As Long as We Have Each Other | Shera Reaction | Chapter 11, "Promise"

[@LettsReact]

I'll be 100% real with you all, due to copyright and such, the patreon version of this video has SO MUCH more editing, and 10 minutes of extra footage from the show. Also, more discussion from us, fullscreen, uncut footage, and you get access to all of the episodes that were already taken off youtube Basically, if you wanna support the channel and see the FAR MORE ROBUST VERSION OF THIS SERIES, check out the patreon!! join at any level to see all taken down posts NOW (as low as 5$!) patreon.com/lettsreact edit: also, as a creator, it is SO FRUSTRATING to put this much time and energy into videos, and to have 4 of them taken down for no reason. That adds up to a month of shera work being taken down, which is a bummer, but we will be reposting them soon! All of this is to say, if you want to see the far better and longer versions of each reaction, join the patreon!!)

[@nevetstrevel4711]

So sorry!!! Its a great show glad you are doing ot keep it up!

[@hexalby]

KZbin is such a disaster with copyright still after all these years. I'm sorry you have to go through all of this trouble for the show. Hopefully, it is enjoyable enough for you to make the frustration worth it.

[@ArtificialSelection]

Thank you so much for working through the trouble that YT and Dreamworks gives reactors. We really appreciate it. Also, thank you for explaining the Patreon tiers here. I need more from y'all. So, I'll see you over there!

[@pieceofgosa]

Shadow-Weaver knew that threatening Catra was the best way to control Adora. You've read that scene wrong, it's way worse than the Thanos/Gamora/Nebula situation it first presents as. Catra is not being victimized, she's being objectified. She's little more than a string Shadow-Weaver pulls to manipulate Adora.

[@lynmay13]

I feel you, that’s why I joined, wish I could go for a higher level, but that’s all I can right now, hopefully in the future I could support you more. 👍🏽 thank you for all your work!

[@SirSpitsAlotable]

Adult and Young Catra saying “you promise?” At the same time will always kill me.

[@TryHardGamerYT]

*breaks down into tears

[@starralert2678]

@@TryHardGamerYT proof it's really well written!

[@anbuuchihax]

I literally started tearing up...🥲

[@Xanderj89]

reminds me of Mai and Maki from JJK, memories of the past one saying they promised to stay with you while their preset reality says the opposite, and how that changes the idea of the person you had in your head

[@jrdnlyr]

catra's "it doesn't matter what they do, the two of us look out for eachother" in episode 2 hurts when u realise adora's the one who said it first ;-;

[@nightnaughty]

The show did a great job trough out the seasons on the call backs of everything a character said or do at some point in the story.

[@lightnightsky]

wait im sobbing i forgot she says that in episode 2

[@jrdnlyr]

@@lightnightsky RIGHT?? i'm so sad

[@Megalomaniac_Trans_Lesbian]

The worst part for me is season 5 confirming that the only thing Catra ever wanted was Adora's love, and then remembering that Adora actually asked her to come with her in episode 2. If Catra had agreed then and there, they could have fought side by side, grow their relationship earlier, and defeat the horde without ever having to worry about Prime. But Catra's fixation on Adora choosing the rebels over staying in the horde with her ruins that, and sends her spiralling into spite, to the point that when Adora once again tries to connect with her in this episode, but better than in episode 2, she doesn't listen and finally turns her back on her. And then every moment either of them was talking to or thinking about each other after this episode would just crush my heart ;-;

[@jrdnlyr]

@@Megalomaniac_Trans_Lesbian it does make me wonder how different things would've been if catra had gone with her but i saw someone compare that to zuko at the end of atla book 2 and tbh i kinda see that i think she needed to get everything she convinced herself she wanted, in order to realise that it wasn't right for her... and her going with adora probably would have made her resentment even worse bc part of it was that adora was praised while she was pushed aside, and adora was praised constantly as she-ra

[@sparklemittens8301]

Catra was literally told by her "mother" that she was disposable and that the only reason she's allowed to exist is because Adora would be upset otherwise. That's like infinitely messed up, no wonder she goes full Scar here

[@Gigi53789]

Yes

[@SwordTune]

More like her handler. Shadoweaver treated Catra as Adora's pet, Adora treated Catra like a little sister, and Catra saw herself as Adora's equal.

[@shapeshifter1781]

.

[@deltahalo241]

"You must let go" Letts react: "Oh hey, it's gonna go into their trauma and they're gonna have to learn to let go of it together!" Light Hope: "Yeet yourself off a cliff lmao"

[@denisegarcia5989]

If you notice when adora is in she ra form everyone calls her shera but catra always calls her adora even if she’s in she ra form

[@yellowsweatshirt7894]

both adora and catra both grew up knowing absolutely nothing about the princesses and their world, and because of that everyone outside of the fright zone knows that shera IS basically a separate being from adora, but to catra? shes always gonna be just adora.

[@keithkogane1836]

True but another thing i noticed is when Catra fights adora it's hand in pockets or softer blows. If it's She-ra she uses claws and actually tries to inflict damage. Most likely because she blames She-ra and the princesses for taking Adora away in the first place

[@karlwilker579]

Knowing how the series ends... wow.

[@tiffanydlo.x]

@@keithkogane1836 I think it's because she knows shera is can recover from it and is stronger than 'adora'. You can tell when they fight she'd never want to hurt her _that_ badly

[@omegastar19]

Pretty sure Bow and Glimmer also call her Adora when she’s in She-Ra’s form.

[@kieranthewolftiger]

Another reason why Catra didn't leave with Adora is, in my opnion, the fact that for all those years Adora saw how Catra was treated but still thought that The Horde was good and never considered the two of them leaving, but when she saw others getting hurt she left without question even if it meant leaving Catra behind. Can you imagine how betrayed Catra must have felt?

[@BremenSA]

Yeah. Adora was willing to leave the Horde for what it did to her "new friends", but she was never willing to leave it for what it did to Catra. That has to be like a stab to the heart.

[@ammesato4360]

omg i never thought of this

[@tanorfoote6341]

I love this show and I never really thought of that! I would be very hurt no wonder she resented adoras friends so much

[@idk-ye7ur]

@@BremenSA Adora leaves for the world tho, her change of heart wasn't because of her friends, her friends come later on.

