Did Catra Deserve Redemption? She-Ra Season 5 Review

[@Aviedya]

Ok hear me out. Kronk and Scorpia would be the ultimate friendship duo.

[@jewel8439]

It's all coming together

[@zesty9721]

Oh my God Y E S

[@hiley_saggyfatface_2052]

No no, he's got a point

[@gibbums_lee194]

I NEED to see a cute fan animatic of Kronk and his wife, and Scorpia and Perfuma all making raisin bread together.

[@devilconcrete2699]

Something I didn't know I needed until now

[@cosmically4286]

I personally really like Adora's character, especially with her whole self-sacrifice thing. Adora has always been told that she has a great destiny ahead of her, first by shadow weavers as a force captain, and then by light hope as she ra. This made her think that she was only good for what she can bring to the world and to others, and that she herself, her wants, her needs don't matter. while Adora was obviously not going to die, she was ready to die, even expecting to die. Noelle has said in interviews that Adora's hero complex is a big issue she had to get over, and said that she would even rather die than to see her friends just get hurt. This is a great parallel with catra. Adora is in fact as destructive as catra, but, while catra was wrecking havoc and causing problems for others, Adora was just always self-destructive, and no one noticed because she was doing the right thing. In this story, catra has to lean to love, while Adora need to learn to be loved, which in the whole resolution of the show in their confession scene. This makes me really like her arc, because while she is a goofball and is good, she is trying too hard to be good to an unhealthy extend, which is her main character flaw. In the end, the resolution to everything was to be selfish and get what she, as Adora, really wants. I think this is a pretty good take and development of a main character

[@randomsubscriber3578]

Wow I doubt anyone could have said that better

[@cosmically4286]

@@randomsubscriber3578 thank you !!

[@chiebuka]

Yes, I totally agree with everything you said and if we get a epilogue series (if Steven Universe can get one She-Ra should too) then I'd like someone to call it out more directly and Adora give her insight on it. Yes, Catra asked Adora a few times throughout Season 5 but Adora - at least in my understanding - never directly responded or explained in her own words why she is the way she is. If she does get a chance to give her point of view on it would be a nice chance for Catra and Adora to deepen their relationship and for her friends (especially Glimmer) to understand her a bit better.

[@elzyk4148]

the poor child just needs a therapist

[@cosmically4286]

@@chiebuka You're totally right!! I would sell my soul for a movie tbh I feel like she is like that because of shadows weaver abuse towards her... There so much potential for things to explore I would like to see all those things you're mentioning !

[@voidglooom]

i wish that catra could’ve at least gotten to actually finish her apology to scorpia

[@jewel8439]

Scorpia is like the most forgiving person I think she was already over it when Perfuma gave her therapy and love.

[@johannesseyfried7933]

@@jewel8439 Still, I think Catra has to give a big apology out of principle.

[@variedadesonline3926]

@@johannesseyfried7933 Catra tried to give, but she didn't let her

[@galias4255]

If a movie happens, I really would like to see catra working and Apologizing, Especially with Scorpia and mermista

[@toadlord8594]

Yeah I really would have liked to see Catra give a true full apology to Scorpia, to Glimmer for her Mom’s death. I don’t care how forgiving Scorpia I still wish I could have seen that apology, too easily forgiven doesn’t look good to me for all Catra’s done least from my POV.

[@dangreen3868]

I actually really love adora's hero stuff this season. I feel like shadow weaver's abuse of adora tends to be forgotten because it's less obvious than catra's abuse. this season focused on adora's unhealthy self-sacrificing behavior. this season has made me love adora so much more, and made me realize some things about myself through the connections I could make to adora.

[@nenakarra2579]

imo it was GOOD that Catra had to face Perfuma, Scorpia's best friend, instead of Scorpia herself. Because Scorpia would've forgiven her immediately. But Perfuma chewed her out, called her out, made her feel guilty all episode. And ONLY when Catra told her "Scorpia is lucky to have you as a friend" did she offer her usual hippie support. Also Scorpia got to zap Catra 1000ft away so that was good. And Perfuma was like "yeah she deserved it". Also Noelle Stevenson said that Hordak's gonna be in jail and then will cleaning up all of Beast Island as community service, but that'd not fit in the tone of the ending.

[@nenakarra2579]

In the end most of my complaints come down to "we needed more than 13 episodes!"

[@Janoha17]

We did see Scorpia immediately forgive Catra.

[@Taiten10]

​@@Janoha17 well she didn't say "I forgive you" she just hug her, actually Scorpia was the only one who actually understand a part of Catra emotions, Scorpia knew there was still something good on her but she couldn't stay with her, i read somewhere that the note she left to Catra said "Sorry", she was hopping Catra join to the good side and when she saw her there she hug her, thats how I interpreted the hug, Catra already knew how much she hurt her that was so important, if you see Melog with Scorpia and knowing that Catra emotions are conected with the criature you can see that she care for her, but I really wanted to see a real conversation between them because Scorpia was really importan to her apart of Adora.

[@xowoxy3914]

hIPPIE SUPPORT IM SCREAMING OMG AHAHAHAHA

[@toadlord8594]

Guess Catra getting chewed out by the friendship hippie and punched by Water Tribe Toph from Dollar Tree will suffice.

[@georgiag2685]

The rainbow border was a nice touch. Also this season was woooooooooooooooo. Just a LOT and you summed it up greatly.

[@47ratsinahoodie]

I agree with the thoughts on Prime. The elegant, in-control Prime was far more interesting than angry Prime.

[@Aati_Gumer]

Agreed. But I also imagine him turning into an angry boi was quite accurate for someone who's used to winning everything outright

[@NRobbi42]

Tbf, Horde Prime only acted in control whenever he knew he was in control. His facade cracked when She-Ra returned, but he was back too his smug self when he was making moves to take back the heart of Etheria. While always appearing calm and controlling makes for a more interesting villain, seeing him come to terms with his weaknesses and having to compensate for them by using "failure" Hordak's research made him seem resourceful while also making his defeat seem attainable. If he just acted like a smug jackass the entire time even while he was at a disadvantage, people would just complain about how he was one-dimensional.

[@tomnorton4277]

@@NRobbi42 Horde Prime wasn't as interesting as Hordak but he was still one of the better parts of Season 5. The best part is Entrapta because Entrapta just automatically steals every single scene she's in (plus, she was the ONLY character in the entire show who actually rivalled Horde Prime's intelligence) but Prime always came across as a formidable foe. When Adora tried to rescue Catra, he predicted every single move she would make with the precision of a master chess player, which was exemplified when he casually crushed her communicator under his heel. His one mistake was assuming that Adora would play by his rules so he didn't expect her to overturn the chess board. Even Prime's rages were brief and to the point. While Hordak would sulk in his sanctum, Prime would quickly compose himself and deal with shit personally if he had to. The worst part of Season 5 was Catradora. I'm sorry, but Catra was too far gone when she tried to destroy the world at the end of Season 3 and she somehow managed to get even worse in Season 4.

[@falconeshield]

​@@tomnorton4277You do realise that without Catra going back to save Adora in the climax of the story would've led to Prime going Namek on the entire planet (not just the portal THAT HORDAK COMMISSIONED everyone forgets that, turns out killed no one affected by it, Angella is still alive on the other side, she's story sequel fuel) there would be no one to prosecute? No one to yell for? Cause the planet would be caboomed and Angella would be stuck forever? Who knows, maybe Angella is in Eternia rn. But yeah, no Catra, Adora dies, planet explodes, Prime wins.

[@iordanisp6452]

Gonna disagree about Adora, her martyr complex and being a glutton for punishment and all this being the result of her conditioning by Shadow Weaver and Light Hope elevates her character from just a generic hero to a tragic one.

[@Brennan1231000]

i never onced realized bow and glimmer was a thing, even when they said they're love for each other i kinda thought it was like a brother and sister, like best friends forever kinda deal. Hordak and Entrapta on the other hand, that was a ship i sailed on

[@martynap2930]

The reason why Glimbow wasnt explicitly canon is because it was not planned from beginning. It was kinda last minute but still cute.

[@notleah8700]

Bow friendzoned her with the forehead kiss.

[@johannesseyfried7933]

I'm still not really comfortable with it. He is a really old Alien-Warlord, and she's a Teenager. (No, you can't convince me that Entrapta is actually 30. Mermista looks kinda like 25, but Entrapta does NOT look like a Woman in her 30's.)

[@jasonblalock4429]

I thought the Bow/Glimmer thing was pretty obvious from the Princess Prom ep, with Glimmer being super-jealous of Bow spending time with other people. I mean, at least, Glimmer definitely had some feelings there she wasn't dealing with. Bow's opinion on the matter was more ambiguous until this Season.

[@seanhenderson5996]

@@johannesseyfried7933 Keep in mind that Entrapta is autistic, and some symptoms of autism can appear to others as immaturity; idk if that might be skewing your perception of her to the younger side, but it is worth considering.

[@WildeCard4]

10:21 "...Having this many gay couples is unrealistic." It's interesting that some people are sticklers for realism in their sci-fi magic-sword adventure cartoons with talking horses. More seriously, the story is set in a fictional universe with social and biological norms radically different than those we find on Earth. Assuming that all alternate universes must have the same ratio of LGBT+ identities as our own world just illustrates a sad lack of imagination.

[@Peasham]

Literally every single character could've been gay and, considering you can't control your sexuality, it still would've been realistic. I hate people who claim something literally out of someone's control is unrealistic.

[@dudemetslagroom8065]

It's so weird...this is one of the gayest shows ever. It has literally rainbows, sparkles and unicorns...But having a lot of gays is pushing it..... Altough there was ALOT of gay.....even more then Straight wich i would agree is just a bit weird but i suppose that's how the gays would feel

[@RecklessFire29]

+WildeCard Especially since gay couples can have kids (See: Bow, Scorpia). It'd make sense at a biological imperative level, but that doesn't seem to be a case here, either through magic or having different physiologies than us.

[@lancerguy3667]

Realism seems to only ever be an issue when it comes to women being allowed to do anything cool in fiction and gay issues, online. As a straight dude, I actually kind of liked that this show was almost exclusively LGBT. All my life I’ve taken for granted that characters like me will always be a part of the media I consume. Watching She-ra helped me empathize with how gay/bi/non-binary people feel when they watch... 95% of all other popular media.

