She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (Part 1 of 2)

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (Part 1 of 2) 

Okay, this new reboot vexes me.  On one hand, the storyline and certain character development is a something that carries over in each episode.  On the other hand, the show had some design and character problems.  I decided to watch the entire series and I feel the first season is a bit uneven.  It isn’t the total SJW mess that people predicted and it isn’t the shit that is Thundercats Roar.   

It is loosely based on the old cartoon series from the 80s of the same name.  This remake does have some major issues with it tonal shifts in the same manner as the My Little Pony.  Sure, the setting is the same (Etheria) and the characters have the same names as the earlier series.  Whereas the older series wanted to show us a strong female character, this series is more interested in showing us diversity and representation.  When you focus on just representation and diversity, the overall story suffers.  

Representation is important, but you have to tell a compelling story first and foremost.  Noelle Stevenson clearly wanted to put this Identify Politics stuff in the forefront, but somehow managed to also tell some interesting character moments.  Adora and Catra’s relationship is interesting and the most compelling thing in the series.  However, you can tell Noelle was more interested in this proto-lesbian relationship than the actual She-Ra lore.  When you have 12 episodes, you can balance the two.  I wanted to see more of Adora dealing with being a leader and superhero.   Don't forget that you're telling a She-Ra series, Noelle. 

Despite Noelle pushing for identity politics in the She-Ra series, there are some interesting characters and character interactions.  Some of the Princesses are interesting and varied without it seeming preachy.  Yet, Noelle becomes her own worst enemy because she wants to put identity politics in front of actual organic storytelling and characters development.  When there is a moment to introduce a romantic element between Glimmer, and Bow, the show completely goes out of its way to NOT make it about that and just have them being friends.  Why? 

Let’s put away all the identity politics and look at the series on its own.  Does the series work?  Sometime...When the show focuses on character interaction and carrying over the central story.  

Whereas the character stuff works, the design and animation are a mixed bag.  The design of the characters is a cross between anime and the Cal-Arts style.  I would have preferred a more of an anime style and there are shots where it does completely turn into an anime style.  Both styles don’t exactly work together.  Sometimes, the show wants to be an anime and other times a Cartoon Network style series.    

The other thing I will give this series credit for is some of the character twists.  There are two major twists that I have to give the series writers credit for them.  Both Twists have to do with characters having heel-turns.  I know that certain people called a certain character switching a side.  I really like that aspect and the show foreshadows that heel turn fairly well.