She-Ra and the Princesses of Power Rewatch 5.13, "Heart, Part 2"

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She-Ra comes to an expected, happy end.

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5.13, "Heart, Part 2"

Written by Noelle Stevenson, Josie Campbell, Katherine Nolfi, Laura Sreebny, and M. Willis
Directed by Christina "Kiki" Manrique and Roy Burdine

Synopsis

That's never a good sign.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Adora lies wounded in the approach to the Heart of Etheria. Catra attacks her assailant, Shadow Weaver moving to assist her. Catra urges Adora on as she faces the Etherian security, while, elsewhere, Glimmer faces her controlled father, Micah, and Bow strives to avoid Scorpia's attacks in the Horde installation, aided by Melog. Matters proceed ill for the lot of them, though they continue to struggle.

Glimmer breaks through Micah's power with some difficulty. Bow continues Entrapta's work, though he cannot evade Scorpia for long. In the event, he does not need to; Entrapta's device works, and the control chips are disrupted, freeing those who had been placed under their command. Prime orders retribution as Bow broadcasts a call to rebel that reaches across Etheria.

Ooh. Shiny.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

The fight at the approach to the Heart of Etheria continues. Horde Prime projects into it, distracting Catra as Shadow Weaver presses them toward the Heart, itself. They reach it, and Adora begins to suffer the effects of carrying the failsafe as Shadow Weaver finds herself empowered. Catra's suffering calls Adora to her, and Shadow Weaver sacrifices herself to save them both.

They press on as the fight elsewhere continues. At the Heart itself, Adora struggles to return to her form as She-Ra while Horde Prime's assault on the Heart continues. Adora tries to send Catra away; she refuses, remaining beside Adora as the failsafe begins to work.

Horde Prime makes contact with the Heart. Hordak turns on Horde Prime after being ordered to kill Entrapta, casting him down--only to be suborned in sequence, taken over by Prime. Prime takes Entrapta to Etheria to die by power of the Heart, which he begins to trigger.

Love is like that sometimes.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Adora struggles to use the failsafe. She lapses into unconsciousness and a vision of a happy future with Catra, and with Glimmer and Bow. Prime interferes with it, and Catra calls to her, confessing her love for her. Adora affirms that she returns the emotion and, enheartened, she trips the failsafe, thwarting Prime's plans. As She-Ra, she emerges to confront Prime directly, and she defeats him handily and completely, restoring the vitality of the planet. Hordak is left behind, confused, and the process of healing begins.

Discussion

While Alcuin might well ask quid enim Adora cum Christo, the final episode of the series, like many medieval works and many others, makes much of Christian messianic imagery. The wound in Adora's side evokes it, as do the repeated self-sacrifices intended and enacted, as well as the self-abnegation in Adora's fatalistic drive to enact the failsafe. So does the seeming enactment of the failsafe through an act of love; it happens when Adora and Catra admit their feelings to each other, after all. So, too, does the paradasical Etheria that emerges after Adora drives out Horde Prime from Hordak (itself in line with Christian doctrine and, in its pointed nonviolence, obliquely evocative of the Dream of the Rood). Indeed, the episode fairly rolls around in Christian imagery--interestingly, given the prevalence of lesbian relationships in the episode and the prevalent attitude espoused by professed Christians about such things. (Then again, lesbianism is hardly unknown to what is traditionally known as the medieval, as Erik Wade points out on Twitter.) So there's that.

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There's clearly a lot left to unpack, not only in the present episode, but across the series. I hardly claim to be the single authoritative expert on it, and I welcome comments from others.

With the series ended, a new project will be coming up in this webspace soon. But, for the moment, it is time for something of a break. Check back soon!

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power Rewatch 5.12, "Heart, Part 1"

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It's the beginning of the end for She-Ra.

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5.12, "Heart, Part 1"

Written by Noelle Stevenson, Josie Campbell, Katherine Nolfi, Laura Sreebny, and M. Willis
Directed by Jen Bennett and Roy Burdine

Synopsis

Doesn't look easy...
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

In the resistance camp, Adora contemplates her decision as her companions comfort one another. She continues to struggle to summon the power of She-Ra and lays out the current, dire situation. She assigns her companions to deal with Horde Prime's control chips; she purposes to activate the failsafe and disable the Heart of Etheria.

She steps outside, looking for Catra. There is no sign of her, and Adora warns off Glimmer and Bow; they refuse, determined to accompany her while the rest interdict Horde Prime's control.

Not an obvious place, is it?
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Adora, Glimmer, and Bow proceed towards the failsafe. They are admitted to the innards of the First Ones' devices.

Elsewhere, Catra rides Melog away from the resistance camp, if with some reluctance. Melog confronts her about her decision, and Catra protests her seemingly unrequited love for Adora until a Horde clone happens by.

It's an impressive edifice.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

The other resistance members make their attack on the Horde facilities to begin interdicting the control signals. They are remarkably effective in their assault, allowing Entrapta access to Horde machinery. She begins her work, if with some trepidation.

Adora, Glimmer, and Bow proceed. Adora begins to hallucinate Catra or to see projections of her, and her She-Ra form begins to destabilize.

Catra pursues the Horde clone to find a massive Horde installation at work. She remains undetected even as Horde Prime works through the clone to announce his impending triumph and direct access to the Heart of Etheria via the installation. Catra rushes to warn Adora of the coming peril.

Adora continues to waver as she proceeds. She finds herself in a projection of her first encounter with the sword of She-Ra, and she begins to push her friends away, thanking them for their help but denying them the ability to go with her. She vanishes in a flash of light, leaving Glimmer and Bow behind as Horde Prime's influence spreads.

