Can Ninjago's Story Be Saved?

[@Crusty783]

"There's always a trail to a better place" -Sally

[@Regeor]

I hope Dareth, Kai and Zane reunite with Sally in the future.

[@sanandreastr9573]

@@Regeor they already reunited in Ep29

[@matrixpictures7799]

ironically, i think sally was one of the weaker parts of season 15

[@xiaozhonghe9992]

sUrE

[@mc-inversal7069]

I dunno about the series' original story progression, but considering we're getting a soft reboot supposedly beyond 2023, and the format is hinted to be similar to monkie kid's animation style (including their studio), I'd say we're well on track for a more ninjago-series focused show. Then again, given monkie king eventually being de-shelved, and perhaps phased out (at least in products yes), maybe this means ninjago is also on it's way out. only time will tell. Can this now evolved and seasoned fanbase persevere, and hold together for that view count?

[@lycanfang4186]

Crystalized had a ton of flaws, but I think the main one was the conclusion just not feeling like the final battle. Lloyd doesn't defeat the overlord himself, there is no indication that he is the spinjitzu master there, and the overlord can just come back at any point. Kinda takes away any weight from it. I absolutely loved the season but was certainly disappointed that it amounted to pretty much nothing

[@dylansharp8471]

"it amounted to pretty much nothing" Weeeeeeelllllllllllll.......................

[@NewSaddo10Bros]

Considering what is happening in the new Ninjago Series I think the Overlord won’t be showing up besides just being mentioned

[@skylandersfan6954]

I think the Police Comissioner being with Harumi was an intentional detail given how every character in that scene is paired with another for some reason e.g. Jay, Nya and Benthomaar because Seabound or Kai, Skylor and Dareth as a callback to one of the scenes at the end of Tournament of Elements

[@lbricks7631]

Exactly.

[@theserpent8667]

Foreshadowing?

[@motivationalent]

Something they can do is have the og four ninja keep on thinking lloyd is crazy for redeeming her and the tensions between lloyd and the og keep going up and basically shows how Lloyd is really delusional which can cause a battle

[@cotwgamer1699]

The flaw that crystalized has also is that when Overlord told Garmadon and Lloyd that he is responsible for Great Devourer we need to see shocking reaction from Garmadon and Lloyd because his father face evil path because of Overlord and we need to see revenge and anger from both of them to the Overlord. And Lloyd had a chance to destroy Overlord for good but he refused.

[@ItzCornucopia]

Yes! This is something I would have loved to see!

[@epicphantom589]

Thinking about it, Harumi could actually be an interesting main member of the Ninja if she actually had a proper redemption. At first she would have kind of the same traitor reputation that Skylor had in Season 4, but she would also just be a really good teammate. She’s one of the most skilled non-Ninja characters in the series, and even Garmadon was talking about how capable she was. She’s just really good at getting the job done. Just don’t do the overused arc about her lack of powers. She would be a better 6th Ninja than Nya. Nya’s great, but she was better as one of the other members of the team. She was kind of like the responsible sister of the main group. She was the mechanic who set up all there gear, she had all the fun little interactions with Wu where they just mentally facepalmed at the main Ninja for being reckless and generally irresponsible. She didn’t just rush into battle, she was almost the secret weapon that would come in and save everyone as Samurai X. Now she’s just one of 6 Ninja who rarely gets any differentiation from the already too large cast of main characters. Also personal sidenote (that might get me canceled) the chemistry between the original four Ninja just being bros in the pilot and season 1 was way better than anything other character interaction. Side side note that’s probably already been mentioned a lot before but I’m not active in the Ninjago community: I hate how they act like Lloyd never met Garmadon before he got revived. Before season 4, Lloyd had spent a lot of time with Garmadon and really cared about him, but suddenly he’s all resentful and acts like they have so many unresolved issues. So much unnecessary angst that doesn’t even make sense. I guess they need to be relatable or something. Still, we got Christofern, the wise Vinny from NGTV News, and an interesting Garmadon arc that questions the nature of emotions and caring about people, so at least that’s pretty neat.

[@adenweiner5573]

I like your point of view completely agree with you!

[@djt08031996]

Tl;dr, but I feel like the best way to handle her going forward would be to lean into the father/daughter dynamic between her and Garmadon and her twisted sense of morality

[@l1ttl3ab77]

This may be a bad idea, but I think its might be pretty interesting for the new show to be about different individual characters while still having a focus on the ninja. Like each episode or 2 is about a certain side character or villains story or arc. Like a few episodes focused on harumi making amends, or an episode of dareth being a lawyer, or an episode of life of being royalty with vania or benthomar, or the life of being criminals like kilo and ultra violet. That's one way it would feel like a new show rather than just another season.

[@Crusty783]

this sounds awesome tbh!

[@musingsofahomeschooler5332]

A Dareth-centric episode would be pretty darn cringe

[@adenweiner5573]

Love it! Especially the part about having a few episodes dedicated to Harumi trying to make amends that I would love to see!

[@ΜάρκοςΣΚΙΑΔΑΣ]

July 2023 here. Dragons rising is clear proof of the brilliance and intelligence of the ninjago writers. Its really easy to realise that all the new (bad) elements that crystallized and the other more modern seasons brought to the show are completely droped , for example, haroumi and garmadon. With the new direction that the show is taking i personally think that it would be really difficult for the writers to put in a story specifically to fix the straight up bad characterisation that they received especially haroumi. So instead of doing this and possibly taking away the main focus of the story they completely ignored these previous elements and moved on , that way they don't have to look back to the pure garbage that was crystallized and make a stronger story. Basically they decannonized without decanonizing the whole vengstone saga(season 13-15), that way you can go from seasons 10 ,11,12 and even 13 to dragons rising and you will understand everything . That way everyone is happy, the crystallized haters can just say that it's not cannon and still watch dragons rising and the crystallized enjoyers can and have the right to say that it is cannon and watch dragons rising

[@adenweiner5573]