[@nightnaughty]

Exactly! many people are to fast on blaming Catra and excusing Adora leaving, which of course was the right decision, but she never stopped to think about Catra right until the moment she show up with the tank. From Catra's point of view Adora did saw all the abuse inflicted on her and didn't act on it, but still she bear it because Adora was there. When Adora defected because she saw other people being attacked and mistreated it does click in Catra's mind, that what she endure was for nothing and it nibs on the lack of self worth Shadow Weaver always pray upon, that suddenly she wasn't worthy of been protected or cared about by Adora otherwise how could she saw others suffer and protec them but not her? It's all psychollogicall but Catra doesn't have a support group to relay on, so she rejects the idea of having more friends and thinks relaying on herself it's got to be enough.

[@notarno1d602]

“I didn’t want you too come back adora” That line really hit hard when I first saw this episode

[@pepsipwns666]

Catra's voice actor is just incredible, that crackly emotional voice hits different.

[@lunied]

Don't you just hate it when your OTP has a messy breakup before they're even canon? 😂

[@idrisredacted1229]

And catradora had like five of them 😂

[@dooda9566]

​@@margeryojije7862spoilers for the whole seriers i mean if people are shipping catdora before season 4 i get you, but its always been rooting for catra to become better which is what happened

[@TherealRNOwwfpooh]

@@dooda9566 People were shipping Catradora since the beginning. Catra's internalized anger at the Rebellion & the mantle of legendary warrior princess She-Ra ("How dare they abandon [you]. How dare they turn [your]...friend into giant sword ladies, who leave [you] behind to go off with people clearly inferior to [you].") for essentially causing Adora to leave Catra to the proverbial wolves and our titular ADHD-possessing, dumb blond jock lesbian heroine protagonist not explaining the situation in a way Catra would accept, the constant tension between them throughout the series ("Hey, Adora", "It's not because I like you", "Hey, Catra", etc.), the flirty dance in "Princess Prom", Adora's coy expression ("I didn't say anything") after Catra initially saved her (itself a callback to Adora saving Catra in "Princess Prom") & even, regrettably, the flashback of Shadow Weaver physically restraining, emotionally torturing, and psychologically abusing kitten Catra by reminding her that her very existence hinged on/was predicated upon Adora's fondness for Catra (whereby, Shadow Weaver basically saw Catra as little more than her prized pupil's misbehaving, belligerent pet who needed obedience training/needed to be controlled by Adora better, rather than treating Catra similarly to Adora) were all season 1 early Catradora endgame indicators, even before the OTP were unwittingly forced to become enemies on opposite sides of a war.

[@glossixe8138]

the line “you must control her better” from shadow weaver is literally like treating catra like an animal and a pet (i know she’s a cat obviously but she’s obviously not just a cat)

[@hexalby]

In the words of God herself: "Catra is a complex and multifaceted character; but she's also literally a cat."

[@Marta-uv4id]

You will never be able to look at the word "promise" the same way again.

[@anonymousotter664]

Literally😭😭 the only other episode that makes me cry like this is razz's episode in s4

[@acanimatics906]

Please after Tangled Adventure I already couldn't. Wasn't ready for Shera and now the owl house too to also mess up the word for me. ( TvT)/

[@bellac6311]

@@acanimatics906 Amphibia has one too. Promise really is the animated word of thecentury

[@carlosalejandroalvarenga4913]

First Tangled the series and then Shera. Promise is tarnished

[@acanimatics906]

@@bellac6311 Right I forgot! But yeah it really is. Literally any show seems to have a "-You promised!" scene. So many authors must have had some lingering childhood trauma from their parents not taking them to the park after they'd promised.

[@notarno1d602]

Montana is going to go all out with her physc major this episode!

[@yeetusdeletus5406]

shadow weaver: and I won't apologize catra: what do you want from me a apology? youre not getting one!

[@bellac6311]

ah...the wonders of the cycle of abuse.....

[@overthinkingtudo]

That hits even different when you've finish the show

[@Marta-uv4id]

What I really appreciate about this episode and the show in general is that they show the abuse both Catra *and* Adora went through. Even though Adora was Shadow Weaver's favorite, she still didn't love her and only saw her as something that she can use, and we see how that affected Adora. The show doesn't claim either of them had it better or worse and explores their abuse and how it is a part of who they are and I really love that.

[@Amarya46]

Yes but a little kid wouldn't understand that i mean that was abusive but i think actual adoras trauma was actually the fact that she kept seeing her best friend get treated for something that was so tiny like a mistake or something that adora actually did and not catra it might seem I'm talking about catra's trauma but to see your best friend go through that and mostly just because someone likes you better that could create some guilt and you can tell in this episode that she cared about catra getting hurt more than shadow weaver not loving her

[@richardsuplee8137]

@@Amarya46 I actually think the two points are connected. Adora holds herself to a high standard and sees herself responsible for the world because she was responsible for Catra. She was told basically that she needs to be better or else others she care for will suffer. The only way to earn shadow weavers approval/ "love" will be to be perfect and if she didn't then it won't be her paying the price and the she seems to take on the world's problems as her own easily as a result

[@Amarya46]

i don't think she feels responsible for the world because of the catra situation i think she feels it because i mean she's shera and she wasn't shera her whole life only when she got the sword and it only worked for her and she knows that she was chosen that's where the responsibility comes from and i can tell because *season 5 spoilers* when she lost shera obviously she still wanted to save the world because she does have that yk superhero instinct but i can tell that some of her warrior spirit was gone she acted like oh why am i even doing this I'm not shera so it doesn't come from catra it comes from her being shera

[@Amarya46]

@@richardsuplee8137 the top one is my answer but my stuff was trippin

[@richardsuplee8137]

@@Amarya46 yea I respectfully disagree. She was groomed by shadow weaver to have that hero complex and getting the sword/being she ra only made it worse. I can see what you mean in season 5 but by that point she ra was also a major point of her identity so she felt lost. Also in season 5 (bigger spoiler warning) you see shadow weaver manipulate that aspect of tbe personality because she knows how to do so. I do think without the sword she may never have extended the hero complex beyond just her own friend group.