The picture of ease...
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Catra returns to the resistance camp to find it empty save for Shadow Weaver. The latter notes that Adora has gone off to trigger the failsafe. Catra rails against her and rushes off to aid Adora as Prime continues to take over the planet's imposed architecture, teleporting Entrapta to him as he does so. And the battle turns against the other resistance fighters who had been screening her presence: Mermista and Scorpia make their entrance.

Horde Prime gloats over his perceived victory. Catra demands Shadow Weaver help her with Adora; Shadow Weaver reluctantly agrees, and they teleport to Adora's whereabouts, finding Glimmer and Bow. Catra reports what she has learned, and Glimmer and Bow transport to take up Entrapta's mission; Catra takes over theirs, and they part as friends. Glimmer takes a moment to confess her love for Bow; he admits the same to her, and they move off to take care of their work.

It is a pleasant thought.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Adora finds herself in a utopic vision alongside a projection of Mara. They confer briefly, Mara questioning Adora's motivations before the interruptions of Horde Prime manifest and Prime confronts her.

Glimmer rescues the other resistance fighters, affording Sea Hawk an opportunity to try to reach Mermista. It seems to work, but Scorpia's presence is missed--until she appears at Bow's location. And Micah also remains to confront his daughter and her companions in power and fury.

Meanwhile, Horde Prime gloats over Adora and leaves her to face the suborned Etherian defenses...

Discussion

A penultimate episode--and the first part of a two-part episode, no less--cannot be expected to bring in many things. In truth, the present episode does not seem to introduce any new medievalism, and it only lightly seems to reinforce that already present in the rest of the series. One thing that does come to mind, however, is an invocation of the Malorian Sir Palomides that has occasionally popped up as an antecedent. Wrong Hordak seems to follow the model to some extent, being a (religious) Other who is integrated into the primary narrative group (and, like the Palomides of the earlier and more thoroughgoing Malorian borrowing that is The Once and Future King, becomes a comedic figure). And, to continue the prevailing Arthurian pastiche, Wrong Hordak notably over-emotes throughout his appearance in the series; it is a commonplace of Arthurian fiction that the Round Table knights weep and bewail their situations, with Lancelot's death bring a prominent example thereof, though there are no few others. While not something that emerges in the present episode, it is something that is reemphasized by it, pointing up the medievalist borrowings of the series even as it comes close to its end.

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power Rewatch 5.11, "Failsafe"

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As the end approaches, the approach of an earlier end is called forward, with no few messianic overtones.

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5.11, "Failsafe"

Written by Noelle Stevenson, Katherine Nolfi, Josie Campbell, Laura Sreebny, and M. Willis
Directed by Roy Burdine and Mandy Clotworthy

Synopsis

Good kitties. Nice kitties.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

In their camp, the remaining resistance fighters query Castaspella and Shadow Weaver upon their return. The magicians report on the failsafe they have found, and Glimmer rails against the plan. Catra and Melog begin to rise against Shadow Weaver, but Adora calms them and presses for more information. The information is forthcoming, and the group agrees to pursue the failsafe, though there are misgivings about doing so.

Adora makes to talk to Catra, working to reassure her about the plan and asking for her help, specifically. It mollifies Catra. Meanwhile, Entrapta reports that there is a limited time to save those enthralled by Horde Prime via control chip--and that she has a plan to address the issue.

This is never a good sign.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

The group infiltrates Mystacor via teleportation and Melog's cloaking ability. They encounter Micah along the way, only narrowly avoiding detection as they press ahead. A fracas ensues when strife reemerges among the infiltration group.

Back at the resistance camp, Entrapa proposes to search out a group of Horde clones to analyze signals. Swift Wind reluctantly agrees to assist her. They find that the Horde is forcing a connection to the Heart of Etheria--but Entrapta gets the data she needs before a Horde clone comes across her. In the event, the clone is Hordak. Swift Wind takes her away before more can emerge.

There's enough looming here to get a tapestry out of it.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

The infiltration group presses on through Mystacor, finding the ingress to the failsafe for the Heart of Etheria. As they continue, Adora tries to calm Catra again, finding some success. The group finds confirmation that they are on the correct path--as well as more strife occasioned by Shadow Weaver's commentary. Magical traps beset them, and Adora frets while Shadow Weaver preys upon her mind.

Oh, that iconogrpahy's not evocative at all.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary

At length, the infiltration group arrives at the failsafe. Adora is obliged to take it into herself, at great risk and with the certainty of doom; her companions, especially Catra, are displeased at Shadow Weaver's omission that has led to it. Micah emerges again, and melee ensues; the infiltration group is hard-put to it, but they cover Adora as she takes the failsafe into herself. The mission accomplished, the group withdraws.

Back at the encampment, the group rests. Catra considers Adora's impending sacrifice and makes to leave. Once again, Adora chases after her; Catra questions her self-sacrifice and leaves despite Adora's pleas. And Adora rails against Shadow Weaver after.

Discussion

Two things come to mind for me as I rewatched the episode: the achievement of the Grail in Malory, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. As to the first, in Malory as in other sources, the Grail is something of a plot-driver, a powerful relic in itself and one eagerly sought by the bulk of the Round Table. The parallel to the failsafe for the Heart of Etheria is fairly obvious. It was something held in trust by a figure of legend (Joseph of Arimathea) and reclaimed by a descendant thereof (Galahad), while the Heart was secreted away by Mara and reclaimed by her successor, Adora. The reclamation is self-sacrificial in both cases, if deferred in the latter; Galahad is translated to Heaven as a reward for his service, giving up himself against the greater glory of it, while Adora yet has a labor to accomplish before her own end comes. And, in both cases, the quest to achieve the item in question marks the beginning of the end; Arthur recognizes the Grail Quest as the dissolution of the Round Table, and the series is left on a two-part final episode after the present one ends.

