Xiaolin Chronicles

Since I'm a big fan of the original series, Xiaolin Showdown (I grew up watching it every Saturday), Xiaolin Chronicles isn't really a continuation of Xiaolin Showdown regardless of what many people might think. I conducted an interview with the show's producer a while back on a school project, and I found out that one of the major differences was that the network/studio required this new series be episodic. This surprising requirement presented big creative challenges in storytelling for the writers, since they wanted to tell evolving stories in the tradition of Xiaolin Showdown. Evolving stories require longer arcs, spanning over multiple episodes, which resulted in many 2-parters and 3-parters in Xiaolin Showdown. The old series was serialized through and through. As each season of Xiaolin Showdown progressed, the seasonal arcs also evolved. That's one of the reasons why Xiaolin Showdown was a great kids show. Without the ability to write shows in a serialized manner, this takes a way a lot of opportunity for character growth, story build up, and evolving conflicts, just to name a few. We all know that plots need time to develop, evolve, and thicken… I understand this even though I am not a professional writer. Therefore, Xiaolin Chronicles is not meant to be a reboot or continuation of Xiaolin Showdown, and it is unfair to compare them under the same light. Additionally, Xiaolin Chronicles is made under very different circumstances, with many creative constraints. For starters, it was not even made in the US, and the crew spoke French. So there, it should tell you how different the production settings were between the two shows. The old show — a product of a major US studio. The new one - a product made in France by a small independent. So all things considered, I'd say Xiaolin Chronicles turned out great. It's a fun action adventure show. Having said that, I still like the fact that the Xiaolin monks are back! It served the purpose of re-introducing the Xiaolin monks to a new set of audience. And I love that there is a new monk joining the adventure. Sure there are always things to pick on… in any given show. But to me, it's always fun to watch Xiaolin. However, I'd love it even more if the new Xiaolin shows can be done in a serialized fashion, so that the stories can evolve and grow in order to bring out the best that Xiaolin has to offer. Stay true and stay faithful to Xiaolin Showdown. That'd be a good thing.

This is a non-spoiler review. Xiaoling Chronicles (XC) is a reboot/semi- continuation of a 2003 show called Xiaolin Showdown (XS). Within the first episode an alternate continuity is established, clearly saying not to take into account the previous show too much. However, some parts of XC are difficult to understand without previously knowing the underlying lore. This can cause confusion as to what the show is intended to be for XS fans and comprehension problems for new audiences. The show lacks in continuity and consistency. There is no apparent overarching plot line. There is awkward pacing and locations of characters and items frequently do not match up even within the scope of single episodes, not to mention between episodes. In the fights within the show engagement rules change without warning or explanation. Most of the show is animated in 2D and looks decent. The rest is rendered in 3D, and in it the character models are well designed. However, there are numerous problems ranging from poor choreography and failed lip syncing to bland and predictable sets. The voice acting is quite well done, but is unfortunately overshadowed by poor writing. The dialogue feels forced at times and sometimes suggestive enough for too young an audience to pick up the double entendres. Gross toilet humor is present in almost every episode. Most of the characters are both flanderized and stereotyped, with little or no character development. Some relationships are inappropriately suggestive, and others seem contrived. I would not recommend watching this show for entertainment, but perhaps for a study of what problems can be present in Western Animation to ensure future shows do not employ these tactics. I do understand it is likely a lot of work went in to the production of this show, and I do appreciate the dedication, but certain negative elements cause XC to be perceived as poorly made. 4/10.

Love the magical adventures and the Shen Gong Wu! My favorite Wu is the Cheetah Claws so I can go anywhere. If I had to be super critical, sure, the CGI animation can be improved. Having said that, I should also mention that this is a kids TV series, and naturally lacks the big budget of a feature and the backing of a major studio. So all things considered, it's a fun adventurous show for kids. I'd love to take a dragon ride on Dojo. What fun! Can't wait to watch it again on Amazon. My nephew and I watched it together while it was playing on Disney XD. It sure brings back good o' childhood memories—love Xiaolin Showdown!

I loved Xiaolin Showdown. I also like Xiaolin Chronicles. This show is a different Xiaolin series, made with a different approach. For starters, Xiaolin Chronicles is not a "reboot" of the original series despite what many fans thought (or hoped). It's episodic, while the original series was serialized. This factor alone makes the two series different in storytelling. It was probably due to a network demand since the producers know better. Having said that, the magical adventures are entertaining to watch, and it's great fun to see the Xiaolin gang kicking butt. Sure, I'd love to see a real reboot, with the original cast grown up, facing new personal challenges and perhaps a new set of villains. But Xiaolin Chronicles was not made for the old fans. It was made for 6-11 years old kids! This is why it aired on Disney XD in US. Why do you think it ranked #7 on Nickandmore.com among 30 new shows that came out in 2015? It's because this new series is a very good show for kids.

Watched this show with my grandson who is 6-years-old. Had a blast. His favorite character is Raymundo and mine are Dojo and the cowboy. I'd say all the main characters are pretty well defined, with unique traits and quirks. Good character development in general. Liked that there is a backstory from the old days. I'd bet they can go a lot deeper into that world… Would be fascinating if they would ever make it. Hope so. Would really like to see more stories on Raymundo, may be next season? Master Fung should be in more stories also. He's quite the character and can make the show richer. If I had to be super critical, the animation, especially the 3D part, can be improved. Overall, it's a fun, entertaining show for kids. Love the magical adventures myself. Wish there is a virtual reality component where we can fly on Dojo. Now that'd be some magical adventure! My grandson now wants a sword just like the one Raymundo uses. Where to get it?