[@CheshireSmile98]

Apart from the great character depth this episode adds, can we also appreciate how they took the time to show us Catra and Adora interacting instead of just telling us "they were friends" and expect us to believe it and suffer the separation of a friendship we know nothing about?

[@BremenSA]

I love at 19:12 Kenny is grinning at Catra showing up but Montana just has a look of growing dread because she realizes what's up.

[@richardsuplee8137]

This rewatch is making me see things I didn't before. Catra in episode 1 wanted to go with Adora when she went back for the sword. I never realized how important that part probably was and that that was the only time catra probably would have considered leaving with adora.

[@HaydrogenBomb]

Dang, you're right

[@faithjolley6034]

Yes! People talk about how Catra's fear of abandonment was unwarranted, but Adora leaving Catra that night told her two things 1) Adora didn't want her 2) Adora didn't care what Shadow Weaver was going to do when Catra tried to cover for her. I understand that Adora doesn't have any responsibility over what SW does to Catra, but she didn't even think about the consequences Catra faced!

[@richardsuplee8137]

@@faithjolley6034 I'll argue she did. If catra was caught joy riding she'll also get in trouble. The good writing is that both characters are completely justified in this situation.

[@janejanejaney]

Spoilers... I agree that Catra probably would've gone with her, but I think her resentment over their dynamic with SW and also her possessive jealousy directed at other people who get close to Adora (because she was her 'protector') would have ended up in a falling out anyways. I don't think Catra would be able to handle Adora easily making friends with new people (and princesses) without processing the earlier trauma like she does in season 5. Catra thinks that she is distancing herself from Adora and culminating her own identity by staying with the Horde and becoming force captain, but she doesn't realise that she's still building her identity around and in opposition to Adora, seeking the same level of power as her rather than finding herself in a way that allows her to be vulnerable. If she left with her at the beginning, she would still reach a limit with the rebellion where she'd feel triggered and isolated by Adora's new glorious purpose as She-ra. She needs to attempt to find herself without her in order to later realise how their relationship can work and how she can fit in outside the Horde. If she left with her in ep 1, she still wouldn't have been able to be vulnerable enough to let the dynamic heal and work. Catra would still be defensive over SW's pursuit of Adora and fearful of SW coming for her in the process. She'd be too paranoid to let go of the Horde so soon and too defensive to realise her fears and faults in a healthy way. She'd want to leave the rebellion to avoid the whole conflict and Adora would stay with her new friends and be She-ra and Catra would end up feeling abandoned and the story would follow the same through-line.

[@richardsuplee8137]

@@janejanejaney fair. Personally I think her and glimmer will bond a lot and that catra might negatively reinforce the prom issue with Bow and stuff but I alsonsee catra having some character development too to help. I also think queen angella will have a much bigger issue trusting catra at first because catra isn't abandoning the horde due to the evil bht because of adora. Lots of possibilities

[@blhu1264]

This episode hurts so bad it’s not even funny.

[@Elizabee4041]

I KNOW RIGHT Like ive seen this episode a million times and STILL when we got to the scene in the Black Garnet Chamber, my heart was beating like crazy and my hands were shaking!

[@annikalowery3050]

Aww, they missed 9:05 Catra’s tail. Such a sweet and simple affection from Catra, which she rarely does.

[@karlwilker579]

She does the same thing in Princess Prom.

[@smiddlehurst1]

Actually, okay, I lied one small spoiler: can we take a moment to appreciate something that gets overlooked with all the heavy emotional lifting here? Catra *doesn't need Adora's help taking out the spiders*. In fact, more than that, she absolutely wrecks shop against them, by the time we get to the cliff she takes out three seemingly with zero problems. Once again Catra showing that she is so, SO much more than she was given credit for. Oh and while it's heartbreaking if that "I really am going to miss you" was the last thing you heard... well, there are worse ways to go ;-)

[@Marta-uv4id]

*Spoilers for episode 12 onwards* You are absolutely right, and Catra is so much more capable than any of the members of the Horde, even Adora, gave her credit for. I genuinely believe Catra is a better second-in-command than Shadow Weaver could have ever been and it's not even remotely close. Catra has always been a master in strategy and planning, I mean, she was basically leading the entire Horde from episode 12 onwards, especially in season 4, she's the sole reason the Horde conquered all those lands in season 2 and 4 and even managed to come up with a successful plan to conquer Salineas. If Catra went with Adora back to the Rebellion at any point in the show, there is no way the Horde would have been able to even come close to beating them.

[@smiddlehurst1]

@@Marta-uv4id Let's be honest, if Catra joined the Rebellion with Adora every single planning session has Glimmer getting Yeeted off the top of the tower in the first ten minutes... ;-) Interestingly they're both pretty good at strategy but have blind spots that are absolutely what you'd expect considering the... y'know... crippling childhood trauma. Adora is completely on top of things when it's just her but is so protective towards others she ends up almost paralysed at the need to minimise risk. Catra is a superb fighter and can do the strategic side very well indeed (and I swear has days when she owns the only brain cell on Etheria) but treats everyone as disposable machines with no empathy towards the more squishy side of her forces.

[@Marta-uv4id]

@@smiddlehurst1 Yes, which is why I think even though they'd fight over strategy a lot, the two of them would be an unstoppable force together.

[@overthinkingtudo]

I find it very interesting that her "last words" to adora was "I really am going to miss you" even in that malicious tone, i think deep down she always knew her feelings but couldnt understand it yet so she thought she would be better of getting rid of them

[@BremenSA]

Maybe that's because, for some reason, the spiders went all in against Adora but let Catra win easily. It's pretty obvious the events in the ruins were set up specifically to create the outcome we got.

[@LettsReact]

To be clear, we ARE WORKING TO REPOST EPISODES 4, 5, 7, and 10!! Will keep you all updated, but we’re working on it!

[@tritiumH3]

We appreciate it. I'm sorry you're having to do this. Your videos are transformative, you shouldn't HAVE to do all this stuff, but such is the world we live in.

