After Code Lyoko’s third season aired in 2006, a fourth and final season immediately began development. A year later, Code Lyoko’s grand finale aired in 2007 on Cartoon Network’s former block “Miguzi.” (same year The Simpsons Movie came out) It received positive reviews from critics and viewers alike. Five Years Later, a follow up titled, “Code Lyoko Evolution” aired, and it was a mega flop. As a result, the revival was cancelled leading MoonScoop to declare bankruptcy, leaving the series unresolved.
CD Projekt Red announced DLC related to the controversial video game, “Cyberpunk 2077” coming in 2023. What do Code Lyoko & Cyberpunk 2077 both have in common? They are associated with the cyberpunk subgenre. As a fan of Code Lyoko growing up, I like to share my thoughts on the final season. Don’t forget to check out my previous reviews of Seasons 1-3.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving some of you a chance to get caught up on previous seasons.
The Entire Season
Positive: Voice Actors reprise their roles one last time and they all did an excellent job for their respective performances.
Action Sequences are filled with legit fight scenes.
The show is influenced by “The Matrix Trilogy,” “Ghost in The Shell,” “Alita: Battle Angel (both the manga and anime) & “ReBoot.” Don’t forget the Bullet Time (slow motion) technique is often used in The Matrix Trilogy.
Set after the events of Season 3, Aelita & Jeremie rebuild Lyoko allowing Aelita & her allies to re-enter the virtual world. They battle William who’s under the influence of XANA. The Gang must find a way to turn William back to normal and save Aelita’s father Franz Hopper.
I think Code Lyoko might’ve inspired “Stranger Things.” Aelita & Jeremy’s chemistry is similar to Eleven & Mike. Both Odd & Dustin are comical. Ulrich & Yumi’s on-and-off again friendship/relationship are kinda like Lucas & Max. Don’t forget a character named, Jim is caught in the action. XANA & The Mind Flayer raise the stakes by summoning their own monster or possess anything they touch in the real world. One more thing, a character named, William is tied to a sinister presence. Gotta give credit where credit is due. Maybe The Duffer Brothers are fans of Code Lyoko.
As I’ve mentioned on my previous reviews of Seasons 1-3, Aelita is my favorite character. When I was a kid back when the show was on Cartoon Network, I used to have a crush on her besides Raven from the original “Teen Titans” & Clover from “Totally Spies.”
The Gang (minus Jeremie) acquire new outfits and weapons. Aelita is given a new power to fly, Ulrich acquires two katanas, Yumi gets two fans & Odd is basically the same except his costume.
Chemistry between The Gang serves as the main highlight. Their interactions move the story forward.
A submarine plays a crucial role allowing our heroes to navigate a new section of Lyons.
Jim provides comic relief. His catchphrase “I’d rather not talk about it” never gets old. He needs his own prequel spin-off like “Better Call Saul” based on his previous jobs if it’s true or false.
Season 4 concludes The Gang’s adventures. Then, Code Lyoko: Evolution came along and took a big crap. UGH! To me, Evolution isn’t canon.
My favorite episodes from Season 4 are “Maiden Voyage,” “Distant Memory,” “A Space Oddity” & Music to Soothe the Savage Beast.”
Negative: In several episodes, 3D Effects blending in traditional animation felt uncanny.
Episode 94’s climatic battle is somewhat underwhelming. Scroll down for more info.
Episode 73 is my least favorite episode.
Episode 66 – William Returns
Up: Episode 66’s title is named after a focal character’s “return.” The title is also a named after “Batman Returns” & “Superman Returns.” Back in 2007, Christopher Nolan was filming “The Dark Knight” while Cartoon Network was developing “Batman: The Brave and the Bold.”
Sissi applies for a local school newspaper. She’s suspicious on The Gang’s shenanigans.
Jim’s big secret from a previous episode on Season 3, is distributed. As a result, somebody is punished to reenact Jim’s embarrassing memory. Reminds me of something off of “Impractical Jokers.”
Down: No flaws found.
Episode 67 – Double Take
Plus: The Gang acquire new outfits on Lyoko.
Jeremie makes a clone of himself as he searches for William. His clone is hilarious showing off his powers at Jim’s class.
XANA takes over Jeremie’s clone.
