Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987 TV series) season 4

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Season 4
No. of episodes41
Release
Original network Syndication
CBS
Original releaseSeptember 8, 1990 (1990-09-08) –
March 29, 1991 (1991-03-29)
Season chronology
← Previous
Season 3
Next →
Season 5
List of episodes

The fourth season of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is split into two main sub-sections that aired concurrently: thirteen episodes which aired daily in syndication, and twenty-six episodes that premiered in hour-long double-bills on Saturday Mornings on CBS. Additionally, a two-part "Easter special" aired in syndication the following Spring.

Contents

The syndication episodes featured the original title sequence, while the CBS episodes debuted a new title sequence, also did away with the show's title cards, and included a brief "Turtle Tips" segment between the two episodes which served as a PSA about the environment or other issues. There were a total of 20 "Turtle Tips" segments produced and aired.

During this season, the Technodrome is back in Dimension X, having been launched from Earth through a portal at the conclusion of season 3 . [1] The season premiere, "Plan 6 from Outer Space", aired in syndication, and detailed how the villains' battle fortress crash-landed on an asteroid; in the later episode, "The Dimension X Story" a volcano on the asteroid erupted, immobilizing the Technodrome by surrounding it with molten lava. [2] "The Dimension X Story" was evidently intended to be the first episode of the CBS run, as many other episodes which aired before it from both the syndication and CBS episodes refer to the Technodrome being trapped in lava, but wound up airing very late in the season.

Note that the Vacation in Europe episodes take place between the first two episodes of this season. [3]

Episodes

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleWritten byOriginal air dateTV
broadcast
661"Plan Six from Outer Space"David WiseSeptember 10, 1990 (1990-09-10)(Syndication)S04E01

With the Technodrome in serious need for new equipment, Bebop and Rocksteady are sent to Earth, disguised in human form, to capture the Channel 6 building and take it to Dimension X. To keep the Turtles distracted, Rocksteady & Bebop also deploy a robot duplicate of Master Splinter, but it malfunctions and starts going gonzo.

Title Reference: Plan 9 from Outer Space
672"Turtles of the Jungle"Misty TaggartSeptember 11, 1990 (1990-09-11)(Syndication)S04E02
A professor's new ray-gun causes plants to go wild and his pet ape Jocko to become a giant rampaging monkey. By using the same ray-gun, Donatello is increased to Jocko's size so he can fight the giant ape and save April from him.
683"Michaelangelo Toys Around"Ted Pedersen and Francis MossSeptember 12, 1990 (1990-09-12)(Syndication)S04E03
While trying to see the new toys at the Toy Fair, Michaelangelo stumbles upon a plot to take over a noted toy company.
694"Peking Turtle"Antonio Ortiz and Carmela OrtizSeptember 13, 1990 (1990-09-13)(Syndication)S04E04
The Turtles must battle a reanimated Terracotta Army after The Shredder steals an energy device shaped like a giant pearl, which is held and guarded by a Jade Dragon.
705"Shredder's Mom"Ted Pedersen and Francis MossSeptember 14, 1990 (1990-09-14)(Syndication)S04E05
Krang frees Miyoko Saki, Shredder's mother from the retirement community. Shredder threatens the world's governments to surrender to Krang or he will gradually raise the world's heat, which causes New York to be in the middle of a massive heat wave. The Turtles get help from Colonel Yogurt, an air force officer to thwart Shredder, who is starting to get annoyed with his mother's success.
716"Son of Return of the Fly II" David Wise September 8, 1990 (1990-09-08)(CBS)S04E16

Vengeful Baxter Stockman and an A.I. computer return to Earth from a dimensional limbo and capture the Turtles while luring Shredder into their trap as well.

Note: As in the third season in the series Bye, Bye, Fly

Note: He will return in the fifth season episode Landlord of the Flies
727"Bebop and Rocksteady Conquer the Universe"David WiseSeptember 15, 1990 (1990-09-15)(CBS)S04E18

On their latest trip to Earth, Bebop and Rocksteady steal a machine that makes everyone scared of everything.

