SatPOP episode reviews

[OwenMorton]

My episode review blog has now moved into MOTU's modern era with She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. Here's a link to the first episode, The Sword, Part 1: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...-sword-part-1/

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And here's the second episode, The Sword, Part 2: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...-sword-part-2/

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Adora continues her integration into the rebellion, in Razz: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...isode-03-razz/

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Time to meet Perfuma today, in Flowers for She-Ra: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...rs-for-she-ra/

[AlexApprobation]

Very cool to see you tackling this series! I'd join you in (re)watching these, but we currently have our hands full on shows... but hopefully soon!

My episode review blog has now moved into MOTU's modern era with She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. Here's a link to the first episode, The Sword, Part 1: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...-sword-part-1/

No insults this episode? But Catra and Shadow Weaver drop insults every other word! lol

Overall, glad you gave it a fair shot and also ended up enjoying it. One day I hope to do the same with the Filmation one... like the 90's MOTU, I saw an episode or two a a kid and it just wasn't for me. But hopefully I can be a bit more objective with my adult eyes.

And here's the second episode, The Sword, Part 2: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...-sword-part-2/

It took me a while to warm up to the theme song. As much as I loved the show from the start, I skipped over the theme song for like the first few seasons. It does grow on you and it is a bit of an earworm.

I think I liked the “best friend squad” running gag from the start, but maybe it's something I got used to? I can't remember. Whatever the case, it will become really endearing as the series progresses and the stakes get higher. I wonder if it will affect you the same way as you continue the series.

You hit the nail on the head on how great the writing and pacing is for this series. Great world building, characterization, plot, etc. Like you said, it works as a kid's show for the intended audience, but there is so much meat for adults to sink their teeth into.

Adora continues her integration into the rebellion, in Razz: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...isode-03-razz/

Okay, two of the few things I liked about the old 80s version were the intro song/visuals... and Loo-Kee at the end. As a kid I was super good at puzzles and those seek-n-find tests, so I enjoyed the Where's Waldo bit with Loo-Kee. Also it meant that this show was over and I could watch what came on next.

When I first watched this, I also thought it was okay but random. As the show progresses, everything that seemed random will begin to fall into place. Very well placed foreshadowing.

Speaking of, you had a leg up as you actually finished New Adventures. I was caught completely off guard by the reveal and was SUPER impressed by how they tied so much previous lore into this series.

Time to meet Perfuma today, in Flowers for She-Ra: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...rs-for-she-ra/

Once again, your takeaways are on point. I kinda want to answer some of the questions you proposed, but I'm not going to spoil those surprises...

[OwenMorton]

Very cool to see you tackling this series! I'd join you in (re)watching these, but we currently have our hands full on shows... but hopefully soon!

Thanks man, glad you're enjoying the reviews! Great to have you reading along even if you can't be watching at the mo!

Okay, two of the few things I liked about the old 80s version were the intro song/visuals... and Loo-Kee at the end. As a kid I was super good at puzzles and those seek-n-find tests, so I enjoyed the Where's Waldo bit with Loo-Kee.

I never liked Loo-Kee, I think largely because it took away from the fun of guessing "which character is going to come along and deliver a demented moral?" if you know it's always going to be an irrelevant little pixie. It's been a while since I watched the old series, but I seem to recall that finding him was either insanely difficult or ridiculously obvious.

I did like the old theme music though. While I was writing the reviews in 2015 or 2016 or whenever it was, I was watching two episodes a day and the music got right into my head, so I was singing it all the time. It really wound my wife up and to this day I'm not allowed to sing it.

Also it meant that this show was over and I could watch what came on next.

Well, this genuinely made me lol!

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This week's effort is the very strong The Sea Gate: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...-the-sea-gate/

[OwenMorton]

The series' first let-down this time, with System Failure: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...ystem-failure/

[AlexApprobation]

Thanks man, glad you're enjoying the reviews! Great to have you reading along even if you can't be watching at the mo!

My pleasure! If you keep doing them, I will keep reading them!

I never liked Loo-Kee, I think largely because it took away from the fun of guessing "which character is going to come along and deliver a demented moral?" if you know it's always going to be an irrelevant little pixie. It's been a while since I watched the old series, but I seem to recall that finding him was either insanely difficult or ridiculously obvious.

