in: TV SHows
Sonic Conversion
“Sonic Conversion” is the debut episode of the second season of the Sonic the Hedgehog TV series. Although it was originally intended as the fifteenth episode, it aired as the fourteenth during the show’s initial run. The episode premiered on September 17, 1994.
Appearances
Characters:
- Dr. Robotnik
- Knothole Freedom Fighters
- Antoine Depardieu
- Bunnie Rabbot
- Dulcy (first appearance)
- Nicole
- Rotor
- Sally
- Sonic the Hedgehog
- Sir Charles Hedgehog
- Snively
- Swat-Bots (multiple)
- Tails
Races and species:
- Dragon (first appearance)
- Human
- Worker-Bot
Locations:
- Mobius
- Great Forest
- Knothole Village
- Lake of Rings
- Robotropolis
- Great Forest
Items:
- De-Roboticizer (first appearance)
- Mega Muck
- Power Ring (x3)
- Roboticizer
- Shriek-Bot (only appearance)
- Surveillance Orb
Misc.:
- Roboticization (mentioned)
- Super Spin
Plot
The story begins in Robotropolis, where Snively is preparing a test flight of the Shriek-Bot for Dr. Robotnik. The Shriek-Bot is a super-fast jet controlled by Robotnik through virtual reality, despite having its own cockpit. Snively, filled with hatred for Robotnik, mutters disrespectful comments under his breath, which Robotnik seems to overhear. Snively manages to cover it up and proceeds with the test flight. Sonic and Sally, meanwhile, sneak into the hangar where the Shriek-Bot is located. They discuss the Shriek-Bot’s capabilities, which might make it faster than Sonic. Sonic is determined to prove Sally wrong but is interrupted when he sees his Uncle Chuck delivering supplies to the Shriek-Bot.
Sonic decides to investigate and sneaks his backpack with a Power Ring into Chuck’s workspace. Robotnik, having noticed Sonic on the monitor, lures Sonic closer and fires the Shriek-Bot’s laser at him. Sonic manages to dodge the laser with Sally’s warning and runs off with her. The Shriek-Bot takes off in pursuit, but Sonic uses a Power Ring to outrun it. The resulting turbulence causes the Shriek-Bot to lose track of Sonic.
Back in Knothole, Tails is flying around when Dulcy stops him, per Sonic’s orders. Tails isn’t pleased with this, but Dulcy explains that the heroes are conducting experiments and need privacy. Sally and Rotor successfully de-roboticize Bunnie using the De-Roboticizer, and she is overjoyed to have her organic limbs restored.
Later, Tails retrieves a Power Ring from the Lake of Rings, and Sonic decides to use it to free Uncle Chuck from his robotic state. Sonic sneaks into Robotropolis but falls into a trap set by Chuck, who has been brainwashed by Robotnik. Sonic escapes and confronts Robotnik but fails to convince Chuck to resist Robotnik’s control. Chuck captures Tails and Antoine, and Sonic rushes to stop his uncle from taking them to Robotnik.
Chuck kidnaps Tails and Antoine, but Sonic arrives just in time to confront him. In a brief internal struggle, Chuck regains his free will. However, the reunion is cut short when Swat-Bots approach. Sonic distracts the Swat-Bots while Chuck hides Tails and Antoine. Robotnik activates the Shriek-Bot to capture Sonic, but Sonic manages to escape.
Back in Knothole, Chuck offers to become a secret agent for the Freedom Fighters to obtain the necessary parts for the De-Roboticizer. He pretends to capture Sonic, and Robotnik falls into the trap. Chuck takes Sonic’s friends hostage but regains control over himself when Sonic confronts him. Sonic runs off, and Chuck activates the Shriek-Bot, leading to a chase through Robotropolis. Sonic narrowly escapes, and Robotnik’s Shriek-Bot is left damaged.
Back in Knothole, Chuck helps repair the De-Roboticizer. However, a malfunction occurs during Bunnie’s de-roboticization, and Sally worries that Chuck will revert to a Worker-Bot as well. The episode ends with Sonic, Tails, and Sally reflecting on recent events, finding solace in Chuck’s decision to become a spy for the Freedom Fighters despite having to live in Robotropolis.
Continuity
Sonic successfully breaks his uncle, Charles, free from Robotnik’s control, and Charles maintains his regained free will for the remainder of the series. Charles becomes a valuable asset to the Freedom Fighters, working as a spy. His unique advantage is that he still retains the appearance of a Worker-Bot, allowing him to move among other Worker-Bots without raising suspicion. This role continues throughout the series as he covertly gathers information and assists the Freedom Fighters in their efforts against Robotnik.
Title In Other Languages
Language | Title | Translation |
---|---|---|
Croatian | Sonična konverzija | Sonic Conversion |
Czech | Soníkova Přeměna | Sonic’s Transformation |
French | La Conversion de Sonic | Sonic’s Conversion |
German | Onkel Chuck geht spionieren | Uncle Chuck goes spying |
Latin American | Conversión sónica | Sonic conversion |
Russian | Преобразование Соника | Sonic’s transformation |
Korean | 척 삼촌의 귀환 | Uncle Chuck’s Return |
Trivia
- Rotor’s character design underwent some changes, including a reduction in the size of his muzzle and darkening of his colors. Additionally, his voice actor changed from Mark Ballou to Cam Brainard.
- This episode marked the first appearance of Sally wearing her vest, which became a signature part of her character’s design.
- Coincidentally, this episode premiered on Yuji Naka’s 29th birthday, adding a unique layer of significance for Sonic’s creator.
- The end credits format changed from being imposed over the title card art to a slideshow of episode stills, a shift in the presentation style.
- Robotnik’s reference to “something rotten in Topeka” is a nod to Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, specifically referencing the line spoken by Marcellus in Act I, scene IV, which reads, “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.”
- There is an error on Paramount+, where this episode is incorrectly listed as the fifth episode of season 2 and titled “Sonic Conversation.”