Title Reference: Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe
738"Raphael Meets His Match"Charles M. Howell IVSeptember 15, 1990 (1990-09-15)(CBS)S04E19
Raphael wins a place at the owner of a fast food chain's party. When the yacht is taken hostage by Hi-Tech pirates he and the mysterious lizard-woman Mona Lisa work together to stop them.
749"Four Turtles and a Baby"Misty TaggartSeptember 17, 1990 (1990-09-17)(Syndication)S04E06

When General Tragg and his troops attack the Neutrino planet capital, the Neutrino leaders, King Zenter and Queen Gizzla, send their infant daughter Tribble through a portal to Earth, asking the Turtles to look after her, but Tribble causes big trouble for our heroes.

Title Reference: Three Men and a Baby
7510"Turtlemaniac"Rowby GorenSeptember 18, 1990 (1990-09-18)(Syndication)S04E07

An eccentric billionaire, Monroe Q. Flem, who is also a collector, wishes to collect every piece of TMNT memorabilia that he can get his evil hands on, including April O'Neil and the Turtles themselves.

Title Reference: Lisztomania
7611"Rondo in New York"Francis Moss and Ted PedersenSeptember 19, 1990 (1990-09-19)(Syndication)S04E08
A big-time Hollywood action movie star arrives in New York to promote his newest movie. Unfortunately, reality hits hard for Michaelangelo as he discovers that his movie idol is not all he's cracked up to be. Meanwhile, Shredder and Krang steal a substance that can bring inanimate objects to life.
7712"Planet of the Turtles"George SheaSeptember 20, 1990 (1990-09-20)(Syndication)S04E09
The Turtles must save the Earth from a massive energy drain and its Apocalyptic result by traveling to another planet where turtles are the dominant species.
7813"Name That Toon"Misty TaggartSeptember 21, 1990 (1990-09-21)(Syndication)S04E10
A Technodrome computer disguised as an electronic keyboard ends up on Earth, and in the most unlikely of hands.
7914"Raphael Knocks 'Em Dead"Jack MendelsohnSeptember 8, 1990 (1990-09-08)(CBS)S04E17

Raphael must contend with a mobster named Pinky McFingers when he is kidnapped from a local comedy club. (This is the only episode appearance of Baxter Stockman's twin brother Barney Stockman.)

Note: First appearance of Pinky McFingers.
8015"Slash – The Evil Turtle from Dimension X"David WiseSeptember 22, 1990 (1990-09-22)(CBS)S04E20

Bebop and Rocksteady use Krang's new Mutagen on Bebop's pet turtle Slash so he can do their housework for them. Slash runs away and is conned by an irritated entrepreneur into framing the TMNT. Note: First Appearance of Slash and Donald J. Lofty.

Note: Donald J. Lofty will return in the series The Big Zipp Attack

Note: Slash He will also return in the sixth season of the series Donatello Trashes Slash
8116"Leonardo Lightens Up"Dan DiStefanoSeptember 22, 1990 (1990-09-22)(CBS)S04E21
Frustrated with his bossy nature, Raphael and Michaelangelo accidentally shoot Leonardo with the personality modifying ray, turning him into a fun loving 'dude' who neglects his responsibilities. Donatello, Raphael and Michaelangelo must stop Maestro G. Cleff from destroying the city.
8217"Menace Maestro, Please" Martin Pasko September 24, 1990 (1990-09-24)(Syndication)S04E11
The Turtles meet Irma's boyfriend Howie, who has bought an old opera house with the intent of turning it into a nightclub. The Turtles must contend with the "Phantom of the Floxy", as does Shredder, who is planning to get the Technodrome back to Earth.
8318"Back to the Egg" Dennis Marks September 26, 1990 (1990-09-26)(Syndication)S04E13

Krang hires a multi-dimensional ring-master who intends on making the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles part of his circus by using an anti-aging serum. Leonardo and Michaelangelo are turned into 5 Year olds.

Title Reference: Back to the Egg
8419"Were-Rats from Channel 6"David WiseSeptember 29, 1990 (1990-09-29)(CBS)S04E22
After many failed attempts from his rodent subjects to find food, the Rat King learns of an abandoned canister of mutagen lost in the sewers and claims it for himself. Then, he kidnaps Irma and Vernon and uses the mutagen to transform them into his mutant slaves, for the sole purpose of raiding food warehouses. It is later discovered that the mutations are unstable and can only be active if the Rat King plays his hypnotic flute.
8520"Funny, They Shrunk Michaelangelo"Michael EdensSeptember 29, 1990 (1990-09-29)(CBS)S04E23

When Michaelangelo decides to put one of Donatello's inventions on max power for his own entertainment, he ends in a—quite literally—little problem. April and Vernon get caught in the shrinking ray while getting footage of a military ship and join Michaelangelo on his wild adventure.