I did like the old theme music though. While I was writing the reviews in 2015 or 2016 or whenever it was, I was watching two episodes a day and the music got right into my head, so I was singing it all the time. It really wound my wife up and to this day I'm not allowed to sing it.

Ah, I can dig that... a different kind of fun that the character removed.

And, oh, our poor wives, haha

Well, this genuinely made me lol!

Muhahaha!

This week's effort is the very strong The Sea Gate: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...-the-sea-gate/

Similar to Han Solo, it took me a while to warm up to Sea Hawk. That character type in stories tends to rub me the wrong way until I get used to them and/or learn their deeper and true intentions.

Although I don't know much of the original Scorpia, I did love this version from the start. And she only became more endearing as the series went on.

Mermista was fine in this... I kinda liked her Daria style personality.

The series' first let-down this time, with System Failure: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...ystem-failure/

This one was a bit weird on the first viewing, but a lot of the setup in this one is expanded as the series continues.

My curiosity was piqued by Entrapta in this episode, but she became one of my top favorites by the series end. So much that I looked up the original version in hopes that she would be my way into the old series, but alas, no.

[A Dalek]

I think with Mermista, the intent is that her sullen personality was at least partially a front she was putting up to cope with the situation.

[OwenMorton]

Sorry about the delay in posting these, looks like I forgot to post a link to In the Shadows of Mystacor: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...s-of-mystacor/

And today I've posted Princess Prom: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...princess-prom/

[AlexApprobation]

I think with Mermista, the intent is that her sullen personality was at least partially a front she was putting up to cope with the situation.

Agreed!

Sorry about the delay in posting these, looks like I forgot to post a link to In the Shadows of Mystacor: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...s-of-mystacor/

And today I've posted Princess Prom: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...princess-prom/

Mystacor - I don't remember much about this episode, so I guess your takeaway is on point.

Princess Prom - This is one I remember pretty well and enjoyed. I really loved how they expanded Scorpia as a character in this one. Adora and Catra's flirt/fighting was fun. The Glimmer/Bow/Perfuma triangle was unexpected, but welcomed. Frosta was another introduction I was uncertain about, but warmed up to soon enough. Really glad you dug this one.

[OwenMorton]

Mystacor - I don't remember much about this episode, so I guess your takeaway is on point.

Princess Prom - This is one I remember pretty well and enjoyed. I really loved how they expanded Scorpia as a character in this one. Adora and Catra's flirt/fighting was fun. The Glimmer/Bow/Perfuma triangle was unexpected, but welcomed. Frosta was another introduction I was uncertain about, but warmed up to soon enough. Really glad you dug this one.

Yeah, Princess Prom was a great episode, really good fun - great plot, but also unafraid to be a bit silly. Hugely enjoyable.

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This week's ep is another good one, No Princess Left Behind: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...s-left-behind/

[AlexApprobation]

This week's ep is another good one, No Princess Left Behind: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...s-left-behind/

Agreed! I was surprised how serious they went with consequences in this one. Glimmer forcing her way through the Black Garnet’s power and the resulting effects was shocking, but so well done. On the other hand, I agree with you on the Bow and Kyle side story. It started well, but then the ball was dropped. It felt so out of character for Bow and still kinda bothers me.

The Entrapta situation was surprising. I liked the emotion of the Squad dealing with her "loss," but like Bow with Kyle, it seemed out of character that they didn't try to get more information/confirmation.

[OwenMorton]

Agreed! I was surprised how serious they went with consequences in this one. Glimmer forcing her way through the Black Garnet’s power and the resulting effects was shocking, but so well done. On the other hand, I agree with you on the Bow and Kyle side story. It started well, but then the ball was dropped. It felt so out of character for Bow and still kinda bothers me.

The Entrapta situation was surprising. I liked the emotion of the Squad dealing with her "loss," but like Bow with Kyle, it seemed out of character that they didn't try to get more information/confirmation.

Yeah, I kind of expected the Bow/Kyle thing to be picked up again later, but it never was, IIRC - certainly not to any major degree. Kyle, Lonnie and Rohalio were all basically dropped from the series around mid-season 4, which was quite a shame.

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This week we have The Beacon, which I don't feel is a stand-out: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...10-the-beacon/

[AlexApprobation]

Yeah, I kind of expected the Bow/Kyle thing to be picked up again later, but it never was, IIRC - certainly not to any major degree. Kyle, Lonnie and Rohalio were all basically dropped from the series around mid-season 4, which was quite a shame.