@user-hz7or2yv3x so Harumi or garmadon r not gonna show up, 😢🥺rumors are that Garmadon might be coming back in season 2? maybe we will harumi in future seasons?? like seasons 4 and 5 cause apparently i think we are only getting season 2 next year so if it is 1 season per year and imo by the time they get to it people might change their minds on Harumi and maybe more people would want her back then before people change their minds all the time the backslash from Crystalized would have probably died down by then with just questions on where the remaining characters aka Harumi are so they might bring her back for this reason to answer these questions what do u think? i really want her too and it was confirmed that season 2 is coming and possibly season 3 and the writers have lots of planned writing ahead, but it would be nice to see her as a good guy in Dragons Rising if she were to return tannerfishes said they might have 7 seasons so they might bring back old characters? Garmadon might coming back in season 2 (based on a 2024 set leak that tannerfishes did an analysis on) and possibly Pixal I mean zane had her picture on a broom and was talking to it if that isn't saying he misses his soulmate i don't know what is but yeah I really hope Harumi comes back

[@ryankwon8785]

Possible Storylines Prediction 1. Ninjago & Chima Crossover (Serpentine Origin) 2. Aliens and Space 3. Overlord Cult and Illuminati 4. The Overlord and the Oni 5. Another Tournament 6. Digital War (Unagami Support Character)

[@matrixpictures7799]

Steampunk would work to

[@xavi2008]

But why serpentine origin? The first spinjitzu master created them

[@myrmillo7986]

Pls no chima... chima sucks

[@Stickman_Productions]

Space has already been used but only for some comet thing Space and Aliens would actually be interesting because most of the things said have already been covered or from similar tropes. Ninjago is already modernized, since season 3.

[@jaysonguevarra1991]

Harumi should be doing community service in the new 2023 series. They could even mention her doing community service in one of first few episodes. This is how I imagine the conversation to go. Kai: So, how is Harumi doing? Cole: Yeah, we were meaning to ask. Lloyd: Still currently doing community service. Jay: How much longer till she’s done? Lloyd: They said it’s just a few more months or so until she’s done. Zane: Did Harumi say anything about joining the team? Lloyd: She haven’t said anything yet about joining the team. She did said she’ll think about it though. Zane: I think it’ll be good to have someone like her on team.

[@rubendecolombia4432]

Good prediction I do not know if Harumi joins the ninja. She might be a next ninja

[@leronelcock5765]

👍

[@musingsofahomeschooler5332]

Everyone: *stares at Zane in shock* Zane: What? It’s logical.

[@adenweiner5573]

Omg that is a fantastic idea Jayson Guervarra 😮 I can totally imagine them saying that! I really hope we get to see Harumi in the new 2023 series hopefully she’ll make an appearance, maybe there could be an episode opening where we see her doing community service and Lloyd comes asks how she’s doing and helps her for a bit as they talk and catch up? That would be really cute!

[@NoobTheNewt0987]

Thats what some people said originally about morro and it never happened, even though i wish it did

[@ObliSubX]

"The priority should be minimizing damage" Wise words indeed. As much as I love Crystalized (arround 70%) I still feel like they SHOULD REAAAAAALLY fix the damage of it. We need correction of the lore and every plot hole (and oh boy, are there many to fix) and most importantly we need a more finalishy battle better than the one in crystalized. Aaaaaand we ALSO NEEEEEED a BETTER final moments, and those final moments should : 1-Have a more ninjagoshy ending song instead what Crystalized did (the sally song). 2-Be at least 60% of the finale episode, because any ending in any show should be fleshed out, we can't just end it with "we defeated the bad guy, nice. Let's walk towards the sun in a dramatic way. So I guess.. you next season or whatever" you know what I mean?

[@GermanShepherd2]

To stop the overlord getting repetitive, make the overlord die in Crystalized but make a new dark entity to keep the balance of light and dark in check.

[@ayhamahmad2277]

The main problem is the way he lost he should be more powerful like he should be a oni and dragon and the oni form should have been used in season 10 against the oni

[@zephon6745]

I would have Harumi making cameos in the background of future seasons in a prison uniform doing work detail with other prisoners such as the Crystal Council. The Ninja would find a way to keep the Overlord sealed in a prison so they don't need to worry about him escaping.

[@lbricks7631]

The physical form of the Overlord was destroyed... He exists only in spirit, the place inbetween the Departed realm and Ninjago. That is where he met Harumi.

[@zephon6745]

@@lbricks7631 My suggestion is to seal him there so he can't return to Ninjago.

[@GermanShepherd2]

@@zephon6745 Isn't the overlord a part of the balance that needs to be kept though?

[@fulcrum2867]

While the story of the season is not great, I think it had alot of good ideas. However, I think the biggest thing lacking from the current seasons is stakes. No real consequences have happened from any of the story arches. While ninjago has always had this problem, its just getting more extreme. Jay and Kai should have had proper arches to deal with losing Nya, Nya herself shouldn't have been brought back with how they treated her. And Garmadon should have died for the last time, allowing Lloyd to embrace the oni side and learn to control it.

[@dylansharp8471]

"with how they treated her" What?

[@kobehope501]

Harumi should have been replaced with Pythor in crystallised because it wouldn’t ruin Harumi and it would be a call back to rebooted!

[@lbricks7631]

It wouldn't be a callback, it would just be another thing for crusty to rage about, calling it "lazy writing", as it is a reuse of old plot threads.

[@kobehope501]

@@lbricks7631 It would be better than what we got, and pythor will actually have something to do and an explanation for why he disappeared

[@Crusty783]

if they do something new with the character it isnt lazy. problem with current overlord and crystal council is they end up in pretty much the same place they were before the season making me wonder why they were even here

[@ayhamahmad2277]

​@@Crusty783the problem is the season happened way too early and the way overlord lost was stupid

[@STEPZERO0]

I think my biggest problem with Harumi's redemption arc is that it couldn't even be considered an arc. Sure, she had a FEW moments of regret throughout the season, but it doesn't really build up to anything because it's not relating at all to her getting angry at the Overlord for controlling the Devourer.

