Spin-offs can be tricky things. Sometimes they expand a universe in interesting ways and allow secondary characters to shine. Other times they simply feel like more of the same. Fortunately, Turtletastic: Quill in the Big City manages to carve out its own identity while still retaining the charm that made Turtletastic enjoyable in the first place.
Created by the team behind the original series, this new web series shifts the focus away from Stone Scriven and places the spotlight firmly on his sister, Quill Scriven. While fans of Turtletastic will recognise certain familiar elements, Quill’s story quickly establishes itself as something different, trading Stone’s laid-back approach for a protagonist whose biggest enemy appears to be her own inability to switch off.
The first four episodes are short, running at roughly four minutes each, but they make effective use of their runtime and establish Quill’s character remarkably quickly.
The opening episode introduces us to Quill in a suitably frantic manner. While preparing scrambled eggs, she is already operating at full speed, rushing around her apartment before receiving a visit from her girlfriend, Jackie. Concerned about Quill’s stress levels, Jackie encourages her to spend the day relaxing and taking some time for herself. Naturally, Quill does the exact opposite, throwing herself into a frenzy of cleaning and organisation.
It’s here that one of the series’ most amusing running gags is introduced. Just as Stone had a stuffed turtle companion he regularly conversed with, Quill has her own confidant in the form of a stuffed pink cat decorated with love-heart spots. The scenes between Quill and her toy are quirky and playful, helping to establish the show’s light-hearted tone.
The episode also introduces the central conflict driving Quill’s story. A phone call reveals that she has been passed over for a promotion to project manager, with the position instead going to Brad, a colleague who has worked at the company for less time than she has. It’s a relatable frustration and immediately gives Quill something tangible to wrestle with moving forward.
Episode two continues exploring the impact of this disappointment. Jackie pays another visit, worried that Quill is becoming increasingly consumed by work. Rather than processing her feelings, Quill appears determined to bury herself even deeper in her professional life. The dynamic between the two characters works well, with Jackie often acting as the voice of reason against Quill’s increasingly obsessive tendencies.
The third episode begins to broaden Quill’s world beyond work. While glued to her laptop once again, she receives a call from Mary, who reminds her about a roller-skating date they had arranged. Quill, naturally, has forgotten all about it. In a nice comedic touch, Mary reveals she is already standing outside waiting.
The outing introduces another recurring character in Curtis, an energetic and flamboyant friend whom they encounter in the park. Curtis brings a different energy to the series and helps make the world feel more populated and alive. The scenes outside also provide a welcome visual change from the apartment setting that dominates much of the first two episodes.
The fourth episode picks up directly from the previous instalment. While Mary and Curtis attempt to enjoy their time together, Quill remains glued to her phone, constantly responding to work messages. Mary eventually points out something that clearly strikes a nerve, suggesting that Quill is acting a lot like her brother Stone, despite never actually having met him.
Back home, the comment continues to bother Quill. As she talks to her stuffed cat, she insists she is nothing like Stone, seemingly oblivious to the fact that they both spend a considerable amount of time chatting with cuddly toys. It’s a funny moment and one that hints at the possibility of deeper character development as the series progresses.
One of the most noticeable improvements over Turtletastic is the overall production quality. While the visual style remains relatively simple, the series looks far more confident this time around. The camera work is still predominantly static, with scenes relying on straightforward framing rather than elaborate movements, but the lighting is noticeably stronger throughout. Interiors are brighter and more polished, helping the show feel more professional.
The audio is another area where the improvement is clear. Dialogue is cleaner and easier to follow, making the viewing experience considerably smoother than some of the earlier entries in the Turtletastic universe.
Much of the credit should go to director Kay McCoy, writers Craig Selbrede and Anastaisia Brady, and lead performer Kyra Radomsky, who does a very good job bringing Quill to life. Quill is an entertaining character because she is simultaneously capable, intelligent and completely incapable of relaxing. Her constant need to stay productive drives much of the humour while also making her relatable to anyone who has struggled to switch off from work.
At just four minutes per episode, these instalments move quickly. There is very little wasted time, and before you know it you’ve watched all four episodes. The short format suits the material well and allows the series to deliver its jokes and character moments without overstaying its welcome.
Perhaps the biggest compliment that can be paid to Turtletastic: Quill in the Big City is that it leaves you wanting to see what happens next. The foundation has been laid, the characters are established, and there is clearly room for Quill’s story to grow.
Craig Selbrede and the team have shown genuine improvement since the original Turtletastic. The production values are stronger, the writing feels more focused, and Quill proves to be a worthy lead character in her own right. If the series continues to build on these early episodes, it could become an even more enjoyable and confident web series as it develops.
We’re certainly looking forward to seeing where Quill’s journey takes her next.
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