[@ShadowLightMewEndlessOceanMew]

Thank you, i didn't get to watch your episode 10 reaction, it was in my subscriptions uploads but youtube didn't let me watch :( Glad you guys are on it :)

[@voltairines6352]

Thank you guys, i wanted to save watching episode 9 while on the threadmill and by the time i got to the gym it was already blocked 😭

[@inori_nk]

Thank you sm!! I didn't get to watch your reaction in ep 10

[@onedisneylover1936]

Thank You, that you are still trying to give us these Episodes🤙

[@ohno8398]

This episode hurts so damn much every time Edit: really glad they recognise SW doesnt love Adora, a lot of people think Adora got off easy but she was used as a tool for SW's aspirations

[@BGTitanAvatar]

Ok so I've said this elsewhere but I have so much to say about episode 11 that it's just easier to get it all out like this. 1x01: Adora is hanging over a hole with Catra above her and she ultimately helps Adora up, joking about the look of betrayal on Adora's face. 1x11: Adora is hanging over a chasm with Catra standing above her and she ultimately leaves Adora to fall, all while Adora looks hurt and betrayed. (Screw these feelings, and screw these sneaky writers!) "We don't have to go in there." Both Adora and Catra know what this specific memory is, what happens in the Black Garnet Chamber. Adora is the one that wants to look away while Catra doesn't even flinch when it is undoubtedly one of the most traumatizing and scariest moments of her life. This memory also highlights the core differences in how Adora and Catra were treated by SW. While Adora was just as much to blame for being in that room to begin with, SW takes everything out on Catra while Adora gets a light scolding and a pat on the head, told that Catra is her responsibility (like she's a pet or something). Not to say that Adora didn't suffer abuse of her own. We know she did, we saw some of its effects in episode 7, continue to see effects in Adora. It's just a bit of a different flavor. The golden child mental/emotional manipulation kind. Catra is also just as capable a fighter as Adora, maybe a bit more tactical (call it a sneaky/underhanded move but in a real fight it's not gonna be fair) but, as seen with the spider-bots, even when Catra does well Adora swoops in at the last minute to undermine her. "I had it." "Sure you did." She actually did, Adora. (It's not malicious, mind you, but...). "You never protected me! Not in any way that would put you on Shadow Weaver's bad side!" It's funny. Shadow Weaver is probably one of the biggest contributors to Adora having such a savior complex, why she feels the need to protect people. Catra is right, however, because even the protector child doesn't really want their abuser's negative attention turned on them. "You look out for me and I look out for you. Nothing really bad can happen as long as we have each other." "You promise?" "I promise." And here's where a lot of the issues between Adora and Catra stem. Catra even parrots these words back to Adora in the second episode (those sneaky writers). Adora broke that promise. Adora left. Not only did she leave though, the thing that made her leave was that complete strangers, people she'd met only a couple hours prior, were in trouble. That's what made her see the Horde as a bad entity. Not the years of abuse they pushed on Catra and her (and I'm sure the other kids). Not every time SW punished Catra unfairly for either her own or Adora's screw ups. Completely innocent strangers being attacked is what did it. "It's like I was telling ya! She is the best friend ever!" Oh Scorpia. And Catra's little stutter there. Man, so telling. I just really love everything about this episode man.

[@lightnightsky]

that scorpia line always breaks my heart especially when you think about the last words she says to catra before she leaves...

[@Bloodyshadow1]

one of the many tragic things about the moment in the black garnet chamber, is that up until that point, Catra probably though she was the unfavorite, but at least one of Shadow Weaver's wards. But that moment showed that, as abusive and twisted as it was, Shadow Weaver viewed Adora as her daughter, she viewed Catra as at best Adora's pet. She didn't view Catra as person, and nothing she could do to change that, and she learned it as such a young age

[@Eman-vp6ju]

Beyond just showing the double standard, that scene with Shadow Weaver pretty clearly explains where Adora's hero complex comes from. She was made to feel that if she didn't "take care" of Catra, the latter would be hurt. That upbringing probably doesn't mix too well with being the chosen one of a legendary sword. Adora is continuously made to feel as though everything is her responsibility.

[@axolotl3158]

I really liked the discussion at the end about the cycle of abuse :( it's been said before, but the Horde is written to resemble a cult and as such, it's that situation where those on the inside have different ways of dealing with the abuse (continuing the cycle as Catra does, or pretending it isn't there and everything's fine as Scorpia does). Once a Horde survivor leaves and sees the outside world, it's impossible to imagine going back - but someone on the inside can't even fathom leaving toward a world they have no knowledge about.

[@Marta-uv4id]

I honestly believe Catra would have gone with Adora to the Rebellion had it not been for the holograms.

[@richardsuplee8137]

I got a theory (and this might be spoilers but I'm going word it vague) that that was intentional on part of the holograms and the system that runs it.

[@anonymousotter664]

Catra would have left with adorable if she went with adorable to get the sword

[@anonymousotter664]

Adora* lmfaooo

[@nightnaughty]

The issue is who was showing them the holograms and simulation in the first place and why, since not everything was showed to them both, the memory of the promise was only showed to Catra for a reason, but i won't say more because i don't want to spoil the guys.

[@richardsuplee8137]

@@nightnaughty o wait that's Canon? I thought jt was implied.

[@catherinehorowitz3930]

this episode kind of serves the purpose of the storm episode in avatar because both are at the start of the series where most of the episodes are fun and lighthearted, but they show a glimpse into the later seasons and how deep things will ultimately get. and they also explore the characters in a really complex way that hasn’t been seen before at that point.

[@Alex52045]

I really feel like the simulation tricked both Catra and Adora into "letting go" of each other ; I don't think Catra would have cut her ties with Adora on her own (staying to the Fright Zone for her own sake, yes, hurting Adora, no) without this external influence.

[@blurrble5]

This makes so much since especially after finishing the series

[@keicentury6824]

HERE WE GO *sits patiently waiting for their hearts and mine to shatter*

[@ammesato4360]

yes

[@revenger8292]

I really hope this one doesn’t get taken down

[@LettsReact]

There’s no fullscreen, I took out 10 minutes of footage, and I have backup plans. NO MORE TAKEDOWNS HOPEFULLY!

[@thejadedjester4935]

@@LettsReact hope it works out well going forward, would be good to finally be free from videos getting taken down.

[@karlwilker155]

So far so good!

[@RevolutionaryGirlLexi]

"Every hero needs a sidekick..." And a villain, sadly T-T

[@Krisisyt]

Promise I feel like its a huge part of the show, starting with a promise with Catra and Adora as young children, a promise that mean't everything to Catra. Adora cares for Catra ofc but Catra is slowly losing hope that Adora might come back.