Somebody calls a character “The Incredible Hulk.” Back in 2007, Edward Norton (one of my favorite actors) announced he’s playing the character before the reboot came out in 2008 along with “Iron Man” as they both kickstarted the Marvel Cinematic Universe or MCU for short.
Minus: After Aelita saves Yumi from falling into The Digital Sea, the latter exclaims “Aelita you’re an angel!” Oh jeez! That hokey line felt like Anakin Skywalker’s line to Padmé saying, “Are you an angel?” You know when they first met in “The Phantom Menace?” At least Aunt May’s line “Aunt May, Aunt May is that an angel” from Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man” wasn’t that cringeworthy.
Episode 68 – Opening Act
Open: Jim’s rockstar nephew Chris opens auditions at the school for an opening act for his band The Subdigitals.
Aelita, Odd & Sissi audition for the opening act.
Aelita & Jeremie develop a digital ship.
XANA goes incognito using his archenemy as prey.
Somebody said, “Make him an offer he can’t refuse.” A reference to “The Godfather.”
Closed: No flaws found.
Episode 69 – Wreck Room
Clean: William’s body double’s elected student manager of a new lounge area. It’s up to The Gang to keep an eye on him.
Jeremy works on a way to bring the real William back to the real world.
Jim brings up his past job. Never gets old.
Cluttered: No cons found.
Episode 70 – Skidbladnir
Strong: Episode 70 is named after a virtual ship.
While working on a virtual ship, Aelita & Jeremie are caught staying up all night. As punishment, they’re forced to spend detention.
XANA sends his lackies to destroy the ship. The Gang must find a way to get Aelita & Jeremie out of detention before time runs out.
Weak: No issues found.
Episode 71 – Maiden Voyage
Discovered: The Gang test out their new ship.
Aelita roasts a bully. She’s come a long way adapting to Earth since Season 2 and now she’s more confident and less timid.
As The Gang explore a new section, a song sounds awfully suspicious like “Blue Danube” from Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey.” One of Christopher Nolan’s favorite movies.
Jim brings up his “past” again.
Lost: Nothing bad spotted.
Episode 72 – Crash Course
Sober: Aelita auditions as opening act for The Subdigitals.
Meanwhile, XANA knocks out Jeremie. With no other choice, The Gang must figure out how to use the supercomputer.
Drunk: Nothing stupid.
Episode 73 – Replika
Immune: Only good moment is a fight with William.
Revoke: Episode 73 is my least favorite. Aelita & Odd constantly argue over the fact Odd slept late causing them to nearly get expelled. I know Aelita is fed up with Odd’s laziness, but it feels outta character constantly complaining. Her behavior predates Code Lyoko: Evolution. She didn’t act mean to Jeremie when they had detention together. Peter Parker & Harry Osborn’s troubled friendship from “Spider-Man 3” is more realistic than Aelita & Odd.
I swear to God I’m not making this up. Aelita & Odd come up with a plan to prevent Sissi’s stooges Nicolas & Herb from entering the factory’s elevator by kissing each other. Under the impression Aelita & Odd are cousins, Nicolas & Herb think it’s normal. I find it utterly repulsive.
Episode 74 – I’d Rather Not Talk About It
Real: Episode 74’s title is obviously named after Jim’s catchphrase.
In order to increase their stamina, The Gang endure an intense workout with Jim.
XANA takes over a boar. Not kidding. He must be running out of ideas. In real life, boars are ferocious.
Fake: No boo boos found.
Episode 75 – Hot Shower
Hot: XANA hacks a military satellite in an attempt to change an asteroid’s course by bringing it down to the supercomputer.
Aelita makes a risky decision.
Cold: Lacking issues.
Episode 76 – The Lake
Cozy: During a field trip on an island, The Gang are stuck at a lake as they must leave immediately before XANA destroys the ship in Lyoko.
Yumi has an intense fight with William.
Cramped: No cons found.
Episode 77 – Lost At Sea
Found: Yumi gets stuck in the digital sea. It’s up to The Gang to rescue her before time runs out. Meanwhile, her diary is missing. Yumi is basically the Rodney Dangerfield of Code Lyoko, because she gets no respect.
Lost: Zero flaws.