So true!

This week we have The Beacon, which I don't feel is a stand-out: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...10-the-beacon/

It was nice to see Glimmer and Queen Angela finally get out of their own heads and grief to actually find common ground with each other. A very relatable take on the parent and young adult dynamic with a lot of regret thrown in.

Entrapta's heel turn was so good in this! Such a fine line of good intentions with naive obsessions.

I don't remember much of Bow in this episode. I think he was a blunt visual/verbal manifestation of the episode's theme of misplaced regret and guilt for anyone who might have not gotten the nuance elsewhere (seeing comments on shows over the past few months or so shows me how much adding this to a show is greatly needed for some folks).

[OwenMorton]

This week, it's Promise, featuring lots of running away from robots: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...de-11-promise/

[AlexApprobation]

This week, it's Promise, featuring lots of running away from robots: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...de-11-promise/

I agree with your takeaways on this one. In the overall scheme of things, it served a great narrative purpose. But as an episode on it's own, it didn't quite reach the mark. Besides a few scenes, this episode is pretty forgettable.

[OwenMorton]

I agree with your takeaways on this one. In the overall scheme of things, it served a great narrative purpose. But as an episode on it's own, it didn't quite reach the mark. Besides a few scenes, this episode is pretty forgettable.

Yeah, there are a couple of episodes like this in the SatPOP series, where you can see the narrative cogs whirring. They don't feel very organic, which is a shame, because you know the writers of this series CAN do it, they just don't always manage it.

[AlexApprobation]

Yeah, there are a couple of episodes like this in the SatPOP series, where you can see the narrative cogs whirring. They don't feel very organic, which is a shame, because you know the writers of this series CAN do it, they just don't always manage it.

At times when stuff like this happens, I wonder if it has something to do with format limitations... like how Star Wars works better as shows or comics over films or how single issue comics can feel meh until you read the whole mini series or arc.

It makes me think of other shows I love, like Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul. As a whole, I remember them as perfection. But if really broken down by episodes, I'm sure there would be some highs and lows.

[OwenMorton]

At times when stuff like this happens, I wonder if it has something to do with format limitations... like how Star Wars works better as shows or comics over films or how single issue comics can feel meh until you read the whole mini series or arc.

It makes me think of other shows I love, like Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul. As a whole, I remember them as perfection. But if really broken down by episodes, I'm sure there would be some highs and lows.

Oh definitely. I really like arc-based shows when they're done well - Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul are excellent, but all too often (looking at you, Star Trek: Discovery) it becomes incredibly tedious if the arc doesn't seem well thought out or engaging. The whole series lives or dies on it. My preference is for things like Buffy or DS9, where there's an arc but individual episodes as well, and it can still be watched out of order if you like.

Anyway, looks like I forgot to post here on Saturday when Episode 12: Light Hope went live - here's a link: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...12-light-hope/

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And here's the season finale, Battle of Bright Moon: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...f-bright-moon/

That might be it for a while, but hopefully I'll be able to start Season 2 soon!

[AlexApprobation]

Oh definitely. I really like arc-based shows when they're done well - Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul are excellent, but all too often (looking at you, Star Trek: Discovery) it becomes incredibly tedious if the arc doesn't seem well thought out or engaging. The whole series lives or dies on it. My preference is for things like Buffy or DS9, where there's an arc but individual episodes as well, and it can still be watched out of order if you like.

Anyway, looks like I forgot to post here on Saturday when Episode 12: Light Hope went live - here's a link: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...12-light-hope/

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And here's the season finale, Battle of Bright Moon: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...f-bright-moon/

That might be it for a while, but hopefully I'll be able to start Season 2 soon!

Good stuff... once again, great points and observations.

Was that last episode where Netossa explained her name and abilities? The line and delivery always cracks me up.

[OwenMorton]

Okay - after a long break, we're back in business. Here's my review of Season 2's opener, The Frozen Forest: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...frozen-forest/

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And next up, here's my review of the sadly not exceptional Ties That Bind: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...ies-that-bind/

[AlexApprobation]

Okay - after a long break, we're back in business. Here's my review of Season 2's opener, The Frozen Forest: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...frozen-forest/

Welcome back!

lol @ the Perfuma shade. This is still early in the series, so I think I could see this perception at this point in the story.