[@skylandersfan6954]

Nah tbf, I though the point of that arc was that she was being manipulated and lied to by the Overlord and that was the climax of that arc

[@madisonyomans9004]

@@skylandersfan6954 I think a lot of people have had that theory, but I think that’s what they were going for because there are moments that do suggest that but it just was never properly executed.

[@Random_Idiot_1020]

One thing became extremely clear with Crystalized: They don't know what to do with the main characters anymore. Think about it, Lloyd has an arc that contradicts itself, Nya does the whole losing and gaining powers thing we've seen a million times before, and the OG 4 do nothing for 90% of the season. I think a new cast is in order for 2023 and beyond. Yeah you could show what the original cast is up to after Crystalized, but I think a new group of ninja could bring new ideas to the table.

[@ButteredBread201]

They should have just kept her merged with the sea.

[@CalvinNoire]

I would like to see the old ninjago team become masters of their elements. Like, some of the parents in the original team were elemental masters.

[@dylansharp8471]

"They don't know what to do with the main characters anymore" "and the OG 4 do nothing for 90% of the season" Wrong on so many levels.

[@NoobTheNewt0987]

@@dylansharp8471 But the first part is true, we waited a few months to watch ninjago for the council of the crystal king and they didnt do much with them at all other than being fanservice, Nyas mom who watched her sacrifice herself didnt even talk to Nya, Kai and Jay had a fight in the trailer than looked like it was supposed to be important but they didnt do much with it, ice emperor didnt even need to appear, Ronin was wasted, 99% of characters from the final fight were just there for fan service

[@aplaster394]

They should do a prequel series, to go more into depth of how Ninjago was created and how Garmadon became evil.

[@Queen_of_chaos]

This is kinda why I quit watching ninjago back in late 2019 because it just got to the point where half of the storyline makes sense and then we have the other half that doesn’t make any sense to the storyline. I remember watching ninjago back in 2012 and it’s just a shame that we are having to see the downfall of the show unless they can step up their game. Great video btw! You got another sub from me! ❤

[@catholicfemininity2126]

I felt empty after watching thsi season, it's because it didn't feel like a final battle, and the character development was handled terribly and given no closure, there were lots of inconsistencies and the villain wasn't defeated by the main character.... also, Zane was slain by the overlord in season 3 right? Why no mention of that? Did the writers not watch the show?

[@JustanNPC4]

My theory going into this season was that Lloyd would embrace both sides and become the balance so that could happen (probably not but still)

[@dauntless_5628]

When Harumi was resurrected there should have been hints that the Overlord was controlling her like purple eyes, purple hair streaks, etc maybe a slightly distorted voice and when the Overlord revealed he was the cause of The Great Devourer she breaks from his control and attacks him but gets hit away and wakes up when the Overlord is defeated confused about everything going on (Edit Yes I’m horrible with punctuation)

[@tahaimtiaz7554]

They should have kept nya "dead" but made her appear in the finale. BUT LIKE WHY THE FUCK DID THEY ONLY USE NYAD IN 1 FUCKING EPISODE BRO LIKE WTH. LIKE SHE COULD HAVE BEEN A GREAT ALLY FOR THE NINJA.

[@Blueboysback]

Man thank GOD dragons rising is doing what it’s doing cause this franchise gained new blood and became INCREDIBLE

[@gamejitzu]

I really do think the 2023 series will be completely new. Like it won't just be the 6 ninja, but new characters and stories entirely. So I doubt they'll want to spend that time patching up a season, that in and of itself was supposed to patch everything up. But even if it does keep the same cast, the new season is probably being produced right now. They won't really have the time to incorporate feedback until the next, next season

[@suby0137]

Nope it’s just a new series, same ninja

[@gamejitzu]

@@suby0137 We got new info? I thought we didn't know what it'd be about. Besides that "quest for powers" book

[@suby0137]

@@gamejitzu nah look at tanner fishes video, I forgot which 1, but he said it’s not a reboot

[@gamejitzu]

​@@suby0137 "Completely new" doesn't have to mean a reboot. I said it won't "just" be the 6 ninja. As in, the core 6 ninja wouldn't be the _only_ main characters in United. Also, youtubers like Tanner don't have special information, he doesn't partner with Lego or get leaks early. Idk why you'd trust a random youtuber's word

[@suby0137]

@@gamejitzuit ain’t a random KZbinr he makes vids about the leaks that’s how I knew, yes there is some new characters we already knew long before it even came out, you just haven’t researched sorry man, plus this comment like a year old

[@ZeroJump]

Well they also put the police officer behind ronin in Seabound so she will probrably go to Prison

[@Crusty783]

that was only because there needed to be an explanation for how ronin is there after being imprisoned tho

[@anakinskywalker6598]

Season 10's ending was a million times better

[@rishusri]

I do agree with you but my theory is that when the golden weapons the creation became a dragon after destroying the overlord the destruction they faded away so destruction got destroyed and creation faded away so the overlord cannot return.When wu said the ninja power will come back he just meant the ninja not golden weapons powers they are still lost creation is still lost thus with both sides gone the balance is the same.

[@PToTheJay]

I hope that the 2023 show will change the show up as much as they can. If it‘s considered a new series, that means that there are probably going to be completely new settings (like… the remaining realms) and higher stakes because a new cast of characters is likely (which means one of the ninja might die). While I know that starting a new show with a completely new writing team is kind of a red flag, I see thus show as an oppurtunity, not a threat.

[@Wind_Cursed]

Honestly, I think the new show can either be really great or really terrible. We just have to see how it ends up. Though, I do like the idea of including other realms. Imagine going to the Departed Realm and the Neverrealm again. We might be able to see some fan favorites return! Also, they really should confirm what the other realms are. I have a feeling they know exactly what the other realms are but that haven't told or shown us, yet. Either that or 15 other realms seemed like a good number and they just decided to go with it even if they aren't sure what the other realms could be

[@PToTheJay]

@@Wind_Cursed I am a fan of the show, but given how often they improvise, it‘s probably option 2 for the realms, but I am still kind of scared and mostly excited for 2023.

[@lbricks7631]

Why do you want a ninja to die?

