Knuckles the Echidna, a beloved character from the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, has finally been given his chance to shine in his much-anticipated mini-series Knuckles on Paramount+ following an exciting role in the live-action Sonic sequel. And after earning a fan-favorite status decades prior for his stoic, fierce, and often misunderstood personality, it’s a relief to admit that his first solo project is a must-watch event.

A Unique Character in the Sonic Universe

While Sonic is known for his quick wit, speed, do-gooder spirit, and never-ending banter, Knuckles brings a whole new dynamic to the Sonic universe. His serious demeanor, sense of duty, and penchant for conflict offer a refreshing change of pace from the fast-paced antics of Sonic, elevating the series’ potential to deliver humor. Something that’s directly addressed within the first episode of the series.

Knuckles' internal struggles with solitude and pride, while still discovering a newfound loyalty to his friends makes him a character that many viewers (regardless of age) will find themselves drawn to. Essentially, he naturally obtains all of the requirements one needs to fulfil a leading role!

Idris Elba is the Perfect Knuckles

One of the most satisfying aspects of the Knuckles mini-series is the exceptional portrayal of the character by the talented Idris Elba. Known for his powerful on-screen presence and ability to breathe life into any role he takes on regardless of genre, Elba's portrayal of Knuckles is nothing short of extraordinary as the character navigates a life that feels incredible foreign to him.

He perfectly captures the character's stoicism, fierce loyalty, and desire to kickstart a little chaos, making Knuckles a character that feels both authentic and compelling courtesy of Elba’s versatile range.

A Series Format is Benneficial to the Sonic Franchise

After getting to binge-watch the story as a whole, the decision to bring Knuckles to the small screen in a mini-series format feels like a stroke of genius from Paramount and the creative team. Unlike the film series, a contained arc of this nature allows for deeper character development, intricate storytelling, and the exploration of multiple plotlines that wouldn’t be possible in the tentpole movies. Viewers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Knuckles' world, learn about his past, understand his motivations, perspective, and to witness his noteworthy growth throughout the episodes — dually creating interest for even more Knuckles.

This format not only does justice to the complexity of Knuckles' character but also keeps the audience engaged and willing to revisit the series long after they’ve enjoyed the first round. Perhaps we should look into more Sonic spin-off series in the near future? There are certainly plenty to choose from.

Well-Rounded Entertainment

Beyond its character-driven narrative, the Knuckles mini-series is a whirlwind of entertainment. Packed with exhilarating action sequences, stunning special effects (given its non-human elements), and heartwarming scenes, the series offers something for viewers of all ages. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the Sonic franchise or someone looking for a new, easygoing and exciting show to dive into, Knuckles packs a punch that you won’t forget.

All six episodes of Knuckles are currently streaming on Paramount+