Yes, we see it.
Image taken from Britannica.com and used for commentary.

As to the second, the Sacred Heart of Jesus (devotion to which is noted as early as in the 1200s, and which therefore likely got going earlier than that), the iconography is clearer than the parallel to the Grail narrative. The shining emblem that is put into Adora is more-than-vaguely heart-shaped, sitting in the center of her chest amid its own radiance (and golden rays when Adora is She-Ra), which parallels no few depictions of the Catholic devotional focus. (That no few images of Jesus figure him as light-haired, light-skinned, and pale-eyed--much as Adora is--doesn't hurt the association, either.) Adora's series-long association with Arthur makes her something of a messianic figure moving into the episode; that she willingly accepts pain and the expectation of death in the service of her friends--indeed, to save the very world if not all of the worlds that remain--only furthers the figuration. After all, greater love have none than she who lays her life down for her friends. And if she is not yet willing to admit to some of the loves that she feels, that she feels them and still acts upon a greater love does not diminish Adora.

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power Rewatch 5.10, "Return to the Fright Zone"

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Hope returns, and just in time.

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5.10, "Return to the Fright Zone"

Written by Noelle Stevenson, M. Willis, Josie Campbell, Katherine Nolfi, and Laura Sreebny
Directed by Roy Burdine and Mandy Clotworthy

Synopsis

They are detailed plans.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Adora leads a strategy session to try to figure out how to stop the suborned princesses in their rampages across Etheria. Netossa notes weaknesses and methods for subduing her peers, including those present. The demonstration is convincing.

Discussion continues. Scorpia's location is noted--the Fright Zone. Scorpia soon becomes the imminent target, and plans for rescuing her begin to form.

It does appear to be a comfort.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Bow frets about his dads; Glimmer offers to take him to check on them, and he reluctantly accepts.

The mission to retrieve Scorpia begins, with Adora, Catra, Perfuma, Netossa, and Melog sneaking into the Fright Zone. They find it in ruins, Catra noting the fight with Hordak that occasioned much of the damage. And they find Scorpia in short order; she makes an explosive, energetic entrance, and a fracas ensues.

Glimmer and Bow arrive at the library. They reconnoiter, finding the library empty and ransacked slightly. Bow frets until Glimmer points out a letter to him from his dads; it reveals their location to him in a terrible pun.

The fracas against Scorpia continues. Mermista joins the fray. It does not improve things. Nor yet does the entrance of Spinnerella into the fight, which draws off Netossa.

Glimmer and Bow return to the First Ones ruins his dads had been studying. They find each other and confer, and Lance and George reveal that they have uncovered useful information.

Knocked the She-Ra right out of her...
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Mermista faces Catra and Melog; they retreat from her. Netossa faces Spinnerella. She-Ra and Perfuma flee from Scorpia, who pursues in might; Adora loses access to her powers and finds herself facing Horde Prime on what had been Hordak's throne. He gloats to her about his circumvention of her.

Lance and George show Glimmer and Bow that they have access to the First Ones technology that had previously been restricted: there is a back-door to the operating systems. And there is a destruct mechanism for the Heart of Etheria, one they may be able to access--if they can decipher the location.

It is a classic villain pose.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Adora and Perfuma face Horde Prime and Scorpia. They manage to escape. Netossa subdues and recovers Spinnerella as Glimmer arrives to effect extraction. There is some victory to be found, but matters are still grim, even as hope of the failsafe against the Heart of Etheria is present--for Shadow Weaver and Castaspella know it is accessible through Mystacor.

Discussion

Little if any new invocation of the medieval presents itself in the current episode, although there is an oblique bit of medievalism. Jason Tondro, in Superheroes of the Round Table: Comics Connections to Medieval and Renaissance Literature, makes a formal case for the kind of links noted briefly by Hana Videen here--namely, that superheroes such as DC's Superman and Marvel's Captain America are themselves medievalisms. It's an obvious thing, really, given heraldic blazons, call-backs, shout-outs, and some outright borrowings (The Mighty Thor, anyone?). And there is something of Batman and his hyper-preparedness in Netossa's dissection of her peers' weaknesses early in the episode; the Dark Knight (another medievalism in itself) keeps contingency plans to take down his colleagues, much as Netossa has developed. And at least one of them comes to fruition in the episode.

To pivot from that slightly, Horde Prime appears to have made use of what TV Tropes calls a Batman Gambit in laying a trap for Adora. That is, he expects Adora to try to save her friends--which she does, of course, being as she is. That he is unable to capture her in the event is less a misreading of her and more a hubristic belief in his own superiority--but, as noted before, he has (unjustified) reason to harbor such belief.

More people could stand to learn the lesson in his failure.

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power Rewatch 5.9, "An Ill Wind"

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Resistance to Horde Prime passes something of a nadir.

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5.9, "An Ill Wind"

Written by Noelle Stevenson, Laura Sreebny, Josie Campbell, Katherine Nolfi, and M. Willis
Directed by Roy Burdine and Christina "Kiki" Manrique

Synopsis

This is never a good sign.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Back on Etheria, Glimmer's power is restored to her, and she teleports her group to the site where the resistance had made camp when they left. They find it ruined and empty, and they consider that they may be the only ones left, as well as how to proceed. They proceed to a nearby village, finding it under occupation.