[@distortiondaisiras]

LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACKKK

[@emmaschannel3927]

I googled what age is shadow weaver and it said “crusty old” 😂🤣😂

[@kellharris2491]

I feel like a lot of people don't really understand adoras hero journey. She seems too perfect because she was made to be. Shadow weaver raised her to be the chosen one. Shadow weaver always knew adora was special just not how. So she reinforced her heroic characteristics while discouraging her personal interests like with catra. When she became she ra light hope did the same thing. Telling her to let go of her attaments and focus on her Destiny as she ra. But we learn she was just manipulating her too. This affects her throughout the story. She constantly feels the need to live up to being the perfect hero. She constantly feels like she is a failure for her 'imperfection.' When adora shatters the sword she is brought down from her pedestal for a time and had to reevaluate what she wanted. She only started transforming again when she used her own drive and feelings to save her friends and then catra. She starts building a relationship with catra and has more of her own feelings but then shadow weaver sees this and pushs her back into that self sacrificing mindset. "Catra distracts from your Destiny etc." Adora is not able or allowed to care about what she wants because she has to be the hero. Catra points out her drive to always "be the big hero" and how "it doesn't always have to be her. " And when she leaves glimmer and bow because she feels like she has to go it alone catra is like "thats what she does." It takes mara saying there is more to her then her role as the hero. She has more to her. And its when she embraces a life for herself at the end that's when she has power to save the day. Its a deconstruction of the hero or chosen one.

[@NRobbi42]

☝️

[@DidixGil]

!!!!

[@DidixGil]

Yes!

[@alexgroot2508]

Thank you! Completely agree. The show didn't pull the whole 'self-sacrifice' thing because it needed to raise the stakes- because no one believed those for a second. They brought it up because Adora's character arc needed it and because it played off the Shadow-Adora-Catra dynamic in a way that led it to concluding satisfyingly.

[@cosmically4286]

@@alexgroot2508 ya'll minds tho... Unparalleled

[@applef1uffy]

I love the fact that Scorpia finally broke ties with catra, and catra realizes her faults and genuinely apologized. I also LOVE that catra didn’t immediately get better, but is struggling yet trying to be a better person

[@carlosalejandroalvarenga4913]

Adora's "world is on my shoulders self sacrifice" was my favorite. It hit me very hard personally. #DoorMatRepresentation It wasnt that I was unsure she was gonna die. She was _THE_ main character, of course she isnt gonna die. What engaged me the most is her personal struggle. Her self worth struggles were so beautiful, and the line "You're worth more than what you can give to others" made me cry so hard.

[@StrangeArgument]

I agree. One of my best friends is very like Adora in that way, and I really empathize with her struggle.

[@forgemakesstuff2734]

I agree very much with all of this But take this advice: If you firmly believe the main character will never die, don’t read divergent

[@carlosalejandroalvarenga4913]

@@forgemakesstuff2734 oh bro dont even get me started. I read divergent and I was BAWLING when the scene happened [even if someone had already spoiled it for me].

[@nonsens0815]

This show was my therapy .

[@battlekidx2599]

I find it funny that you have the exact opposite opinion from me when it comes to Adora's arc. I actually found this season to be the season that I was most invested in Adora's arc and I attribute it to the fact that I really liked how they deconstructed the "Selfless hero" trope by showing just how self destructive that line of thinking is. This martyr complex that Adora has comes directly from her abuse at shadow weaver's hands. In the episode promise when we see the scene of shadow weaver threatening a young Catra while paralyzing her we also see her telling Adora that it is her fault that shadow weaver is hurting Catra because she didn't keep Catra in line. So in Adora's mind she thinks that every time one of her friends gets hurt or something goes bad that it is her fault. She pushed down her needs and wants because she thinks that if she gives into them she may slip up and hurt people even worse. She believes, like Noelle said, "that everything she does is bad" because she isn't protecting everyone so she tries to "take every bullet and jump on every grenade". She is suicidally self sacrificial and I liked that they took the time to deconstruct why Adora feels like she needs to sacrifice everything and show just how destructive her abuse was to her sense of self and her self-worth. And how in the end it was her realizing that wanting a future and wanting happiness for herself isn't a bad thing that ended up saving the world. That ultimately with her arc it was shown that wanting those things doesn't make you any less of a hero and that "you are more than what you can do for others. I will say that it bothered me before now how everyone just seemed okay with how Adora seemed so willing to sacrifice herself and that a lot of the supporting cast didn't really seem to understand her abuse at shadow weaver's hands. So personally I was very happy that both of these points were covered in such depth. (really like the video. I like hearing about your thoughts on shows and your sarcastic summaries)

[@gregorythestallion2984]

You forgot that's the same reason she even has a relationship with Catra right now. Just because of the abuse, regressing everything learnt in 3rd season. Nice.

[@variedadesonline3926]

@@gregorythestallion2984 that's a different case tho

[@RosaDiaz-cl9yr]

@@gregorythestallion2984 I disagree, Adora doesnt "reverts back" to her tendencies regarding catra, sure she still feels a need to protect her just as the rest of her loved ones but she is no longer willing to accept catra´s crap behavior like when adora blantanly told catra that she would drop her off on some random planet if she didnt cooperate and insisted in puting the rest of the team in danger, it seems like adora is ready to dispose of catra if she rejects all help.

[@almondsandrevolution]

You put into words and I couldn’t agree more!!!

[@47ratsinahoodie]

Also, I'm just now realizing that Netossa's outfit is _really_ awesome.

[@47ratsinahoodie]

Personally, I see Shadow's sacrifice as it was implied in the review. Shadow didn't want to change and she knew that if she was alive, she'd be hated beyond all belief. Noelle did confirm her sacrifice was selfish but I agree that the line of, "I'm proud of you," complicates things for me.

[@falconeshield]

Weaver was always the hero of her story in her eyes, like Tai Lung but worse

[@Peasham]

Yeah, Noelle doesn't get to say that Shadow's sacrifice wasn't meant to be a redemption when Catra did the exact same thing. If she wanted to claim that, she wouldn't have done the same with Catra.

[@47ratsinahoodie]

@@Peasham How did Catra do the exact same thing? Last time I checked, Catra started the beginning of her redemption by feeling regret which Shadow Weaver _clearly_ didn't so your argument falls apart immediately. Shadow Weaver's line of, "You're welcome," is even added before she dies to add that air of, "Oh, she's still a bitch who doesn't think she did anything wrong."

[@wendyheatherwood]

@@Peasham But Catra's attempted sacrifice wasn't the whole of her redemption. It was only step one. She basically did the same thing Shadow Weaver did, but survived and had to go on, had to face people that she'd wronged in the past and had to keep doing the right thing and that's what I think makes the difference.

[@Peasham]

@@47ratsinahoodie She did the exact same thing by virtue of doing a grand act. Also, no, at no point does Catra express regret at any of her actions nor is she faced with the consequences of any of her actions. I legitimately think no one brings up the fact that she tried to murder all of the good guys.

[@lukeamparo6586]

I either hated or was underwhelmed by She-Ra’s first outfit. Her second outfit this season was cooler in my opinion.

[@spidergirl6730]

I think they did what on purpose. So that the new outfit would be more suitable for her and reflect her growth.

[@johannesseyfried7933]

@@spidergirl6730 Did they also explain what that weird golden Armor in the S1 Finale was? It appeared once and then never again. Why introduce a Transformation Upgrade if you don't use it?!?

[@kendriccoley7053]

@@johannesseyfried7933 selling toys or whatever the hell they were trying to do.

[@johannesseyfried7933]

@@kendriccoley7053 There were Toys of this Show?! I am sorry, but I don't think this Reboot has a big enough Fanbase to justify a Toy Production.

[@marshalll.8920]

If it had started out amazing it would've been underwhelming. Also I think She-Ra was a way to represent, physically, how much Adora grew.

[@47ratsinahoodie]

All in all, I find that Catra's redemption is just beginning. She's pretty much fully redeemed in the eyes of the Best Friend Squad but still has work to do. I see that many people say Catra and Hordak's redemptions were rushed or that they were only redeemed because they felt bad but they're completely ignoring the obvious: it's difficult to redeem two characters and have a story conclude in 13 episodes. Hordak does one good thing by trying to kill Prime and, as a result, proves he can be better. He doesn't get as many opportunities to prove that as Catra so I can somewhat see why people would be upset at his ability to walk free with Entrapta. However, the show ending doesn't mean that the ex-villains don't have stuff to fix. Steven Universe seemed to fail to understand this and that's pretty much why the Diamond redemption sucked. Catra deserved redemption in my opinion but how far she gets in her redemption (which I find is about 1/4 of the way through) makes it difficult for some to suspend their disbelief and remember that this is a show for kids and teens that should have a happy ending.

[@Peasham]

I don't think it's a pacing issue considering how much this season covers that has nothing to do with the main characters. You don't introduce the Star siblings, absolutely inconsequential characters, if you're strapped for development time.

[@superthorc6894]

Well that less a problem now with hordak now since the whole crew pretty much exile him to beast island with entrapta in order to do community service to make up the mess he has if the noelle tweet are to be believed

[@47ratsinahoodie]

@@Peasham So an episode that was crucial (since it does make sense that an ancient ship wouldn't have unlimited fuel and it was helpful in She-Ra's return) in which neither Catra nor Hordak had been brought to the side of good/not on Prime's side would have been better for development on their parts? I'm not saying that the Star siblings were necessary characters but they were helpful and didn't interfere with the main plot of the episode much.

[@Vespuchian]

I'd say you're pretty on point. I thought Hordak's arc was better than Catra's, probably because we got to see it all. By the end of the show Catra's started her arc but she's still got a lot of living for others to do before I'd say her arc is over. Redemption has two primary meanings (according to the very quick Google search I did): to be saved from evil/sin (which Catra has); and to clear a debt (which she's only just started doing). Sadly, that settling of debts is going to happen after the show is over so we can't see it all the way through. Her getting clocked by glorious Ice Punch is still extremely cathartic for me.

[@47ratsinahoodie]

@@superthorc6894 That, honestly, wouldn't be a bad decision. Have them clean up Beast Island and then (although not mentioned in your comment) allow slow integration of Hordak back into society. The clones could help, too. A lot of people seem to want Hordak killed or imprisoned but I believe that, since he has the benevolent influence of Entrapta in his life, he has the potential to finish his redemption.

[@monkeybanana0999]

The not trying to rescue Micah really irritated me. Like they had him tied up in "the failsafe" but didn't try to knock him out and take him with them. Why?!?

[@noneuklid]

yeah i was so confused when they just ran tf away, i thought rescuing him at that point was part of the plan

[@johnw06]

I think they were afraid of Micah and the other wizards recovering and attacking again.

