You guys know the series isnt canon to the game right?

Scorpion was killed by Bi Han while Quan Chi was the one who murdered the clan. Thats the game canon.

However Im loving the series and Im hoping for a movie.

As a matter of fact, we just might. Reading is fundamental.

I'm a little concerned that this sequence is titled "Scorpion and Sub-Zero".

Sub-Zero technically wasn't even in either of these episodes. So it'd suck just to introduce him in the tournament as only a confused red-shirt when Scorpion wants to fuck him up.

I hope at least Kuai Liang will be given a grand sequence and strong role in the series if Bi-Han is written off in such a way. Hopefully Noob Saibot comes into play as well.

I think given Scorpion's reaction to Bi Han suggests they had been well known and fierce rivals before now.. so it'll be like when they meet in the first tournament in the MK2011 (in terms of the that's not true! in the Netherealm)

I guess I'm in the minority of people who think this series has been a pretty big failure.

I can't remember all the lore, so I'm not going to even pretend I could win an argument on such issues, but these kombatants in this series don't even feel like the characters I grew up loving... aside from Jax is black, Sonya has blond hair, Johnny Cage is a movie star, Mileena wears purple, Kitana blue, and Scorpion and Sub wear yellow and blue respectively. Let's not even bring up Shao Kahn, who looks more like Alberto Del Rio than he does Shao Kahn.

I understand it's the director's alternate vision based loosely on the game, but the script is just horrible. Like Razer pointed out, Quan-Chi all of a sudden can morph into people? Why was Shang Tsung even there? Or better yet, why was Quan-Chi even there, aside from him being the one to get over on Scoprion.

In this episode, if Shang Tsung and Quan Chi are buddy-buddy right off the bat, wouldn't it have made more sense for Sub-Zero to unmorph back into Shang Tsung, then Quan Chi walk out, and then corrupt Hanzo?

Horrible writing...

Not to mention the who gist of Scorpion being frozen is that he has to sit there frozen, staring at his dead son as he slowly dies... yet not 10 seconds later Sub-Zero unmorphs into Quan Chi... RIGHT IN FRONT OF HIM?!?

So we've established he's locked in solid ice, and can see... then they put in the person #%^*ing him over unmorphing right in front of him? Um... hello?


This series is crap... it's a horrible script, the acting overall is uninspired (though I will say whoever is playing Hanzo is doing a good job acting wise), the characters are only the Mortal Kombatants because they wear similar clothes, 1/3rd of the Live Action series has been animation...

and last but not least...

Every week it's a 8-9 minute show, with the first 2 minutes being a recap, and the last 2-3 minutes being credits and an advertisement for the game.

So... every week we have a 2 minute recap of last week's 4 1/2 minute episode (because that's needed), followed by 4 1/2 more minutes of new uninspired, poorly written crap, finished off with 2 minutes of credits/ads.

GREAT.

That was great but... way too fucking short to be called part 2. They should have just made this part of Episode 7 and given us more of something else.

Great episode, the Quan Chi morphing didn`t surprised me, they already gave people the wrong powers (Shang Tsung`s time freezing/whatever the hell he did back in the Cage episode), still somehow managed to dissapoint me though.

It was all awesome until the moment Sub-Zero turned out to be Quan Chi.


That moment ruined everything, it S U C K E D!


I feel like I need to add: imo.



Yet again Quan Chi, in a way, shits on Shang Tsung...

Okay I thought these two episodes were good aside from a couple of gripes. But even they didn't really diminish my enjoyment to the point of raving mad. I can accept changes that can happen when translating from one medium to the next. And hell most times I look forward to seeing what someone's interpretation will be. Sometimes its interesting and neat like MK Legacy has been for me.(And other times they end up like the latter RE movies)

That being said...

Quan Chi morphing is kind of an annoyance. Especially since Shang Tsung is standing right there. I mean its a perfect opportunity to showcase Shang's signature abilities.

I figure that maybe Shang and Quan worked out some scheme to kill Scorpion and his clan to further their own goals. With Scorp dead Earthrealm loses one of its best warriors, which helps Shang, and Quan Chi gets a powerful new servant to the Netherrealm. Then unleashing Scorpion's fury on an unsuspecting Sub Zero during the tournament will ensure his death as well. Two of Earthrealm's best gone and now serving Quan and ultimately Shinnok.