From his command ship, Horde Prime observes the process of rebellion against his rule. It affirms his desire to take the Heart of Etheria for his own; he begins looking for a way to circumvent She-Ra and orders further action on Etheria.

Not suspicious at all...
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Glimmer's group makes to infiltrate the village, using Wrong Hordak as cover for them. The initial entry works well enough. Initial contacts with the locals goes less well; they are fearful and therefore likely to be problematic, despite Bow's questions. The suborned princesses have caused trouble, and the group divides to search more thoroughly. They find matters are unsettled, and they are unwelcome. Then Spinnerella attacks, and melee ensues. It does not go well for Glimmer's group; they flee from the initial contact and are pursued. Netossa intervenes, forcefully, but the group is still made to retreat.

Ew.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Aboard Horde Prime's command ship, Prime brings Hordak with him to survey the bodies of his former hosts. Prime plumbs the memories of one such, trying to figure out the issues of Etheria and the First Ones. Hordak remembers Etheria and Entrapta, beginning to sour again.

On Etheria, Glimmer's group takes stock of the situation. News is exchanged, and the situation is not good. They resolve to defeat Prime, beginning with reclaiming Spinnerella.

Yeah, this looks like a boss-fight about to happen.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

A counter-offensive begins. Initial efforts are successful. The second fight against Spinnerella proves difficult, even with She-Ra in the fray. Spinnerella flees, and the village's population is restored--to Horde Prime's anger. He makes for Etheria, and Hordak continues to sour against him. Glimmer's group rejoins what resistance remains, and while they are--generally--glad to see each other, their situation is still not the best.

Discussion

There are a few touches in the episode that point towards the medievalist rather than the medieval, as such. One such is the iconography hanging over the village Glimmer's group liberates and its change after the liberation, which speak to miniatures wargaming. If it is the case that many such games are in non-medieval settings, it is also the case that many of them partake heavily of the medieval. (Warhammer 40,000 comes to mind as one example, though not the only one. Too, Dungeons & Dragons itself emerged from tabletop miniatures wargaming, and it remains a major source of medievalism in the United States and elsewhere.) Another is in the small-band freedom-fighter setup of the present episode--one not uncommon to the rest of the series, admittedly, though Bright Moon and Frosta's realm both show up as having standing armies. The small-band setup brings to mind Robin Hood's Merry Men and the prominent members of the Round Table, among others, as well as any number of "medieval" movies and stories. And there is another in the recognition of Glimmer--something occurs about the return of a monarch, like in some book or another...

Still, it is near the end of the series. It is not to be wondered at that less is introduced now than reinforced, and the medievalisms that have pervaded the series have not gone away.

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power Rewatch 5.8, "Shot in the Dark"

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A new ally joins the group, and a new plan begins to emerge.

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5.8, "Shot in the Dark"

Written by Noelle Stevenson, Katherine Nolfi, Josie Campbell, Laura Sreebny, and M. Willis
Directed by Roy Burdine and Jen Bennett

Synopsis

That's a lot to get through.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Aboard the Darla, Adora, Glimmer, Bow, Entrapta, and Catra confer regarding their progress and expected course. They fret about running a Horde blockade, and Catra warns against charging in. Bow presses for information about weaknesses, and Wrong Hordak inadvertently lets some of that information slip; Catra confirms some of it, and the group proceeds to the location identified as anathema to Horde Prime.

Catra's is the face of confidence.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

On the identified planet, the group finds evidence of a thwarted Horde presence, and Catra shows clear signs of apprehension. Investigation reveals a presence near them, though Wrong Hordak avers that all life was eliminated. Catra voices concerns regarding the group's eagerness to press ahead.

On Etheria, the diminished resistance takes stock of its increasingly perilous situation. Castaspella appears and is investigated; options for relocation are few. Shadow Weaver voices an idea to Castaspella; she reluctantly listens.

The search for Horde Prime's weakness continues, the surroundings proving eerie and shifting. Wrong Hordak continues in his devotions to Horde Prime, and Catra provides ingress. The environment continues to unsettle the group as they press on; its mutability manifests more strongly, attacking the group.

Shadow Weaver and Castaspella confer about the threat Micah poses. She notes that they will need more power to defeat Micah.

Not a good face to see suddenly, this.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Adora and her group press ahead, trying to find the life form Entrapta had indicated. Entrapta notes that their location is a First Ones colony that, while conquered, offered some strange threat--as well as that their communications are being interfered with, and that they are not alone. Catra attacks, and she and the other find themselves elsewhere as the fight continues. Adora attempts to rush to Catra's aid, but she, Glimmer, and Bow are blocked--until Glimmer finds the hindrance is illusion. She realizes there is magic available, and the group proceeds to Catra's aid.

Who's a pretty kitty? You are! You are!
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

As they do, Catra is able to make some connection to her erstwhile assailant. She recognizes that her own emotional state influences the being, which reveals its name to her--and her alone--as Melog. Melog relays a history, with the First Ones having tried to mine the magic from the planet and Horde Prime trying without success to take that magic. Magic is noted as the weakness of Horde Prime, and Adora offers to take Melog with them to Etheria--where magic remains.

Castaspella follows Shadow Weaver in anger until Shadow Weaver reveals the restraint imposed upon Etheria by the First Ones. They agree to work against the old mistake, with Castaspella in position to stop Shadow Weaver if she goes too far. And as they do, Adora's group returns to Etheria under Melog's power, successfully passing the blockade.

