Ep 20. Camera Bugged

In Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987) season 3 episode 20, titled "Camera Bugged," the fearless and pizza-loving turtles face a brand new challenge that puts their ninja skills to the test. The episode begins with April O'Neil, the intrepid reporter, getting ready to cover the annual Gotham beauty pageant. She asks the turtles to help her as they have saved the city from numerous threats in the past.

However, there is something sinister going on behind the scenes of the beauty pageant that could jeopardize April's coverage. A team of robotic bugs, created by none other than Baxter Stockman, is spying on the contestants and gathering their confidential information. His diabolical plan is to use the data to brainwash the pageant's winner and control her as a pawn in his revenge against the turtles.

When the turtles learn about Stockman's plot, they realize they have to stop him before it's too late. Donning their trademark colored masks, Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael set out to neutralize the robotic bugs and prevent Stockman from achieving his evil goals.

The turtles' first challenge comes when they discover that the bugs are immune to their ninja weapons and skills. They soon realize that the bugs are also equipped with cameras that transmit real-time footage back to Stockman's lab. To make matters worse, the bugs can detach themselves from their host and fly away, making them difficult to track.

Undeterred, the turtles come up with a plan to outsmart the bugs. They decide to create a fake beauty pageant contestant, complete with false personal details that are so outrageous that they will attract the bugs' attention. Once the bugs are swarming around the decoy contestant, the turtles can use a specially designed vacuum cleaner to suck them up and capture them.

The plan works like a charm, but the turtles soon discover that Stockman has already selected his victim. Her name is Miss Greenbeard, and she's a tough-as-nails pirate queen who never ceases to speak her mind. The turtles realize that they must rescue her before Stockman can implant her with his mind control device.

What follows is a thrilling action sequence, as the turtles chase Stockman's minions through the streets of Gotham and engage in a fierce battle to free Miss Greenbeard from their clutches. Meanwhile, April is working hard to deliver her story while also keeping herself out of harm's way. She proves that she is more than just a damsel in distress, holding her own when danger strikes.

The episode ends with the turtles succeeding in their mission. They destroy Stockman's lab and free Miss Greenbeard from his mind control device. The robotic bugs are no longer a threat, and the beauty pageant is back on track. In a heartwarming scene, April thanks the turtles for their help and acknowledges their bravery. The turtles, in turn, are happy to have saved the day once again and enjoyed some well-deserved pizza after a job well done.

In conclusion, "Camera Bugged" is a fun and action-packed episode that showcases the turtles' skills and teamwork. It features a compelling plot that keeps the viewers engaged while also delivering some laughs and heartwarming moments. Fans of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series will enjoy this episode, which is a testament to the show's enduring popularity.