Title reference: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
8621"The Big Zipp Attack"David WiseOctober 6, 1990 (1990-10-06)(CBS)S04E24

An alien called a "Zipp" is sent to Earth, but this little alien soon becomes a big problem.

Note: Donald J. Lofty as in the first appearance in the series Slash – The Evil Turtle from Dimension X

Note: Donald J. Lofty will return in the series Rebel Without a Fin
8722"Donatello Makes Time" Dennis Marks October 6, 1990 (1990-10-06)(CBS)S04E25
Donatello invents a machine that can freeze time, which a deranged professor steals as part of a plan to conquer the world.
8823"Farewell, Lotus Blossom!"David WiseOctober 13, 1990 (1990-10-13)(CBS)S04E26
Ninja Lotus Blossom's nightmares draw her to a strange artifact in the Turtles' possession. The artifact contains an angry spirit, whose dearest wife's spirit/soul is lying deep within Lotus herself.
8924"Rebel Without a Fin"Michael ReavesOctober 13, 1990 (1990-10-13)(CBS)S04E27

Dr. Polidorius, a mad scientist plotting to mutate all humanity into aquatic-beings, creates Ray (not the similarly-named Mighty Mutanimals character), who possesses several abilities of different marine species. Ray kidnaps April O'Neil, and Polidorius mutates her into a fish-woman to be Ray's mate.

Note: Donald J. Lofty As in the series Slash – The Evil Turtle from Dimension X and The Big Zipp Attack

Title reference: Rebel Without a Cause
9025"Rhino-Man"David WiseOctober 20, 1990 (1990-10-20)(CBS)S04E28
Rich tycoon J. Gordon HungerDunger runs a contest for the best superhero, with a phony diamond as a prize, to cover up a scheme to hypnotize the world. Even the Foot Clan gets suckered into this contest, with Bebop and Rocksteady dressing up as superheroes so they can win the diamond, and use to power up a laser Krang has created.
9126"Michaelangelo Meets Bugman" Dennis Marks October 20, 1990 (1990-10-20)(CBS)S04E29

Michaelangelo meets his favourite comic book hero after he saves a weakened Brick Bradley in the sewers, and then he and Bugman take on the evil Electrozapper together.

Note: He will return In the fifth season episode Michaelangelo Meets Bugman Again
9227"Poor Little Rich Turtle"David WiseOctober 27, 1990 (1990-10-27)(CBS)S04E30

The Turtles must baby-sit and protect a young rich girl named Buffy Shellhammer from Shredder and Krang, as she knows of a formula for a super fuel needed for the Technodrome.

Title reference: The Poor Little Rich Girl
9328"What's Michaelangelo Good For?"Ted Pedersen and Francis MossOctober 27, 1990 (1990-10-27)(CBS)S04E31
Michaelangelo must rescue the other Turtles when they are captured by an evil scientist.
9429"The Dimension X Story"David WiseNovember 3, 1990 (1990-11-03)(CBS)S04E32

Shredder has a plan to destroy the Turtles, but with the Technodrome's portal out of commission, he is unable to challenge them on Earth, so he uses the Dimensional Teleporter to bring his enemies to Dimension X.

Note: This is the final episode in which Michaelangelo uses nunchaku as his main weapon rather than a grappling hook.
9530"Donatello's Degree"Jack MendelsohnNovember 3, 1990 (1990-11-03)(CBS)S04E33

Donatello earns his degree from Sopho University, but discovers that he has been mistaken for a girl, so he asks Irma to masquerade as him. Meanwhile, the real Donatello discovers a plot by Professor Philo Sopho to destroy the Earth.

Note: First appearance of Professor Sopho.
9631"The Big Cufflink Caper!"David WiseSeptember 14, 1990 (1990-09-14)(CBS primetime) [4]
November 10, 1990 (CBS)		S04E34

The Turtles switch sides and discover that the Shredder is the main man behind a ring of cufflink thefts that has suddenly hit New York City.

Title reference: The Big Caper
9732"Leonardo Versus Tempestra"Misty TaggartNovember 10, 1990 (1990-11-10)(CBS)S04E35

Leonardo becomes addicted to a new arcade game, Tempestra's Revenge, which ends up affecting his usual routine. But when a freak power surge releases Tempestra from the cabinet, Leonardo has to stop her digital wrath before she becomes dangerously powerful.

