Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003 TV series, season 1)

The first season of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles originally aired between February 8, 2003 and November 1, 2003, beginning with the pilot episode "Things Change".[1] The episodes were first released in eight volumes, TMNT Volume one through Volume eight. The volumes were released From September 2, 2003 through March 16, 2004. The episodes were later released in 2 part season sets, part 1 was released on May 22, 2007 which had the first 12 episodes, and part 2 was released on September 18, 2007, this had the final 14 episodes of the season.[2]

Not to be confused with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987 TV series, season 1) or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012 TV series, season 1).
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Season 1
Country of originUnited States
No. of episodes26
Release
Original network4Kids TV
Original releaseFebruary 8 (2003-02-08) –
November 1, 2003 (2003-11-01)
Season chronology

Story

The season primarily focuses on the Turtles slowly coming into conflict with the Foot Clan. After their lair is destroyed by Baxter Stockman's mousers, they find a new home elsewhere in the sewers and also gain new allies in the form of April O'Neil and Casey Jones. The Turtles foil the plans of the Shredder, Hun, and Stockman on numerous occasions before Shredder offers Leonardo a peace offering in exchange for their service, citing an unknown evil they must face together. Splinter reveals the Shredder and Hun's hand in murdering his master Hamato Yoshi, and the two sides come to blows in a battle that seemingly ends in the Shredder's defeat. However, unknown to the Turtles, the Shredder survives, and after his ninjas savagely ambush and wound Leonardo, destroys April's home and believes them dead, though the Turtles, Splinter, Casey and April survive and depart for Casey's family's farm house in rural New York. After Leonardo's wounds heal and their resolve is restored, the group returns to New York to face the Foot Clan. However, after their triumph against the Shredder, Splinter vanishes, and after following a lead from a mysterious group known as the "Guardians", the Turtles discover the Utroms, an alien race hiding amongst humanity, and are unable to save Splinter from them before being teleported into space.

Cast
  • Michael Sinterniklaas as Leonardo: the eldest and the leader of the Turtles who wields twin katana swords and a blue mask. (Appears in all 26 episodes.)
  • Frank Frankson as Raphael: Leonardo's hotheaded second-in-command who often argues with him. Wields twin sai and a red mask. (Appears in all 26 episodes.)
  • Wayne Grayson as Michelangelo: the Turtles' youngest and funniest member and a large source of comic relief who wields twin nunchucks and an orange mask. (Appears in all 26 episodes.)
  • Sam Riegel as Donatello: the Turtles' genius engineer who is the primary source of their devices and vehicles. Wields a bo staff and a purple mask. (Appears in all 26 episodes.)
  • Darren Dunstan as Splinter: the Turtles' sensei and adopted father, the former pet of Hamato Yoshi. (Appears in 22 episodes.)
  • Scottie Ray as Oroku Saki/The Shredder: the main antagonist of the series and leader of the Foot Clan, who murdered Hamato Yoshi. (Appears in 13 episodes.)
  • Veronica Taylor as April O'Neil: the first human the Turtles and Splinter meet who is quickly integrated into their family. (Appears in 16 episodes.)
  • Marc Thompson as Casey Jones: an ally of the Turtles who has a violent enmity with Hun. (Appears in 12 episodes.)
  • Greg Carey as Hun: the Shredder's second-in-command, a hulking gangster who leads the Purple Dragons on behalf of his master.
  • Scott Williams as Baxter Stockman: a brilliant, maniacal scientist working for the Foot who is mutilated every time he fails the Shredder.

Crew

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was produced by Mirage Studios, 4 Kids Entertainment, 4Kids Productions, and Dong Woo Animation and distributed by 4 Kids Entertainment and was aired on Fox's Saturday morning kids' block in the US.[3] The producers were Gary Richardson, Frederick U. Fierst, and Joellyn Marlow for the American team; Tae Ho Han was the producer for the Korean team.[3] The entire season was directed by Chuck Patton. The writers for season one were Michael Ryan, Marty Isenberg, Eric Luke, and Greg Johnson.