[@PToTheJay]

@@lbricks7631 I‘m not saying that this is an obligation of the new show, but it would be better and more interesting than the 7000000000000 Disney Sequel Fakeout Deaths in the previous season. Ninjago needs cobsequences again and this would be the most effective way.

[@Wind_Cursed]

@@eashgirl2125 Yes! That would be very interesting!

[@Regeor]

2:04 I hope Harumi gets trialled by Judge Toughbutt and gets banished or life in prison

[@Uniunea-Nord-Atlantica]

What?! Why?

[@Regeor]

@@Uniunea-Nord-Atlantica Because she has committed a crazy amount of crimes and doesn’t deserve to be let free. If the ninja get 5 years in Kryptarium (taking into account that they’ve helped the city), then Harumi should have a much worse punishment, she hasn’t redeemed herself at all

[@jaysonguevarra1991]

@@Regeor She actually do community service

[@ijx659]

@@jaysonguevarra1991 Where'd you get that information from ??

[@segterbro3191]

Yes! Finally Crusty! I love your channel

[@Crusty783]

ty!

[@ZertrxIsontop]

I don't know why I like Harumi to be a ninja it would be so funny, haha and I am happy she is back, but I think putting her in jail is a great idea for next year I can't wait for the future!

[@bigpingus7525]

I'm looking at these comments and I feel like most of these individuals are following and still riding off of the new season/crystallised hype train. It's gonna be while before these people realise that Crystallised isn't as good as it is made out to be (Blatant fan service with returning chars and oni Lloyd). This season isn't that good due to its rushed writing in the second half (, misinterpretation of characters (Lloyd, Nya, Harumi), plot holes, along with poor execution of the aforementioned concepts(we literally got to see Oni Lloyd for a solid minute.) I'm hoping that some of the concepts in Crystallised are brought up in future seasons if the new series will even be about the OG ninja.

[@dylansharp8471]

Misinterpretation?

[@bigpingus7525]

@@dylansharp8471 what do you mean?

[@astro-ko3cu]

Harumi did way too much damage to be redeemed in my opinion. She was responsible for the murderer of Ninjago s emperor,empress and the guards/servents who died in flames. (We never learned who actually burned the palace but i believe it was harumi or one of the SOG) A bunch of random people dying in the final episodes of seasons 8 and 9and probably in season 9 episode 8 because of the oni titan which is controlled by the same person harumi reserected. She even probably overthrowed a government .Not to mention forming a group of criminals.

[@MrChampion2024]

Ayo crusty I’m sorry for what I said in the past about episode 10 of crystalized That was pretty stupid ,and even tho I don’t like Sally(and That’s not quite because she’s lgbt),Zane’s development was very well written and the message about emotions was well written,and I can understand why you liked Zane’s development (and I also liked Zane during crystalized) Sorry P.S: But Crystalized wasn’t that unoriginal And the Overlord returned because he’s the main character of Ninjago and he’s the dark part of the balance,a representation of all evil in this show And he needed some closure and the balance thing needs to be restored and he needed to be gone for good And he had a very Nice motivation this season And ;also,Harumi being OK with the citizens turning into “zombies” is natural Because That’s the motivation of the Overlord : you can’t save everyone, So save no one . Make the evil win : eradicate the human weaknesses and emotions , that will create conflict . While the citizens are under his control,they will be “happier”

[@lbricks7631]

Well reasoned.

[@MrChampion2024]

@@lbricks7631 thanks

[@Nabnab_TheTwistedOne]

I feel like Oni Lloyd and the Golden ultra dragon should combine their powers together so that both sides of the balance destroy the overlord for ever. It's like he was erased forever

[@dominothealphaandomega5512]

I’m Thinking about doing a Crystalized Rewrite in the form of a Ninjago movie Screenplay… By that I mean I’m not Rewriting the Season AT ALL, and am just writing a Ninjago Movie because of how mad I am about Crystalized being as terrible as it was, this Movie will serve as my ending of sorts to the series

[@MatthewK122]

I wish they make overlord smarter

[@bedrock_breaker]

NYA TAXI

[@Crusty783]

going from sea goddess from glorified uber you LOVE to see it

[@SkylerMeyers]

Maybe harmi can be a alley to the ninjas

[@SkyLord1846]

I still think Crystallized is awesome 😎. While I think it’s awesome, I can see where you’re coming from.

[@TheGhostOfTK]

After the explanation...Lloyd is like uncle Rufus 💀 he's racist to Oni past season 9

[@legendarybluepegasus2687]

Personally, I do like the new seasons of Ninjago and I don't hate Crystallize, it's in the middle for me, but with all that said I do agree we do need some changes in the Ninjago story

[@orion9630]

I think the way they did the Overlord was good

[@MidQuality10]

Crusty I've Been Watching Ninjago For The Past 11 Years And Could Agree Crystalized Is In Some Areas Is Bad But I Caught A Small Detail, That Harumi Didn't Just Go Good But Actually Realized That The Overlord Was The One That Actually Killed Her Parents And I Quote " I't Was I Who Corrupted The Great Devour And Set Him Against You"-The Overlord Thank you (just why i think harumi went good) PS: pls no hate

[@hiiamjustacoolrandomuser168]

That is what I thought

[@NoobTheNewt0987]

That makes Harumi's character make even less sense, she recruited Pythor, the one guy who set the great devour against ninjago and was okay with him

[@hiiamjustacoolrandomuser168]

@@NoobTheNewt0987 Yk maybe she didn't do her research?