[@hannahh8952]

johnw06 wizards? They are sorcerers lol

[@nicholascarter9158]

I think the implication is supposed to be "Micah does not need to move or speak to cast dark spells. If he wakes up on the way home, even for a second, we will all be captured."

[@nanaasmah938]

Micah was the most powerful sorcerer in history (according to Shadow Weaver) so he would be a wild card. He has access to so much magic that taking him down would not only be incredibly difficult, but almost impossible. Glimmer was the only one who came close, but she had never been put to the test like that and was likely doubting her abilities. I always thought that Spinerella was saved because out of all the others captured, she held the smallest threat.

[@nenakarra2579]

pretty sure Shadow did it because once Adora turned her back on the Heart to save Catra, Shadow Weaver was left with only two options: 1. die from exploding planet 2. die while forcing your abused kids to feel grateful for you

[@omegastar19]

This. Also add to this Shadow Weaver’s realization at the end that Adora needed Catra in order to transform to She-Ra.

[@cmmosher8035]

The biggest issue I had with Catra's redemption is that she didn't get more push back from the other characters. It was never a probability that Adora would not forgive her and Glimmer has her time on Prime's ship with Catra so that makes sense but shit the series really needed some one to tell her to just fuck off and have Catra learn it's something she has to accept. I am glad the spent as much time on it as they did and it wasn't a last minute turn like I was afraid it would be.

[@Peasham]

PREACH

[@Sigzyl]

Right ? Especially since Glimmer made it very clear to Bow that he had every right to stay mad at her.

[@Peasham]

@@Sigzyl Dude, that's what I've been saying, it's one thing for Catra to face zero consequences for her actions, but it's a whole 'nother beast when Glimmer actually does face them, especially since Glimmer's actions are far more excusable.

[@MsWinxmusa]

I imagine that if there are any character from the Rebellion who wouldnt forgive Catra, it would be either Frosta or Mermista. The others' personalities somehow fit with forgiving her.

[@dejajade6726]

Honestly how quickly Glimmer and Bow forgave and accepted Catra into the best friend squad like the day after they rescued her was really weird to me. I know she saved Glimmer's life and they kinda bonded in a shitty situation but did they straight up forget everything she did? Attacked their friends, family, people, kingdoms, planet, even the freaking dimension multiple times of her own accord. Mermista's kingdom got wrecked. She is the direct reason Angel is gone. They were laughing and teasing one another like none of that ever happened.

[@jairartis]

I did like how they handled shadow to be honest. Not a true redemption

[@carlacarrero4975]

Jair Artis one thing that I like about the show is that they never tried to redeem shadow weaver which I’m glad because shadow weaver is a buttwad

[@yfullman]

No need for redemption when you've done nothing wrong ;)

[@No-iz1xc]

yfullman she abused them and tried destroying the whole planet

[@zerofudou5689]

@@No-iz1xc So did Catra or do we pretend season 3 finale never happened, but we can't because Glimmer's mother is still gone. Which is why Glimmer being buddy buddy with Catra makes no sense.

[@jelaniwalker8798]

@Zero Fudou Bonding over shared trauma is a real thing in real life. Glimmer believes they're both going to die, and Catra is the only remnant of her world in this new environment. Of course they'd bond. Besides, its not even immediately "buddy buddy" because they start out still enemies.

[@TheLuckyKira]

Noelle came forward and said that she doesn't believe Shadow Weaver is redeemed either! She said her motives were ultimately selfish, hence her final words. Just like Catra TRIED to sacrifice herself, Shadow Weaver actually does it, and isn't forced to deal with the extended consequences unlike Catra (consequences are severely absent, and I imagine it's because the Horde threat took priority). Shadow Weaver was selfish till the very end. Sure, she did a good thing by sacrificing herself, but she immediately expected thanks for it, despite manipulating and meddling in Catra and Adora's lives and relationship. Someone who had truly realised the error of their ways wouldn't have said thanks - they would have said sorry. Which is a crucial difference between Catra and SW's redemption. Catra apologises, even if it's way late, she regrets her past choices, and wants Adora to know she's sorry and do one good thing. She doesn't EXPECT to be thanked, let alone saved. SW does this one good thing, and never apologises for her past actions. She always struck me as someone who felt proud of how she brought them up, as if she made them the people they are today. And to some degree, that's true. They are who they are today because of past experiences and that includes SW. But they don't have to thank SW for being their abuser. Catra still has a journey to go, and I imagine removing Mermista and Scorpia from the scene was to help ease the things the season had to focus on. Catra's redemption is definitely a huge point of this season, but the details of how are not, and I imagine she ends up doing a lot of soul searching and apologising and reflection post-finale. You hit the nail on the head though with your points about the redemption arcs though. In the case of Catra, they just had too little time in the last episodes to properly show her making amends - had they had some more episodes plus no time pressure in the plot itself, I daresay it could have been as great as Zuko's. In terms of Hordak, I also agree that they didn't really do as great a job as they could have. On one hand, I wanted Hordak to redeem himself, but on the other, as you say, he's done. A lot. Of bad shit. Catra's becomes a bit more easier to understand and work with for redemption because she wasn't the head leader, and I feel even SHE didn't actually think about the full implications of some of her choices. Hordak does not have that luxury, and I'm mixed because he is equally another victim of abuse, and brainwashing into a cult. He's literally a victim of a cult, and it gets weird because he deserves at least a chance to be better, but also deserves the consequences of his actions - he still chose to do them, no matter how misguided he was. It's one of those things again where it seems they just didn't have enough time in the final season to wrap up all these things neatly, so chose to focus on what mattered most. DESPITE that these things definitely could have been done better, what they chose to focus on (the character moments as you've pointed out) was done amazingly. Catra's redemption being tidied up a little better is the only thing I could say that I wish they had outright focused on a bit more, but I also understand why it's not. On top of that though, Adora's hero journey mattered to me a lot in this season, and I think that's because it's a message that affects everyone differently. Some people are like Adora, and only think of what they can do for others - when asked what she wants, of course Adora doesn't know, she's always been acting for someone or something else. She's always defined herself by what she can do for others, which is why Mara tells her that she's more than that - everyone else gets it, it's why Glimmer, Bow and Catra all care about her so much, why Swiftwind cares even when she's no longer She-Ra, because she's more than She-Ra and what she does as She-Ra, and her journey is about recognising that self-sacrifice... isn't necessarily good. Adora's hero journey in the final season is almost a criticism of hero's self-sacrificial nature. It turns around and says that Adora deserves to live and find out what she wants, because being a hero isn't ALL she is. To her friends, she isn't She-Ra, a hero. She's Adora, their friend, who happens to also be She-Ra. Anyway I'll shut up now, I love this show, and I hope we get some spin-off material, or other fun things!

[@zacharyt.2694]

One thing that I think helps make Catra's and Hordak's redemptions more believable is that I don't look at the season final as a conclusion to their redemption but the true beginning of it. Also, acceptance or tolerance is not forgiveness, even if the main group forgave Catra that doesn't mean everyone else did. They were in the middle of a war and needed all the help they could get shown by the fact that everyone was willing to work with Shadow Weaver despite literally everyone agreeing that she was bad/irredeemable, so I think it is more likely that the other princesses simply decided to focus on the more important issue with their problems with Catra most likely being put off until after the war.

[@alexgroot2508]

Great review! Its funny that you mentioned how Adora going on her self-sacrifice spiel pulled you out of it- it kinda did the opposite for me. No, I did not for even a second believe that the stakes were real there, she wasn't gonna die, but Adora shouldering the fate of the world like that was so in-character for her and such an ample demonstration of her overblown sense of responsibility (an unresolved issue from her abusive upbringing) that, in a way, Adora *needed* this to conclude her own character arc. She needed to learn that she does get to choose for herself, gets to want things, gets to be more than just the hero. And it played very well of Shadow Weaver and Catra, almost making the whole abusive relationship trope come full circle. Point being, the show didn't need this spiel, but Adora definitely did (and she's literally been my favorite character since she killed the bed sue me) There were two things that I felt were really needed that weren't there: 1) Glimmer never, ever, brings up the fact that Catra is basically directly responsible for pulling the lever that, for all intends and purposes, killed her mother. I like that they bonded over 'shared loneliness' but I would have loved it if Glimmer just tore into Catra for killing her mom, Catra coming back a while later to genuinely apologize (heck, maybe they could've worked the apology Glimmer would later give to Bow in there somehow to tie those scenes together) and Glimmer not really forgiving Catra so much as accepting that Catra is trying, and they move on to bonding over shared loneliness from there. Angella hung over their dynamic like a dark cloud that was never really acknowledged. 2) It would have made more sense, and would have been equally as satisfying, I think, if Hordak had broken off his embrace with Entrapta, given her a smile, before walking up to Glimmer, kneeling before her, and as 'acting leader of the Horde' surrendering to her. This would leave a strong implication of consequences yet to come and Hordak understanding that what he did was wrong- at least to a degree. Still a fantastic fucking season

[@cintsscha5899]

I like your opinion better than what the writers did on the show!!!

[@denise373]

I love how Catra’s redemption was started by a flashback. Since a majority of her rash decisions against the rebellion were triggered by flashbacks or people in her past, it was really clever that her first act of decency in the show would be triggered by a flashback.

[@nicholascarter9158]

Two hot takes: 1. What really turned shadow weaver around to save catra was the realization that without catra adora cannot activate the failsafe, that there is no backup plan if the failsafe doesn't activate, and thus her only choices are lose to catra and lose to horde prime. Losing to catra feels more like winning so she does that. The gas lighting is just a reflex at this point. 2. Everybody has to be okay with hordak, because he is the consort of the singular dictator of the most technologically advanced and industrially powerful nation to survive the war. You gonna go to war with entrapta to take hordak from her?

[@highcouncil1302]

I mean the robot Uprising she could cause is alone enough reason not to do it

[@brandonlyon730]

I mean people don’t mind Vegeta getting redemption and he was a genocidal mass murderer who brags about it.

[@yeyeye802]

This is completely true. The only requirement is the redemption has to be written well.

[@NRobbi42]

Destroys planets, kills Yamcha then gets his girl pregnant, Let's Cell become perfect, relapses due to his inferiority complex killing hundreds, still cool with the good guys, becomes a family man. All in a day's work for the prince of all saiyans.