Discussion

The magical being Melog is a clear invocation or evocation of the golem of legend. The name is an inversion of the word, and the character is a malleable being not quite capable of speech. Admittedly, the golem-story most commonly known is not strictly medieval, connecting back to Rabbi Loew in the sixteenth century in Prague, though it may well extend back further (as in the case of Solomon ben Judah or ibn Gabirol). Too, in the typical legend, as in the present episode, the golem is inextricably linked with magic, depending for its very existence on the presence of such energies as might in other media be expressed as syllables from the name of a god. Melog may not be strictly medievalist, but they certainly move in such a direction, underscoring the coming of a new thing in evoking a later period, perhaps.

Perhaps more overtly medievalist (as distinct from medieval) is the continued insistence upon consistent imagery with the character; each of the members of Adora's group remains clearly identifiable even with their spacesuits on, and clearly in line with their prevailing iconography. It seems to relate to the insistence in medievalist depictions of those figures who sport heraldry favoring a single display across uses and appearances (as opposed to such depictions as Malory's, in which knights routinely change and exchange shields, as well as to what might be expected shifts upon taking a new office or role, as in Glimmer's case). Too, while spacesuits might benefit from the kind of easy recognition heraldic devices ostensibly promote, there is little need for--and, indeed, some danger in--an ab-window such as Bow sports. So it seems a bit of a stretch, even if an accustomed one.

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power Rewatch 5.7, "The Perils of Peekablue"

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Lovers and friends are torn apart as the Horde's machinations continue.

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5.7, "The Perils of Peekablue"

Written by Noelle Stevenson, M. Willis, Josie Campbell, Katherine Nolfi, and Laura Sreebny
Directed by Roy Burdine and Christina "Kiki" Manrique

Synopsis

The very picture of focus, Adora.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Adora and company continue their progress towards Etheria. Adora attempts to bring She-Ra under further conscious control, but she is hindered by distractions. The group takes stock of its situation and begins to plan for action back on Etheria.

Snazzy.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

On the planet, Mermista, Perfuma, Scorpia, and Sea Hawk prepare to seek allies in high style. The ally, Prince Peekablue, favors an elite, clandestine meeting spot, one requiring cover that Mermista tries to provide. They are, however, observed by a Horde-suborned agent: Spinnerella. She proceeds to try to suborn Netossa, who rebuffs the attempt.

Mermista's group arrives at the soiree and successfully enters it. Unfortunately, many past entanglements arise that inhibit any ability to find their target. Perfuma's overacting and Scorpia's awkward timidity also interfere, and the two confer. Perfuma gives Scorpia a pep-talk, which seems to help her.

Target acquired.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

They are interrupted by the emergence of Peekablue and the resulting cheers. Entertainment ensues. Scorpia tails Peekablue as it does. Her efforts end up finding her spotlighted on stage; after an awkward start, she adjusts admirably.

Netossa frets about Spinnerella and observes her as under Horde control.

After her performance, Scorpia confronts Peekablue. In the event, however, the Peekablue present is, instead, Double Trouble, who proves as vulnerable to Scorpia's sting as any other. They had taken up the role as a means of support, and they report what they know about Horde activities--and that a trap awaits Adora.

Melee ensues as Netossa confronts Spinnerella and Mermista, suborned, confronts her companions. Few of the remaining members of the resistance to the Horde escape, despite their best and most valiant efforts and the self-sacrifice of several of their number. And word of it reaches Adora's group, to their horror.

Discussion

As something of an aside: it is notable that the suborned princesses and Micah show themselves as remarkably, devastatingly powerful while under Horde Prime's control. It may be an artifact of that control, to be sure, but it may also be an indication that, when they are "themselves," they are playing nice. It's not an uncommon thing, really, but it is always of interest to see it.

The aside brings up a point. One of the tropes most commonly associated with the medieval is the notion of chivalry, and chivalric codes call for the exercise of restraint in combat. Malory offers examples, of course. Gawain is rebuked by Gareth for his improper pursuit of vengeance for his hounds, and he suffers greatly for his continued wrath against Lancelot (though the latter is far more justifiable; the deaths of brothers should elicit more anger than most other things). The Pentecostal Oath of the Round Table Knights explicitly obliges mercy be given to those who ask it, and the "evil" knights whom the Round Table often faces are "evil" precisely because they eschew mercy--that is, they fight fully and without reserve.

Too, I've argued that the fighting practices tacitly advocated by Malory often tend away from the "more realistic" efforts to kill or incapacitate an opponent, even if no few of the protagonists' foes end up dying, anyway. It is rare that such figures as Lancelot exercise their full power; when they do, it is particularly marked, as in Arthur's fighting the giant at Mont. St. Micheal or Lancelot facing Meliagraunce. It does not seem so discordant, then, that the protagonists of the present series would act in such a way, given how many other ways they follow a pastiche of medieval forebears.

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power Rewatch 5.6, "Taking Control"

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Another problem emerges for the resistance to the Horde as the final season of She-Ra continues.

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5.6, "Taking Control"

Written by Noelle Stevenson, Laura Sreebny, Josie Campbell, Katherine Nolfi, and M. Willis
Directed by Roy Burdine and Mandy Clotworthy

Synopsis

Adora and company make for Etheria, Darla experiencing some difficulties as they do. Entrapta attempts to effect repairs, aided by Wrong Hordak. Catra convalesces. Adora, Glimmer, and Bow discuss the resurgent She-Ra, and Glimmer moves to celebrate. Their passage is marked by Horde patrol craft, however, which move to intercept them.