However what really irks me about this set up is that it kinda diminishes the Sub-Zero/Scorpion rivalry, specifically Bi Han's role in it. Sub-Zero killing Scorpion in a clash while on mission, to me, really solidified what their rivalry was. Extremely brutal but still honorable. For the most part I always figured Scorpion was relatively okay with the way he died, since that's just the nature of their lives. It wasn't until "Sub-Zero" senselessly murdered his family and clan did Scorpion become enraged to the point of coming back from the dead to hunt him down.

But let me state again that I have been enjoying the hell out this series, and look forward to next week. Sektor and Cyrax seem like an odd choice to put the finale at but hey cyborg-ninjas! Awesome

Can I ask two things for those in the know?

1. Generally is the ability to freeze limited to just the two Sub-Zeros (and Frost)? Or can all members of the Lin Kuei do it and Sub-Zero(s) happen to be masters?

2. What is the proper way to pronounce Bi Han? Is it Be-Han (like in the games) or By-Han (like it is here)?

Just curious.

Wait... Sub-Zero head ripped Scorpion to kill him! They did it wrong damn it! Shang Tsung has nothing to gain from this why is he here? Not counting the problem of there being a freaking SHOGUN in modern times where the hell are they to hide such a place? Japan is built quite a bit over.

Only the Sub-Zeros can freeze, because it runs in their family because their ancient ancestors were a race of ice-wizards from Outworld called "Cryomancers" who moved to Earth long ago to avoid going extinct.

Well, them and Frost who also has cryomancer ancestry, that's how Sub-Zero knew she was special and decided to train her, because she's the only person he's ever met who could use ice besides his own family.

I'm sorry to have to strongly disagree with everyone heaping praise on quan chi's actor. I thought he sucked. Shang is great, but Quan looks like some guy had an accident with a sack of flour. His voice didn't sound like the quan chi I know, his acting was horrible too.

Regarding feudal Japan time paradox: The Mennonites have a presence in Japan, maybe this is some kind of Japanese counterpart to Amish country in Ohio lol.

A four minute episode? Really? There was no need to split this into two parts. Definitely not worth the wait. Scorpion's resurrection was lame and should have taken place in the Netherealm by use of magic or meditation or something like that. They should have demonstrated it as a difficult and time-consuming process. And why is Quan Chi able to shapeshift?

The fight was the only decent thing about this episode.

Ok, the episode itself wasn't too bad, but just like the Sonya/Jax/Kano story, there was absolutely no need to split this into two episodes. Also, I don't know what you guys are talking about when you praise Quan Chi's portrayal...It was like a really bad High School casting of the sorcerer. The guy's voice wasn't deep enough and his voice seemed too shaky. Idk, it just wasn't good to me (Quan Chi).

Also, I understand that having Scorpion say "GET OVER HERE" in his native language makes more sense, but it completely loses the effect...

It was fine until Quan Chi showed up. That's not what happens.

And what a weak portrayal. Maybe I was just spoiled by Adoni Maropis' awesome Quan Chi in Conquest, but the new guy looks and sounds like Dana Carvey.

hey razor i get your point about having shang morph and kill scorpion but think about it. If they did that how many people will complain about "WTF wait a minute shang tsung killed scorpion"? and you know the rest lol. You know it will get peoples panties in a bunch worse than if quan chi did it

of course thats not what happens lol......they're not doing the games cannon remember they are "remixing" it lol

You know what the best part was? How Quan Chi demonstrated that he has morphing powers so he can marginalize Shang Tsung even further. Why even bother having Shang Tsung in that scene if you're going to take the only part of the scene that it makes sense for him to do and give it to Quan Chi for no reason?

I was really excited for the webs series until I found out that it wasn't going to be based on the Rebirth idea ....

Then I saw the first episode and I thought the series was alright, but WAAYYY too short.

Episodes have been hit or miss, but its finally starting to show its weakness.

This episode was ok, but the fact that it was 4 minutes long and obviously rushed is inexcusable. WB has more than enough money to put out something a little better than this, and the fact that they decided last minute to rush this out with little budget is really showing now.

I really hope they do a full on Mortal Kombat movie ...... BASED ON REBIRTH.

I really don't need to see the same old story again and again. Bring on fucked up surgeon baraka and birth defect reptile.

