He Man Revelations. A Netflix Tragedy or Success?
Let me be direct. Cutting the knife through the stinky cheese. This show is for the super fans. And I mean the super fans. Who know the names of the characters. Know their backgrounds and also know the lore of He-Man and his friends and family. Everything about He-Man. Then for it to switch gears towards his friend Teela. Adam’s best friend. And her life as being friends with Adam and Cringer. Her new appointed role as Man At Arms.
Disclaimer: Spoilers Ahead. Also, putting this out there. I watched most of the early 2000s and some of the 80’s He-Man episodes. 90s’ kids so did not grow up with He-Man. Plus the live action movie twice. That is all. So not any other medium related to the property of He-Man. So not a toy collector or comic books. There was a light comic book or two about the series.
Episode 1?Or Prologue I Guess?
Well, some parts of this episode will be stated.
Immediately, we are introduced to the world of He-Man. Well Eternia. A grandeur celebration for Teela in fact. Fireworks, festival, you name it. She had be chosen to become her father’s replacement. The new Man at Arms for the kingdom of Eternia.
That is great. However, in a span of a few seconds everyone in her fan group showered her with praise. It was overwhelming at first. They were talking to her with compliments and praises. Like they didn’t know her since birth. Or for a long time. Okay?At least space out the compliments.
If I didn’t know the character and her background in skilled hand to hand and armed combat, I will be thinking this was a joke. It sounded like all her friends and family were like sucking her imaginary dick. Or maybe I am too jaded. Not sure which one this time.
At the same time, the legendary He-Man arrives on horse, mechanical horse to deliver two of Skeletor’s hordes to Castle Gray skull. And the Sorceress opens the door, to accept the gifts presented to her
At first, I was like He-Man does not ride a horse. So to my utter surprise, I was right. Skeletor managed to trick the Sorceress about taking over Gray skull. He was disguised as one of his hordes. And Majestra and another ally as the others. Finally, He-Man turns turns out to a robot. And captures the Sorceress from behind.
A fight ensues between Sorceress, Skeletor and the rest of his horde. An army had arrived at this point.
Teela is being praised by King Randor. And he dissed Adam like a parent. He had arrived when Orko had placed an protective bubble spell. And he managed to burst it with a pin.
The Socceress contacts Adam telepathically. In turn, he then tells Duncan (Man At Arms) that Grayskull is in danger. Duncan tells the people that Grayskull need their aid.
Meanwhile, Queen Marlena at this point already knew that Adam was He-Man. And whispered to herself for her son’s success as the people are ushered to safety.
A secret underground is discovered. Skeletor managed to open it with his wand. He- Man stay behind in the underground cove. Along with Teela, he transformed back to Adam. And his master sword spilt into two. He saves the universe but at a cost. Which was a travesty for all. I was starting to like this He-Man.
Duncan told the King and Queen about He-Man’s demise and the truth about Adam. Instant grieve from the Queen and anger from the King. Duncan tried to apologise for his deception only for the King to banish him and any of his talents. Teela storms off, feeling betrayed by everyone. And we are led into the rest of the story.
The Rest of the Revelation
Episode 2 is where I figured out that Evil-Lyn was like the old woman. They should of done the bait and switch there. As they could of made their first client, Evil-Lynn. When she agreed with the Sorceress, I was not surprised. Magic made Enteria.
They had retrieved an glove for a priestess. She placed it near the chancel.(Click for definition). She thanked them for their bravery and rewarded them. Also giving exposition about the magic limitation on Enteria. It was not a lengthy exposition.
So disguised as the elderly woman, Majestra, had asked them to retrieve a goblet from Snake Mountain. In her same voice. So immediately knew it was her.
Here is where I think the story fell apart alittle. Teela was a little too cooky with herself. She knew about Snake Mountain. That is true. And this episode gives us a chance of introducing her new partner in crime Andra to her former life. Support team member all the way throughout this series by the way. Lynn could of done a better disguise too. Maybe the writers wanted little tension. Only when they had to fight the Cyclops, Tri-Klops the tension was there but you know it is like Episode 2.
Episode 3. Family healing between the Man At Arms family. Thanks to Roboto’s wise words. Spiritual healing for Orko. As he is unable to return home. And his magic is drying up rapidly. Sadly, Tri -Klops and his minitaure army destroyed the area’s last magical well.
Episode 4 is where the one part of the sword of power is located. facing fear in Subternia. Mental healing for Orko. Even Lynn aka Majestra got her realization of using her magic. Both formed a bond with each other as both magic users. Meanwhile Beastman, Andra and Roboto struggle with their own. Later, this episode brought sadness to the team.
