She-Ra still has a Catra problem
The Princesses of Power are united as one…or at least by definition. Although they are all on the same side, the Princesses need to learn to work together if they hope to defeat the Horde. Catra is now in charge of Hordak’s forces but finds replacing Shadow Weaver isn’t as easy as she though. Entrapta discovers working with the Horde could be the key to expanding her scientific abilities, and Hordak realizes that Entrapta might just be the key to all his plans.
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power—Season 2 was released on Netflix on April 26, 2019. The short seven episode season continues to be well received by critics.
I liked watching She-Ra as a kid simply because I loved watching He-Man. The decision to skip He-Man and to bring a new She-Ra cartoon to Netflix was a surprise…and it turned out to be a pleasant one.
The “classic” She-Ra costumes
She-Ra is following the path of Voltron. It is releasing seasons fast and furious. The seasons might not always be long (this one in particular), but they are fun when they are released. This season doesn’t have much of a direct arc like the previous season, but it does continue to expand the character’s origins and past (particularly Shadow Weaver and Bow in this season). The show has been praised by the LGBT for its writing, diversity, and acceptance (this season reveals Bow has two father…which is not why he is hiding his home life nor is it even an issue).
A problem I do have with the series is that there is a slight inconsistency. The old She-Ra was always inconsistent because the episodes were largely individual viewing due to how it aired daily and in syndication. Here, the story is more streamlined and there are plotlines woven throughout the season. One of the plotlines discovered last season and expanded upon this season is how powerful the Princesses are when they work together…but they continue to split up and not work together after they discover and rediscover this a few times during the season. It seems like if defeating Hordak is the goal, working together would be the way they move forward…they don’t.
What’s Shadow Weaver’s plans for Adora and Hordak?
The animation remains strong. It was the point of criticism early in the series conception, but I do feel that it works with the writing and storytelling. It is smart and not only does it do the moments of non-action and humor well, but it also is able to have battles and fights in a way that looks good (I just wish they would start to incorporate more villains…like Grizzlor who did have a little cameo).
It will be interesting to see where She-Ra goes from here. The story has opened itself up for introducing He-Man (how She-Ra ended up on Etheria was shown this season), but I also think that it could be the end of the show if it does bring in He-Man (even if He-Man spins off the series). Right now, I’m satisfied with how She-Ra is progressing and think it has a lot to offer a wide audience. If think you don’t like She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, don’t let your first impressions rule your opinion of this series. If you watch it and don’t like She-Ra, I blame Kyle…he’s the worst.
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power—Season 2 Complete Episode Guide:
“The Frozen Forest”
2.1 The Frozen Forest Release Date: 04/26/19
Adora trains with Light Hope as She-Ra and questions if she can really face off against Catra in a battle. Catra trains her warriors and tries to remind them of She-Ra’s weaknesses. The Princesses try to work together but find their differences could cause problems. Entrapta creates a new Horde-Bot to attack as Bow suggests capturing a bot to help form a plan against the Horde. Glimmer finds herself at odds with Frosta but finds the Princesses need her to protect the Beacon. Bow’s research makes a shocking discovery.
“Ties that Bind”
2.2 Ties that Bind Release Date: 04/26/19
She-Ra learns from Light Hope that she must build her bond with Swift Wing to become the best She-Ra she can be, but Swift Wing and She-Ra must work together to restore a relay station to strengthen Light Hope. Bow’s discovery that Entrapta is alive leads to a rescue mission by Bow and Glimmer.
“Signals”
2.3 Signals Release Date: 04/26/19
Catra is criticized by Hordak for her leadership and realizes she must find out how to create more armor for the Horde army. Bow, Glimmer, Swift Wind, and Adora try to reestablish contact with an outpost which leads to a ghostly encounter. Entrapta’s attempt to infiltrate Hordak’s laboratory leads to a discovery of Hordak’s plan and a surprising alliance.
“Roll with It”
2.4 Roll with It Release Date: 04/26/19
She-Ra, Glimmer, and Bow try to plan an attack, but discover that unless all the Princesses work together, the plan is likely to fail. Scorpia’s attempt to spy on the Princesses lead to fears of the attack.
“White Out”
2.5 White Out Release Date: 04/26/19
The First Ones’ technology hidden in the North Pole is sought by Catra, Scorpia, and Entrapta, but Catra learns the crystal possessed by Entrapta could be the key to defeating She-Ra. When robots created by the First Ones are activated by the crystal, Scorpia must make a choice between following orders or trying to be a friend.
“Light Spinner”
2.6 Light Spinner Release Date: 04/26/19
Hordak orders Shadow Weaver sent to Beast Island, and Catra realizes that no one returns from Beast Island. Shadow Weaver recalls the early days of Hordak’s invasion, and how she changed from Light Spinner to Shadow Weaver in her training of Micah. Bow works to decode the message from his tech.
“The Reunion”
2.7 Reunion Release Date: 04/26/19
Bow slips away, and Glimmer and She-Ra follow him to discover what he is hiding about his past. Catra finds that Shadow Weaver’s escape could cause a rift between her and Hordak, but only if he finds out. She-Ra, Bow, and Glimmer get keys to the secrets of the First Ones.
Related Links:
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power—Season 1 Review and Complete Episode Guide
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power—Season 3 Review and Complete Episode Guide