[@hexalby]

Slowly?

[@kswrld11]

y’all are seeing the tension 😏 throwback to this interaction in ep 1 adora: that is low, even for you catra: aw you know nothings to low for me 😁😁😁

[@somestuff7876]

Kinda funny how Adora's hanging on the "cliffs" became a theme for this series. Even might came full circle in the future... ;)

[@gracebrown3074]

One of my favourite parts of the whole episode is the part when Catra says that Adora never protected her in a way that would put her on the bad side of Shadowever. And I just think that is such an important moment of showing just how afraid Adora was of Shadowever as well. In some ways it would have been because of Adoras love for Catra that she wouldn’t have wanted to get on the bad side of Shadowever because she knew being the favourite was the only thing protecting Catra at the time. But also there would have been the quiet fear of (even if its not something she would want to feel or admit) that if she got on Shadowevers bad side then Shadowever would start treating her like Catra, and she didn’t want that. Both of those thing compiling together would have made Adora feel like there was no other possible option. And that she had to be the good child to protect both Catra and herself. Forcing a lot of responsibility into someone so young. And a very difficult descision so young. One that didn’t harmonise with who Adora was to her core. So that even when something happened and she wanted to step in and act out in defence of Catra on a more catastrophic scale she had to squish that part of herself down and be the good child to protect them. Which is so damaging. She could rationalise within herself that was the best way to protect them (and part of who she is is that she sees herself as someone who needs to protect) however it always never ever fully protected Catra and that would have been a very negative place for Adora to live in, because she never would have felt like she was doing enough and would always have been doubting if it was the right thing to do, wondering if it was protecting them well and wondering if it was really coming from a place of trying to protect Catra and both of them or just herself. In the end it was still the best option but it would never stop being hard to swallow, and despite rationale, that last question would have lingered. She saw herself as a protector but she couldn’t properly protect. Which would have made her feel like she was never able to fully achieve something she saw as an important part of her identity, causing her to not feel like she was ever able to be herself and it also would have caused her to have to constantly squish down the guilt and that little voice in her saying she’s not doing enough. She couldn’t achieve the one thing she believed was her purpose and so to herself she was never enough. Which is why Adora is the way she is, always keeping things close to her chest, always pushing down her thoughts and feelings, struggling to be emotionally vunrible and always trying to be perfect and better, never satisfied with her own efforts. As a contrast we see that Catra despite still having a lot of unprocessed trauma still allows herself to have moments of emotional vunrability. Crying or lashing out in anger where as Adora’s outbursts are supratic and far in between. The are coming slowly and stuntedly as she slowly process’ her trauma. This disconnect for Adora between who she had to be verses who she wanted to be has caused her to constantly speak down negatively on her own achievements, causing her to constantly be striving, never thinking that she’s good enough and for a completely different reason than Catra. Catra thinking she’s not good enough for others and Adora thinking she’s not good enough for herself. To make it even harder Adora has to make these complicated/adult descisions even if Catra couldn’t fully understand why Adora wasn’t protecting her in the same way that she protected Adora, by standing up to Shadowever. Because to Adora not standing up to Shadowever and being the best student she could be was the best line of defence. But to Catra who didn’t have a relationship with Shadowever the best line of defence was to attack her. Because she was already was seen as the bad Kid she couldn’t lose respect she could only gain it if she was really good. So what’s one more bad thing if she’s already seen as bad. But for Adora she knew that there was a fine line she was walking where Shadowever respected her and as Shadowever said, and Adora believed that that was what was keeping them safe. For Catra being bad and ending up on Shadowevers bad side didn’t matter so much because she didn’t have anything to lose, where as for Adora she already had something and for her all she had was stuff to lose. Which shows how Catra and Adora truly foil each other. Catra didn’t have anything she could lose so her whole life was about trying to gain something, Adora didn’t have anything to gain so her whole life was about not trying to lose things. Catra would have vaguely been able to understand based on Shadowevers actions and based on the knowledge that Adora loves her that Adora is protecting her. But it would always be hard to understand that Adora came to the exact opposite conclusion for the exact same reasons Catra had: To protect one another. And right now with all the hurt with Adora leaving she’s questioning everything. Even the foundation she was always relying on, that Adora loves her. In her hurt Catra can’t see Adora’s point of view because of the choices Adora is making. She’s looking back at her memories in a new light and remembering how she didn’t feel protected. She can’t see Adora was protecting them in her own way. Right now without Adora there to protect her all she can see is herself taking the rap for Adoras absence. She’s blaming the fact that Adoras not there as the reason she is unprotected and so she’s blaming Adora for breaking her promise. Which technically it is true that Adora not being there is why she is unprotected but like Montana says she is blaming the wrong person. Even though Catra knows at the back of her mind Adora truly loves her and that Adora has expressed she was never happy with the favourite child dynamic Catra is so broken that she just can’t truly know. And she is hurting so much because of what Adoras actions have put her through in the past few weeks that she can’t see past the hurt. Adora and Catra arnt able to communicate well, as the horse really stunted that for them, and do as a repercussion Adora hasn’t been able to express or explain to Catra why it’s good to leave or her reasoning behind it in a satisfying way. So Catra has had to fill in the blanks but unfortunately she filled them in with the wrong colour. Believing Adora left because maybe she doesn’t care as much as she though... because Adora broke her promise. Because Adora doesn’t protect her. And because this pain and hurt is always associated to Adoras presence or absence. So maybe it was caused by Adora too. Then for Adora to have that thrown back in her face this episode would have been the most painful thing because everything she’s ever done was to try and protect them, and to hear Catra saying that she didn’t feel protected would have made Adora feel like she failed at the one thing she was striving her whole life to do. And in a lot of ways that she failed in what she believed to be her purpose. It is a hearts cry like Spider-Man of How can I say protect others when I can’t protect those closest to me. Catra threw back in Adoras face something she has been doubting her whole life and said you were right to doubt because your doubt is founded on truth. You didn’t protect me, you never protected me. You failed. And if Adora failed at an important aspect of who she sees herself to be then who is she? She can rationalise it in her head that it was the best way to protect them both but in her heart it can be so hard to accept that she did the best that she possibly could when she can clearly see where she couldn’t protect Catra, when she can clearly see Catra was not protected. Their relationship is so complicated in a beautifully intricate way and I think that line in particular of how Adora never did anything to get on Shadowevers bad side is the crux of why both characters are the way they are. It highlights both their pains and both their traumas if briefly but the deeper you go the more telling that line is from both sides. Just A+ writing, and I barley touched the surface of how deep I could go with just that singular line in particular. I really love the way this show is written. All of this suffice to say Shadowever sucks.