[@NoobTheNewt0987]

@@hiiamjustacoolrandomuser168 Thats not true, everyone in ninjago knows it was pythor, the museum guy, forgettable side characters and a bunch of other people

[@SkylerMeyers]

Harmi truns from bad to good

[@musingsofahomeschooler5332]

I am cautiously optimistic about the 2023 future of the brand. I agree that it’s time to move away from the titular ninja as main characters. I’d be fine with a spinoff sequel centering around new characters and villains, or even the “New Ninja” (TM). You’re absolutely right that the series needs new ideas in order to survive. The Hagemans knew that, and in my opinion, the show failed from the moment they left. While many are dissatisfied with Crystallized and want some damage control, I’ve long been let down by the new content ever since Forbidden Spinjitzu. Ultimately I believe the biggest problem is the inconsistent tone. All of the post-Hageman seasons desperately long for their suspense to be taken seriously, but I simply can’t do that given the avalanche of shallow comedy that their episodes force-feed me. If you enjoy the recent seasons’ comedic style, good for you. But personally, the contrast between massive stakes and random gags delivered by extremely shallow side characters just makes for a cringey viewing experience. When the writers themselves don’t take the show’s drama seriously, it’s nigh impossible for the audience to. Each of the Hagemans’ seasons, Tournament and Sons of Garmadon especially, masterfully balanced comedy and suspense. One of the Hagemans’ greatest narrative strengths is their ability to craft intimidating and compelling antagonists, and good villains have been sorely lacking since their departure. I imagine part of the reason previous villains keep getting resurrected is that the new writers don’t have any solid characters of their own creation. There’s nothing wrong with a show having a comedic and lighthearted tone, or having a dark and suspenseful one. But doing both simultaneously, while possible, is extremely challenging. Perhaps the 2023 ninjago’s spinoff could lean into the comedic and fun angle, perhaps changing the animation and writing style to something reminiscent of Monkie Kid or Rise of the TMNT. Or perhaps the series could finally cater to older fans and deliver a dark storyline that reduces comedy and fleshes out its characters deeply. Either would satisfy me if it were done well. I’m not celebrating Tommy’s retirement, but I think the single best thing for the series would be a new team of writers, preferably with extensive experience. A new beginning is a chance for the creative team to learn from their mistakes. I believe a huge advantage would be writers’ ability to outline plot points and character arcs between seasons, rather than making each season a generally self-contained story. Even the Hagemans were confined by this limitation, and when they had a chance to tell a multi-season plot with SOG/Hunted, the result was truly amazing. In my mind, Ninjago ended after March of the Oni. The Hagemans delivered a satisfying conclusion, and have since gone on to produce more amazing animated content. (Can’t wait for the next season of Star Trek: Prodigy!) As for the future, I am hungry for content of a kind I’ve never seen before. If I had my way, Ninjago 2023 would be a dark plot-driven series centered around a new generation of heroes. (The Ninja proper are long overdue for a retirement. And Lloyd definitely needs therapy at this point.) I’d also love to see one of the good guys have a corruption arc spanning multiple seasons. Something like that would impress even Dan and Kevin. Much like the post-endgame MCU, it’s probably also time to take a step back from end-of-the-world stakes and do a more grounded storyline. (Note to self: move out of Ninjago city.) But hey, I’m not the one in control, and I accept that. If you’re unsatisfied with certain parts of your favorite show, I encourage you to embrace the power of headcanon. In the meantime, nothing can take away the original content, the early seasons that made Ninjago great. I wish Tommy the best, and I won’t be losing any sleep over the future of this series.

[@dylansharp8471]

How could you not like PE, MOTM, and Seabound?! "Ultimately I believe the biggest problem is the inconsistent tone. All of the post-Hageman seasons desperately long for their suspense to be taken seriously, but I simply can’t do that given the avalanche of shallow comedy that their episodes force-feed me. If you enjoy the recent seasons’ comedic style, good for you. But personally, the contrast between massive stakes and random gags delivered by extremely shallow side characters just makes for a cringey viewing experience. When the writers themselves don’t take the show’s drama seriously, it’s nigh impossible for the audience to. Each of the Hagemans’ seasons, Tournament and Sons of Garmadon especially, masterfully balanced comedy and suspense. One of the Hagemans’ greatest narrative strengths is their ability to craft intimidating and compelling antagonists, and good villains have been sorely lacking since their departure. I imagine part of the reason previous villains keep getting resurrected is that the new writers don’t have any solid characters of their own creation" I find most of that total bull.

[@musingsofahomeschooler5332]

@@dylansharp8471 good for you

[@bigguy952]

Isn’t this essentially the last season of this series of Ninjago? The brand is coming back but not sure if they plan to do a reboot of sorts or continue on from the movie universe TBH I would love for them to go into multiverse (especially since they were copying Marvel Cinematic Universe with the Crystalized poster being like Avengers Endgame poster). And actually connect to other Lego universes like Chima, Nexo Knights, and Monkie Kid

[@Crusty783]

they've confirmed that 2023 isnt a reboot

[@darriongeorge5137]

It was confirmed chums and ninjago are a multiverse since chums is one of the 14 realms

[@dylansharp8471]

@@darriongeorge5137 Are Realms the same thing as the Multiverse.

[@wutrump4329]

I thought that If nya used her powers too much she might turn into the sea again

[@rafaelrivera7594]

Tbh i didnt know so many people didnt notice SHE DOESNT HAVE POWER(not screming btw)she has a little bit of powers not all of it cause the moment she gains all her power she is gonna become a living pool

[@hannawhite7605]

@@rafaelrivera7594 i think so too

[@hannawhite7605]

if the ninja are in it the 2023 season i want being the sea for a whole year to have some affect on nya physically or mentally

[@jaysonguevarra1991]

I think that there should be a Ninjago interactive show on Netflix or something. Like basically every five minutes or so you have to pick an option. For example: There could be a part where two of ninja are in trouble and you have to save one of them. Let’s just say it’s Kai or Cole. If you choose to save Kai then Cole gets captured and vice versa.

[@PK_HH]

I think that overlord shouldmake him self childrens and after his defet they become main overlord villians

[@fortunemuderhwa9318]

Why does everyone just completely ignore the fact that the ninja would have straight up lost if Nya wasn't brought back?

[@matrixpictures7799]

it was like that because it was MADE that way

[@ZeroJump]

Everything Nya did could have been done by pixal

[@lbricks7631]

Nya certainly helped, but theoretically the Ninja could have won without her. Her call to the Merlopians was helpful, but not instrumental, in defeating the Crystal Army.

