by tiff15 on June 19th, 2020, 12:49 pm
Well, I'm not much of a psychologist, but here goes...
In the beginning of the episode, after the backup generator kicks in, Robotnik says the freedom fighters were 'beginning to concern him'. Now, I'm guessing the resistance only just started at that point? or were Sonic, Sally, and the Freedom fighters not as much of a threat until then?
My point is, Robotnik was still 'new' in dealing with exceptional threats like Sonic. Also, he probably couldn't deal with the fact that a 'rodent'...one so far beneath him (in his mind)…could have such phenomenal power and stealth at such a young age. Particularly since he couldn't 'control' Sonic, he didn't believe Sonic deserved his speed (or possibly even the ability to live for that matter)
In short, he was jealous of Sonic, and took it out on Snivley.
That's my theory, anyways.