It gets interesting in Episode 5, that is all I am saying. Pretenia was beautiful. Well, a little prehistoric. As Grayskull and the other fallen heroes were exactly as I imagined. Like how people would say about Valhalla.
Themes
Throughout, I got the theme of technology. Since most of the magic has left the planet and its surroundings. Only a small pocket of people still thrive and revel in the idea of magic. That was the plot of Episode 2 and some part of Episode 4. How magic. I am not sure if the great and powerful Skeletor planned this sudden shift. If so, then this So hope they go into depth more about the recovery of magic under new rule. For Part 2.
Family is important during tough times.
Likes
At first, I found it hard. Just starting out in the critic biz. But here are some likes about this show.
- The friendship between Adam and Teela seemed genuine enough. Even at her celebration, the way they talked acknowledged how two close friends would react when one receives an award of honour.
- The heartwarming stories about the struggles they had throughout the years. Or what makes family and friends important. Just those things.
- The characters of the new and old cast are not annoying. Or out of place of the world in He-Man. I have watched countless shows where the characters’ goal suddenly changes overnight. Hope this does not happen here.
- Some voice acting was unrecognisable. Alicia Silverstone pulled off Queen Marlena quite well. Also Cringer’s and Man of Arms’ were done well too. A majority of the cast was good. But I will get into that later.
- Music was good for scenes. Did not drown out the acting. It suited the world. It was not much of it except for the title sequence and some for the fight scenes. Speaking of those.
- The action scenes were good. They took time; somewhat. There was a fight scene that was pointless and gave the story some progression. But you will see if you watch the Netflix show.
- The characters have simple motivation. And the view can at least try to understand what is going on at the time. It is not confusing as the goal is clear throughout the show.
- The description of Grayskull and his legend. I was surprised that they acknowledged their own legends. But it was still vague about it. Nevertheless, they had some history on Grayskull.
Dislikes
This is a show has so many problems. It was decent. Rather boring. Usually, I watch the internet’s problematic shows when I am half asleep. So if anything was good, it would jolt me awake. They were movements. And I was able to see all of them step by step. Maybe I am veteran of television watching. I am not sure. Maybe too much anime and manga, but I sensed something was wrong with the staff. The whispers and all. Had a suspicion. TO get the suspicion confirmed.
Episode 5 sure did. I was angry but understandable. Heard me out. It was a ballsy move they did to a specific character. And Skeletor’s plan worked. It jolted me as I was actually liking Episode 4 and the beginning of Episode 5.
Some Voice Actors. Ahm...No
I did not like Teela’s voice in the beginning. I grew up watching Sarah Michelle Geller for years. Loved Buffy the Vampire slayer. And the Scooby-Doo live action movies were okay. And Cruel Intentions. You get the point. But as Episode 1 rolled onto my screen and I heard Teela talked for the first time, I thought my ears were being screeched by nails. I have heard her voice act before too and it was okay. Not sure why not here.
She was not the only one. I have to adjust my volume to keep hearing Adam’s voice actor. I get that . And the King’s voice was just terrible. Even until the end of the Episode. Like where was the direction. And I was shocked to find out it was Diedrich Bader. Like he voiced such good characters over the year. This time his acting did not hit well.
I was not sure if he was underacting or overacting. And I listened to Clayface on DC Harley Quinn. Loving his theatrics. But it added to the show. And he sounded far better. Fun fact Diedrich Bader is the voice of Batman in the same show.
Usually, I don’t like bashing the voice actors. As it is a hard job. Terrible on the throat. But sheesh. It threw me out of the episode.
The Mysterious Chosen One.
Like it is obvious who they want to replace Teela with Adam. She displayed her mystical ability in later episodes. As she defeated the Fear monger. Well Scare Glow. And she glowed like the Sorceress when she got her strength together. And she could be related to the Sorceress. Like from Episode 1, when the Sorceress said she is glad to see Teela. In a sentimental voice, like she was a guardian of hers. I was like “She was to replace Adam” at the screen when Sorceress mentioned that she did well.
Them Heartwarming stories. A Little too Corny?
The heartwarming “reminders”. I loved them. They seemed forced a bit. And rushed at other times. Just those things. I know I repeated it again. Some were nice. And some were too obvious. Those ones sounded like a PSA of “Don’t do drugs kids”.
Well He — Man was like that in the eighties so maybe it was going for it. But reader you get my gist.
Making Adam’s weak side look too pathetic.
