Description: "Sonic the Hedgehog," also known as the SatAM (Saturday morning) series, was the second television program to star the famous video game icon. It followed the slapstick "Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog," which was known mostly for its lighthearted approach. The SatAM, however, took on a much darker tone, telling the story of Sonic and his brave band of Freedom Fighters as they struggled to free their home world, the distant planet of Mobius from the clutches of the evil Dr. Robotnik. The first season was an unconventional mix of cartoon characters and a grim setting. Characters were developed and mature themes were explored. The second season, on the other hand, lightened the tone considerably, emphasizing the more comedic aspects of the show and toning down the series' darkness considerably. The show ultimately ended on a cliffhanger after only two seasons due to underachieving ratings. However, this was not the end of the SatAM. The series developed a cult following over the years resulting in countless fan fiction stories and discussion that kept show alive several years after it had been cancelled. Additionally, the Archie comic book adaptation of the "Sonic" character began to modify itself to more closely resemble the SatAM series and remained in publishing ten years after the show had been cancelled. Furthermore, the SatAM's influence was felt in additional Sonic adventures with various elements of the series being included in the "Sonic Christmas Blast!" special and the "Sonic Underground" series. The SatAM is generally agreed to be the most popular of the American-made "Sonic" cartoons. Characters: Sonic the Hedgehog - An egotistic blue blur of the title with an unsatiable appetite for adventure and chili dogs. Princess Sally Acorn - Daughter of King Acorn, rightful ruler of Mobius; leader of the Knothole Freedom Fighters and Sonic's best friend. Bunnie Rabbot - Cyborg rabbit who was in the process of being roboticized before being rescued by the Freedom Fighters. Antoine D'Coolette - Cowardly royal guard who desperately seeks the affections of Princess Sally. Rotor - The Freedom Fighters' mechanic. Miles "Tails" Prower - Sonic's other best friend...like a little brother; he looks up to Sonic and hopes to make his own contribution to the Freedom Fighters. Dulcy - Powerful but clumsy dragon; joined the Freedom Fighters. Uncle Chuck - Sonic's roboticized Uncle. Dr. Robotnik - Ruler of Mobius; achieved this by overthrowing King Acorn; cyborg villain. Snivley- Robotnik's nephew and lackey. Basic Terms: Great Forest - Vast forest where the Freedom Fighters hide; on the outskirts of Robotropolis. Freedom Fighter - A rebel against Robotnik's rule and not just any rebel, a soldier of the rightful King; different cells are activated when the Acorn King is in dire need; King Acorn kept a list of every Freedom Fighter group. Knothole Village - The village hidden deep within the Great Forest where the Freedom Fighters operate. Mobius - Faraway planet that Sonic and the other animals are from. Mobotropolis - Former capital of the Acorn Kingdom before being taken over by Robotnik and renamed Robotropolis. Power Rings - Rings that Sonic uses to give him some extra "juice" (speed) They are produced by a power stone every twelve hours. Power Stone - Stone that produces power rings. Roboticazion - Act of turning flesh into metal; robs individual of free will. Robotropolis - Formerly Mobotropolis, the city that Robotnik rules with an iron fist. SWATbot - Humanoid robotic soldiers under Robotnik's command.