Native Americans with wolves is a common move too. This is somewhat dismissive, as Native American culture is more complex than “they think nature is awesome.” As in questionable taste as this choice is,  this portrayal is also pretty fair for its time, as at least there's no Indian mysticism or proud savage vibes.

In addition to introducing a likable new group of characters, “Cry of the Wolves” is also a pretty strong action episode. The neigh-indestructible Doomsday Pod leads to lots of high-stakes action, such as when our heroes blast it with a cannon the Wolf Pack stole from Robotnik. A really fun action beat involves Sonic and Sally intentionally getting caught by Snively, just so they can break out and whip his ass. Also, Nicole can shoot lasers now, which is kind of cool. There's some fun spookiness too, when the gang is exploring the Wolf Pack's cave and are being watched by yellow eyes in the shadow.

Granted, there's one or two little issues I have with this episode. When Lupe first presents that cannon, it doesn't work. Sally repairs it immediately. Even though Rotor has always been the mechanic, with Sally's intelligence being more tactical. That's kind of sloppy writing. For the first time in a while, this is an episode that concludes with a Power Ring saving the day. Sonic grabs one, boosts his speed, and leads the Doomsday Pod into a lightning storm. We haven't seen that particular deus ex machina in a while and I can't say I missed it either.

With only three episodes left to go, “SatAM” is pretty deep into its serialized elements. Snively's hatred of Robotnik is now a fore-fronted personality trait. And who can blame the guy, with the abuse his boss heaps on him and the humiliation he suffers at the hands of Sonic? (Charlie Adler's delivery of Snively's anguished wails of defeat are effectively pathetic.) The Doomsday Device, with its impending activation, is a big part of the story. As are Sally's attempt to unite the various Freedom Fighter teams. It's definitely neat how the show has slowly built up these elements, leading towards a bigger event soon enough.

The weakest element of  “Cry of the Wolf” is its comic relief. Once again, Antoine is reduced to being a blubbering coward. He spends the entire episode freaking out about the non-existent curse on the region, repeatedly mispronouncing words. It's probably the most annoying Antoine has ever been, to the point where I actively wonder why he was brought along on this mission at all. There's exactly one moment where we get a peek at the character's deeper depths. When Sonic and Sally descend into the cave, Antoine doesn't want to go, as he's terrified. However, he decides the safety of his princess, his honor as a royal guard, is more important than his fears, so he ventures forward. Why can't he be written that way all the time, instead of being an increasingly obnoxious wiener?

Occasionally flaws aside, this is still a strong one. It totally works as a stand-alone adventure while building atop all the story that has come before. If it wasn't for Antoine remaining stuck in “Ro-Becca” mode and a few inconsistent plot turns, this would easily be among “SatAM's” best moments. It makes me really wish Lupe had a bigger role on the cartoon, though at least she would become a semi-regular player in the comics. [7/10]