[@Crusty783]

she definitely did help by calling the merlopians but the problem is that nya being reduced to being useless without her powers is upsetting to me

[@fortunemuderhwa9318]

@@Crusty783 no I mean she literally saved their lives right after surviving an exploding monastery and all that without powers

[@thegreenninja4519]

The thing that they should change for the 2023 installment is the episode runtime but I know it's not the topic for this video. They did not defeat the overlord right because lloyd defeated him the same way he did in season 2. Dan & Kevin hageman we don't need more 11 minute stories. It's time for a new episode runtime

[@cotwgamer1699]

I was loving their relationship in the beginning but after all comments and episodes that i watched i think that they are not good for each other because she need to face her fine in prison for life she killed her adoptive parents cause too much trouble in Ninjago in two seasons, manipulate over Lloyd, but i think she liking Lloyd because he is cute guy and good and have same storyline of being evil for several of episodes, and they can't look each other in eye because Harumi will see what she done and Lloyd also will see what all she done for him bad, so maybe they need to be friends only, he can't trust her anyomore. But also Garmadon killed Mystake and few times almost killed Lloyd and Lloyd cannot trust him anymore like before but we will see in future.

[@coolvideoskhatamovs4264]

They just left DR Season 1 with 0 clues of Harumi's existence at all lol (best decision btw).

[@Angela-ur5yf]

Tbh I rlly don't want Haurmi to join, apart from that I just don't like how Lloyd treats her as some better beeing that can trully do no wrong ( as in no matter what she does "there's still good in her") I just think there would be TOO MANY CHARACTERS IN MAIN TEAM Im not that big on Pixal beeing there while she helped a lot I'm glad they kept her on a side lines bc there would be just too many characters to focus on and with 11 minut format we wouldn't even have time to explore them! For me ever since that 11 format we bearly have time for original team ( we usually focus on idk 2 max characters ) Let alone if we add even more ! Lego ninjago fallen into beeing repetetive bc welp it runs for so long, personally I think that peak of NInjago was Morro arc The Skybound I rlly liked too dispite people seemingly disslike it, but it did good on exploring Jay a little more + it build up his and Nya's realtionship which was good after that whole thing in season 3 While im not the biggest fan of Son's of Garmadon bc it randomly changed stuff ( JUST BC) I do admit that quality wise it was good and I was rlly hyped for some moments , and while I don't rlly like other ninja's re-disign Lloyd is deffinetly and upgrade but Son's of Garmadon kinda set era of ninjago where idk even how to describe it it just got very static and rushed, we techincly go places but idk another giant serpant, new snake people, that one season where they go to diferent world had potential but i feel like it didn't fully delivered :/ Baiscly apart from Lloyd and maybe Cole everyone feels like...kinda not themselves and bit of a downgrade? Like yea Lloyd is different but it's a rlly nice and logical change, since dude was baiscly robbed off childhood and he fought for allmost his whole life I would honestly even enjoy other ninja get concerned about his mental state once in the while, instead they just pushh Lloyd to be this leader with all the answers and other ninja's usually don't get ot shine like they did before Sons of Garmadon they just all feel like suportive cast for Lloyd Or while I don't think everyone would like that... idk at least ONE episode where Lloyd meets nice normal girl his age and she shows him good time as a normal teen without fearing for his life + maybe to show Lloyd what HEALTHY REALTIONSHIP looks like I'm aware that ninjago haven't focused on stuff like mental issues bc it's more focused on action, but you know what with Puss in Boots the last with success maybe this kind of bold change could atcually work and make show feel fresh ^^

[@skylandersfan6954]

Seasons like Hunted, Master of the Mountain and Seabound definitely aren't rushed

[@Angela-ur5yf]

@@skylandersfan6954 I can't say for Hunted since I don't remember much but just so you know I don't mean that overall Story is rushed but Episodes, like events that happen- happen fast and there is no much time to explore ^^ Like I don't hate those But i definetly prefered ninjago before Sons of Garmadon 🤷‍♀️

[@skylandersfan6954]

@@Angela-ur5yf Idk, areas like The Never Realm and Shintaro have some of the best worldbuilding in the series so I dont think thats true

[@Angela-ur5yf]

@@skylandersfan6954 all up to taste ;)

[@footballfellas]

If harumi gets arrested the ninja should also be arrested because they released aspheera

[@arbenzotaj8342]

but the ninja will be pardoned just like in skybound.

[@jaysonguevarra1991]

I know this haves nothing to do with the show but I really want a Ninjago movie prequel that shows how the Secret Ninja Force came to be.

[@jaysonguevarra1991]

Here is it how the movie will go. In this story of how Lloyd became part of the Secret Ninja Force he is fourteen making him a freshman. Making Lloyd a sophomore in Lego Ninjago Movie. It’s basically his first day in high school. He didn’t have any friends in his previous schools. He barely made friends anywhere. Little did he know his life would change. Later on when school was over he found a note in his locker to come to the abandoned warehouse that would later because his secret hideout. There he meets Kai, Nya, Jay, Cole and Zane. Lloyd realized that they go to his school. He asks why they are here and they said they were told to come here. Master Wu then comes out of hiding. Lloyd recognizes him as his uncle. He tells the ninja he needs help fighting his brother Lord Garmadon. He then gives them their ninja suits and tells each of them their names. After finding out they were teaming with the son of Garmadon they all (except for Zane) hesitated but agreed. At this point in time they don’t have their mechs yet. The next day after school they start training then Garmadon attacks. The ninja use the skills they’ve just learned to fight Garmadon’s army. When the battle was done everyone thanked them and asked who they are. One of them said they are the Fire Ninja, Earth Ninja, Water Ninja, Lightning Ninja, Ice Ninja and the Green Ninja. (Probably not in that order though) They said that are the Secret Ninja Force. The next day in school everyone is taking about Lloyd and the rest of the Secret Ninja Force. Over the time Kai, Jay, Cole and Nya grew to like Lloyd and became friends with him. With Zane joining them. They protect Lloyd from the bullies and kept him safe. They also gave each other their numbers and made a group chat. Later on they fight Garmadon and his army again with Lloyd getting hurt. They fight off the rest of Garmadon’s army and help Lloyd. They take Lloyd to their secret base and he heals. Master Wu congratulates them and tells them to go home. A few weeks pass and Master Wu tells them he haves a surprise for them. He then reveals that they each get their own mechs the same ones we’ve seen in the original Ninjago Movie. They then go inside their mechs and say Ninjago. After that they leave ready to fight Garmadon. Once they leave the end credits roll and the movie ends.

