'Knuckles' Ending Explained: Knuckles the Echidna's guidance inspires Wade Whipple to face The Buyer head-on
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The latest Paramount+ release, 'Knuckles', thrusts the renowned 'Sonic the Hedgehog' character, Knuckles the Echidna (Idris Elba), into the spotlight in his live-action miniseries.
The six-episode miniseries delves into the world of the hot-headed Knuckles, struggling to adapt to life on Earth.
However, as the narrative progresses, his life takes a sharp turn when he decides to mentor a naive deputy sheriff, Wade Whipple (Adam Pally), and the two become great friends.
Together, the two set out for Reno, Nevada, where Wade must compete with his father, ''Pistol'' Pete Whipple (Cary Elwes), the reigning winner of the game in a bowling competition.
In addition, Wade's mother Wendy Whipple (Stockard Channing), and sister Wanda Whipple (Edi Patterson) are abducted by G.U.N. agents Mason (Scott Mescudi) and Willoughby (Ellie Taylor) to get a hold of Knuckles.
The finale episode of the series deftly ties up intensity and action as tension rises.
Knuckles the Echidna uses portal rings to banish Agent Mason and Agent Willoughby
The episode opened with the impression that Wade had betrayed Knuckles, on the verge of delivering him to Mason and Willoughby, two G.U.N. agents.
However, it's revealed that Wade had deceived the two agents and had already alerted Knuckles, who valiantly fought Mason and Willoughby. In a daring move, Wade secures the release of his sister and mother simultaneously.
Willoughby attempts to use portal rings to banish Knuckles, but his plan backfires spectacularly. Instead, Knuckles seizes control of the rings, using them to transfer Mason and Willoughby to an unknown location, effectively defeating them.
Wade Whipple defeats his father, "Pistol" Pete Whipple
After Knuckles defeats the agents in their fight, Wade confronts his own personal obstacle: his father, Pete.
Pete taunts Wade verbally to diminish him and portray him as a failure, yet Wade puts his talents to the test, recalling Knuckles' teachings that a warrior's real power comes from the heart. Surprisingly, Wade wins the intense game.
Wade's triumphant emotions were short-lived, as a new threat emerged: The Buyer (Rory McCann), wearing a massive robotic suit powered by Knuckles' spines, which also could absorb Knuckles' powers, leaving the Echidna severely weakened.
Knuckles the Echidna defeats The Buyer
Wade confronts The Buyer with his newfound boldness, hurling bowls while wearing Agent Mason's abandoned power gloves. He also delivers a speech on camaraderie and the essence of being a warrior.
Meanwhile, Knuckles, inspired by Wade's impassioned speech, reignites his vigor. With newfound strength, he awakens, regains his resolve, and destroys The Buyer's robot, burying him under the rubble.
As the series draws to a close, Pete is seen attempting to flee with the trophy but is rebuffed as Wendy and Wanda belittle him and give Wade his due as the new bowling champion.
'Knuckles' trailer