why kraang1 is a good villian.
The Kraang are shown to have an authoritarian ideology that "the strong will devour the weak". Kraang1 specifically prides in his species' raw power and technology, even taking many moments to boast about the "mighty technodrome". He takes pride in what he is- but also, who he is. (read more below)
There's no doubt about it. Kraang1 has an inflated ego, so devoid of love or empathy that concepts like "honour, redemption & sacrifice" are (no pun intended) alien to him. To risk everything, your own well-being for the sake of another, for someone who is weaker than you- is something beyond his own understanding. When you smack talk him or his species- he'll take personal offence to it. The guy quite lirtally said it himself. He views himself as a gift.
To add emphasis on how fucking massive ego is and how strong his ideals are. His first instinct when is WHOLE ASS BUILDING is thrown at him. isn't to embrace himself for impact. no. He instead readies himself to FUCKING PUNCH THROUGH IT.
Kraang1's unbridled self-confidence within himself and his leadership, plays an unspoken role within the narrative. i feel as though it needs to be highlighted because I want the community to understand why Kraang1 works so well as an antagonist to Leonardo. Kraang1 and his little sibs are my favs so I'm just heavily biased here
To briefly touch upon the fandom's favourite turtle, Leonardo. it's well-established that Leonardo has low self-esteem issues and often masks his insecurities through a dashing confident facade. when faced with the responsibilities of leadership. he sabotages himself.
I won't be going too in-depth into this since many posts discuss this aspect of Leo infinitely better than I ever could. So, I suggest reading this post by Risestarkiss and this analysis video by Skullrot if you want a deeper look into Leo's insecurities as a whole. (go follow them btw)
This is something worth mentioning because Kraang1 mirrors everything Leo isn't at the start of the movie. A strong competent leader. He's confident in himself but also in his own siblings. it's heavily implied that he has a great understanding of 2 & 3.
An example of this is instance is during the integration Scene where Kraang2 is curiously examining Raph before threatening him. Kraang1 emerges from the shadows saying "forgiven my sister. She's got a bit of a temper and being imprisoned for 1000 years hasn't done her any favours" He speaks with an air of familiarity. He understands his sister and where Her weakness lies. He knows her strengths and what makes her a ferocious foe. Another Example of Kraang1's understanding of his siblings, is his interactions with Kraang3. While nothing explicitly said between the two. Kraang1's here actions speak louder. Before the climax, Kraang1 is seen accompanying Kraang3. He knows the importance of Kraang3's role and thus, protects him along the way. Kraang1 understands that Kraang3 is the weaker one out of the trio but knows that despite this, Kraang3 is valuable. Why Kraang1 make's effective as a villain is that he's also an effective leader too. His confidence isn't just a facade, When he tells you he's a gift- he MEANS it and can back it up.To put this in perspective. In Casey's timeline. He won. Kraang1 isn't all bark and no bite. This son of a bitch means business. But throughout the movie, Leo is coming into the role of a leader. When called out by Casey, he reflects and steps up. He begins to Listen. It isn't about him after all. Kraang1- is the EXACT opposite of this. Everything leads back to himself. for Kraang1, it IS about him. It's about his strength, his species and his future empire. Everything surrounds him in some way. While his confidence is one of his strengths- it's also his weakness. By setting himself apart from the other Kraang, it became his downfall.
If Kraang1 in this timeline took a page out of Leo's book, he might have won again. They're a sense of irony in this. Kraang1 is an experienced warlord who knows how to lead effectively. He knows his siblings and utilizes their strong suits for conquest.
Leo in some regard, is simllar. He too understands his siblings, he knows how to lead when push comes to shove. Yet Leo possesses something that Kraang1 is lacking in. The ability to reflect. Leo is able to see where he faltered and pick up the pieces.
Where kraang1 cannot. When his mistakes are pointed out. he takes offense... and that's why, he failed.
He made it about himself.