[@gameranger9770]

I agree with the Hagmen brothers ninjago needs new characters like a next generation

[@storyationstudios7582]

Harumi being like cat women question mark? Lol

[@Crusty783]

this would go hard actually. i like it

[@squibydoesalittletrolling]

this is something iv'e actually thought about. I think i actually have a functioning plot, let me know where to send it for free clout when im done. It's a fan re-write, but i think it could have some merrit.

[@JN-ln5ey]

It was fixed, but in a way no one expected.

[@khushidudy6293]

overlord : i always come back (seriously the guy is basically the william afton of ninjago)

[@ninjaneverquit8899]

your videos are amazing!

[@Crusty783]

ty! c:

[@DailyRoLord]

W video. i think honestly 2023 should start anew. The show isn’t able to produce interesting stories for its characters, and I don’t have faith that what Crystalized did can be salvaged

[@lbricks7631]

In your opinion. I find Crystalised to be entertaining and satisfying.

[@Crusty783]

On the one hand, I agree. On the other hand doing that would feel like the equivalent of a Ninjago hit-and-run.

[@Crusty783]

@@lbricks7631 yeah of course its his opinion. his comment started with "I think"

[@dylansharp8471]

"The show isn’t able to produce interesting stories for its characters, and I don’t have faith that what Crystalized did can be salvaged" Ha ha ha. ........oh god, you're not serious are you?

[@Spicy_Spoons]

Honestly besides Nya getting screwed over and 1 or 2 episodes in part 2 not being needed. Crystalized was pretty good, I understood why Lloyd was so mad at his father. Lloyd tried to get through to his father in season 8 and failed plus with his dad being way different from before due to his resurrection Lloyd truly thought he wouldn't get his father back. I only wish Lloyd realized his father was changing and trying to grow. While Mystake is one example of an Oni that doesn't try to take over Ninjago, it seems if an Oni is put in a position to start caring about something they will start to change. Obviously probably not the case for most Oni though. I wouldn't say the Oni are "Evil" more so just doing what they were born to do, destroy. It is also clear that if a Oni can change its nature than a Dragon can also change its nature. As for the Oni form it seems it has different rules than Garmadon's powers and true potential. Garmadon was fueled by the fight unable to power up without conflict. However, we don't fully understand Garmadon's Oni powers. For all we know Oni for could be like Ares the God of War, Ares gets his power from Conflict and Rage. So many this is how Oni form is achieved by conflict and rage, and this is why Lloyd is afraid of it, because his biggest fear is being like his father angry and destructive. In season 9 there was a tiny time jump to where the S.O.G. had taken over the city. Clearly since the ninja were in the 1st realm and the resistance was in hiding the city was taken without a fight. Yet, Garmadon still had total control of his powers meaning that the fight makes his powers stronger, but he won't lose them overtime. The conflict and overall chaos in season 9 has to be the reason Garmadon had control of his powers, otherwise he would have to recharge to fight every so often. Eventually, everyone that comes into contact with Garmadon would just not fight him and he would be forever powerless. This means that because the Ninja and the resistance took out the stone giant and S.O.G. plus Lloyd starting to realize where Garmadons power comes from, ultimately made Garmadon's powers disappear. Plus as stated in the show Oni have dark magic and are very violent and seem to fight a lot. I mean they have 3 masks named Hatred, Vengeance, and Deception clearly some kind of rage fuels the powers of an Oni. The mask of Deception I think is a reference to the Oni being able to shapeshift. The mask of Vengeance I think is a reference to the Oni's hunger to destroy. As for the mask of Hatred I think it is a reference to the overall power and destruction the Oni can cause. I think rage and conflict fuel Oni powers and the fight as Garmadon states just makes those powers stronger, because if it was the other way around it wouldn't really make sense. This is a theory I made as it seems full blooded Oni's ignore the rules Garmadon has to follow with his powers. As for Lloyd thinking there is still good in Harumi it makes sense. Harumi got Lloyd to fall in love with her so it does make sense that Lloyd still has those feelings for her. If this was anyone else like Pythor or Aspheera Lloyd would've taken them out first chance he got. Also at the end of crystalized it seems like Kai, Zane, Jay, and Cole for the moment no longer have elemental powers. I hope this means if they end up getting them back, that they get their power dragons back. Overall I think crystalize was pretty epic, but I hope they do something with Pythor because he has been gone for such a long time and I would love to see what he has cooking in the kitchen.

[@dylansharp8471]

"Nya getting screwed over" What now?

[@Spicy_Spoons]

@@dylansharp8471 Well Nya didn't get to do much in crystallized. And when she did, she would either taxi for the Ninja or just lose a fight against the mechanic. Nya is a great fighter and she got dragged down.

[@Captain_Griff]

Even tho i realy like Crystalized i see why some people don't like it , the finale is top 6 worst but i still enjoy the finale (Oni Lloyd was disapointing) .

[@ayhamahmad2277]

The oni lioyd should have been introduced in season 10

[@dakotadoyle7573]

I feel that in terms of villains and non character stakes, the 2023 season should be a back to basics season

[@maxwell6881]

personally i think harumi should go to prison, meet killow, start rehabilitating, and maybe eventually be a ninja's ally

[@That_0neGuy56]

I hope someone creates a fan-made remake of Ninjago Crystilized to see how stuff could be changed, and improved.

[@Hot_SpicyGrill]

I think it would be really funny if they do fully redeem her after a few seasons. I think would be funny if she falls in love with coal or clutch. Lol. Just a random character who isn’t loyd.

[@lbricks7631]

The former criminals and Harumi are not held for their past crimes as they were REDEEMED. Its whats called a happy ending that Tommy wanted to leave his series on. I respect that.

