A Thing About Rats
Overview: A scientist named Baxter Stockman has created a robot meant for hunting rats, called Mouser. Shredder mass produces the robot and programs them to hunt the biggest rat in New York – Splinter. Shredder wants Baxter dead because he knows too much. Michaelangelo finds out about Krang.
Air date: 12/16/1987
Directed by: Vince Davis & Fred Wolf
Guest Stars: Pat Fraley voices Baxter Stockman, Peter Renaday voices Ajax Pest Control Boss.
This episode of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles shifts the spotlight squarely onto rats—specifically Splinter—and turns the hunt for Shredder on its head. While the turtles are still actively searching for their elusive enemy, Shredder strikes first by unleashing his newly acquired Mouser army. These mechanical rat hunters aren’t sent after the turtles initially, but instead are programmed to track down Splinter, making this episode feel more personal and more dangerous than before.
Of course, the turtles aren’t about to let their sensei be hunted without a fight. This episode delivers the first true introduction to one of the franchise’s most iconic enemies, the Mousers, and immediately establishes them as a serious threat. Packed with action, tension, and classic TMNT charm, it’s impressive how much story and character development is squeezed into a tight 20-minute runtime. Overall, it’s another strong episode that proves the series knows how to balance world-building, villains, and heart.