This is not the face of someone doing well.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Catra has difficulty processing what has happened to her. She flashes back to what she suffered at the hands of Horde Prime as Adora checks on her once again; she lashes out at Adora, rejecting attempts to assist her. Adora expresses confusion at it, and the two come to argue once again. Adora stalks off, and Catra is left hurting.

On Etheria, Swift Wind reports his findings to Micah as some of the princesses cavort. Micah frets about Glimmer and reports on Horde activity, and the lot proceed to work against it.

Yeah, that looks like it'll be a problem.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Adora frets about Catra to Glimmer. Glimmer continues to prepare a celebratory meal as the Horde patrol craft approach. Concerns about their detection are raised, as are concerns about evading the patrol.

Worrisome.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Micah, Frosta, Spinerella, Netossa, and Swift Wind proceed to where reports had had Horde activity. Micah makes awkward attempts to connect to Frosta along the way. They find the village, one they had previously saved, eerily quiet, and they are invited to dine in an uncomfortable situation. When they try to leave, they are prevented--and the locals attempt to place them under Horde control. It is a narrow thing, but they escape, aided by the power of She-Ra.

Yeah, that's definitely going to be a problem.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

The Darla enters an asteroid field to try to avoid pursuit--unsuccessfully. The jarring triggers more flashbacks for Catra, and Adora recognizes that Catra is the source of the Horde's pursuit. Catra recognizes that she is not the only one who had been put under Horde control, but she still chafes at the prospect of Entrapta removing the control chip. Adora overrules her based on the safety of the ship but allows that she will let Catra go after, if she wants. Catra asks her to remain, however, and she is able to use her connection to the Horde to pull down information before Entrapta removes the control chip. Summoning the power of She-Ra, Adora defeats the patrol craft, and the group proceeds to a home under siege--from within as well as without.

Discussion

The control chips used by the Horde evoke demonic possession, of course, particularly given the appearance of Horde Prime and his many clones. A casual review of scholarship on medieval ideas of demonic possession indicates that the topic was far from uncommon in medieval European literature--and it is notable that a great many "cases" of it were associated with women; note that the two people shown in the present episode to carry the control chips are women: Catra and Spinnerella (voiced, interestingly, by showrunner Noelle Stevenson). It is a subtle touch, perhaps, but one that seems to align with the attested medieval, reinforcing the medievalism that pervades the series. It also serves as a reminder that the medieval continues to influence prevailing culture--and not only through inept "hot takes" on plagues and assertions on social media platforms that medievalism is "not a thing."

One area into which the present episode makes some foray--only some, because it remains a children's show--that much medieval work does not is in dealing with the emotional consequences of fighting. Certainly, medievalist works tend to avoid the issue, which betrays either an assumption that the kind of violence that marks chivalric works and those that borrow from them is "natural"* and appropriate, thus imposing no penalty and needing no redress or that the mental condition** that allows for such immunity is a desirable, "heroic" attribute. (I know Tolkien treats it somewhat with Frodo, but I also keep in mind Shiloh Carroll's comments about Martin and derivative works). The present episode, as much of the rest of the series, seems to share neither assumption, and if that is a deviation from the typical depictions of the medieval and the medievalist, then it seems to me to be a good one.

*Yes, I am using the term loosely if not sloppily.

**There is a reason I use the phrasing; I am the kind of doctor I am and not the kinds I am not.

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power Rewatch 5.5, "Save the Cat"

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She-Ra comes back in full force at last.

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5.5, "Save the Cat"

Written by Noelle Stevenson, Josie Campbell, Katherine Nolfi, Laura Sreebny, and M. Willis
Directed by Roy Burdine and Jen Bennett

Synopsis

This does not seem a good idea.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Adora, Glimmer, Bow, and Entrapta proceed towards Horde Prime's flagship, intending to rescue Catra. They are pulled into the ship, with Adora surrendering to the clones and being taken to Horde Prime. The others infiltrate the ship, searching for Catra and for a means to assail Prime.

As Adora confronts Prime in his throne room, Glimmer navigates the ship with difficulty. Bow and Entrapta encounter opposition. Prime reveals himself as a body-hopper, and one who has faced and defeated Adora's kind previously. Entrapta believes she recognizes Hordak among the clones and tries to retrieve him; the clone attacks, Bow defends, and the clone finds himself bereft of connection to the Horde. Bow and Entrapta suborn him, labeling him "Wrong Hordak."

Back at the scene of the crime.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Glimmer returns to the cell where she had been held, finding Catra absent and her group's communications jammed as Horde Prime boasts to Adora. He returns Catra to Adora, having turned her to his own purposes.

Bow, Entrapta, and Wrong Hordak arrive at a sensitive location as Adora understands what has been done to Catra; she is controlled via an implant on the back of her neck. Prime unleashes his forces on Adora's party and leaves Catra to assail Adora. Multiple melees ensue; Glimmer's and Bow's are more successful than Adora's, and they are able to damage Prime's command and control structures.

Reminiscent of the Pieta, this.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

The damage loosens Prime's control of Catra, but only just, and she and Adora end up injured. When Prime confronts Adora again, she manifests the full power of She-Ra, seeming more like Mara than her previous self as she effects escape from the Horde, joining the others in the progress of their own exit. And Hordak, after, begins to reassert himself.