Note: First appearance of Tempestra.
9833"Splinter Vanishes"Francis Moss and Ted PedersenNovember 17, 1990 (1990-11-17)(CBS)S04E36
Splinter has suddenly disappeared, and a note left behind from him forces the Turtles to go their separate ways, but one by one, they are captured by Leatherhead and the Rat King.
9934"Raphael Drives 'em Wild"Misty TaggartNovember 17, 1990 (1990-11-17)(CBS)S04E37
A machine called the Transmogrifier causes Raphael and a cab driver to swap bodies, and it is later discovered that a defect in that same small device could do some very big damage to the city if activated.
10035"Super Hero for a Day"Francis Moss and Ted PedersenNovember 24, 1990 (1990-11-24)(Syndication)S04E12

Gadget Man comes out of retirement after 50 years, but is tricked by Shredder into fighting against the Turtles.

Title Reference: King for a Day
10136"Beyond the Donatello Nebula"Dennis O'FlahertyNovember 24, 1990 (1990-11-24)(CBS)S04E38
While trying to contact the Turtle Nebula, Donatello meets an intelligent lizard alien named Algernon ("Algae" for short), who must help him and the other Turtles rescue April from a greedy man named Hostile Hiram Grelch.
10237"Big Bug Blunder"Michael ReevesNovember 24, 1990 (1990-11-24)(CBS)S04E39
A failed mutagen experiment results in an invasion of giant insects and arachnids in New York City.
10338"The Foot Soldiers Are Revolting"Michael ReavesDecember 1, 1990 (1990-12-01)(CBS)S04E40
A Foot Soldier named Alpha-1 has his intelligence increased, but it results in a Foot Soldier rebellion against Shredder and Krang and the duos exile from the Technodrome.
10439"Unidentified Flying Leonardo"Sean RocheDecember 1, 1990 (1990-12-01)(CBS)S04E41
While helping April investigate a report of giant monsters attacking a superstitious farming village, Leonardo is mistaken for an alien from another planet. The lone Turtle must avoid being hunted down into extinction while also trying to rescue April from a mad scientist.
10540"The Turtles and The Hare"Misty TaggartMarch 28, 1991 (1991-03-28)(Syndication)S04E14
The Turtles travel to a FairyTale Dimension in an attempt to save the city from Shredder's Docilizer, while also making friends with a local citizen of that dimension, Hokum Hare (based on the Hare character from "The Tortoise and the Hare").
10641"Once Upon a Time Machine"Michael MaurerMarch 29, 1991 (1991-03-29)(Syndication)S04E15

Set up as a follow-up episode, Hokum Hare and the Turtles hitch a ride on a time-traveling train to 2036, where they discover that Shredder has plans for the future New York City. Ultimately, the Turtles of both the past and the future must team up to thwart Shredder before his actions cause all of time to be destroyed. Title Reference: Once upon a time

Note: Final episode to be aired in Syndication.

Related Research Articles

Donatello (<i>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles</i>) Fictional character

Donatello, nicknamed Don or Donnie/Donny, is a superhero and one of the four main characters of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics and all related media. He is the smartest and often gentlest of his brothers, wearing a purple mask over his eyes. He wields a bō staff, his primary signature weapon in all media.

Shredder (<i>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles</i>) Fictional supervillain in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise

The Shredder is a supervillain and the main antagonist of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles media franchise created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. The character debuted in the Mirage Studios comic book Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1, and has since endured as the archenemy of the turtles and their Master Splinter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Krang</span> Fictional Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles character

Krang is a supervillain appearing in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-related media, most frequently in the 1987 animated series and its associated merchandise, such as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures comic book and many TMNT video games. The character has endured as one of the franchise's most prominent antagonists and a major foe of the Ninja Turtles.

<i>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles</i> (1987 TV series) American animated television series

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is an American animated television series produced by Fred Wolf Films, and based on the comic book characters created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. Set in New York City, the series follows the adventures of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and their allies as they battle the Shredder, Krang, and numerous other villains and criminals. The property was changed considerably from the darker-toned comics, to make it more suitable for children and families.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bebop and Rocksteady</span> Comics character

Bebop and Rocksteady are a fictional duo of a mutant warthog and mutant rhinoceros that have made appearances as characters in various media releases of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise. The two characters are henchmen who follow the orders of the franchise's chief antagonist, Shredder, the leader of the Foot Clan. Their names are both derived from genres of music: bebop is a style of jazz, while rocksteady is a Jamaican music style, a precursor to reggae.