[@scargaming38]

But I mean his son, trunks, let’s just say I will like his sword in me 😉

[@Peasham]

Well, DBZ isn't exactly praised for being a healthy representation of real-world social situations.

[@pichu1219]

@@Peasham True, but people often see Vegeta's redemption arc as one of the highest points in the series

[@majesticmo5048]

Am I the only one who doesn't mind swift wind? Like I don't find him that annoying

[@josethebeast8709]

I am with you swift wind is my little pony

[@elizabethholloway1949]

I had pms when I first watched so I got so unreasonably angry at him lmao

[@peepoo3561]

I just forgot that he existed. Like, the universe is ripping in half and a genocidal space cult leader is approaching Etheria. I don’t care about a singing horse.

[@pastelry8747]

Yeah I enjoy watching scenes with him. I mean if they were to try making him more of a major character, it would probably get annoying, but instead he's more of a comedic relief character that is shown to be dependable and kindhearted when the situation needs it.

[@Brennan1231000]

he was alright, personally i think he didn't overstay his welcome

[@yaelkorn4252]

Glimmer being sidelined was something that majorly bothered me and Im really glad you addressed that! Even in She-Ra's new character design which has key elements from her friends and close ones design, there is barely any recognisable Glimmer. If I didnt know she inspired the boots, I wouldnt have noticed. This really bugged me, because Adoras and Glimmers friendship is really important to me and they barely showed their journey in Season 5

[@jessicajovel8194]

13:48 I think, that what they needed for catra's redemption to be truly believable, was another season. The season with all the catradora moments and frienship squad moments in the last season. But before that, a season full of uncomfortable, painful moments with the people she wronged (aka, everyone) Edit: or maybe a longer season

[@annisasabrina8259]

I LOVE the fact that they didn't change or ruin Catra's character when she joined the Good Guys™, and rather made her gradually be good by witnessing the action of other along with receiving affection from her friends.

[@isabellek-q3183]

the Good Guys™ 😂

[@WorldWeave]

From what I remember…on Shadow Weaver’s wiki, she canonically isn’t redeemed by her death, no one canonically forgives her, but she does…to quote glimmer “do one good thing in your life”

[@ChasehaWing]

"Did we need to see Mermista and SeaHawke being cute?" Yes- "No." Awwwe "Did we need to see Scorpia's muscles-" *Yes it was vital to the plot.*

[@Pooky1991]

I find Adora to be one of the most adorable protags I've ever seen in a show. Her struggle with losing her powers was made genuinely sad given how much she blames herself and feel like she has to lead and protect everyone. Its kind deconstructing the chosen one trope in a way, because shes forced to step back and rely on the help of everyone around her. Shes also forced to come to terms with the fact that she can't bare the entire burden and put some of her needs above others

[@falconeshield]

Honestly Mermista needs to banish Hordak and Catra from Salenias for life, it's the least writers can do to answer the war tyrant parts of the two Horde top commanders

[@47ratsinahoodie]

I think it's pretty obvious that Mermista doesn't forgive Hordak or likes Catra so that would be a given.

[@Gibbons3457]

I mean I'm not sure about Hordak but for Catra, just get her to help fix what she broke. People who want to redeem themselves should be willing to do the hard work required for it. I think the series, in going for the happy ending, missed its chance to show the consequences of everything. Seeing Catra willingly face the harm, she caused honestly and making reparations is part of seeking redemption. Avatar didn't achieve this either in the original series, it had to use the comics to see that one done. The message of Catra's arc is that you have to seek your own redemption, even if you aren't responsible for why you became the person you were, you still caused harm, you still made awful choices, you still hurt people, but that you can and should seek to repair what you can and repay what you cannot. And in Mermista's case whilst I can see her not being happy or friendly with Catra I can certainly see her giving her the opportunity to do the right thing. It's literally the hardest thing to do with redemption arcs. You want there to be consequences, but you also don't want to accidentally send the message that after a certain point you can never be one of the good guys. You might not be able to fix the past, but you can make the effort to make sure the future is better.

[@47ratsinahoodie]

@@Gibbons3457 I love this. Catra was essentially a much more villainous Entrapta before she started her redemption so logically, it should be possible for Catra to eventually get forgiveness from Mermista. I especially love the end of your comment. She-Ra is a show for kids and people need to remember that they have the potential to be good people even if the way they grew up said that they should be bad people. Catra (and maybe Hordak in the _far_ future of She-Ra) can rebuild everything she helped destroy and fix everything so that she can build a new, happy future for everyone that finally includes her.

[@Sivick314]

i cannot agree more. being a toxic person and being a WAR CRIMINAL are two different things. "oh she was abused" SHE BURNED CITIES TO THE GROUND

[@falconeshield]

@@Sivick314 Technically so did Scorpia OOOOOH

[@statan1365]

Catra, unlike a lot of other “redeemed” characters (the diamonds) actually wanted to be the good guy. She changed because she decided for herself, not because other characters wanted people for her to. She also did multiple good things before she was redeemed, and then shows her growth towards being a true good guy at heart.

[@ee8002]

She wanted to be a good guy, that's why she wanted to destroy the universe and kill her best friend just because Adora wasn't her punching bag anymore, sure, that's how it happens with all good people

[@variedadesonline3926]

@@ee8002 that's what happens with a good person that is abused and traumatized her whole life, is betrayed by her loved ones and is even worse if that person has borderline and is a war soldier

[@YamPoop]

@@ee8002 damn you really mad at Catra lmao

[@stevenrogers2684]

Yay. Excusing toxic behavior because Catra had a "sad" life. Didn't pretty much all the kids in the Horde have the same basic life and none of them are close to Catra's toxicity. Also, what were the "multiple" good things? All I saw was she saved Glimmer, but mostly because she thought she was gonna die anyway (hi Shadow Weaver...oh wait we're still supposed to hate her...) and she had nowhere left to go. So basically her circumstances decided "Guess I'm a good guy now." Other than that, what was really her choice? The alternative was always way worse by now. And.. "she's wanted to be the good guy"? She said proudly in episode 2 that she was fully aware the Horde was EVIL.

[@stevenrogers2684]

@@variedadesonline3926 Cue the sad violin playing...

[@ladynoluck]

Shadow vs Catra shows us how redemption is correctly done: Shadow: Gets to die on one good thing and believes that she did all that was needed to be redeemed, but doesn’t have to put the work in to right her wrongs Catra: Expects to die doing one good thing but doesn’t see it as redemption, but decides to also put the work in to be redeemed even if she doesn’t think she deserves it Catra’s redemption isn’t perfect, but it’s no Snape/Shadow redemption at least

[@jeffreychandler8418]

i think the positive about shadow's redemption is that... its kind of not. Her actions are in line with her deeper character throughout the show because throughout, even though she was abusive and evil and power hungry, she still cared about her children and thought she was doing what she could to prepare them for the world.

[@stevenrogers2684]

Where was all that "work" Catra put in because I didn't really see any. She just said sorry cuz she thought she was gonna die.. equal to what Shadow did... and Catra just happened to live but didn't change really... also, how do you know Shadow Weaver thought she did all she needed to be redeemed, but Catra didn't?

[@ghostlystarsss]

She probably could have escaped the fate she met when she sacrificed herself, because Catra has a way of getting out of those situations. She directly ruined her position in the Horde, which even if it wasn't great, it was better than nothing, out of a desire to be a better person that she came to herself, and she was fully convinced she was not worthy of redemption, and wasn't going to get it, and she was okay with that, and she turned out to survive, and after that she made a genuine effort to control her emotions, apologize (and let me be clear I do think that those apologies were lacking and she needs to give better ones, but it's a big step considering she said she would never apologize to anyone ever, and actually didn't for 4/5 of the seasons), and be a better person in general.

[@sunbeams.]

I think perfuma is the therapist of the group, so at the end of season 5 everyone just breaks down to her. Idk she just kinda gives me that vibe.

[@boglenight1551]

There’s no “deserving redemption”, there’s either redemption or non-redemption, if you “deserve redemption” then you’re already redeemed.

[@Sylocat]

I've been saying this exact thing for a while.

[@hanshintermann1551]

That's just semantics, though, it doesn't address the question.

[@boglenight1551]

Hans Hintermann It does answer the question, the answer is no. Opportunity for redemption is given out of kindness, not out of what’s deserved.

[@hanshintermann1551]

@@boglenight1551 Maybe I misunderstood your original comment, then. I assumed you were saying that doing a good deed cannot mean you "deserve redemption" because then the good deed already has redeemed you. But if what you just said is also what you meant in your original comment, I'll have to disagree.

[@NicoFitz]

This!!! "Deserve" and unconditional love are kind of the whole point of the show

[@macfluffers]

Basically, the show's focus on redemption is about the internal struggle to be a better person, for both yourself and for those around you. I hope the team is able to produce expanded media to discuss the things you brought up (how is everyone going to respond to Hordak, Catra and Mermista, how does Catradora reflect on Shadow Weaver) but I understand and respect the decision to keep the focus on one thing to make it as strong a narrative as possible.

[@macfluffers]

I especially like the vagueness of SW's final scene. Catra and Adora are going to have complicated feelings about SW and as you pointed out that's how it is for children of abusers. It's emotionally honest and subjective and I think that's a good thing.

[@domtheneighbor0395]

Gonna be honest catra is probably in my top 5 favorite fictional characters of all time I'm really gonna miss this show and here's to hoping that we get a comic down the line

[@adelebradwell9330]

2 things that didn't get mentioned in the final series that I would have liked to see: 1. Glimmer caring that Catra was DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR HER MOTHERS DEATH! Like she ain't even mad? It never gets touched on and it would have been interesting to see Glimmer be rightfully furious and hating Catra, to having conflicting feelings as they sympathize with each other while trapped on Prime's ship, to Glimmer forgiving her when she sacrifices her self to teleport her to Adora? Or maybe they could have had a physical fight with Glimmer trying to hurt her screaming something like "You took my mother from me!" while Catra tries not to hurt her back while trying to apologize. Maybe Glimmer defeating her but hesitating to take the final blow as she realizes she doesn't want to make a similar mistake in anger like Catra did? 2. Real Hordak meets Wrong Hordak. Come on that would be super funny. Imagine big bad serious Hordak and his goofy brother. Also pretty sure he would get jealous of Wrong Hordak spending time with Entrapta. Other than that, loved the whole series and binged the final season of course.

