When I first heard there would be a reboot of She-Ra, I was excited as I always felt it needed to come back. I don't like using the word 'iconic' but She-Ra has so much potential as a eternal franchise. When thinking of a reboot, I thought it would be impossible to not include He-Man as he was essential in making Adora into She-Ra but this new Netflix animated series proved me wrong. She is a clear hero for not only little girls but everyone. While the series has been applauded for sticking to the main plot, keeping the character names and colors, its been criticized for re-threading themes and morals from Steven Universe and the Legend of Korra. I for one like it and don't think its a weakness. Where I see the weakness is the plotting seems lost in the big scheme of things. Even though it tells an overall arc, the story pacing seem a bit off. Some episodes take a break from the overall arc. But it is emotional in its core. It seems to fall in same preoccupation as the original focusing too much on its core cast (She-Ra, Bow and Glimmer) than its expanding one.
1. "The Sword" Part 1
Synopsis: Adora has been appointed Force Captain by the Horde and on a joyride with Catra stumbles upon an intriguing sword and meets Glimmer and Bow who enlightening her on the crimes of the Horde upon Etheria.
Review: A good opener in establishing mood and keeping names of locations such as the Whispering Woods and Fright Zone. This series does what the original did not--have Adora and Catra have an emotional tie and ethical conflict and have the Rebellion not right away trust Adora.
2. "The Sword" Part 2
Synopsis: Glimmer and Bow enter a First One Temple with Adora and finally let her have the Sword of Protection to fight as She-Ra.
Review: A bit jumbled as Glimmer obviously has to give the sword back to Adora to become She-Ra but seems a change of heart seems more like a Heel-Face Turn.
3. "Razz"
Synopsis: Adora looks for help with her sword and finds it in hermit Madam Razz.
Review: Razz was an original Filmation creation and the equivalent of Orco from He-Man, in an old Jewish woman caricature. She was part of the Great Rebellion in the original. Here she seems to be loosing it. She still carries around Broom but he doesn't talk. Lookie could be imaginary but fans say he is an easter egg. A jumbled episode where Razz takes a while to appear. Also, she calls She-Ra Mara, which is the name of He-Man's female friend in the forgotten New Adventures of He-Man from the 90's.
Review: Razz was an original Filmation creation and the equivalent of Orco from He-Man, in an old Jewish woman caricature. She was part of the Great Rebellion in the original. Here she seems to be loosing it. She still carries around Broom but he doesn't talk. Lookie could be imaginary but fans say he is an easter egg. A jumbled episode where Razz takes a while to appear. Also, she calls She-Ra Mara, which is the name of He-Man's female friend in the forgotten New Adventures of He-Man from the 90's.
4. "Flowers for She-Ra"
Synopsis: In the "Princess of the Week" motif, the trio find themselves in Plumeria to get Princess Perfuma to join the Princess Alliance but she wants peace for her people and doesn't want to get involved.
Review: Here we get to the hippies that don't want to do things for themselves and also echo religious fanatics "Let destiny (or God) take care of it. Bless the good and punish the wicked." A good episode even though i felt too quickly for Perfuma to find her powers are better at kicking ass than just how she says it, making flowers.
5. "Seagate"
Synopsis: The trio must get a boat captain Seahawk to take them to Mermista and she needs help in fixing the seagate.
Review: Feels like 2 episodes but well crafted. Even though I don't like Mermista's "millianal" accents, I do like the episode. Plus with now Seahawk and Mermista's romantic 'will-they or won't they" dynamic. In the original, Seahawk was linked to Adora. Even though I thought Seahawk was first gay by his new design, it works great he loves Mermista.
6. "System Failure"
Synopsis: The gang arrive at the castle of Entrapta where she taps into First One tech that gives a virus to her robots and technology.
Review: I love how Bow can inspire people. Everyone is liking Entrapta and I am too, she is a neutral where she enjoys company more of technology than humans. She is not too concern about good and evil, she is more of an observer. Her servants are interesting even though we don't see them later on.
6. "In the Shadows of Mystacor"
Synopsis: The series takes a break on meeting princesses and meets Glimmer's aunt Castaspella and Shadow Weaver attacks Adora but the others don't believe her.
Review: Castaspella was not Glimmer's aunt in the original and was part of the Great Rebellion. She was part of the opening sequence but somehow she isn't part of the Princess Alliance in this one. I have no problem with it, I just find it strange. I like her new outfit but miss the red hair. Being a fan of Castaspella, I hope she will still serve as an adviser as she did in the original. Given she is voiced by legendary Sandra Oh, I'm hoping she appears more. Shadow Weaver and Castaspella were connected in the original too.
8. "Princess Prom"
Synopsis: The gang are invited to Frosta's palace where all princesses are invited, including Scorpia. Catra is her plus one and Adora suspects her of no good.
Review: This is where the series shines. Juggling multiple characters and keeping the audience guessing on what Catra's plan is. Scorpia is given a happy characterization here compared to her dumbness in the original. I like they used her but puzzled why other villains Leech, Grizzor and Mantana have been left on the wayside.
Review: This is where the series shines. Juggling multiple characters and keeping the audience guessing on what Catra's plan is. Scorpia is given a happy characterization here compared to her dumbness in the original. I like they used her but puzzled why other villains Leech, Grizzor and Mantana have been left on the wayside.
9. "No Princess Left Behind"
Synopsis: When Glimmer and Bow are kidnapped, the Princess Alliance helps Adora save the from the Horde.
Review: A lovely blend of comedy, heart and action. The cast really melds well and its exciting to see characters never put together before work together. Devastating what happens next and the irony of the title...
10. "The Beacon"
Synopsis: Everyone blames themselves for Entrapta's loss, but they're wrong about what happened. Glimmer tries to hide the glitches in her powers from her mom.
Review: They don't even try to contact Entrapta or try to find out if she really died or not. It didn't even look like she did die. Anyway, a good episode on the bad guys side as Catra manipulates Entrapta. Also some good scenes between Glimmer and Angela.
11. "Promise"
Synopsis: Adora enters the First Ones citadel with Catra on her tail. Inside, they're caught in an illusion simulator that brings back painful memories.
Review: Critics have applauded this episode as it only focuses on Adora and Catra. Noelle Stevenson says this episode was inspired by an old one where She-Ra and Catra are first sent alone to a strange land but where she thought it would go it didn't and this one does.
12. "Light Hope"
Synopsis: Swift Wind comes to Bright Moon, Entrapta decrypts the First Ones data crystal, and Light Hope tells Adora about the history of She-Ra and Etheria.
Review: Why didn't Swift Wind talk before?! Does this happen because of Razz? And why didn't they use Swift Wind to fly to some of their destinations? Especially Mysticor?! Anyway, this episode does a good leeway to the next and explains a lot of the lore. She-Ra, like He-Man in the original, is a mantel worn by many and wielded in many ways. She-Ra in the original was not displayed as such. Also I like the subtle touch that Light Hope is now female.
13. "Battle of Bright Moon"
Synopsis: The Black Garnet is sucking the energy from the entire planet and the other stones. Catra takes her forces to attack Bright Moon and the Princess Alliance must come together.
Review: Good build up and great battle between Catra and She-Ra. Also great action. Also the ending is satisfying. I hope the villains get more focus in season two (I'm confident even though no official statement has been released!).