Discussion

The Arthurian pastiche in which the series operates already admits of much of the messianic. The present episode does much to reinforce that aspect of the Arthurian, with much being made of rescuing prisoners from bondage (about which Malory and other Arthurian writers make much) and of the sword-wielding hero(ine) returning in the hour of need. In that, then, it adds to already-existing medievalism in the series rather than adding new medievalisms to it--and this despite the imprecations of some commentary that asserts medievalism and those who study it are somehow unreal.

The present episode also accentuates the homosocial, even homoerotic, motions that appear in much Arthurian work. When I had students, and when I had them in classes that allowed for me to bring in Arthurian literature, they were often surprised by the amount of kissing going on between men in the works, as well as the open emoting that occurs throughout. Part of that is different social conditioning and expectation, of course; many prevailing ideas of masculinity call for a partial and inauthentic stoicism, and knights are "supposed" to be exemplars of masculinity. It's the kind of thing that Shiloh Carroll speaks to in her excellent write-up of Game of Thrones, and it may be the kind of thing to which the current series and its present episode respond. Certainly, there is enough tenderness among Adora's group--despite the fighting that has happened among them--to be marked, a juxtaposition that also echoes the Arthurian of which the series appears to make so much use.

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power Rewatch 5.4, "Stranded"

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Hope is rekindled along with purpose as the final season of the series persists.

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5.4, "Stranded"

Written by Noelle Stevenson, M. Willis, Josie Campbell, Katherine Nolfi, and Laura Sreebny
Directed by Roy Burdine and Mandy Clotworthy

Synopsis

Note the placement.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

Adora, Glimmer, Bow, and Entrapta proceed through space. They assess their situation, with tension emerging from Bow. Glimmer makes to ask forgiveness for her earlier misbehavior, but problems with the ship intervene. She apologizes to Adora amid the problems, but the ship's suffering a fuel problem prevents more. The group proceeds towards a noted fuel source.

On Etheria, the remaining resistance forces make camp, Scorpia offering encouragement. She confers with Swift Wind as he tries to make contact with the absent Adora. He bemoans his inability to do so, and she comforts him.

Pretty. Also, Arthurian reference?
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

On the planet identified as the fuel source, Adora's party finds a wasteland that the Horde had already visited; the fate of Etheria is forecast, and blame for it laid at Glimmer's feet. Sign of the fuel emerges, and Adora, Glimmer, and Bow investigate while Entrapta effects repairs. Bow remains taciturn, and Adora is of little help. A sudden fissure separates the party, sending Adora underground into crystalline caverns. She proceeds into the caves.

On Etheria, Swift Wind continues his vigil. He tries to talk to her, giving a convenient overview of the resistance's progress against the greater Horde. The lack of reply disheartens him.

As Adora explores, she finds signs of others before coming under attack. A brief melee ensues, and Glimmer and Bow reach Adora amid an ongoing resolution among Adora and her erstwhile opponents, the Star Siblings. They share the situation of being in need of fuel--and the fuel is difficult to access. Adora tries to recruit them, but they resist joining her against the Horde. Entrapta joins with a warning of impending seismic activity, and the combined group proceeds to retrieve the fuel.

It's a pretty clear sign.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary.

The seismic activity intensifies, imperiling the retrieval efforts. Glimmer makes the retrieval while the rest secure their path of egress. As they do, Adora begins to manifest the power of She-Ra once again, and the group is able to escape with the fuel before the caverns collapse. Adora's exertions give the Star Siblings hope, and they agree to join the rebellion against the Horde.

As Adora, Glimmer, and Bow make to retrieve Catra, Glimmer apologizes to Bow; he accepts it, and the trio is at ease once again. And Swift Wind, on Etheria, feels the return of She-Ra.

Discussion

The nascent return of She-Ra fits in nicely with the long-established Arthurian pastiche, the messianic figure of the once-and-future potentate reemerging again betokening the Arthur to which Adora has long been linked. And, truly, Adora did not die, but went into another place--a much, much different one, indeed, what with flying across the cosmos.

The pastiche nature of She-Ra's Arthurian reference also again admits of her evoking Lancelot in her conduct. The return of her powers comes not at her command, not to satisfy her vanity, but in the defense of others, bringing to mind Lancelot's healing of Urre in Malory. The Round Table knight does "not do it for no presumption, but for to bear [his comrades] fellowship," and, just as he succeeds when he approaches the task humbly, Adora is able to summon the power of She-Ra almost reflexively when she is not fighting to retain her prominence but standing stable to support her friends. Nor do either of them exult in the achievement, which is something worth noting.

More of us could do with being more humble.

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power Rewatch 5.3, "Corridors"

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Some hope presents itself as what seems to be Act I of the season concludes.

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5.3, "Corridors"

Written by Noelle Stevenson, Katherine Nolfi, Josie Campbell, Laura Sreebny, and M. Willis
Directed by Roy Burdine and Christina "Kiki" Manrique

Synopsis

Again, the lime green is a bad sign.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary

A young Catra flees through the corridors of the Fright Zone. A young Adora seeks to comfort her, only to have her lash out. The current Catra reminisces over the event as she watches the Horde bombard a planet before stalking through the corridors, monitors in tow. She tries to evade them, encountering Hordak once again. They confer briefly.

Adora, Bow, and Entrapta pilot Mara's ship towards Glimmer's location, preparing for their encounters. Bow tries to rein in Entrapta's tinkering tendencies and Adora's fractiousness--until the ship begins experiencing problems.

Seems a time-honored tradition.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary

Glimmer tests the limits of her confinement. Catra interrupts her, and Glimmer asks why she risks the continued contact. They begin to bond, if hesitantly, over their regrets.