[@pockystyx4087]

I feel like redemption isn't something a character deserves, rather something that writers need to prove to the audience is worth doing for sometimes supposedly irredeemable characters. When done well; a redemption arc is cathartic, and showcases a character's growth and struggle towards betterment. When done poorly, you're handing out a overly-rushed free pass to space fascists. Catra; imho, has the abuse angle to fall back on for a ton of her worst attributes and failings as a (cat)person; which I feel help us to get why she is the way she is. And the show takes its time to really show just how much she's suffering for every bad decision she makes. Even when our girl is winning, she's unhappy; and even more so when she has a chance to throw it all away for a better life. Overall I loved this show, and the last season really solidified it as one of the best animated kids shows out there. Its not perfect; mind you, but what it does is so welcomed in the age of main characters yeeting entire races out of existence because of family drama, or bringing up trauma, only to never actually explore its themes. God, animated series' finales have been an endless sea of garbage lately I think we can all be happy that at least our ships flew high, and gay saved the day.

[@GeneralKenobi75]

And that's exactly why I feel She-ra did a better job than Steven Universe in its final season.

[@bengi8907]

GeneralKenobi75 I still don’t agree with Hordak and Catra. It may be better than SU, but to me it was annoying.

[@ddalgi-hime-07]

Something I really liked about then ending was that Catra would have rather died with Adora rather than live on in a world without her. Like even though she didn't want Adora to die at all, she realized Adora was gonna do what she does and all Catra could do was be at her side and ready to go out with her.

[@omgpascalsoffcourse964]

YES YES YES - Another Sarcastic Chorus! Just bummed its the final review on she ra....hopefully with its popularity we'll get a tv movie follow up - Noelle Stevenson said she was up for it...

[@tosmooth2367]

I binged the show and I cried I was reading up on it (season 6) but she said in a interview she wanted people to imagine the future of she-ra but was also saying how much she loves the show and where it went in the end. She was said "I like where the series ended, but I might not be able to help another season.

[@47ratsinahoodie]

@@tosmooth2367 She also doesn't want to ruin the beauty of how it ended. Personally, I'd be okay with some kind of follow up in 2 or more years to really let the series rest and to allow the fans to appreciate it.

[@stevenrogers2684]

lol.... Yeah, y'all sit here and hold your breath on that one.

[@nenakarra2579]

probably not anymore with the current events going on...

[@deltaweathers]

I feel like having an epilogue of sorts could really do well for the show. I think they could pull off something like Steven Universe future. Whether or not you liked Future, it is genuinely a good concept, especially for this show. Because as satisfying as the finale was, there are some loose ends and other things that weren't addressed in s5. I respect Noelle's decision to leave the series as it is and have the fans imagine our own continuation but I think we could all benefit to having some official closure to wrap up this series.

[@mimikyulover3411]

I love how most people who hate on She Ra didn't whatch the show

[@satoruspi4no]

yes exactly !!!!

[@Peasham]

My favorite part's when they complain about the quality of the show, having never seen it. Do I even need to say why that's stupid?

[@DarkMagicianMana]

Like ClownfishTV, they sound very anti-lgbt too.

[@naomi-art-stuff]

@@DarkMagicianMana period

[@ee8002]

I watched it, I liked it in the beginning, now I hate it, good try

[@BlackCat-mi3pm]

"And if you disagree, congrats, I hate you more than the horse." LMAO! That's a mood.

[@MinuteLeech2]

I have mixed feelings. On one hand it was fun and could've been a lot worse. On the other Catra was literally pure evil in season 3-4. Hard to come back from literally destroying the universe out of spite.

[@sqxbarto9229]

"There is no such thing as pure evil" :) She was hurt also suicidal. She lashed out at the world, especially after that (long line of swearing muted) Shadow Weaver comes with the good guys and tortures her again? Seriously. I am glad SW is dead, she deserves nothing less.

[@superthorc6894]

Didn’t they tweeted that hordak was exiled to beast island with entrapta to spend the rest of his day doing community service through the world

[@johannesseyfried7933]

Isn't Beast Island that horrible Place where you go insane? I don't think he will do "Community Service" for very long.

[@superthorc6894]

Johannes Seyfried well he suffering through for his redemption to eye of the world beside he has entrapta to make sure he doesn’t go insane

[@seelcudoom1]

@@johannesseyfried7933 ya but hes with entrapta, chances are they take over the first one tech causing the issue and establish there own little tech-island paradice

[@mauditebalvenie]

@@johannesseyfried7933 I think the writers said they were going to go there to dismantle Beast Island

[@patrycja3109]

Well there's a big difference between showing us something in the actual show and talking about it on social media.

[@echo2240]

Midway through watching the video, I realized that you framed it in rainbow. Beautiful.

[@SarcasticChorus]

Echo felt like the most fitting way to block out the Kim cartoon logo in the top left corner🤣

[@Qsalis]

I don't mind it being gay. But it's sad that they felt like they had to wait till their last season to go all out.

[@just_very_queer]

Catra & Adora were all over the place. But it was fun.

[@annikamunson7161]

It is unfortunate, but theres an interview with noelle explaining why that is how it ended up. Its because the executives werent sure it would sell well so they had to make sure people would watch it before they did anything like that.

[@creamcheesepacket4241]

@@annikamunson7161 wheres the interview?

[@bottlekn1ght202]

Character development is a thing, and the baby gays need to learn how to ask for help first

[@misamisa3579]

Its a bit common these days that the gay couples in cartoons get confirmed only in the last few episodes. It kinda makes me feel like if we made just as much noise as bigots do when said gay couples are confirmed, we'd have a lot more representation

[@melodystarlight7933]

Before even watching this video I just saw the title “Did Catra deserve redemption?” and I was like “Yeah, bitch! Like, didn’t you watch the show?!”

[@Draukagrissah]

In reality: no - war criminal In a gay fantasy Universe with literal magic: abso-fucking-lutely

[@anngan5045]

Wrong, in reality she would be a child soldier.

[@cardbutton892]

@@anngan5045 Also not really a war criminal either. She committed no War Crimes, as it became very apparent that the Rebels actually do use the towns and cities that Horde is attacking to wage their war against the Horde. They use them for recruitment, safe-haven, supplies, and supply lines. The worst the Etherian Horde is really guilty of, and really what makes them evil, essentially boils down them having leaders with darker dispositions and they're the invading force. And a lot of that was made pretty irrelevant when HP came in and swept the field.

[@glukolover]

What I want to know is why Glimmer was so keen on forgiving Catra? Dudette, she effectively killed your mom. Why was this never brought up again?

[@zeeo3147]

Fr I wish this was brought up

[@ag-dn1vl]

I mean, Angella did sacrifice herself willingly but she wouldn’t have done that if Catra didn’t open the portal in the first place.

[@cP-fn6jj]

i disagree with glimmer being "keen" to forgive, more like she was willing to give her a chance on adora's behalf. Catra and glimmer mirror each other. Like catra did with the portal, glimmer nearly destroyed etheria by manipulating scorpia into reconnecting with her runestone, activating the heart, and nearly making adora a weapon for destruction in the process. Glimmer, i believe, realises how similar her and catra were in their desperation to do everything they can to win the war, no matter how low they had to stoop. Plus, they were in an unfamiliar alien spaceship far from home, only having each other to talk to. Regardless of whether you have a positive relationship with the person or not, speaking with someone familiar in a stressful/unknown situation gives people comfort. And in stressful situations where you only know one other person going through the same thing as you (but isn't imprisoned like you), while the rest are mind controlled aliens & a planet destroying dictator, can you really blame glimmer for avoiding divisive topics that would cause tension between the only person you know on the ship? She gave catra a chance bc, in their similar actions of nearly destroying their planet, that's what she would want others to do for her. And she continues giving her a chance thereafter bc catra shows she's willing to change. You also have to remember that Catra was only beginning her path towards redemption, i think the creators wanted catra to reconcile with HERSELF first, and then the people she's abused/hurt (which, given where the series ended, would predominantly happen post-canon). Also, reconciling with others through deep conversations about remorse isn't exactly their priority during a war. However, with all that being said, the first thing i would like to see (if there's any post-canon shera content 😔) is catra's victims processing what she's done to them & being able to choose whether or not to forgive her, as well as catra trying to make up for what she's done. ajdhhahd i just realised how long this is im sorry haha my adhd sometimes makes it hard NOT to ramble on and on

[@felipeloera5968]

Just found this video at random. Really liked it and glad someone else besides me wasn’t entirely okay with Catra’s redemption. I loved the character but man I figured at least glimmer would’ve given her crap

[@allyxoxo8972]

YESS I love this show so much and just re-watched the whole show this week❤❤

[@MrFForger]

At the end of the day, She-Ra is still a cartoon aimed at kids and teenagers. I don't think an episode consisting of a war crimes trial holding Hordak accountable for all he has done over the past 40 years since he arrived on Etheria would make for good television for its primary audience. A lot of children's entertainment is dark, extremely so even, when you take a moment to think some things through but these are seldom addressed because: a) it's not the focus of the show b) the writers did not think it that far through c) it's not suitable to actively feature (in the foreground) of a children's entertainment show.

[@Peasham]

If you feature war crimes, I think you're past not wanting to feature consequences for said war crimes.

[@MrFForger]

@@Peasham I refer you to point a + c: the war was never the focus of the show, the characters and their relations to each other are. The war is merely the backdrop against all of that is presented. Aside from the attack on Mermista's home, I cannot actively recall at the top of my head another moment when the war was actually portrayed as something horrifying as all the characters are generally upbeat and well adjusted for having grown up during a war. Adora is basically a child soldier but her not knowing basic social interactions is played for laughs. So again, a little bit of a and a little bit of c.

[@Peasham]

@@MrFForger And I refer to you the fact that the vast majority of episodes have to do with the war and the good guys trying to gain a foothold and advantage in the war. I don't see how the focus of the show wasn't on the war, it absolutely was.

[@MrFForger]

@@Peasham Yet the war was not ever shown as an actual war with the psychological and/or physical scarring we tend to associate with war. The entire reason why the bad guys in cartoons tend to be robots or the like is because the good guys can beat those up as much as they want without any guilt (that, censorship laws and network regulations) My point is that if suddenly an episode would feature Hordak standing trial for war crimes, with it being explicitely named war crimes and a full account with what those entail to (like how many died directly or indirectly due to his actions), that's going to be a such a swerve from the rest of the series, viewers would get whiplash. Look at Scorpia: she was a high ranking officer within the Horde and she got off with basically a slap on the wrist. Or Catra who, arguably, would be the face of the Horde for many people as she was the one most active in the field operations. She does one good deed, saving Glimmer, and suddenly she is accepted by everyone when she's with the heroes on the ship, including Glimmer whose mom disappeared from her life as a direct result of Catra's actions. We don't know anything about the Etherian justice system but if it's anything like we know, Hordak would be executed, Catra as well but probably imprisoned for life after a plea by She-Ra and Scorpia presumably having a lesser sentence on account of just following orders. If you want to feature war crimes and the consequences of those, they also need to have the gravitas those deserve. Which is not something I would see a cartoon show do. In any case, the show is over and arguing about what might be after the end is basically fanfic fuel, of which I presume there are plenty.