[@EmberQuill]

This episode hurt. I knew it wouldn't end with Catra switching sides or anything like that, not this early in the show, but I didn't expect Catra to turn on Adora quite so vehemently. Although she seems to still feel some regret judging by her downcast mood in the final scene. While I was already really invested in the show when I got to this point, this episode really sealed the deal and hooked me for good. This episode had so many fantastic little touches, like the way it cut between older and younger Adora and Catra when they were arguing, both older and younger Catra saying "You promise?" when younger Adora said they'd look out for each other, and the moment when Adora lets go of the edge and it cuts to black. Gave me chills. Also Shadowweaver is the worst foster-parent.

[@rainethewitch]

Something I noticed was all of Catra's worth was based on Adora. She did not exist without her and now that's she's gone Catra is trying to find that worth and prove she doesn't need Adora to be worth something. She very specifically says "What am I supposed to follow you?" Because she thinks if she goes and stays with Adora she's proving that she can't exist without Adora to shadow weaver

[@notarno1d602]

The episode we have been waiting for “The promise”

[@jennisangel4537]

Shera at its core really is just a show about trauma and dealing with it. The more I watch it the more I realize something new about the dynamics

[@dmoneky]

The literal and metaphorical cutting of ties and letting go is so strong. This is is why this episode is my favorite episode or even scenes in the whole series. It’s such an important scene with amazing writing, animation, acting, and even music. So heavy on the psychology this episode, and I was so looking forward to both of your reactions. Glad this hasn’t been taken down yet and hope it stays up!

[@kiddo179087]

Hopefully Kenny and Montana see this since they did ask last episode about Catra's VA. The VA is AJ Michalka of Aly & AJ. I'm just putting this back up since ep 10 was taken down.

[@Blazingstoke]

That music, when Catra leaves Adora at the end - remember that music. It will be _very important_ later on.

[@pryaneg4217]

I don't remember from what episode it would be. Season 5?

[@Marta-uv4id]

@@pryaneg4217 It appears several times even before season 5, some examples are in Roll With It (S2 Ep. 4) when Adora breaks down and talks about how their plan needs to be perfect, and in Light Spinner (S2 Ep. 6) when Catra talks to Shadow Weaver. But yes, it also appears in Corridors when Catra saves Adora and in Heart Part 2 when Catra confesses.

[@pryaneg4217]

@@Marta-uv4id I didn't notice, thanks

[@Blazingstoke]

Wow, okay, I was trying to avoid spoilers and encourage Letts React to discover all this for themselves as they go, but hey... :/

[@Marta-uv4id]

@@Blazingstoke Kenny reads the comments, but he doesn't read the replies to them, that's the only reason I wrote it. Don't worry, I would hate it if they got spoiled as well.

[@hannahappa]

Loved this episode, it really gave us the opportunity to get a more in depth look at Catra and Adora’s dynamic and what they had to go through in the Horde, how Catra was never gonna be the favourite and how that ultimately impacted their relationship

[@HumanTypewriter]

Entrapta knows she is working for the horde but she feels that's the only option she has since the resistance ''abandoned'' her.

[@omegastar19]

I dont think thats the main reason. The main reason imo is that Entrapta simply does not consider the consequences of her actions.

[@hummingbird1375]

​@@omegastar19 I agree. Also, Entrapta's first priority is science and the Horde gave her more opportunities to experiment new technology.

[@axolotl3158]

the way the score goes from really dramatic and loud to complete silence as she lets go and falls from the cliff gives me chills

[@sierrasasmartass7755]

I've always taken Light Hope saying "you need to let go" as meaning letting go of attachments to the people Adora cares about.

[@Amonymous__]

every time i hear the Promise theme (the track that played when Catra let Adora fall), i instantly begin to cry😀

[@steviehills4256]

No matter how many times I watch this episode, it still hurts to this day.

[@Ultraelectromagnetic]

Here it comes!!! Rarely do I shed tears at movies or series or any media really. This episode was the first time this series made me tear up. Yup, the *first* time, because yeah this show managed to bring me to tears multiple times. She-Ra is that good.

[@revenger8292]

This is about as close to perfection as an episode of television can get. Absolutely the best episode in the series

[@bellac6311]

This and "Corridors" are like some of the best written episodes of anything ive ever watched

[@revenger8292]

@@bellac6311 Honestly I think “Remember” is really underrated. I’d put that as the second best episode

[@bellac6311]

@@revenger8292 Remember was good....god there are so many well written episodes of this show

[@somestuff7876]

@@revenger8292 "Remember" is probably overshadowed by the next episode, but actually more powerful on it's own. Although to me they felt like part 1 and part 2 type of episodes.

[@omegastar19]

‘Hero’ as well. The writers were on a whole different level whenever they did flashback episodes. Just incredible work.

[@Luunanori]

rewatching the end of this episode literally hurts me. "You must. let. go." and all that sentence holds. Heartbreaking

[@ale-mn5nx]

My theory to the simulation looking at catra is because she’s looking back at the kid that needed protecting and now she’s going to try and protect that child, the switch definitely happened when she saw her baby self. And That shadow weaver interaction with adora and catra definitely added to adora’s hero complex and emotional abuse 🙃 and the abuse that catra so blatantly suffered…

[@antonellaurbiola1016]

Something almost nobody notices that I think says a lot is when Adora tells Catra to go with her, out of the Fright Zone, she grabs her by the wrist or arm, never takes her hand. Catra always stares at that grab as if it affects her. I take it as Catra feels like Adora only wants her to go with her on her terms, to be above her and not as equals or friends. After all the trauma she's been through with Shadow Weaver and her favoritism with Adora, she just doesn't want that for her anymore so she lets her go in order for her to become stronger. I really like this episode, definitely one of my favorites. Love your reactions to the show guys, keep it up!