You know, I agree with everything you said accept that to me, I feel as though Kitana and Mileena were portrayed good enough (even though EVERY other character in those episodes were done horribly) and 7 and 8 were done pretty well.

After watching 8 for a second time, I really like it and feel that everything was done really well. Let me hit a few points that I see cropping up in this thread and shed how I see these things.

The Fight.

Seems everyone likes the fight scene so nothing really to add here. I do wish it was a little longer, but as Hanzo seemed to have some more pressing issues at hand, I can see why he left. I must say though, I called hanzo winning the fight.and I think it adds something that the games never really touched upon.

Hanzo is REALLY good, and probably would have been invited to the MK1 tourney if given the chance. In the games we see that scorpion is really strong and skilled, but Hanzo lost the only fight he was in. Him winning gives him a W over sub that we've never seen before, and him becoming Scorpion with all the powers that comes along with that only elevates him further.

Quan morphing.

You know, and I might be reading to much into this, but I feel that it is ok to see Qaun morph ONLY BECAUSE Shang Tsung is there. Quan can't morph, or at least morph AND imitate other people personalities and use their powers. He needed Shangs help in order to, and I quote, "finish what 'they' came to do." Like I said, maybe I'm reading to much into this, but just switch the real sub and Shang in this situation and USE them accordingly. Take this explanation into account.

Quan is working for/with Khan to ensure he get Earthrealm, and in this series, AS WELL AS through out all the early games, Shang Tsung represents Kahn's will. What I mean is that when ever you see Shang, in any scene, you really are seeing Kahn's will being projected in some capacity. In this episode, you aren't seeing Quan and Shang being buddy buddy, you're seeing Quan working for Shao Kahn in order to fullfill some need.

In this case it is to exterminate the Shira Ryu, the most powerful rival clan to the Lin Kuei. Take into account what we've seen in MK9's story, that the Lin Kuei played a VERY big part in Kahn's plans to take Earth. The Shira Ryu were taken out before they could do anything to hamper the Lin Kuei's actions. Kahn /Shang /The Lin Kuei used QuanChi to take out a potential threat, the Shira Ryu, AND also to sway one of Earthralm's strongest warrior to the other side; all with no harm done to any of their forces. And like wise in typical Quan Chi fashion, he used them all to get his hands on one of Earthrealm's best warriors in order to fullfill his own agenda.

Just re watch the conversation between Quan and Shang. "You are certain...he can be turned so easily?" Shang asks. He, Kahn, has an intrest /concern in him and by extention his clan. They try to stack the deck on their side by taking Hanzo, a potential good guy, and corruputing him. Each player, Kahn /Shang /Lin Kuei /Quan have a vested interest.

Sub not killing Scorp.

Some people have already said it, that this series is a retelling of the story with a few twists. I say, sub not being the one to kill scorp is not the point and kinda never has been. It's all about Scorpions all consuming hatred, and the knowledge, whether false or true, that sub and the Lin Kuei are at fault for his life ending up the way it did. They still had a rivalry before Hanzo's death, Hanzo hated him before and now he hates him more. In the end, all the same buttons are being pressed.

Hanzo's rebirth

I guess in closing, I will add that scorps rebirth did feel a little rushed and as someone stated before, you can't really tell what Quan did, if anything, or if hanzo came back on his own. Maybe that's something else to consider though...that Hanzo's spirit coupled with his manipulated hatred is so strong that even in death he will not be denied.

Since MKD, I've felt that they've wanted to give scorpion a greater purpose, maybe this is a glimpse into that. Quan may have played a part in swaying his soul, but he can only go so far and the other party has to take some strides and make some decisions as well. Quan doesn't have "slaves" so much as he has partners which he holds much "power" over. Quan didn't chose him and make him, Quan chose him and gave him an opportunity and Hanzo made himself. Just a thought.

Asmo OUT!!

It was a great (but short) episode

Until we found out that Quan Chi was actually Sub-Zero

Frankly I am liking it for what it is. But this episode was really short.


As to adress problems:

-Shang Tsung already had dealings with Quan Chi, amulet ordeal for example, and later on the ressurection of Sindel. Suppose this continuity works with Shang Tsung and Quan Chi in tandem to create the participants in the tournament, or otherwise ensure their presence. In which case there is or must be an implied reason why both of them want them to be present as they are or will be in the future for undisclosed reasons.

Short: Quan and Shang have plans for having Subs and the undead Scorpion present. To me this is what it can imply/implies.