[@Crusty783]

i respect his vision although i strongly disagree with it and feel it goes against what made previous seasons so good. just me tho :)

[@matrixpictures7799]

She wasn't "redeemed" she just found somebody else to blame for her problems. She didn't even say sorry to Lloyd. Just because she changed sides doesn't change the fact that she terrorized and indirectly killed plenty of people on top of mentally abusing Lloyd by manipulating him and seemingly kill all his friends.

[@lbricks7631]

Just imagine this: It doesn't need saving.

[@Crusty783]

valid! im glad you enjoyed it.

[@ButteredBread201]

Ninjago is just a dumpster fire now. They really should've ended it at Seabound 😑.

[@l1ttl3ab77]

@@ButteredBread201 what? Seabound is one of the worst points to end the show. Also dumpster fire is pretty harsh

[@doctorboi4314]

Should of ended at march of oni or hands of time

[@l1ttl3ab77]

@@doctorboi4314 march of the oni? Maybe. Hands of time for sure not.

[@rip_crystalking]

Tanner made a video that says we can buy golden Oni lloyd in a magazine so can u send me the link of the magazine

[@Crusty783]

idk where the link would be. it'll show up in european convenience stores at some point

[@jaydenjitzu6878]

Bro stop bothering Crusty man, just buy it yourself. Stop bugging him.

[@rip_crystalking]

@@jaydenjitzu6878 I was asking from where to buy it bruh

[@rip_crystalking]

Because he has more knowledge than me

[@rip_crystalking]

@@Crusty783 thank you crusty

[@ZayTh3God]

Nah I disagree with you for the overlord part they need to give him more or backstory in united and they also need to give the overlord an offspring like the fsm master got his offsprings

[@suby0137]

The storyline dosent need fixing, I think it’s fine

[@dvqjacks7735]

This is irrelevant, but if anyone wants to know their DNA make-up: FSM: 50% Oni and 50% Dragon Wu and Garmadon: 50% Human, 25% Oni and 25% Dragon. Lloyd: 75% Human, 12.5% Oni and 12.5% Dragon

[@leronelcock5765]

Ninjago could be saved from some stuff that the plot in crystalized ruined but this season was really pointless for me so what ever Ninjago 2023 does I hope it can forget some stuff crystalized did .

[@segterbro3191]

What I think they should do with the Harumi Story is to reveal that Harumi was faking her “Redemption” for her personal gain.

[@saikaustav9975]

Same, but this time Lloyd completely destroys her state of mind and sends her to Kryptarium Prison.

[@gameranger9770]

That would be a dumb idea

[@pabloeliseo1322]

I’m starting to regret buying crystallized sets😭😭

[@KiaanChaudhari]

dude ur literaly saying that one season ruined the entire plot of ninjago, but it didnt really ruin that much. i mean ur right about ur points, but stop being soo dramatic

[@ZeroJump]

Dragons Rising cooked...well kinda

[@rukaahachi9843]

They said al the ninjas allies show up there were barely half no elemental masters, no member of nadhakhan's ship and no others it just pisses me off there was also no character development except for Garmadon

[@dylansharp8471]

"there was also no character development except for Garmadon" Actuallllllyyyyyyyyyyyy..............................

[@rukaahachi9843]

@@dylansharp8471 Who got character development

[@dylansharp8471]

It sounds like bullshit the way people wanna get rid of the OGs.

[@Insect3]

Yes, but it may not be possible

[@kakaks32]

imo the worst thing in crystalized is that they reused coles hood for lloyd

[@Crusty783]

thats good imo, makes it so we can make it in LEGO

[@thegreenninja4519]

I don't agree with Hagman brothers about more 11 minute stories

[@kilend1058]

seasons 1-8 i liked lloyd but when harumi came in i hate him

[@skylandersfan6954]

Why?

[@Sigmasigma2356]

Why does no one like crystallized? It super good

[@Crusty783]

Watch this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXizpqaPlrN2j7s&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE

[@MrWeakDoesThings]

You know what would’ve been cool? In Japanese anime, they had whole episodes filled with fight scenes, and I think Ninjago could’ve done something like that with them, especially since they had THIRTY episodes at their disposal. Instead what would’ve been really cool turned out to be majorly disappointing. They could had four 4 minute fight scenes spread out in 2 episodes and it would’ve been really great. Sadly it didn’t do what MOTM did and didn’t take advantage of the 11 minute episode length it had.

[@dylansharp8471]

What?

[@IsleofPigsStudios]

At least Ninjago could be fixed after Controversialized (my nickname for Crystalized)… Angry Birds his been in a mess after The Angry Birds Movie 2 (Which in my opinion is miles worse than Crystalized and TABM2 might be the worst piece of Angry Birds Media ever)

[@BlueSheepNL]

Crystalized was pretty good i think, but the ending was the worst part of the season, like, you hype Oni Lloyd up so much, but in the finale he comes for only a few seconds, pretty stupid. And yeah, Harumi was already "closed", but wait, no! There are some other flaws, but those are my main ones. Let's hope Lloyd doesn't end together with harumi, akita would be WAY better.

[@imafridge9480]

He came back 3 times. NO

[@michaelaguilar3741]

Ninjago crystallized season is bad but the Lego sets are pretty good

[@mober7430]

*I and myself think crystalised sucks

[@Crusty783]

scroll through this and my review's comments section and say that again

[@mrdr8695]

I really hope they kill of Harumi in the new series so that Lloyd gets character development.

[@lolbitandftfoxysayhello6262]

Same

[@xdefenderx]

Not me

[@Uniunea-Nord-Atlantica]

Wait what?! Why not Lloyd

[@Uniunea-Nord-Atlantica]

@@lolbitandftfoxysayhello6262 what?! You Harumi to die?! ARE YOU CRAZY?????

[@lolbitandftfoxysayhello6262]

@@Uniunea-Nord-Atlantica she deserves it

[@FirestoneAnimation]

Its been heavily rushed due to the post March Of Oni formatting.

[@matrixpictures7799]

Nah it's probably gonna be milked to hell now

[@lunarbat6009]

Its cooked