[@Peasham]

@@MrFForger But it does. Angela's traumatized by the perceived death of Micah and Bow's parents are also traumatized. Either way, the psychological effect of war might not be in the forefront, but that doesn't change the fact that the war still is on the forefront. My dude, I'm not saying Hordak should stand trial, I'm saying the characters should have consequences with other characters. Catra shouldn't instantly be accepted onto the good guys' team, and all the characters shouldn't magically forget all the horrible shit she's done. You know what happened with Bow and Glimmer this season? How Glimmer actually had to try to repair their relationship? I want something more severe for Catra and Hordak, admittedly, but I still want something between the characters, not a war trial. Well, yeah, actually, that's what I was trying to say, Catra shouldn't have gotten away with zero consequences. Scorpia literally faced more consequences than Catra had, after all.

[@47ratsinahoodie]

"Final review"? Dammit. Sarcastic Chorus' thoughts on She-Ra are pretty great imo

[@cescon410]

You put so much effort into these videos! I recently subscribed, and I've binged almost every video you have on your channel. Keep up the good work! :)

[@mirramirror2680]

I thank Double Trouble for some what jump starting Catra’s redemption but calling her out and that she is finally on the side of good

[@julicardoso24]

i feel like she did deserve it but maybe it's because i love her

[@user-gd1ku9sv8l]

same

[@mitsunitaiko1742]

great review but how the heck did you manage of entirely reviewing season 5 and not talk a single time about our lord and savior Wrong Hordak?

[@nicholasrodinos4701]

Short answer: No. Long Answer: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Yeah she tried to end the world after being warned of the consequences by Entrapta. You can give me the, 'but she was abused' crap but that doesn't make her redeemable. Hitler was abused doesn't make him a good person. Everyone wants to create a Zuko but Zuko was never responsible for the worst crimes in the show. Ozai's was the psycho causing the destruction, Sozin caused the deaths of the Air Nomads, Azula took down the Earth Kingdom, and Zhao tried to kill the Moon Spirit.

[@beepboop4435]

She shouldn't be excused, but she shouldn't be irredeemable. You make it seem like being abused doesn't play a big part of this. The main part of her abuse is that she was made to believe she'll never be anything compared to adora. So, when she had adora captured and shes being told not to do something by that person, she lashes out and pulls the lever. I dont forgive her, but I think she should have the option of redemption. The problem is there's not enough time for them to put a whole big redemption so they had to do a small one.

[@nicholasrodinos4701]

@@beepboop4435 Abuse doesn't mean she gets to do whatever and not face some consequences. I'd be fine with Catra being redeemed but if they wanted to redeem her, they shouldn't have made her try to end the world. The Diamonds from Steven Universe were abused doesn't justify trying to end the world and then Mengele-ing soldiers into a superweapon. It's sad that she was abused, but Azula from Avatar the Last Airbender was abused and she's still an unrepentant monster, Catra may have tried to redeem herself but rather than for just being involved with the Horde, she has to redeem herself for trying to end the world all just to prove that she was better than Adora. Catra was also told by Entrapta not to do something that stupid because it would kill them, she tased Entrapta and sent her to Beast Island which for all she knew was a death sentence, and then lied to Hordak. It doesn't matter if someone doesn't personally forgive a character it matters if the creator makes it the choice that they're supposed to take. I would never forgive the Diamonds, but the show is from Steven's perspective and he does, with no real satire or any strong argument made in the show for why we shouldn't forgive them. Catra's crime is still an attempt to kill all of Etheria, do you really expect all or even most Etherians to forgive her considering that. Catra didn't steal or murder a few people, she tried to end the world and yet the show treats her with kid-gloves. Scorpia is this done better, she may be an accomplice to Catra but it's clear that Scorpia was under her sway and she leaves the Horde and works towards being a better person, meanwhile Catra has manipulated and abused everyone closest to her and her only attempt at redemption was far too late in the game. Double Trouble should've appeared earlier on and gave that speech to Catra back in Season 2 or early season 3 (also have Scorpia leave earlier as well), because at those points Catra wasn't the monster she is by the end of Season 3. Not everyone can be redeemed, nor should they, if someone knowingly attempts to end the world then they should be punished with life in prison, all Catra got was used by Horde Prime and temporarily mind controlled. Bismuth made good points about how terrible the Diamonds were, but we have to pretend that she was being radical for wanting to kill her violent oppressors that took away her friends. Imagine Bismuth as a slave during the Civil War and tell me that Steven's argument in 'Bismuth' doesn't sound condescending and monstrous. Also her relationship with Adora is just Reylo but with lesbians, also why not outright say that Adora and Catra were a couple in the early seasons and build upon their relationship in the earlier seasons that way it doesn't come out of nowhere, you can argue that Adora's an asexual homoromantic lesbian but for me it just rings of Stevenson not wanting to actually have a main gay character in her show until the final season. Also just think about how many times Catra had abused Adora, that's not a healthy relationship. Spinerella and Netossa are a married couple (who don't get to be relevant to the story most of the time), but Netossa's flaw isn't that she constantly treats Spinny like garbage, it's that she's crazy competitive. George and Lance are healthy (and again don't get to do much), but they clearly care about Bow. I'm fine with a complicated gay relationship, but not one that is this abusive and with someone this abusive. Adora still has Perfuma (she's a lesbian it's confirmed, plus she only went to Princess Prom with Bow as friends), Glimmer (for all we know she's bi or pan), or Starla (she could be a lesbian, plus she was the only Star sibling not completely hostile towards Adora).

[@hamstermain8327]

Nicholas Rodinos The Diamonds weren’t abused. What you talking about? Only Pink Diamond was abused. Yellow and Blue did it willingly until they didn’t want to anymore and then was mind controlled.

[@nicholasrodinos4701]

@@hamstermain8327 It's very clear that their relationship with White Diamond is abusive, just watch "Legs From Here to Homeworld." Just look at how terrified they are when they consider having to interact with her, specifically Blue. Also it's pretty obvious that White disregards Yellow and Blue's opinions unless they completely align with hers.

[@annisasabrina8259]

woah i can tell that you're really happy reviewing it and so do i! if only i caught up with this season when it came out so i can having a mental brekadown with fellow catradora fans

[@chaossin7425]

I loved how Catra was handled. Though yeah, Hordak didn't really get redeemed. On the bright side, he looks the same as the rest of the clones now, so they could probably pass him off as another Wrong Hordak?

[@jewel8439]

THATS WHAT I WAS THINKING LMAO

[@johannesseyfried7933]

"Hans! How do we smuggle Hitler out of Berlin?" "I don't know, maybe shave ze Beard, so we can pass him off as another German?" Let's not kid ourselves here. Hordak is basically Hitler without all the Racism.

[@gabym7844]

I do NOT think that shadow weave redeemed herself. She just happened to do one good deed in their life and her dieing definitely would make it harder for catra and adora to move on...

[@blankspace8707]

Honestly the finale made me mad just because I wanted them to go all the way with Catra being insane. I knew that wouldn't happen because it's a kids show, but I was still hoping lol. Like Catra overthrows Horde Prime and is about to blow up the planet when Adora is like "wAit! I love you Catra!" and Catra just smiles and says "you're too late" then BOOM. Bow, Adora and Glimmer are alone against Catra and her giant clone army, and Adora never got her She-ra powers back. Catra is monolauging about how Adora can never beat her, yada yada. They're giving up when suddenly all the villagers and civilians and other princesses show up to help them. Adora feels inspired so she gets up and says, "maybe I can't beat you on my own, but together we can," (y'know, my little pony type stuff). Adora steps forward with all the randoms dudes and they all get these ghostly glowing figures behind them of some She-ra lookin dudes. Adora says, "for the honor," and all the She-ras are joining together as one big She-ra. Everyone says, "of greyskull," and the big She-ra blasts Catra with like a beam of light or whatever. Catra and Adora are then alone in this white void wearing the clothes from Adoras dream (where Catra has a cute ponytail). They don't speak, but walk together and as they get closer together they slowly start to become younger. Adora reaches out her hand, Catra reaches out and grabs it. Zoom out to show their adult selves standing behind their younger selves smiling. Catra sheds a few tears before fading away (Mr. Stark I don't feel so good style) and the white background fades to Adora standing where Catra was before and crying silently. Then the show can end or have some sort of "things changed after the war", idc at this point. Basically that's my AU for the She-ra ending that I spend way too much time thinking about. The actual finale was fine, but I'm a little disappointed. Btw I'm not saying my ending is better, I'm just saying it's what I wished had happened.

[@jewel8439]

I love this review wow you make a lot of really good points! Catra is also my favorite character I'm so happy she got a redemption arc. I think Shadow Weaver cares about magic in itself, not just having magic for herself. She has selfish tendencies but she shared a lot of her magic with Micah and was a teacher. She knows that Adora would only reach the heart if she saved Catra which meant risking her life. I think Catra and Adora got the best closure. Usually the only way victims of extreme abuse find closure is when their abuser is dead, regardless of what their last moments were like. I really hope there is a spinoff au I would love that!

[@unodos2647]

Angela's in the void facing a fate worse than death but hey Catadora's cute.

[@A_Humble_Writer]

part of why i feel like Catra doesn't deserve redemption. she wasn't guilty about it, and changed sides cause she was lonely.

[@reminichul3027]

I honestly hope they make a movie addressing it (it is a pretty popular show seeing as how it broke ao3 and made it to number 4 on trending)

[@DS-fp6pc]

@@A_Humble_Writer EXACTLY!! Glad I'm not the only person who saw that. She literally just wanted to be friends with Adora again, how is that redemption?! Personally I was so disappointed with s5. Not saying it was terrible, it still had a ton of good scenes, but gah everything I wanted to see didn't really happen 😢

[@cP-fn6jj]

@@A_Humble_Writer but adora and glimmer never mentions that angella "died" bc of the portal, so how could catra feel guilty about it??? a lot of you getting angry at catra for angella's "death" always forget the fact that no one has told her of angella's sacrifice

[@Jaknaboi]

When someone says exactly what you are thinking "Who are you, who are so wise"

[@DramaticFlora]

"And if you disagree congrats, I hate you more than the horse" lol. there has been such a tsunami of support which is nice to see :)

[@TheOneTrueMar]

"There's something we all can appreciate. Ships. Lots and lots of ships." Aaand... that's the primary point where I have to disagree.