Episodes
No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateTV
broadcast
1"Things Change"Chuck Patton[4]Michael Ryan[4]February 8, 2003 (2003-02-08)[4]S01E01

In the midst of an intense training session with Master Splinter, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are attacked by Mouser robots, which tear asunder their underground New York City home and separate them from their sensei. With their lair destroyed, the Turtles must search for their Master and find a new home.

  • Villains: The Purple Dragons
  • Based on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume One Issue #1, "The Turtles origin is told".
2"A Better Mousetrap"Chuck Patton[5]Marty Isenberg[5]February 15, 2003 (2003-02-15)[5]S01E02

After the Turtles settle into their new lair, they discover the source of their Mouser problem: Stocktronics founder and CEO, Dr. Baxter Stockman. Donatello repairs a disabled Mouser and the Turtles track it through the sewers, where coincidentally they stumble upon April O'Neil, a young apprentice fleeing the wrath of Dr. Stockman.

  • Villain: Dr. Baxter Stockman
  • Partially based on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume One Issue #2, "TMNT VS the Mousers".
3"Attack of the Mousers"Chuck Patton[6]Eric Luke[6]February 22, 2003 (2003-02-22)[6]S01E03

After fainting from their initial encounter, April O'Neil wakes up in the Turtles' lair. It is there April learns of the Turtles' origin, and they all agree that Baxter Stockman and his rampaging Mousers must be stopped.

  • Villain: Dr. Stockman
  • Based on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume One Issue #2, "TMNT VS the Mousers".
4"Meet Casey Jones"Chuck Patton[7]Michael Ryan[7]March 1, 2003 (2003-03-01)[7]S01E04

During a sparring session, Raphael lets his anger get the best of him and almost hurts Michelangelo seriously. He decides to go "topside" to cool off and meets someone filled with more anger than him: a streetwise vigilante named Casey Jones.

  • Villains: The Purple Dragons
  • Based on Raphael, Microseries Issue #1, "Me, Myself and I".
5"Nano"Chuck Patton[8]Eric Luke[8]March 8, 2003 (2003-03-08)[8]S01E05

A small-time thief goes on a crime spree when he stumbles upon a form of artificial intelligence made up of nanotechnology. When the crook and his ward reach April O'Neil's new antique shop, "2nd Time Around", they face off against Casey and the Turtles.

  • Villains: Nano and Harry Parker
6"Darkness on the Edge of Town"Chuck Patton[9]Marty Isenberg[9]March 15, 2003 (2003-03-15)[9]S01E06

After a blackout knocks out the lights in the lair, the Turtles go topside to investigate. Once above ground, the Turtles encounter the mysterious Foot Clan gathering artifacts from around the city.

  • Villains: The Foot Clan
7"The Way of Invisibility"Chuck Patton[10]Marty Isenberg[10]March 22, 2003 (2003-03-22)[10]S01E07

Casey Jones becomes an unwanted house-guest in the Turtles' lair, so Raphael takes him topside to get some much needed air. During a routine skirmish with a street gang known as the Purple Dragons, Raph and Casey encounter the Foot Tech Ninja, whose cyber-armor enhances their strength and speed while giving them invisibility. Raphael is kidnapped and then interrogated by Hun, while Casey escapes to get help.

  • Villains: The Foot Clan
8"Fallen Angel"Chuck Patton[11]Marty Isenberg[11]March 29, 2003 (2003-03-29)[11]S01E08

Angel, a girl Casey knows from the neighborhood, is going through her initiation to join the Purple Dragons. Casey fears her going down the wrong path and tries to stop her from joining the gang with the help of the Turtles.

  • Villains: The Purple Dragons
9"Garbageman"Chuck Patton[12]Eric Luke[12]April 5, 2003 (2003-04-05)[12]S01E09

When homeless people start to disappear mysteriously, the Turtles set out to investigate. Their search leads them to a garbage-filled island where the homeless are being used as slaves by the villainous Garbageman.

  • Villain: Garbageman
10"The Shredder Strikes, Part 1"Chuck Patton[13]Michael Ryan[13]April 12, 2003 (2003-04-12)[13]S01E10

Leonardo meets a mysterious man named Oroku Saki, who appears to be the leader of the Foot Clan, despite previous skirmishes with the Foot, Leo is offered a truce and a chance to fight against a "greater evil".

