Warning: Fullfrom the episode to follow.

From the title "Turtle Temper," it was pretty obvious which mean green hero would take center stage this week. Where the series premiere worked to establish Leonardo as a leader, this week's episode was all about -- who else? -- Raphael. And what better place to start than by curbing the mutant ninja's transparent rage issues? You also couldn't have picked a better instigator than comedian Lewis Black as the obnoxious Vic, later known as "Spider Bytez" to Michaelangelo.Setting the turtles up with a cellphone storyline was actually a pretty smart move, and served as another reminder that this is a TMNT for a modern age. It was a nice touch having Raph and Leo refer to the video as a "tape," only to be corrected by Donny after the fact. While this story was perhaps a little less eventful than "Rise of the Turtles," I think it did provide a good general outline of what we can expect to see on a week-to-week basis. The focus on Raphael here was really very well executed, and for younger viewers it was nice to see an underlying moral tossed in again for good measure.The additional backstory from Splinter was also cool. ("Spike, chew on your leaf if you're in the mood for a story.") It's an interesting approach the creators are taking to slowly reveal Shredder and having the turtles learn about their soon-to-be arch nemesis through Splinter's cautionary tales. Not to mention, the 2D painterly style for these bits is still pretty choice.

There was some first-rate action this week as well. The fight scenes between the turtles and the Kraang were strikingly slick, but the boss battle with Spider Bytez was equally fun to watch. The multilevel acid dodging was overall just a pretty cool sequence, especially when Raph showed up to join the party. I'm also digging the idea of having these mutant monsters set up as recurring characters; I'm hoping the show will maintain a little more of a serialized vibe, and less procedural. The more character development they can squeeze into this cast -- good guys and bad guys alike -- the better. Plus, who doesn't love to hear the cynical ramblings of Lewis Black?Much like the premiere, this episode had some really funny moments, too. Raph and Mikey's brotherly roughhousing was a great dynamic. Likewise, the brother's pestering of Raph with suction-cup arrows during their training scene was pretty hilarious. Indeed, some of the most memorable moments so far have been when the turtles are just hanging out, staking out a rooftop or training with each other.Generally speaking, the lighter tone is a good way to go, especially since TMNT's premise is becoming a harder and harder sell with each passing decade. This particular incarnation seems to really embrace its absurdity, and that's definitely a good sign, moving forward.Best of all, judging from next week's sneak peak, we may soon be getting our first look at the Foot Clan in action -- and also some Chuck Norris-looking dude, which, you know, awesome.

Max Nicholson is a writer for IGN, and he desperately seeks your approval. Show him some love by following @Max_Nicholson on Twitter or, MaxNicholson on IGN.