[@pinxelated2799]

same. I really do like catradora though

[@insertcognomen]

so many ships...sea hawk must burn them all

[@jewel8439]

I love all the ships the only one that bums me out is Angella and Micah but hopefully we get to see them reunite in a future short movie/episode

[@johannesseyfried7933]

@@jewel8439 Unlikely. I just don't see that happening.

[@tosmooth2367]

Man I cried and I just finished today I honestly hope she decides against her own words there is a season six that comes out or atleast a short spinoff cause Catradora kinda big Ship

[@kendriccoley7053]

Oh yeah let her use her weird fan-fics for this show and retcon plot points yup that would be great

[@bearysorry5009]

@@kendriccoley7053 wdym??

[@insertcognomen]

not sure they could fill a whole season. maybe a half season like s2 and 3 were or a long movie?

[@tosmooth2367]

@@insertcognomen Either way I need more :D I would soooo watch the movie and even a 6 episode season

[@spidergirl6730]

Yes! Where is still so much to show. I mean now the whole space can get the magic back and I would love to see all just being happy. I don´t need as big fights as the one against Prime to make the show work. The whole cast is entertaining by itself.

[@CarrierOfChaos617]

Horde Prime said "Bury the Gays" and thus perished

[@MB0]

my very first opinion of the show I had when I first saw that it was on Netflix was "that show looks immature and annoying". And I literally watch MLP... But then I actually watched it and instantly fell in love with the story and the characters. By far one of the best shows I've ever watched and I am so sad to see it come to an end, but more happy that it ended the way it did (unlike Voltron)...

[@aadenturnbull1332]

The problem with Adora is that she didn't feel like a Horde Soldier. She felt like a clumsy teenager that came from earth. Like they say how she's a Horde soldier and she was even turned into Force Captain, but she doesn't feel like she was in the Horde like she barely did anything that impressive as just Adora, wasn't a good leader, and had a meh personality. I would make Adora more serious and instead of being clumsy with using the sword of protection have it where she knows how to use the weapon but she doesn't know how to use the magic aspec and turn into She-ra. Also Adora shouldn't have get bested by Bow and Glimmer, like have Adora beat Bow and Glimmer and then take them to the Horde. Then later on she realizes that the Horde are bad people and then help save Glimmer and Bow from the Horde Soldiers. This would make her switching sides more believable. Adora should have the story where she has to learn how to use Magic when she becomes She-ra. I feel like that would be an interesting story and see her being more better with magic as the series goes along. Have her be less clumsy, wants to train to get better, and be a better leader. Ok another thing they say Adora is 8 feet tall but she isn't she's only comparable to adults even though she should be taller than that. Being 8 feet tall means being tall as hell. My fix for this is to make She-ra an adult whenever Adora turns into She-ra(Like when Billy turns Shazam) that way it would be more believable for She-ra to be 8 feet tall and also make her feel like a warrior(She-ra in season 1 to 4 does not feel like a warrior but just some girl on the street with magical powers. Season 5 did make She-ra more of a warrior but they still had that problem where She-ra did not look like 8 feet tall). Ok lastly the change I would make is have Adora say "For the Honor of Eternia" instead of "For the Honor of Grayskull" because DreamWorks do not have the rights to Grayskull so why bother putting Grayskull in the show if you're never going to explain it because you don't have the rights for Grayskull? Instead of trying to make this a full on reboot just make it a different take of She-ra so that we won't have so many questions about how certain characters act, how characters are portrayed, and how other things aren't in the show that were in the orginal She-ra. Also Catra's redemption should've been longer like give it like 3 more seasons before she meets up with Adora and becomes friends with the other princesses because it feels like everyone forgot about all the horrible stuff Catra has done like Queen Angela dying, Mermista's place beinf destroyed, and etc. Like have a character that hasn't been affected by Catra help her change into a better character before you have her meet up with Adora. Also have people in Brightmoon attack Catra for causing most of the trouble in Eternia. Ok that's how I would fix the problems I have with the show.

[@aloknight3656]

I wish we would've gotten more on Catra's redemption. And had the characters be more reluctant to forgive her than they were. But I was a puddle of tears by end of the show so I'm happy and content with what we got.

[@toadlord8594]

Yeah rewatching the series I find myself glad for Catra’s redemption arc but when the Fan hype is done after coming back to the series I find myself feeling rather frustrated with how things worked out with How easily forgiven she seemed to be or maybe I am just thinking it’s rushed. Cause now I get the feeling that Catradora is still somewhat toxic to me and not in that curious guilty pleasure kind of way but just well, still rather frustrating now after looking back. I like the ship possibility in Seasons 1-2 but when Seasons 3 and 4 came I thought it was mostly over at that point. Now instead of feeling satisfied that the lesbian ship they spend HAMMING up all series just fizzled out of me now and it’s not sparking me much anymore. Maybe I was more addicted to the drama and angst of the ship rather than the actual romance of it really. I will just rather read fanfic that does this couple right in my eyes make me feel satisfied.

[@jlinus7251]

I think catras redemption could have used a tad bit more to it. Like if Scorpia got more time with her after to give us more than just what we got for 3 seconds at the end. Also everyone just cleanly accepting her, even if she is trying to be better is not that realistic.

[@geardog24]

If I can forgive Hordak for being a warmonger, I can forgive Catra for being a basic jealous ex.

[@Peasham]

Is the implication here that Catra didn't do worse things than Hordak?

[@johannesseyfried7933]

A basic jealous ex that wanted to erase Reality just to spite her "Girlfriend", who she left to die in the Crystal Castle.....

[@notleah8700]

Johannes Seyfried She’s an angsty teen gay in love with her childhood best friend. Makes perfect sense to me 🤣

[@bloodbane007]

@@johannesseyfried7933 I like to imagine it was an attempted murder-suicide, just, you know, at a universal scale.

[@carlacarrero4975]

Johannes Seyfried thank you finally I’m glad I’m not the only one that acknowledge that

[@DarkLordMorningstar]

🤣🤣🤣 *Congrats!* 🖤 I clapped at that last line! It was very enjoyable. Fyrst I was thinking _"I lyke the way they're saying thys; I'm picking up vibes of positive reinforcement, and I lyke the word-choices."_ Then _"I hate you more than the Horse!"_ That was _great!_ Well done. ^ . ^

[@SyntaxTsundere]

If they ever continue the show in some way (which I hope they do), I really, REALLY want someone to call Catra out on her attempted destruction of reality. Thinking maybe Lonnie, Kyle and Rogelio should be the ones to do so. Like, I love Catradora, but sometimes Season 3’s finale comes back to haunt me. EDIT: Heck, just one additional line from Hordak convincing Catra to pull the switch would have helped SO. BLOODY. MUCH.

[@linusmota9712]

Also she is indirectly responsible for Queen Angela’s death and she celebrated it at the start of season 4.... well the hole gets deeper

[@SyntaxTsundere]

Linus Mota I just hope they come back to this...

[@Sivick314]

I have to disagree, the whole "i forgive you even though you were a war criminal and personally caused suffering to every single person i know including myself" killed it for me. that said, i'm glad you at least acknowledged that was a problem instead of just sweeping it under the rug like most of the shippers do in order to maintain their fantasy.

[@johannesseyfried7933]

Catra tried to erase Reality out of spite! She didn't pull the Lever because she wanted Power, Fame or to rule the Planet, she just wanted to hurt Adora and drag her down to Hell with her. Saving Glimmer isn't enough to make up for that.

[@luminozero]

Here's my take on the infamous Shadow Weaver scene. Every part of this scene just tells a beautiful story. I think the reason that Shadow Weaver was trying to push Adora and Catra apart in the previous episodes is because she thought that Adora was pitying Catra, not genuinely caring about her. After all, how could anybody possibly forgive someone who routinely tried to kill them all and betrayed them at every opportunity. It's not until both Catra AND Adora call her out for this that she starts to reconsider, and only when Adora backs away from the Heart to go back for Catra that she truly realizes. It's legitimate. They love each other. She goes back with the intention of saving Catra, because she now knows that if she dies, Adora will never be able to survive using the Fail Safe. She'd be too distraught. After the first few attacks, she can tell that she won't be able to beat the guardian and survive, which is when she tells Catra to run, going so far as to blast her to safety. But there's more going on here, as Shadow Weaver faces her own imminent death. She understands that Catra, who lived a life of nothing but pain, misery and hatred, who only cared about power and herself, just like Shadow Weaver, has given up all that hate. She found love and friendship, and she accepted it. They both lived a life in the darkest shadows of hatred and pain, but Catra was able to rise above it, while Shadow Weaver never was. She knows, in this moment, that there's no purpose to her own life anymore. Adora will never trust her, and she knows that she doesn't deserve it. She was never truly able to overcome the evil in her heart like Catra was. She doesn't deserve salvation, but Catra does. "It's too late for me. But you? This is only the beginning for you." And then the big line. "I'm so proud of you." This is sincere right down to her bones. Catra was able to overcome her darkness, while Shadow Weaver was not. She sees Catra, in this last moment, as being a better person than her, and truly worthy of seeing the wonderful future she can share with her friends. It's also potent because Shadow Weaver knows it's what Catra has always wanted from her. She wanted her love and approval, and it's part of Shadow Weaver's final gift to her for all she's accomplished. The next bit is when Catra's eyes go wide in realization. She's with Adora, given the task to get her to the Heart. Shadow Weaver has given her the chance to be with the woman she loves, maybe one last time. She meets Shadow Weaver's gaze as she shows her true face to her, the final display of honestly and vulnerability and acknowledges Catra's thoughts. "You're welcome." And then her final attack being an explosion of light and darkness, representing her revival as Light Spinner, for one final moment. In her last moment, she found the light within herself. The reason I don't think it's all some big trick, and it's actually sincere, is because how the scene is constructed. The tones of speech, the pacing, the music. It's all designed to express mournful sincerity. As many have said, this was Shadow Weaver's "Darth Vader killing the Emperor" moment.