Episode 78 – Lab Rat
Success: Aelita & Odd infiltrate to destroy a supercomputer located in an Amazon Forest. Unlike Lyoko, they appear in the real world. This marks the first time more supercomputers are scattered across Earth. It would’ve been awesome if others like The Gang are operating in different countries.
Ulrich tries to reconcile with Yumi after he forgot her birthday.
Jeremie forged Aelita’s public record. Thus, a Plot Hole fixed Aelita’s status in the real world. Despite not remember her birthday, Jeremie picked out December 16th. I’m not kidding, an official fansite called, Simulated Fictional Interfaces of Code Lyoko or SFICL for short establishes more about Aelita. She now shares a birthday with science fiction authors Arthur C. Clarke & Philip K. Dick. Famous people like Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top) Shane Black, (the Lethal Weapon series) the late Bill Hicks, James Mangold, (Logan, 3:10 To Yuma, Cop Land) Miranda Otto, Benjamin Bratt, Krysten Ritter & Theo James. I have to give this cool detail an Extra Point.
XANA creates cybernetic spiders. Cue the words, “Get back you Eight Legged Freaks!”
Failure: No boos boos.
Episode 79 – Bragging Rights
Nice: Ulrich & Yumi head to the Amazon Forest to finish the mission from the previous episode.
Odd makes a bet with Ulrich without constantly bragging for 24 Hours.
Mean: No stupid thing found.
Episode 80 – Dog Day Afternoon
Light: Episode 80’s title is named after an Al Pacino movie based on a real-life bank robbery. Cue the words, “ATTIKA!”
The real William has a poster of “A Clockwork Orange.” Another favorite film of Christopher Nolan. Perhaps William’s a Stanley Kubrick fan.
To avoid Sissi’s suspicion, Yumi pretends to go out with William’s clone.
Meanwhile, XANA possesses a biker gang. He probably saw “Wild Hogs.”
Yumi quotes James Bond’s “Shaken, not stirred.” Back in 2007, Daniel Craig was filming “Quantum of Solace.”
Dark: No idiocy detected.
Episode 81 – A Lack Of Goodwill
Heroic: Aelita & Ulrich infiltrate a military base in New Mexico.
Somebody said, “Another One Bites the Dust.” A reference to Queen’s song.
Nosy school news reporters Milly & Tamiya interview William’s clone.
The real William (under XANA’s control) fights his clone.
Evil: No flaws found.
Episode 82 – Distant Memory
Unforgettable: As everybody goes on a mini-vacation except Aelita, she receives a message.
A character (guess who) has a flashback before the events of the series. I’m gonna come clean, this scene made me cry.
One character quotes a “Star Wars” line, “May the Force Be with You.” Back in 2007, George Lucas & Dave Filoni announced they were working on a theatrical animated movie and TV series set in “The Clone Wars” on Cartoon Network.” Heck, LucasArts developed a video game, “The Force Unleashed.”
A simulation bubble serves as a plot point. Wait a tic? “WandaVision” also featured a simulation bubble. Seems like Marvel Studios was inspired by this episode.
Episode 82 is one of my favorite episodes.
Forgettable: No issues discovered.
Episode 83 – Hard Luck
Lucky: Ulrich & Yumi embark on a mission to destroy yet another supercomputer.
A glitch in Lyoko becomes problematic.
Jim’s phone got me cracking up.
Unlucky: No cons.
Episode 84 – Guided Missile
Support: XANA takes over a jet with Jeremie onboard. Still a better plot than Jamie Foxx’s “Stealth.”
The way William deflects Odd’s arrow with his bracer, mirrors Wonder Woman using her bracers to deflect bullets.
Aelita receives an anonymous letter. It later pays off at the end.
Overwhelmed: Lacking stupidity.
Episode 85 – Kadic Bombshell
Clear: Sissi meets her pen pal, Brynja from Iceland.
Blind: Odd acts like a moron for having the hots for Brynja by taking her to the factory.
I know Aelita is fed up with Brynja, but her jealousy towards a blonde girl, predates her cold behavior towards Laura from Code Lyoko Evolution. Harsher in Hindsight.
Episode 86 – Canine Conundrum
Sweet: Tired of Kiwi’s shenanigans, The Gang sends Odd’s dog to the factory.
XANA takes control of Jeremie’s homemade robot designed after Kiwi.