Aboard Mara's ship, which Entrapta has christened Darla, repairs ensue. Problems rapidly multiply, however, defying early efforts to correct them.

Catra begins stalking the Horde-clones, two of which proceed to a long-distance teleporter. Horde Prime, through a clone, summons her to what soon reveals itself to be a ritual. He confronts her regarding the launch of Mara's ship from Etheria, and he tasks her with gathering information from Glimmer. And he demonstrates the ritual to chilling effect, so Catra does as she is commanded--ostensibly. Glimmer talks her down, however.

Aboard Darla, Bow tries to find Entrapta; she has left the ship to effect repairs. Bow has trouble processing events--and more problems emerge.

It's a hell of a catch.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary

Horde Prime commends Catra for her contributions. She stalks off, returning to memories of her youth with Adora in the Fright Zone. Her possessiveness of Adora is manifest again, and she once again stalks off, remembering. The weight of memory pushes her to effect Glimmer's escape from Horde Prime's ship, using the teleporter she found earlier to send Glimmer back to the newly repaired Darla. Adora and Bow rejoice in her return, and Catra faces the rebuke of the Horde via the ritual Hordak had endured.

Discussion

As noted.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary

The ritual in which Hordak participates is, of course, reminiscent of Christian baptism. The Horde-clones chant rhythmically while their presiding Prime looks on, and the ritual ostensibly serves to "restore" Hordak to "the light" since it will "cast out the shadows" of Hordak's "burden" through his (partial) immersion. Along with Horde Prime's later dismissal of Catra with "Go now in peace," the Horde as refiguration of organized Christianity appears to be emphasized--and, in a series that makes much use of medieval/ist tropes, it does not come off as a particularly pleasant thing.

I have noted the relative dearth of organized religions in at least some mainstream medievalist properties, and I have to think that some of the same impetus is at work in the present episode; I have the sensation that no small part of the presumed primary audience and inferred peripheral audience has difficulties with organized religion, generally, and organized Christianity, more specifically. Certainly, the Crusades that the Horde evokes--more strongly in the present episode through the more overt reference to Christian practice--present no few problems, not least because of their continued misuse by execrable factors. So that seems to be at work.

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power Rewatch 5.2, "Launch"

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Plans get well and truly underway as the final season of the series moves ahead.

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5.2, "Launch"

Written by Noelle Stevenson, Laura Sreebny, Josie Campbell, Katherine Nolfi, and M. Willis
Directed by Roy Burdine and Jen Bennett

Synopsis

One way to ensure an audience...
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary

Horde Prime broadcasts a message to Etheria, one proselytizing himself to the world and calling for the surrender of She-Ra to him. Adora herself continues to suffer exhaustion from her exertions, and Bow tries, with limited success, to allow her some time to rest.

While she does, the other princesses try to plan out a method for finding Glimmer. Entrapta's contributions, while enthusiastic, are not helpful, and her history of focus on machines over people is a point of contention. Still, her expertise is recognized, and recognized as needed.

It does not look comfortable.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary

Glimmer remains a prisoner on Horde Prime's ship, with Catra continuing the watch her despite Prime's orders. Hordak confronts her until he is taken over by Horde Prime; after, he escorts Glimmer away.

Adora sleeps fitfully, dreaming of Etheria and Horde Prime. She wakes to follow a vision of She-Ra gleaming in the darkness.

The other princesses help Entrapta to triangulate signals from the Horde to be able to find Glimmer. Communication issues interfere. The lack of tactical acumen shows in the attempt.

Horde Prime shows Glimmer a series of artifacts from worlds that no longer exist. He tries to cozen her into helping him acquire She-Ra and the Heart of Etheria weapon. He also shows her that Micah lives, offering to preserve her friends in exchange for her aid. Glimmer rejects the offer.

Typical escort mission...
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary

The princesses' mission proceeds with difficulty. Entrapta's inattention to her surroundings triggers local alarms, ensuring that a fracas ensues after an emotional eruption. The mission succeeds, revealing the location of Horde Prime's ship--and incoming Horde forces.

Adora, following the vision, finds herself transported to the site of a portal. She confronts her incapacity and rehearses her choices and their consequences, and she arrives at a decision--and wakes back in her tent with new purpose. And she makes her escape from Etheria, with Bow and Entrapta, to retrieve Glimmer. Micah leads the effort to cover their escape, successfully and fabulously.

Fabulously, indeed.
Image taken from the episode, used for commentary

Discussion

The penultimate scene, in which Micah poses as She-Ra to draw the Horde's attention away from the launching ship, attracted no small attention online after the final season was released. While some viewers, backward, might look at the tactic as shameful or as an indication that the series is "pandering," others, more aware of medievalist antecedents, might point out Eowyn's participation in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields as a possible referent. Still others, more aware of medieval antecedents, might point out the repeated use of such a ruse in the chivalric tradition from which the series appears to borrow. Marion Wynne-Davies points out at least one such example in Malory's Lancelot, and Debbie Kerkhof later expounds on no small number of examples thereof. And other medieval understandings--the Norse Loki and Þorr come to mind, and others' minds are no doubt more comprehensive than mine--point to similar examples.

Such complaints as get voiced all too often reflect a limited, inaccurate understanding of the medieval European. This is not to say it was a heyday of progressive thought, certainly, but there is all too much misunderstanding of what was at work then, and no small part of that misunderstanding is deliberate. And if it is the case that a children's show can help people to better understand what was and what is, and who they are, then that has to be accounted to the good.