Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog, Episode 1.08: Close Encounters of the Sonic Kind

Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog, Episode 1.08: Close Encounters of the Sonic Kind

Original Air Date: October 20th, 1993

Previously, I've discussed the nineties fascination with UFOs and alien abduction and how the "Sonic" series would occasionally comment on it. You'd think an episode entitled "Close Encounters of the Sonic Kind" would be all about that. Sadly, there's no government conspiracies, reptilian humanoids, or probing in this episode. Instead, it just uses the alien plot line as a set-up for a simplistic plot. Considering Bubsy would also reference Steven Spielberg's seminal 1977 sci-fi film in his first game, I guess that was another pop culture reference that was easily understood at the time. 

Anyway, that's not really relevant. "Close Encounters of the Sonic Kind" begins with Scratch and Grounder laying down a new trap for Sonic, a plate that produces a powerful tractor beam. Instead of sealing the speedy hedgehog to the spot, the device calls down a spaceship piloted by Prince Charnock, of the Planet Rhombus. Along with his royal assistant, Splorg, Charnock was on his way back to Rhombus to participate in his coronation. If he doesn't get back in time, Charnock's baby brother will become king and destroy Mobius. Sonic and Tails, obviously, agree to help him reassemble his scrambled ship and help the prince return home. 

Yep, this is yet another episode that invents a story by introducing another annoying character. Despite being fuckin' aliens, Charnock and Splorg speak with hoity-toity, royal accents. Even though the fate of the planet is at risk, Charnock seems more interested in sightseeing. He frequently nearly stumbles into disaster, Sonic saving his ass every time. You'd think Sonic getting annoyed with this royal nuisance would be fodder for some decent gags but, nah, the episode just rolls with it. And, of course, the aliens' designs are pretty ugly. Charnock looks like a squid version of Roger Ramjet and Splorg is a floating blob of purple jelly.

 

Having to keep Charnock's dumbass from wandering into certain death reminds of a type of video game mission. That would be the dreaded escort mission, where the player has to keep some foolish computer controlled character from dying. This is not the only vaguely game-like mechanic utilized for this episode. Sonic and the gang having to retrieve parts to a spaceship seems like a classic game element. Yet none of these mechanics were present in the early "Sonic" games! If anything, the latter plot device is more like another Sega franchise: "Toe Jam and Earl." I'm sure it's all a coincidence but I also wouldn't be surprised if the writers just assumed all video games were alike. 

However, there is a time limit to this story, a mechanic that is a part of the "Sonic" franchise. Our spiny hero has two hours to get Charnock's shit together and have him return home. That would've been a good plot device to increase suspense. Instead, "Close Encounters of the Sonic Kind" is a pretty laidback episode. Charnock takes his time, playing the tourist, and snapping photos of Mobius' natural wildlife. Weirdly, even though the fate of his entire world is in the balance, Sonic plays along. He introduces the king to local wonders, like spiraling trees, a sunbathing fish, or a Stonehenge-like structure. It constantly amazes me how this show takes potentially good ideas and just throws them away. 

For what it's worth, "Close Encounters of the Sonic Kind" does mix up the established series formula in a few minor ways. Sonic doesn't turn Scratch and Grounder's traps on themselves so much here, as the robots are responsible for their own doom more often than not. In fact, the episode's sole funny moment has Sonic commenting on this. He dresses in a Carmen Miranda disguise before turning to the viewer and saying there's no reason for the gag, as the problem solved itself. Writer Douglas "Zip" Purgason is also good at foreshadowing events. Grounder comments repeatedly on his detachable drill nose, which becomes important later. Robotnik's Egg-Mobile doesn't start up on the first try, which becomes his undoing later. It's pretty heavy-handed but at least Mr. Zip wanted to instruct children about dramatic structure. 

He also wants to instruct children about proper sunscreen use, which is the topic of the "Sonic Sez" segment. Which is weird, since these characters are all covered in fur and presumably don't have to worry so much about sunscreen. If only that was the only thing about this cartoon that didn't make any sense... Anyway, "Close Encounters of the Sonic Kind" is another mediocre episode, though it manages not to be too annoying. Which is something, I guess. [5/10]