Jim, Hiroki & Sissi assist The Gang
Aelita made a smart tactic. To quote Muldoon from “Jurassic Park.” “Clever girl.”
Ugly: None.
Episode 87 – A Space Oddity
Open: Episode 87 is named after a David Bowie song. The late singer is Christopher Nolan’s favorite musician. He appeared in “The Prestige”
Odd & Yumi transport to a space station so they can destroy yet another supercomputer while dodging XANA’s floating balls of spikes.
Meanwhile, Hiroki dog sits Kiwi.
I chuckled when Aelita lampshades William’s presence.
One scene pays homage to the airlock scene from 2001: A Space Odyssey & the “Alien” series. Mr. Nolan’s also an Alien fan.
Close: Nothing stupid.
Episode 88 – Cousins Once Removed
Add: Jeremie’s cousin, Patrick pays a visit.
Sissi attempts to expose The Gang’s secret. Then, she gets possessed by XANA.
During a mission, the ship is hacked.
Subtract: This is the last episode to air on Cartoon Network. I will never forgive them.
Episode 89 – Music To Soothe The Savage Beast
Comfy: A bashful Aelita preps up as the opening act for The Subdigitals.
XANA takes over Milly, Tamiya & a music producer.
The Subdigitals perform “Planet Net.” For those who don’t know, there’s a music video on YouTube. Plus, the band’s tunes can be found online. Gotta love the series’ lore. If Code Lyoko gets a proper revival, I want an Aelita based episode of her going on tour as a rock star. A breather without XANA involved.
One scene mocked Aerosmith.
Odd said, “With a Little Help from My Friends.” Which is a Beatles song.
Episode 89 is one of my favorite episodes from Season 4.
Rough: No cons spotted.
Episode 90 – Wrong Exposure
Right: Aelita’s life is in peril when Delmas finds an old photograph of her and Hopper.
Jim & Delmas have a hilarious good cop bad cop with Aelita.
Jim has an epic fail moment.
XANA possesses Delmas. A callback to Season 2.
Jackie Chan is mentioned. “Rush Hour 3” came out in 2007.
Ulrich has a sword fight with a possessed Aelita. One sword is highlighted blue and the other is red. In the immortal words of Chris Rock’s character, Chaka Luther King from “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.” “I think George Lucas is gonna sue somebody.”
A big reveal involving Aelita’s past. Her last name is Schafer. It’s Heartwarming and Hilarious in Hindsight, because Hunter Schafer (one my idols) is a passionate anime fan. For those who don’t know who Hunter is, she’s Jules from “Euphoria.” Besides Code Lyoko, I’m also a huge fan of the aforementioned HBO series. I have to give this sweet moment Bonus Points.
Jeremie gets a cool moment.
Wrong: Aelita acts like a moron shooting the jellyfish monster instead of using her wings to fly away. I can’t believe I’m quoting R. Kelly, so hear if go. “That’s stupid, use your common sense!” Aelita didn’t learn her lesson from Season 3 when it comes to a jellyfish who wants to brainwash or extract information.
Episode 91 – Bad Connection
Good: Odd’s parents pay a visit to see his movie.
XANA sabotages various phones causing the owner to go nuts. Cue Michael Keaton’s Batman line. “You wanna get nuts?!” “Come on, let’s get nuts!”
Witnessing XANA turning people into his aggressive pawns are the equivalent of an army of famous douchebags such as Steven Seagal, Wesley Snipes, Courtney Love, Ezra Miller, Brett Ratner, Olivia Wilde, Ben Shapiro, Alec Baldwin, Louis CK, Shia LaBeouf, Whoopi Goldberg, Andrew Tate, Christian Bale, Cardi B, Lea Michelle, Ellen DeGeneres, Charlie Sheen, Gordon Ramsay, Amber Heard, Abby Lee Miller, 6ix9ine, Billy Bush, Danielle Bregoli, Amy Schumer, Dan Schneider, Harvey Weinstein, Bill O’Reilly, John Lasseter, Dustin Hoffman, Matt Lauer, Kevin Spacey, Jeffrey Epstein, R. Kelly, Al Franken, Charlie Rose, Woody Allen, Jared Fogle, Judd Apatow, OJ Simpson, Bill Cosby, Donald Trump, The Kardashians, Caitlyn Jenner, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, Lena Dunham, James Franco, Michael Moore, JK Rowling, Rush Limbaugh, Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Russell Crowe, Cuba Gooding Jr. Sean Penn & Mel Gibson. Phew! To quote Dark Helmet from “Spaceballs,” “I’m surrounded by assholes!”