Not the right choice at the end for his character. Cannot think of another word right now. I am just saddened by this choice. I was not surprised when he choose his original form when he was in Preternia. That is definitely great courage on his part. Always be true to yourself. If you are comfortable with yourself that is. His character, like the original was a gentle and respectful soul. As He-Man was his alter ego. Both respectful men of his family, friends, people and surroundings of Eternia.
His affection when freeing Cringer from Orko’s protective bubble. And then comforting him. His talk of reassurance with Teela. And aiding his citizens by ushering them safely to the shelter rooms.
Throughout his run of the first season, admired the short flashbacks of him showing this trait. And not everyone have to be assertive to get their point across. That is why I liked about the original Adam’s character. Don’t get me wrong still love He-Man.
Although, he was often so soft spoken, gave me a vibe of being too meek. Let me explain. Gentle people can be tough too. They can be gentle but lay down their opinions.
He seemed too apologetic at times to Teela. Who was understandable upset. Don’t get me wrong on that. And Adam does not want to upset anymore. Plus it is an uncomfortable matter to discuss amongst loved ones. In any real situation. But at least, he could of initiated some courage more with her. To talk about and face the problem. I understand he was told to give her some space. She had enough time in my opinion.
Plus it upset me that after her own powerful revelation about facing her fear, the real Adam was there. Trying to confront her And she still could not face him. Diminishes Episode 4 if you ask my opinion. Well you are reading my opinion. So…
The Story is Too Vague.
We are jumping from Point A to Point B without any challenges. Except when to drive the point of retrieving the objective of the first season. Or pump the brakes onto one or two main characters. Or if main character did action in past, and same enemy arrives again, they do same thing again.
We go to Subternia or Land of the Dead, that is where we are given the light backstories of some characters. Preternia, was like a good example of Grayskull and other heroes of Eternia. How they are in their version of Valhalla. However, not much was done with it. Hope next season we are given more information.
Body Proportionate
Just adding this as an editing but a small nitpick. A small minor detail. People are going to hate me for this. Although the main characters are “toned”, they seem to be a little too toned. Like some of them drawn not in the real world if existed. But that is why is a cartoon. As good as it is to show that they can be as they walked and travel great distances, it is just that everyone gets muscles by walking distances. At least one or two villagers might be a little on the chubby side. Like background characters. Not morbid obese but a little top heavy with some muscles too can be included. That’s just an opinion. A light one. It does not have to be there.
Still Some Questions
This left me with these three questions. How did Skeletor know that his plan was going to work? Would he have Evil -Lynn realise his plan. And help him? How come no one stood up against him? Evil -Lynn was bragging about becoming her own Master of the Universe. What gives? Hope she has a plan of escape if everything goes rye.
Lastly, how did he know that Adam was going to wield the two swords? Supposed Teela or Andra took up the mantle. Even Evil -Lynn. One bragged about heroism and the other despised it. But her idea of it was changing. Lynn would have been a twist.
The Good Ole Bait and Switch
Before I end this, we have to address the elephant in the room. Well, I have my opinion on this “elephant” in the room.
This was a terrible move. As a He- Man franchise and all fan, I was appalled. I can see why fans are angry. (More likely pissed). I saw the trailer and I was like Yes after 20 years a new He-Man. I played it over and over again for weeks. To be duped into Teela’s story.
I have watched many different shows about fantasy and magic. This lore is my favourite. I have nothing wrong with prominently led female shows. I watch recent shows such as The Owl House. A world where warlocks and magic exist. Most of the main characters are female. I watch Amphibia. A group of young female teenagers who found themselves in a distant swamp land. With anthropomorphic frogs, lizards and other related creatures of an average swamp. And even Steven Universe. Another recent based on some elements of Utena. Another anime with a female lead cast.
Even freaking Sailor Moon.
They could of just said that they were going to focus on Teela. Is it that bad an idea. Were they worried that He-Man’s friend was going to be a terrible idea?
A Betrayal or Loyal to Fans? Yes. As someone who expected He-Man driven story, it had not much He-Man. In flashbacks, yes. But it just about his friends. I understand as some of my childhood properties are becoming live action. In the works, there is a live action Powerpuff Girls and Cowboy Bebop in the works. Be glad your live action movie was not as bad as Avatar: The Last Airbender. Or Dragon Ball Evolution.
Overall Rating
As I type, I think my angry has reduced.
I give this show a six or a seven. I have to say it but I enjoyed a small part of it. I only seen up to Episode 5 of He-Man Revelation. I am not sure if there is a six. Would I continue to watch it. Maybe. It is just the first season. Rather Part 1. I have seen worse productions over the years. And loved them just the same.
Just have to wait for the rest of the Revelations.