Leatherhead (<i>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles</i>) Comics character

Leatherhead is a fictional character in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) comics and all related media. The character first appeared in Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #6 and was created by Ryan Brown. He is depicted as a mutated humanoid-alligator.

<i>Turtles Forever</i> 2009 animated superhero film

Turtles Forever is a 2009 American animated superhero television film directed by Roy Burdine and Lloyd Goldfine and written by Goldfine, Rob David, and Matthew Drdek. A crossover film featuring two different incarnations of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fighting together, it was produced in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the characters and serves as the finale to the 2003 TV series. The film aired on The CW4Kids on November 21, 2009.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is an American animated television series developed by Ciro Nieli, Joshua Sternin, and Jennifer Ventimilia for Nickelodeon, based on the characters created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. The series begins with the Turtles emerging from their sewer home for the first time, using their ninjutsu training to fight enemies in present-day New York City. The series ran in the United States from September 28, 2012, to November 12, 2017.

The first season of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is the first season of the series aired in syndication. At this point in the series, the Technodrome is located underneath New York City. Chronologically, this is the 5-part pilot episode, "Heroes in a Half Shell".

The second season of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles aired in syndication. For most of this season, the Technodrome is located in Dimension X and Shredder is without Krang's help.

The third season of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles aired in syndication. For most of this season, the Technodrome is located at the Earth's core. Transport modules with drills are used to travel between the Technodrome and the Earth's surface.

The fifth season of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles aired in 1991. First being located on the Volcanic Asteroid in Dimension X where it remained throughout season 4, for most of this season, the Technodrome is frozen at the North Pole. The transport modules from season 3 are reused, this time to drill underneath Canada and into New York City.

The sixth season of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles aired in 1992. In this season, the Technodrome is located at the bottom of the Arctic Ocean. Transport Modules are used to travel between the Technodrome and New York City.

The seventh season of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles chronologically begins where Episode 142 left off. The Technodrome is still located at the bottom of the Arctic Ocean until the last episode, when it is sent back to Dimension X for the third and final time. However the sideseason takes place during season 4, while the Technodrome is on the Volcanic Asteroid in Dimension X. These episodes were produced before Season 4 and aired in 1993 on the USA Cartoon Express. In Ireland, they aired in 1990 placed between seasons 4 and 5.

The eighth season of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles aired in 1994. From this point onwards, the show was retooled into a more action-based series. Among the changes, the tone of the show became darker and more serious, the art style changed significantly, and many of the previous notable characters were written out. There was also a new title sequence which added in clips from the first live-action film and stills from the first four episodes of season 8, and a new epic version of the theme song. These final three seasons are known as the "Red Sky episodes" amongst fans, because the sky was constantly portrayed as red, instead of the usual blue, complementing the overall darker tone. The Technodrome is now in Dimension X, while Krang, Shredder, Bebop and Rocksteady are stranded on Earth.

The ninth season of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles aired in 1995. With the turtles' usual enemies Shredder and Krang stuck in Dimension X with no way out following the destruction of the Technodrome, a new villain, Lord Dregg takes their place as the main villain of the series. The Technodrome is not seen in this season. This is also the last season with David Wise's input.

The tenth season of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1987 TV series was also its final season. Shredder and Krang return for a three part episode, and the Technodrome is still in Dimension X.

<i>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles</i> (Dreamwave Productions) Comic book published by Dreamwave Productions between June and December 2003

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a comic book published by Dreamwave Productions in 2003. The first four stories are based on episodes of the 2003 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles television series, but told from the view of supporting characters, before the creation of new stories, just as the original issues of TMNT Adventures followed the 1987 TV series before developing new stories.

References

  1. ↑ Mark Pellegrini (September 12, 2013). "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987) Season 4 Part 1 Review". Adventures in Poor Taste. Retrieved December 10, 2015.
  2. ↑ Mark Pellegrini (April 10, 2014). "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987) Season 4 Part 6 Review". Adventures in Poor Taste. Retrieved December 13, 2015.
  3. ↑ Mark Pellegrini (August 21, 2015). "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987) Season 7, Part 1 Review". Adventures in Poor Taste. Retrieved December 13, 2015.
  4. ↑ TV Guide, September 8–14, 1990
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