First and foremost, She-Ra is an origin story, establishing the mythical background and mission of the main character. The hero of the story, Adora, is as enigmatic as she is compelling. Raised as a child-soldier for the Evil Horde, and mentored under the watchful eye of Shadow Weaver, Adora is brought up to believe that the Princesses of Etheria are evil.
Adora leaves behind her former life after she finds a magical sword that transforms her into the Princess of Power, She-Ra! Her best friend Catra feels betrayed when Adora leaves the Evil Horde, and is tasked by Shadow Weaver to bring her back. It is up to She-Ra and the rebel princesses to restore balance on Etheria.
Everything – voice acting, storyline, music, and art direction – is exceptionally well done. She-Ra offers appealing characters and lots of girl power. The new series is an action/comedy that will thrill new fans and old fans alike. The series is much more serialized than the original series, and moves at a quick pace.
The main story arch of season one is She-Ra and her new friends trying to rebuild the “Princess Alliance.” Most of the episodes feature Adora, Bow and Glimmer meeting with princesses from other kingdoms, trying to get them to join the Rebellion. This gives most of the princesses at least one episode to shine in, and sets up the world building of the series.
In this reimagined series, there is no mention of He-Man or Skeletor, but fans will be treated to a number of easter eggs from the original Filmation He-Man and She-Ra cartoons. Even The New Adventures of He-Man spin-off from the 1990s gets an intriguing callback in one episode, which may have fans wondering what time period this new series takes place in.
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power features a diverse cast of characters, and includes characters of all shapes, sizes, ethnicities, and orientations. The positive inclusion of queer characters and storylines in the new series is fantastic to see. Same-sex relationships are common on Etheria, and the characters are treated with equality and respect.
Visibility of queer characters is important in kids programming. The more LGBT characters there are in children’s TV shows, the more opportunities there will be to teach tolerance and acceptance to children. In 2018, it’s important that kids can see themselves in fiction and recognize there is a place for them in the world, regardless of their sex, race, religion, culture, sexual orientation or gender identity.
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is an enthralling and affirming series for children of all ages. The new series honors what has made the She-Ra character an icon for generations. Thrilling, funny, heartfelt, and visually exciting, the new She-Ra series is the reinvention of a familiar friend for today’s audiences.
“FOR THE HONOR OF GRAYSKULL!”
All 13 episodes of She-Ra and the Princesses of Power Season 1 are available for streaming now on Netflix!