  • Based on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume One Issue #1, "The Turtles origin is told
  • Villain: The Shredder
11"The Shredder Strikes, Part 2"Chuck Patton[14]Michael Ryan[14]April 19, 2003 (2003-04-19)[14]S01E11

Almost taken in by Oroku Saki's offer, Leo's brothers encourage him to consult Master Splinter. They soon learn the true nature of the Foot and the significance of their emblem. Oroku Saki reveals himself as the Shredder and exclaims, "Those who are not with me are against me, and I crush anyone who stands against me!" The Turtles soon find themselves outmatched and make a hasty retreat. Concurrently, Master Splinter searches for his sons and prepares a counteroffensive.

  • Based on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume One Issue #1, "The Turtles origin is told
  • Villain: The Shredder
12"The Unconvincing Turtle Titan"Chuck Patton[15]Marty Isenberg[15]May 3, 2003 (2003-05-03)[15]S01E12

Michelangelo yearns to use his fighting abilities to help others in the city, leading him to create his alter ego: Turtle Titan. While attempting to team-up with his superhero inspiration, Silver Sentry, Mikey must battle his hero's arch-nemesis, Dr. Malignus.

  • Villain: Dr. Malignus
13"Notes from the Underground, Part 1"Chuck Patton[16]Eric Luke[16]May 10, 2003 (2003-05-10)[16]S01E13

While Donatello examines a pair of mysterious crystals, the lair's perimeter alarm is triggered after the crystals begin to glow. The Turtles investigate and find tracks indicating the presence of some unknown creature. These tracks lead them deep underground where they uncover an abandoned Foot Genetics Lab.

  • Villains: The Mutants and The High Mage.
14"Notes from the Underground, Part 2"Chuck Patton[17]Eric Luke[17]May 17, 2003 (2003-05-17)[17]S01E14

Inside the Foot Genetics Lab, the Turtles learn of past experiments that turned human subjects into monsters. The brothers soon encounter a group of these creatures who are at first hostile, but eventually become allies. The Turtles now find themselves helping these creatures evade the attacks of similar, but mindless monsters. This new partnership takes the Turtles deeper into the seemingly haunted catacombs, where creatures, and now Donatello, have disappeared.

  • Villains: The Mutants and The High Mage.
15"Notes from the Underground, Part 3"Chuck Patton[18]Eric Luke[18]May 24, 2003 (2003-05-24)[18]S01E15

The source of the mysterious crystals found in the lair appears to be an ancient subterranean city. This site is also the location where Donatello and the Turtles' monster allies disappear. The city is inhabited by the sole survivor of an ancient race. Although he claims wanting to return the creatures to their original form, his true intentions remain unknown. The Entity to attack the Turtles, but Michelangelo uses a light orb to encase the Entity in ice crystal. The Turtles free Quarry to find that he, is actually a she! All of the other mutants are also returned to normal when freed. However, they find out as they try to leave the city, are only cured by the power of the crystals and have to stay in the city to keep their human form. Donatello vows to find a solution that will let them return above ground. On the way home, the Turtles they find out that the Foot are searching for them and the Lair is not safe, so they go into hiding at April's place.

  • Villains: The Mutants and The High Mage.
16"The King"Chuck Patton[19]Michael Ryan[19]May 31, 2003 (2003-05-31)[19]S01E16

With the Foot scouring the sewers, the Turtles move in with April. When the water heater breaks down, Donatello goes down to the basement to fix it. Here Don meets April's tenant, Kirby, an artist whose mysterious power opens an adventure to another dimension.