[@lv1123]

The grab might remind Catra about how shadow weaver threw Catra out of the chamber when sending her shadows to get Adora. Catra might not have any bad experience with hand holding, but I do think the arm grab might be a trigger. I can’t really tell how many times I’ve seen shadow weaver grab Catra like that.

[@BremenSA]

Wow, I never noticed that but it's a really interesting touch.

[@elkennedy-lange7709]

this is the episode that really SOLD me on shera, it’s so good!

[@anonymousthoughts1690]

Only about a quarter way through, but Kenny being so insightful about the theory of the memories of their relationship slowly deteriorating throughout the episode

[@GirlofCulture]

This colors..when Adora and Catra are into the building... i've seen this colors before..but i can't put my finger on it, what it means... :> And i think Octavia is pretty cute tho ^^ What i just relaize..the moment when Shadoweaver stept inside the black garnet room.. she has the role of the abusive stepmother for sure, but also like acting as an alcholic? She uses the runestone to charge herself, she has strong mood swings, and she is greedy for more (magic) see?

[@kaylynncorbin5452]

I wonder what those colors are. Hmmmm

[@glossixe8138]

idk if you guys noticed but the promise adora made is almost exactly the same as what catra said in response to adora saying “how could you possibly be okay with that” in episode 2. like the “it doesn’t matter what they do to us, the two of us have each others back and soon we will be calling the shots” it’s almost pretty much the same like “you look out for me and i look out for you, nothing really bad can happen as long as we have eachother”

[@jennabreland5261]

The part about Catra looking back and wanting to be saved (by Adora) is so true I think, but then you see her have to let go of that and save herself. IMO, their whole dynamic is Adora wanting to save Catra, and Catra knowing that isnt really possible (in the context of Shadow Weaver) bc there is so much going on behind the scenes that Adora doesn't really see (and it becomes Catra protecting Adora from that truth and letting her think she's helping)

[@madisonwaycaster9832]

Adora and Catra were both raised in an abusive household, Adora being the favorite and being given more freedom and Catra being always on the receiving end of the worst of the abuse. Adora accepted it because she thought that the fright zone was the best place in the world, that nowhere else had it better. But the moment she realized "Wait. Not only is this not normal but also I'm hurting people." She bolted and she wanted to take Catra too so she would be safe but Catra has been aware of how horrible the Fright Zone was the entire time because she was on the receiving end of the abuse. And what happens alot with abusive household where the favorite decides to split once they understand how toxic the environment was is that the one who was more abused will decide to stay either because they see an opportunity to finally be the favorite (Which Catra does) or because of a sick sense of obligation toward their abuser. Catra WILL NEVER be Shadow Weaver's favorite, she'll never get the praise and recognition because she's not Adora even though like she said to Shadow Weaver she's been doing everything right. Adora has tried to save her and take her with her but Catra is so deep into the indoctrination at this point that she has to be the one to decide to leave, no one else can make that decision for her.

[@frog3907]

I love how you guys think realistically and actually talk about what's going on🙃

[@rynn5089]

When you realize that things would have played out SO differently had Catra not been in the temple with Adora that day. The point was for Adora to let go, supposedly of whatever was tethering her to those around her, so if Catra hadn't crashed the excercise two things would've changed. 1. Adora would have faced memories of everyone, not just those involving Catra, and 2. Catra wouldn't have been pushed to let go of her attachment to Adora. The room thingy scanned them both. So it unwittingly also "helped" Catra let go of Adora, as well as pushed Adora to only let go of one attachment. Without this event, they might not have bee so ruthless towards one another. (I definitely don't think Catra would've been)

[@omegastar19]

You arent taking into account the fact that both Adora and Catra were wandering through the Whispering Woods for a long time, with Adora explicitly walking in circles…..almost as if something (*cough*Light Hope*cough*) was working against them to make sure they both reached the Crystal Castle at the same time. Theres also the fact that the memories they experience were conveniently the exact memories that would expose the issues between Catra and Adora that had been simmering under the surface all this time. However, note how the memories were specifically about Catra’s issues, not Adora. In fact, Adora is entirely clueless what the 2nd memory was about, and she does not see the 4th memory at all, only Catra sees that one. Which brings me to my point: this episode is NOT about Adora letting go of Catra…its about Catra letting go of Adora. Sure, Adora does get told to let go, but Adora actually continues to hold onto hope that Catra will switch sides all the way until the season 3 finale. It is only then that Adora finally lets go of Catra. Meanwhile, in this episode Catra is the one who lets go - she leaves Adora to die. And everything that led towards Catra making this decision - including having Catra and Adora reach the Crystal Castle at the same time - was orchestrated by Light Hope. Light Hope planned it all.

[@carlosalejandroalvarenga4913]

There was a video essay saying that the small catra scene means that from this moment on: adora broke her promise, and catra will do whatever it takes to protect child catra from here on.

[@adrianwagner8202]

This is the episode that made me realize that this show can go from good to great.

[@milenaherrera4738]

this episode is sooo beautiful and so hard to watch at the same time, i suffer every fcking time

[@krystaloftheshores]

Shannon Lavery I’ve gotten an old friend into She-Ra and after watching this episode, the only thing she could say afterwards was “that...was a lot to take in.” 😅 Uh HUH. 😂

[@yellowsweatshirt7894]

ive been WAITING for this episode. we finally got to see the deep seeded back story of adora and carta and why they act the way they do. so heartbreaking, and this is just the begeining

[@Werrf1]

The whole series is rewatchable, of course, but so much in this episode changes meaning when you come back and rewatch it knowing what we know by the end.

[@lotrgeek22]

This episode is always a hard watch. They really did go for the emotional jugular in some of these episodes.

[@CheshireSmile98]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh, that collage made me 100% more excited

[@sunflower-ey9lq]

I think it's just really sad because you can see so well that their childhood was just really not nice at some times...

[@krystaloftheshores]

“Adora. You must. let. go.”

