So I just did a Double Feature.
A Matter of Principals was pretty meh. It’s good Discord being Discord, the continuity was pretty funny, but it felt like it was there for its own sake. Lastly, they made Starlight overpowered. At least Starlight was the one to learn a lesson. In short, can’t recommend. I had fun, but I can’t call it a good episode.
So then I watched The Hearth’s Warming Club, and it was much better.
I think what I liked most about this episode is that all the cultures feel consistent. Ocellus’ story reflects how the changelings are still trying to forge their own identity after overthrowing Chrysalis. Yona’s story reflects how the yaks can be barbaric, but still have things that are sacred to them. Smolder’s story reflects and shows a commitment to the Machiavellian nature of dragons. Sandbar’s story is mundane. I think my favourite story was Silverstream’s, though. Thanking the ocean for protecting them feels like a thing a real culture would do, and it’s a nice touch that something like the defeat of The Storm King is something they celebrate.
And then there’s Gallus. They don’t pull any punches; he just flat-out doesn’t have a family, and that’s really sad. I like that they’re taking their time with developing the Student Six. Silverstream has divorced parents, Gallus doesn’t have a family, Smolder went through “The Molt” and got kicked out by her family. I’m not so sure the school makes sense, but I’m sold on it as glue that holds things together. I like these new characters, and watching their friendships grow takes me right back to Season One, except that I think the friendships carry more weight here.
Overall, this was everything I wanted it to be, and more.
