I understand that many people do see this as season 11-onwards, however I see this as a sequel. March of the Oni ended a legendary ten-season (or three, if you don't count the whole series as one arc) story arc, bringing the Garmadon saga to a close. This "new" show is just a continuation in continuity, but the story and arc are fresh and new, with new beginnings. It is sad to see the Hagemans leave, the I believe the new writers have succeeded in proving their worth. The only reason I give it a 9, is because nothing is perfect.
The Fire/Ice chapter were an excellent start, story wise. Fire Chapter: If anyone forgot we were watching Ninjago, have no fear, just watch out for snakes and you'll know soon enough, because they're back... again. This story did help to cement this new arc in the world of Ninjago, all thanks to the serpentine. Aspheera was a decent villain, showing that it is still not wise to trust a snake you have never met. Ice Chapter: This was a refreshing setting, due to not having many snowy biomes on Ninjago, with the introduction of the Never-Realm. The plot twist with Zane was well done, with Lloyd's second-maybe-perhaps-love-interest introduction, Akita (he really is a teenager). All in all, I was happy it was not a reboot for Ninjago, and continued in cannon with Masters of Spinjitzu. I also appreciate how each episode had a focus ninja, rather than a single ninja focus for the entire season. The relationships between Jay and Nya, and Zane and Pixel were continued and developed, with good character development for Cole, Kai, and Lloyd. Sensei Wu on the other hand, is not done justice. It appears that he is undergoing a late-life crisis. Wu is either overly angry and short tempered with the ninja, or he is timid and unsure of himself. Wu was the brother of one of the greatest threats Ninjago ever faced, a son of the first Spinjitzu Master, saved Ninjago countless times, fell through time and grew up al over again, trainer, advisor, and bond that keeps together the 6 ninja whose personalities clash more than the Beatles, and he has an existential crisis? A little unbelievable guys.
However, my dislikes are in part the writing, and the production. Story wise, the new timeslots demand a new episode format (11 minutes instead of 20) which hurts the progression of the story, but not entirely, and it gives the show new side stories to explore (the News Never Sleeps was one of my favourite episodes). The new animation style is a little more cartoony, and dare I say, less realistic? I understand it's Lego, (not realistic) but the movement and anime-fast-attack backgrounds in fight sequences are a little hard to get used to. New team, so it's understandable, and I'm slowly getting used to it. But, the character and object textures are glorious, such detail has never been seen on any Ninjago media beforehand.
There are problems with it, but none of them are critical blows to the show, and they are forgotten (except Wu's late-life crisis) easily. Another setback is the passing of Kirby Morrow, who lent his voice talents to the character of Cole and may other background characters. It is unfortunate that the Master of the Mountain was the only spotlight season for Cole compared to the other ninja. His death will leave hole in the show which will not be easily mended. This new chapter has a high bar to clear if it is to meet the standard of quality we have been used to, but from what I've seen it's already on it's way, and I can't wait for more!
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