  • Villain: Kirby's Monsters
  • Based on Donatello, Microseries #1, "Kirby and the Warp Crystal".
  • This episode was dedicated to comic book writer Jack Kirby.
17"The Shredder Strikes Back, Part 1"Chuck Patton[20]Eric Luke[20]June 7, 2003 (2003-06-07)[20]S01E17

During an early morning training run, Leonardo encounters a legion of Foot Ninja and Hun. A thunderstorm develops not long before Leo encounters a new foe, the Foot Elite. As he becomes overwhelmed, Leo witnesses the return of an unexpected enemy: the Shredder. After being thrown through a window into April's apartment, Leonardo lies unconscious while his brothers and Master Splinter defend against waves of attacking Foot Ninja. Desiring revenge, the Shredder seeks to destroy the Turtles and their allies at any cost. As the Turtles and their allies are retreating, Shredder blows up the building.

  • Villain: The Shredder
  • Based on Leonardo #1 "What Goes Around Comes Around" and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume One Issue #10 "Silent Partner"
18"The Shredder Strikes Back, Part 2"Chuck Patton[21]Eric Luke[21]June 14, 2003 (2003-06-14)[21]S01E18

After being thrown through a window into April's apartment, Leonardo lies unconscious while his brothers and Master Splinter defend against waves of attacking Foot Ninja. Desiring revenge, the Shredder seeks to destroy the Turtles and their allies at any cost. As the Turtles and their allies are retreating, Shredder blows up the building.

  • Villain: The Shredder
  • Based on Leonardo #1 "What Goes Around Comes Around" and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume One Issue #10 "Silent Partner"
19"Tales of Leo"Chuck Patton[22]Marty Isenberg[22]September 13, 2003 (2003-09-13)[22]S01E19

After getting out of the building before the explosion, the Turtles, Splinter, Casey and April head to the old farmhouse of Casey's grandmother. As Leonardo lies unconscious, each member of his family tells Leonardo a tale of his early adventures as a child, hoping their voices will rouse him back to consciousness. Leonardo finally awakes. Meanwhile, Shredder wants evidence that are the Turtles destroyed. Stockman manages to cheat Shredder that his enemies are gone, and secretly swears to revenge to his master.

  • Villain: The Shredder
  • Partially based on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume One Issue #10 "Silent Partner"
20"The Monster Hunter"Chuck Patton[23]Michael Ryan[23]September 20, 2003 (2003-09-20)[23]S01E20

Still recuperating at the old farmhouse, the Turtles try to keep themselves busy. Raphael helps Leonardo forge new katana blades while Michelangelo, Donatello, and Casey deal with the overzealous Abigail Finn, who hopes to catch the legendary "Green Man of the Woods".

  • Villain: Dr. Abigail Finn
21"Return to New York, Part 1"Chuck Patton[24]Marty Isenberg[24]September 27, 2003 (2003-09-27)[24]S01E21

The Turtles return to New York City, and are preparing for the battle against the Shredder. Thinking he has destroyed his enemies, the Shredder is not prepared for a surprise attack on his headquarters by the Turtles and Splinter. With April providing computer intel at the lair, the Turtles work their way up to the Shredder, floor by floor.

  • Villains: Shredder and Baxter Stockman
  • Based on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume One "Return to New York"
22"Return to New York, Part 2"Chuck Patton[25]Marty Isenberg[25]October 4, 2003 (2003-10-04)[25]S01E22

Continuing their assault, the Turtles and Splinter encounter mutant clones in a Foot Genetics Lab and a near indomitable foe, the Foot Mystic Ninjas. The Turtles finally make it to the Shredder's throne room, but they are interrupted by an exosuit-clad Baxter Stockman, who hopes to get revenge on both the Shredder and the Turtles.

  • Villains: Shredder and Baxter Stockman
  • Based on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume One "Return to New York"
23"Return to New York, Part 3"Chuck Patton[26]Marty Isenberg[26]October 11, 2003 (2003-10-11)[24]S01E23

The Turtles are forced to work with the Shredder to defeat Baxter Stockman. The Turtles then continue to fight the Shredder, in a rooftop battle. With help from a mysterious group of warriors known as the Guardians, the turtles win. After defeating the Shredder, the turtles find that Master Splinter has disappeared.

  • Villains: Shredder and Baxter Stockman
  • Based on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume One "Return to New York"
24"Lone Raph and Cub"Chuck Patton[27]Eric Luke[27]October 18, 2003 (2003-10-18)[27]S01E24

With the Shredder defeated, his headquarters destroyed, and the Foot in disarray, the Turtles turn to a new problem: Master Splinter is missing. Angry and confused, Raphael impatiently heads out to find his father only to be thrust into a solo adventure helping a headstrong kid, Tyler, against ruthless mobsters.