[@samalama2418]

I liked wrong hordeack way better than prime

[@Aati_Gumer]

I mean is that even a fair comparison? It's impossible to NOT love Wrong Hordak

[@izzypaige07]

That one moment when he meets Emily and blushes is just way too adorable not to like him!

[@johannesseyfried7933]

@@Aati_Gumer I found him too whiney.

[@Peasham]

To me, it's not that she had redemption, it's that it was way too fast with next to no consequences. You don't just become good with a single grand act, a grand act isn't enough, you have to be dependably good (trademark Bojack Horseman), and you have to actively try to be good. Catra joins a group of people who she has tried to murder time and time again, basically no one complains about it, and she keeps acting like a spoiled brat for most of the season. Maybe this wouldn't have bothered me so much had the show not treated the one faulty thing Glimmer did as worthy of consequence, but goddamn did it, and I don't think I have to explain why a person that actively tried to murder people and was actively fine with risking the destruction of the world for power multiple times, all the while being toxic to everyone around her, deserves more consequence than someone who lashed out at her friends. Also, Adora acted out of character. Ya don't end season 3 the way ya ended season 3 and then get to act like ADORA's the one who both wants and has to try to be friends with Catra again.

[@Gibbons3457]

But Catra doesn't make a "grand gesture" and the closest thing to one she makes doesn't make her redeemed. She rescues Glimmer at risk of her own life because she believes she doesn't matter but that act in and of itself proves that she could change not that she has, but she's actually trying to pull a Vader, die doing the right thing and escape the consequences of the bad she's done. Even Adora doesn't just let her exist, she straight up tells her that she has to commit to being good, accept and face the people she's hurt and do better, and Catra does. In fact, Catra's decision to leave the group at the climax isn't some selfish need to act out, it's her only way of dealing with Adora's suicide mission, and even then she chooses to go back and stays with Adora right to the end. I'll agree it's not perfectly executed but this shit is hard, it's damn close. Every time Catra tries to act cocky, like old Catra she's punished minorly or majorly, it's only when she chooses to act better that she get accepted by people. That to me is far closer to consistently being better than one grand act of good. I do feel the season is missing one or maybe two episodes of content involving Catra dealing with accepting and making reparations for all she's done. I would have prefered to see her face Scorpia and Mermista, have to stop Scorpia from immediately forgiving her because we know Scorpia just would she's just so big-hearted. Have her actually talk it out with Mermista, and it doesn't need to be hugs and forgiveness just an acknowledgement by both individuals that in order for Catra to redeem herself Mermista has to give her that chance, but an acknowledgement and acceptance from Catra that Mermista isn't going to just let the destruction of her kingdom be forgotten or forgiven without work. But hey, that's what being critical of media is for, acknowledging what could be improved next time, so that media in the future can learn from media we make now. This show can be great and serve as an inspiration now, without being perfect in every way.

[@Peasham]

@@Gibbons3457 If that act didn't redeem her, then nothing else in the season had. That's one of the very few things she actually does in the season, after all, there's not much else she does in general, let alone something that makes her even more redeemed. She acts like a petulent brat when she should be begging for forgiveness. I don't know what show you watched, but Adora literally never mentions the shit Catra's done previous, no one does. I'm sorry, that just doesn't happen. If the things Catra did mattered, then Adora wouldn't be trying to be friends with her in the first place. Furthermore, no, every time she'd act cocky she'd still have Adora trying again and again to be friends with her, which is, again, massively out of character. Not once is she punished by the good guys this whole season. And again I have to say, if Glimmer's arc never happened, maybe I wouldn't be complaining so much, but that's a way better redemption arc than Catra's.

[@gregorythestallion2984]

@@Gibbons3457 "he rescues Glimmer at risk of her own life because she believes she doesn't matter" that sounds more like self hatred that resulted in something convenient for everyone else. Also, all through out the season, most often than not, she is forced or guided to do the right thing at the end. If it is not Adora, is the alien cat. If it is none of them, then it is Perfuma.

[@ee8002]

PREACH

[@zeeo3147]

PREACHHHH

[@roguerunner5605]

Good analysis and it mirrored a lot of my own opinions, too. I feel like Glimmer would've been more likely than Mermista to hold a grudge, though; she *knows* that Catra was more or less the reason her mother was forced to make the decision to sacrifice herself and it was super jarring that she didn't bring it up at all...especially considering how petty Glimmer is sometimes. It REALLY seems like she would've been upset about this - at least, to me it does. It was made all the worse by the fact that Glimmer had no excuse to not because she was present among the group the entire time, unlike Mermista. I love Catra's redemption arc as it is, but I feel like it would've been made even stronger if Glimmer, or SOMEONE, chose not to forgive her and wasn't demonized for it. It would've felt more realistic - again, Glimmer's kinda petty and stubborn, not to mention it was her own *mother* that was lost to Catra's dumb decision - AND it would've clarified to child viewers that someone has every right to not forgive you if you've hurt them, even if you've taken steps to be better; you shouldn't think less of them for it; and that you can still be a good person regardless.

[@Beastgirl222]

I agree about Glimmer getting sidelined. We definitely needed a longer final season!

[@Whole_Note]

I wish we'd gotten more Entrapta. That cracked out squirrel is my spirit animal.

[@SereneDancer]

I definitely would have liked to have Mermista and Catra at least interact. Also, well I agree that Catra's redemption had some issues. But at least they can have some time after the show ended. As for Hordak I kinda wanted him to die saving Entrapta, that way we get our ship but he shouldn't have been redeemed.

[@Willi296]

I hope that at some point there will be more series / seasons of it. There is still a lot to tell

[@miriamreyes3297]

Thanks for the review! Very interesting! However, I don't think Mermista disappearing is convenient for Catra's redemption as I think that the character that should have not forgiven her is Scorpia, or at least not forgive her right away. Because, I mean, Catra conquered Mermista's city, but also conquered other cities, as Perfuma if I'm not mistaken. However, how Catra treated Scorpia is way worse, and Scorpia in the last season improves her self-esteem thanks to Perfuma. Any way, that's just my option and I enjoy a lot your videos!! I hope you finish the Sarcastic summaries of Legend Of Korra! Looking forward to them!

[@aadenturnbull1332]

I think it would be better if Catra realized what she has done was awful and decided to help Glimmer escape and have her escape to earth. I think Catra and Adora should be separated from each other so that there would be more build up to their relationship. Like have Catras quest be to fix everything she has done to Eternia before going to Adora. She could make allies along the way for her quest like something like planet Hulk where the Hulk made allies that helped him defeat the Red King(I think that's the villains name .-.). Also have the people constantly attack her since they recognize that's she's the main reason why Eternia is messed up the way it is. Then have her change her clothes so that people won't constantly attack her. That way it would make more sense on to way she has new clothes and new hair. I think tgat would make Catra's redemption arc more better and impactful. I mean I liked that Catra was redeemed but I felt like the producers could've done it more better. Also I think adora need more development to be honest. Like she always just barges in wrecklessly without a plan and most of the time getting her ass kicked to villains who she should be whooping.

[@randox124]

Catra was never a good person. Even as a child she was abusive to those around her. Yes I know her environment was harsh, but it really is no excuse. A good person doesn't tell Adora to her face S1 that she knew what they were doing was evil the whole time. She just wanted to rule with Adora. Catra did not care about doing right, she only cared for Adora on a toxic level. She would have been okay with ruling with Adora if she never left. If she wanted to be good, she would have left with Adora and the many, many, times Adora has reached out for her. She didn't deserve her redemption. The story forces her character to wiggle her way into everyone's forgiveness with honestly no real effort. The show tries so hard that they even never have Glimmer bring up her mother around Catra because you know, why wouldn't you bring up your probably dead mother around the person who's done it.

[@jimmilton8333]

This is why I really think this show would have really benefited if it had one more season to develop a lot of things that you mentioned in this video

[@The6thMessenger]

Honestly yes, but she didn't earn it. We still get the less mean Catra, but all her issues stem from abandonment, and all that just happened is that Adora just didn't abandoned her, and all things followed suit, hell you still got the poor reaction during the Failsafe which she tried to leave and that is by spite. She should have moved on, Glimmer seems to be a nice moving-on partner but didn't happened. Instead we got an equivalent of pacifying a kid on tantrum by getting what she wants.

[@johannesseyfried7933]

Exactly! Seeing them joke and laugh with the Girl that wanted to erase Reality about a Month ago really made me uncomfortable. Don't just ignore the horrible Shit she has done, Guys!

[@entrapta.exe_]

this!

[@idigamstudios7463]

I love how not only do you summarize my feelings in this show, you ALSO started watching it for the same reason as I. Just, on the subject of catharsis.

[@luna_lemonade9871]

I really feel like this show should have gone one more season just to iron out those kinks that season 4/5 bought in. Like how every character was just suddenly a - ok with Hordak being back after Prime goes bye-bye. They could have made season 5 the season where everything falls apart with the war and Hordak and then continued with how the story finished in season 5. It would have just made more logical sense to me but i guess the writers had to fit to their allowances of Netflix only wanting 5 Seasons of the show. Overall, Amazing show, but small,small things that needed a bit more time to be perfect in my opinion

[@camilaandreabecerraplata4550]

I think that Catra really deserved redemption. However, I felt this redemption was a little too easy and it was something that could have been solved adding other season or showing more of her moral struggle in season fourth. Besides, I would have loved to see the consequences of Catra and Hordak's actions in Etheria and how they are doing their best to compensate others for the terrible things they have done. Finally, I just can't understand why Glimmer was so willing to accept and even care about Catra that easily. After all, Angella is dead due to Catra's actions and Glimmer was blaming everything on Adora (one of her best friends) , so imagine how she should have felt with the Wildcat. Don't get me wrong, I know Glimmer was really harsh with Adora and she didn't mean it, I truly believe she is capable of forgiving Catra; but I didn't like the delivery that much. That's why I would have loved other season focused on Catra doing her best to make amends with the other characters, that would have add depth not only to her but also to the princesses. Even, seeing how some characters are not able to forgive her would have been awesome. P.S: I still love Catra, though.

[@zeeo3147]

I absolutely agree. I feel that they let catra off too quickly. Bow was more mad at glimmer for setting the heart of etheria (yes it was a bad choice and was horrible to bow and Adora) but she acted out of her emotions and thought she was making the ‘right’ choice. What I struggle with is that catra was forgiven so quickly. There was no tension or anything which seemed strange. Tbh I wouldn’t have easily forgotten everything she has done. I expected glimmer to be more outraged especially as she is the direct reason Angela is gone