- Bi Han might not be the culprit this time, he may still be lying unconcious, and it was Quan Chi who triggers the undead revenge cycle (thus making Noob Saibot innocent of killing Hanzo).

-They are sorcerors. Changing shape is the quintessential sorcery in most folktales, mythologies etc. look at changelings, Merlin, Kitsune, Loki, etc. That Quan Chi can shapeshift (or if you are really nitpicky, perhaps cast as an illusion to look like Bi Han) isn't logically opposed to the previous MK lore, and even then, it is not to this iteration. That is, not to say I am keen on seeing Quan Chi troll up everything everywhere.

I'll be upfront and say I liked it. The fight in particular as well as the chilling scenes (no pun intended) of Scorpion seeing the icy bodies of his loved ones (touching his wife and her body cracks) was very powerful and very well done. The music during the fight was also suitably epic and amazing, and props to this series for making me root for Scorpion for the very first time ever. Seeing the corpses of his clan, the peril of his family, made he outright root for Scorpion.

... But there was a lot I didn't like, possibly due to time and budget constraints.

1) Slow the hell down. The first half with Scorpion's story last episode was slow yet effective, going into his life, his interests, and his family. It explored how he felt about his duty and his family, almost too slowly for some, yet it was the right move to make.

In this episode? Rush, rush, rush. No time to stop and linger. No time to let the gravity of the situation sink in. No time to properly explain what happened, how it happened, or even who it's happening to. The scenes of him grieving were effective... then cut short. The scene of him becoming Scorpion was rushed. It needed to take its time. Which leads me to...

2) Confusion. So, it's implied Sub-Zero was never there... Or was he? Or maybe he was there and fought Scorpion and Quan Chi only showed up later. Or maybe Sub-Zero was hired by Quan Chi? Or... maybe not? Did Scorpion fight a morphed, ice-ball throwing Quan Chi? Can Quan Chi use Sub-Zero's powers like that to take out an entire village? Are they in modern day or ancient Japan? He gets invited to WHICH MK tournament? Why is Shang Tsung there? What benefit does he have if Scorpion is serving the Netherrealm (not Outworld)? When did Quan and Shang become best buds? What is Quan Chi getting out of this? They're talking right in front of (obviously not dead) Scorpion, so can he hear them or not, because they say "yeah we screwed him over" and then directly turn to him and ask "fight for us to avenge your family"? ARGH!

3) Missed opportunities. You have a SHAPESHIFTER right there! And you gave the shape shifting to Quan Chi? Or, you could have had the real Sub-Zero kill Scorpion with the classic head rip from behind while he mourned his loved ones (didn't the teaser image IMPLY that was his fate?)! Or you could have had a least ONE scene with the REAL Sub-Zero finding out an impostor has taking his name and killed dozens of innocents, thus paving the way for Sub-Zero's involvement in the tournament (because... is Sub-Zero going? Supposedly he is because Quan Chi tells Scorpion he'll be there, but why?) Also, when they showed Hanzo's son looking at the kunai in their home, how many others expected and wanted his son to try and save his mother, only to fail and them both meet a tragic end? That would have been powerful, as he would have died trying to be like his father and be a hero... but it was a missed opportunity.

Still, I DID enjoy this episode, especially the bits with Scorpion and his family, the really good (but too short) Sub-Zero vs Scorpion fight (I got chills when he screamed "Get over here!" in Japanese), and the chilling encounter Hanzo has with the bodies of his loved ones...

... it was only the subpar ending, unexplained questions, and wealth of missed opportunities that disappointed me. Everything was fairly great until they were told to hurry it up and wrap it up.

I guess my big issue is that Quan Chi offers Scorpion the chance to fight for the Netherrealm, but Shang Tsung is there (employed by Shao Kahn of Ouworld). How is that sensible? Is Shang working in the shadows against Kahn? Just because Kahn is evil and Quan Chi is evil doesn't make them all allies, and it never really has in the game storylines.

As much as I love Quan Chi and Shang Tsung, it seems every time they are together Shang is made to look like a dunce because everyone who writes prefers Quan Chi for some reason. As my favorite character and villain, seeing Shang as a pathetic lackey (in all but the Cage episode) makes me a bit unhappy.

Liked the fight, looking forward to the finale next week.
...And hoping season 2 gets a bigger budget and runtime, of course.