Good reminder of Bow's mechanical genius. I'd love to see Bow and Duncan from MOTU CGI get together and nerd out on a project. Maybe with their powers combined they'd produce Roboto!

Haha @ today's lessons.

And next up, here's my review of the sadly not exceptional Ties That Bind: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...ies-that-bind/

Oy, Swift Wind... I think this episode is where I finally understood his character and became less irritated with him, but I'm not sure. Like you implied, this one is kinda forgettable. I vaguely remember the discovery of Entrapta being surprisingly touching, but I can't remember if I thought that for last episode, this one, or both?

[OwenMorton]

Welcome back!

lol @ the Perfuma shade. This is still early in the series, so I think I could see this perception at this point in the story.

Good reminder of Bow's mechanical genius. I'd love to see Bow and Duncan from MOTU CGI get together and nerd out on a project. Maybe with their powers combined they'd produce Roboto!

Haha @ today's lessons.



Oy, Swift Wind... I think this episode is where I finally understood his character and became less irritated with him, but I'm not sure. Like you implied, this one is kinda forgettable. I vaguely remember the discovery of Entrapta being surprisingly touching, but I can't remember if I thought that for last episode, this one, or both?

It's good to be back!

I'm actually just writing my reviews of the CGI series (up to episode 5) and am finding Duncan the most irritating character involved, so I'd rather not see him show up in She-Ra. That said, I agree he could give Bow a run for his money on a mech-building project.

Swift Wind-wise, I love his character. I know he's completely crazy but he almost always makes me laugh. Perhaps one of my main issues with Ties That Bind is that the humour either wasn't there or misfired for me.

[AlexApprobation]

It's good to be back!

I'm actually just writing my reviews of the CGI series (up to episode 5) and am finding Duncan the most irritating character involved, so I'd rather not see him show up in She-Ra. That said, I agree he could give Bow a run for his money on a mech-building project.

Swift Wind-wise, I love his character. I know he's completely crazy but he almost always makes me laugh. Perhaps one of my main issues with Ties That Bind is that the humour either wasn't there or misfired for me.

I'm glad to hear you're working on the CGI series and looking forward to those. Whaaaat? Duncan is awesome in his smart and awkward, yet wholesome and optimistic way. For me it was Ork-0 that was the most irritating character (I think he pops up around ep 5). After about 5 or 6 rewatches, he finally grew on me.

True... humor is certainly subjective! Swift Wind and Sea Hawk were far too random and over the top for my tastes (not my humor style), but like Ork-0, they grew on me (eventually).

[OwenMorton]

I'm glad to hear you're working on the CGI series and looking forward to those. Whaaaat? Duncan is awesome in his smart and awkward, yet wholesome and optimistic way. For me it was Ork-0 that was the most irritating character (I think he pops up around ep 5). After about 5 or 6 rewatches, he finally grew on me.

True... humor is certainly subjective! Swift Wind and Sea Hawk were far too random and over the top for my tastes (not my humor style), but like Ork-0, they grew on me (eventually).

I actually watched and wrote my review of Episode 6 today, which was Ork-0's first appearance: it pretty much goes without saying that I'll find Orko irritating in any of his incarnations, so it's perhaps not a surprise that I agree with you there.

As far as Duncan's concerned.... I don't quite know what it is about him; I think maybe it's the kind of try-hard, "please like me, I'm super relatable" feel to his character. Plus of course he's Man-at-Arms, who has earned my bile in the past and therefore is likely to be a prime target in the future.

Anyway, yeah, humour is subjective (even its spelling!!). I loved both Swift Wind and Sea Hawk because they were completely out of their minds, but I can easily see how they'd be grating!

[A Dalek]

I do think it's interesting how humour in these kinds of shows changed over the years.

Compared to 80's or even 90's shows (discounting the ones that were outright comedies), they are much more willing to let the hero be the but of joke.

[OwenMorton]

I do think it's interesting how humour in these kinds of shows changed over the years.

Compared to 80's or even 90's shows (discounting the ones that were outright comedies), they are much more willing to let the hero be the but of joke.

That's a really good point!

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This week's offering is Signals, which - in line with most of Season 2 so far - is decent enough: https://hemanmotu.wordpress.com/2022...de-16-signals/