  • Villain: The Mob
25"The Search for Splinter, Part 1"Chuck Patton[28]Greg Johnson[28]October 25, 2003 (2003-10-25)[28]S01E25

After a frustrating and exhaustive search for Splinter, the Turtles' suspicions turn towards the Guardians. This suspicion leads them to an austere building with the company name TCRI – the same name on the canister of ooze responsible for their mutation. Following their only lead, the Turtles enlist April and Casey to help them get inside.

  • Villain: TCRI
  • Based on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume One Issue #4, "Rescuing Master Splinter."
26"The Search for Splinter, Part 2"Chuck Patton[29]Greg Johnson[29]November 1, 2003 (2003-11-01)[29]S01E26

The Turtles manage to infiltrate the TCRI building, discovering there is more to the employees and to the building itself than meets the eye. They manage to find an unconscious Splinter in a stasis tank, but soon find themselves transported to a place unknown.

  • Villain: TCRI
  • Based on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume One Issue #4, "Rescuing Master Splinter."

References
  1. Season One Episode list with detailed synopses at the Official Ninja Turtles website Archived 2009-05-20 at the Wayback Machine
  2. TMNT DVD releases on Official Site Archived 2007-03-20 at the Wayback Machine ninjaturtles.com. retrieved on February 15, 2008
  3. "TMNT credits on Dongwoo Animation". Dongwoo Animation Co. Archived from the original on December 19, 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-01.
  4. Things Change Archived 2009-04-28 at the Wayback Machine Ninja Turtles Official Website. February 15, 2008
  5. A Better Mousetrap Ninja Turtles Official Website. February 15, 2008
  6. Attack of the Mousers Ninja Turtles Official Website. February 15, 2008
  7. Meet Casey Jones Ninja Turtles Official Website. February 15, 2008
  8. Nano Ninja Turtles Official Website. February 15, 2008
  9. Darkness on the Edge of Town Ninja Turtles Official Website. February 15, 2008
  10. The Way of Invisibility Ninja Turtles Official Website. February 15, 2008
  11. Fallen Angel Archived 2012-03-28 at the Wayback Machine Ninja Turtles Official Website. February 15, 2008
  12. Garbageman episode Ninja Turtles Official Website. February 15, 2008
  13. The Shredder Strikes, Part 1 Ninja Turtles Official Website. February 15, 2008
  14. The Shredder Strikes, Part 2 Ninja Turtles Official Website. February 15, 2008
  15. The Shredder Strikes, Part 3 Ninja Turtles Official Website. February 15, 2008
  16. Notes from the Underground, Part 1 Ninja Turtles Official Website. February 15, 2008
  17. Notes from the Underground, Part 2 Ninja Turtles Official Website. February 15, 2008
  18. Notes from the Underground, Part 3 Ninja Turtles Official Website. February 15, 2008
  19. The King Archived 2012-03-28 at the Wayback Machine Ninja Turtles Official Website. February 15, 2008
  20. The Shredder Strikes Back, Part 1 Ninja Turtles Official Website. February 15, 2008
  21. The Shredder Strikes Back, Part 1 Ninja Turtles Official Website. February 15, 2008
  22. Tales of Leo Ninja Turtles Official Website. February 15, 2008
  23. The Monster Hunter Ninja Turtles Official Website. February 15, 2008
  24. Return to New York, Part 1 Ninja Turtles Official Website. February 15, 2008
  25. Return to New York, Part 2 Ninja Turtles Official Website. February 15, 2008
  26. Return to New York, Part 3 Ninja Turtles Official Website. February 15, 2008
  27. Lone Raph and Cub Ninja Turtles Official Website. February 15, 2008
  28. The Search for Splinter, Part 1 Ninja Turtles Official Website. February 15, 2008
  29. The Search for Splinter, Part 2 Ninja Turtles Official Website. February 15, 2008
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