Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu pilot episodes

The pilot episodes (also known as the pilot season) are the first installments of the Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu animated television series (titled Ninjago from the eleventh season onward). The series was co-created by Tommy Andreasen. It focuses on the adventures of four teenage ninja who live in the fictional world of Ninjago and fight against the forces of evil.

In the United States, the two pilot episodes of Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu, later split into four episodes in total, were shown on Cartoon Network on January 14, 2011. They were released in Europe on January 24, 2011. Following the popularity of the pilot episodes, the first season titled Rise of the Snakes was launched from December 2011 to April 2012. The pilot episodes were released on DVD in March 2011, and the first season became available on DVD in Region 1 on June 26, 2012. Each pilot episode has a runtime of 11 minutes, totalling 22 minutes when combined into two episodes. The 22-minute format remained consistent throughout the series until the release of the eleventh season titled Secrets of the Forbidden Spinjitzu, when it was reduced to 11 minutes.

The pilot episodes introduce five of the show's six main teenage ninja characters named Kai, Cole, Jay, Zane and Nya and their wise master, Sensei Wu that would remain the central characters of the series. The storyline focuses on the ninja team's efforts to stop the villainous Lord Garmadon from obtaining the four Golden Weapons of Spinjitzu.

Main

 * Vincent Tong as Kai, the red ninja and Elemental Master of Fire
 * Michael Adamthwaite as Jay, the blue ninja and Elemental Master of Lightning
 * Brent Miller as Zane, the white ninja and Elemental Master of Ice
 * Kirby Morrow as Cole, the black ninja and Elemental Master of Earth
 * Kelly Metzger as Nya, Kai's sister
 * Paul Dobson as Sensei Wu, the wise teacher of the ninja
 * Mark Oliver as Lord Garmadon, the main antagonist of the pilot episodes

Recurring

 * Michael Kopsa as Samukai, the Skulkin leader
 * Brian Drummond as Nuckal and Kruncha

Development
The pilot episodes were released after two years of planning following a concept drawing by co-creator Tommy Andreasen that featured five elemental ninjas. Within the first year of development, further concept art was created that depicted the Skulkin and Lord Garmadon as the main antagonists. The concept work also included the idea of a fictional martial art that was initially called "Spinjago" and later renamed as "Spinjitzu". Brothers Dan and Kevin Hageman developed the storyline as a serialised drama set within a fantasy world that would be similar to "one giant movie or a miniseries". The pilot episodes introduce skeletons as the main antagonists, which was the result of extensive research with children conducted by The Lego Group during the development of the Lego Ninjago brand. Skeletons were chosen as the preferred option, as the children considered them to be "real" fantasy villains.

Animation
The series was animated from the pilot episodes until the tenth season by Wil Film ApS in Denmark.

Launch
The television series was designed to launch the Lego Ninjago product line, which runs alongside the series. It was originally planned as a three-year project that was intended to end after the second season. However, due to its popularity and success in the first year, the Lego Ninjago brand was continued indefinitely and has been in production ever since. The series was eventually replaced in 2023 by a new series titled Dragons Rising.

Synopsis
"Long before time had a name", the First Spinjitzu Master created the realm of Ninjago using the four Golden Weapons of Spinjitzu. Before he passed, his two sons swore to protect the weapons from evil, but the older brother, Garmadon, was consumed by darkness and aimed to wield all four weapons so that he could recreate Ninjago in his own image. In the ensuing battle between brothers, the younger brother Wu cast Garmadon down to the Underworld and hid the weapons across Ninjago, placing a dragon to guard each hiding spot. Sensei Wu found four teenage ninja to find the Golden Weapons to save Ninjago from Garmadon and his Skulkin army.

Accolades
In 2012, the composers Michael Kramer and Jay Vincent won the BMI Film & TV Music Awards.

Critical reception
Lien Murakami for Common Sense Media gave the show a 3 out of 5 star rating, commenting that it, "is packed with lots of cartoon martial arts battles involving ninjas, skeletons, and guardian monsters, but the action is completely bloodless and at times humorous." The review also noted that the show, "mainly focuses on the red "fire" ninja Kai and his hero's journey from hot-headed teen to focused team member. Older viewers will be familiar with this well-worn story." The review also remarked, "The animation is smooth and colorful, and the exciting martial arts sequences make the most of the blocky little characters and their "clip" hands. The plot moves along at a decent pace; if anything, it's sometimes a bit too fast. And characters learn lessons of teamwork and patience thanks to the wise and respectable Sensei Wu. Better still, it's full of silly, winking humor, thereby making the peril seem less intense."

Ratings
The pilot episodes were the highest rated program with boys in their time slot across multiple airings.

Legacy
Since the launch and success of the pilot episodes, the series has spawned a media franchise that includes video games, publications and theme park attractions and the production of the 2017 film The Lego Ninjago Movie, which was the third film of The Lego Movie franchise.

Mini-movies
The pilot episodes were followed by six 3 minute mini-movies that were released in 2011. The titles of the mini-movies were Flight of the Dragon Ninja, Secrets of the Blacksmith, The New Masters of Spinjitzu, Battle Between Brothers, Return to the Fire Temple and An Underworldly Takeover.

Video game adaptations
A mobile game titled Lego Ninjago: Spinjitzu Scavenger Hunt was released on April 1, 2011, for the iOS.

A video game based on the pilot special titled Lego Battles: Ninjago was released on April 12, 2011, exclusively for the Nintendo DS. It was also a spin-off sequel to Lego Battles.