A theater teacher resembles Rick Sanchez. Keep in mind, this is before “Rick and Morty” existed.
Ulrich does his impression of Karl from “Sling Blade” uttering, “Mmm hmm.”
Bad: No boo boos found.
Episode 92 – Cold Sweat
Cool: XANA creates a Kaiju sized monster dubbed, Kolossus. A reference to the video game, “Shadow of the Colossus.”
A news article with an embarrassing photo of Yumi surfaces.
Jeremie utters out the title of the show. Gotta love a title drop. Not as cringy as this line. “We must be some kind of Suicide Squad.
Yumi paraphrases Jim’s catchphrase. “I don’t wanna talk about it.”
Odd & Yumi embark on a mission to destroy a supercomputer located in Siberia.
Fire: No issues.
Episode 93 – Down To Earth
Up: The Gang resume their mission in Siberia as their one-way ticket to free William under XANA’s control.
Jeremie uncovers a program that could possibly defeat XANA once and for all.
XANA’s plan is to create a large-scale robot army.
The Kolossus’ involvement drastically escalates.
Unaware he’s a clone, William’s parents visit the school concerned about their son’s strange behavior.
Down to Earth is another favorite episode of mine.
Down: Nothing bad occurred.
Episode 94 – Fight To The Finish
Epic: The Gang embark on their final mission. Meaning there’s no going back.
Aelita experiences a premonition. Possibly a reference to Neo’s nightmare from “The Matrix Reloaded.” Anyway, Aelita comes across a moral dilemma with the fate of the world depending on her.
A battle with The Kolossus reminds me of Shadow of the Colossus & “God of War.”
Fail: I felt disappointed I never got to see XANA’s ultimate form. The closest thing is his humanoid appearance in “Ghost Channel.”
Another nitpick on this episode isn’t an hour long. If you’re gonna make a final showdown, you have to give us everything you got. Go crazy uploading an upgrade for Aelita obtaining the same power level and combat skills as XANA. I wanted to see Aelita & XANA duking it out in a one-on-one swordfight like Obi-Wan & Anakin’s fight in Revenge of the Sith. Meanwhile, Ulrich, Yumi & Odd protect Hopper from The Kolossus so Jeremie can download a program to defeat XANA. Downside is a slow download. Intercut between two epic moments like Obi-Wan & Anakin’s fight as well as Yoda & Palpatine’s duel with John Williams’ “Battle of the Heroes” playing in the background.
Episode 95 – Echoes
Redemption: The last episode ends The Gang’s adventures via callbacks from previous episodes. I got teary-eyed. David Chase, if you’re reading this article, this is how you conclude a series by tying loose ends. I’ll never forgive you for abruptly ending “The Sopranos.”
The final shot with electricity crackling is left for the viewer to interpret if the story continues. I think it should move forward going to worldwide with The Gang encountering alternate versions of XANA and meeting their counterparts around the globe. To me, Code Lyoko: Evolution doesn’t exist.
Unfulfillment: Nothing terrible found.
Season 1’s Final Verdict: B-
Season 2’s Final Verdict: A-
Season 3’s Final Verdict: B-
Season 4’s Final Verdict: B-
Series Overall: B, FOR BREATHTAKING!
Despite a few hiccups, Code Lyoko’s final season concludes Aelita’s story arc going from protector of Lyoko & Earth to fully adapting to the real world with support from her allies. At first, I was gonna give the series an average rating which is a B-. After looking back every single episode, character development, mythos, action scenes and chemistry between The Gang, it definitely earns a B. To this day, I still enjoy Code Lyoko. I even made dedicated Spotify playlists based on Aelita’s passion for music. I keep the show’s legacy alive creating a customized character in video games after Aelita. If you wanna introduce your kids to Code Lyoko, begin Season 1.
If Code Lyoko comes back, I want an animated fifth season. If not, perhaps a prequel involving Franz Hopper creating Lyoko before Aelita was born. Maybe a spin-off with Jim telling a story about a previous job to his students.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 