Episode:Road to Knowhere

(Series Premiere)

Reception
Jesse Schedeen of IGN gave the episode a rating of 6.6 "Okay" saying, "It has its moments, but Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy animated series is too movie faithful for its own good." He claimed that Marvel Animation had yet to hit a "home run" in animation and that the show was no exception, though noting that it had potential. He noted that the show was not necessarily a continuation of the Guardians of the Galaxy film, but the references to the movie were its most problematic quality. Aside from the main cast, the actors and locations felt too much like it was evoking the film. He did like how the show borrowed the use of popular songs from the 1970s as well as the ability to expand on the dynamics of the team. However, he did not like how this episode used many of the same story beats as the film while using amusing but simplistic humor, feeling the fun of the film had been dulled for the show. "This episode makes every effort to remind viewers just how much like the film it is. In the process, it only draws attention to the elements that don't work as well." He decried Drax, Gamora, and Thanos's portrayals. He said that Gamora just seemed annoyed, Drax was too one-dimensional, and Thanos just a generic villain. He wondered how the show would handle Thanos's comic book use of violence. He felt the best part of the show was Cosmo, who was hardly in the film at all, and that he translated well to television. He praised the animation as the best Marvel Television's animation had put out. He felt Devall and Richardson were perfect as Rocket and Groot. But commented that Marshall as Gamora was flat and was partially responsible for her bland portrayal. He had mixed feelings towards Friedle was Star-Lord as he brought plenty of energy but seemed too young and immature. He liked Taylor as Cosmo but felt his voice of Yondu was odd as he tried to recreate the movie. "There's ample potential in an ongoing Guardians of the Galaxy animated series that this premiere episode only sporadically taps into. The show seems too concerned with adhering to the style, tone and look of the movie and not with leaving its own mark on the characters. Ideally, once the foundation is laid in the first two episodes, the series will begin charting its own course through the Marvel Universe."