[@angelinacoronado2002]

I love this episode, it truly defines the relationship between Catra and Adora. How the actions from the past will interact with their futures, from the abuse they BOTH were brought up with. Now this episode makes it clear how abusive shadow weaver really was to Catra. As well as clearly shows how the relationship between Adora and Catra was formed from it. But it also shows how Adora was affected by it in the slightest way, and you have to really understand it to see it. Adora had to be great not only because that’s how you were advanced in the Horde but she also had to be great to protect Catra AKA a person that she loved. That if she didn’t be the best or show that she was great that this person that she loved would be hurt because of her that she was part of the reason why and that is why Adora has as Catra would say “hero” motives. And when you watch more of the series you’ll start to notice that this hero drive that Adora is on is because of her childhood mental abuse from shadow weaver, she puts her self in danger in hopes of being the one who is hurt, rather than not being the one to save the day meaning the people she loved would get hurt. To put it more clearly as Adora will go on in life with this mindset of this because of shadow weaver putting that motive in her mind. Adora Will repeatedly think if I don’t do this with 100%, or be the one who’s in danger, or get this done, adding on top of now being Shera the people she loves and the people in this world will get hurt from her. That everything that she does, in her mind has to be the best for everything, everything will be hurt, just like Catra was “hurt her because of her.”

[@bellac6311]

i cant tell you how many times ive seen this episode i cry every time

[@pryaneg4217]

Omg, I can't wait! Im sooo excited

[@anonymousotter664]

I love this episode so much😭😭😭 can't wait to see Montana's analysis of catras actions. The scene were her and her young self say "you promise" breaks my heart😭😭

[@hannahlara1752]

I forgot just how GOOD this episode is

[@immortes]

Something I realized is that when cal and adora phase to children, it shows their more vulnerable sides.

[@Luunanori]

Without spoiling anything, it really breaks me that the music in the background for the cliff scene becomes the same one during that one scene in "The Heart" episode. Like God. My feels.

[@distorityedan3081]

Oh but Adora didn't had the responsability taken off of her, actually quite the contrary: she was marked as responsable for Catra's behaviour too, on top of having so many expectations on her already. In kind of the same line, I wouldn't say Catra was given the responsability of what happened: she was blamed for it, which Is not the same. No wonder that by the events of the first episode Catra's presented as uninterested and insolent: she doesn't even try anymore, at least not for others, because she knows she will not be appreciated anyway. Adora, instead, has been lead to believe she has to be this and do that, so she can never relax, she's constantly feeling guilty for the actions of others, she has no idea of what she herself wants. Favoritism Is not nurturing, they were both really affected by Shadow Weaver's manipulative attitudes. And about how it's gonna affect not having Adora to blame for everything on the Horde to Catra's relationships... Yeah 👀 I'm really looking forward to your take on the Horde's kids

[@smiddlehurst1]

Heh, *someone* couldn't decide what to put in the thumbnail.... ;-) For those that haven't seen this yet... watch Catra's tail, that's all I'm saying. Oh, and the customary "how the HELL did Aimee Carrero and AJ Michalka not got all of the awards for this show" comment. Can't forget that one!

[@mozni8434]

just want to add that it was confirmed by the creator of the show that catra knew that adora would be fine if she fell, because she knew it was not real and it was all a simulation, so it was NOT like the lion king!

[@lordgeneralmilitantdeezy7550]

Not only is it favoritism but also ingraining in Adora, a sense of responsibility for other people’s suffering even if it wasn’t her fault.

[@LettsReact]

If you cant wait and want to see the EXTENDED UNCUT ADFREE VERSION NOW, CHECK OUT THE PATREON! patreon.com/lettsreact

[@NFC37]

Can I just say I loved the moment when you guys instinctively started holding eachother’s hand when Adora was gonna fall off the cliff was so frickin cute 😭😭❤️

[@Kara0515]

Dang it I’m gonna miss the premiere because of school :(( finger-crossed that it won’t get taken down

[@newman716ET]

It just hits hard. The episode as a whole hits so hard

[@MoonyToons_4422]

Oh yeah my favourite episode of the first part of the show. Absolute masterpiece. Can't wait for your reaction

[@axolotl3158]

This ep hurts and it's only the beginning tbh

[@lucynsol]

I love how much y'all are loving this show! Loved the analysis at the end! Keep up the great content. Also love your tiktoks too! Also Montana simpin' for Catra is a mood.

[@Krisisyt]

EXCITED AS EVER!!! AHH! Can't wait to see their reactions in future episodes

[@wendyheatherwood]

About Adora taking out the spider after Catra did most of the work, think back to the training exercise in episode one where Catra watched the other cadets do most of the exercise and came in at the last moment to steal the win. It's a tactic Catra has no problem using herself and from a certain perspective it looks like they did the same thing. They didn't of course. We know Adora joined the fight the moment she managed to catch up, but the end result is the same and I'm not sure Catra's in the right place to see that difference.

[@krystaloftheshores]

My analytic heart LOVED your thoughts on this one, Montana! You helped clarify something I wasnt quite sure what the meaning behind it was, which was when younger Catra looked up at her older self for a moment. I’ve binged this show almost 10 times now and all I’ve been able to really get from that was that Catra was feeling sorry for witnessing what her younger self had gone through in a sort of ‘grieving your childhood’ kind of way. But your analysis of that moment made SO much more sense and adds that much more enjoyable depth to her character for me. Thank you!

[@herbestfriend439]

One youtube channel (can't remember which) said the significance of Catra making eye contact with her younger self is that everything she does after this episode is to protect that little kid.

[@emilygonzalez7313]

THE TAIL ON ADORAS HAND 9:05

[@fallenlucifer]

Oh this is gonna be a fun reaction video- MY FAV EPISODE IS FINALLY IN ACTION-

[@samrevlej9331]

Catra's psychological issues and trauma gets most of the attention during this episode (which is fair), but I feel like Shadow Weaver's manipulation and gaslighting of Adora get overlooked. Adora's savior complex (which becomes really obvious as the show progresses, no spoilers) can largely be attributed to SW assigning her the responsibility of literally preventing Catra from getting hurt. Of course, that's an impossible mission, which is why Catra says she never protected her, but that just reinforces Adora's guilt and her urge to take on everything by herself and be the perfect soldier, which further strains her relationship with Catra. Also, not going to spoil, but there was some funny business with those illusions and Light Hope telling Adora to let go.

[@carterbell4467]

FUN FACT: I laugh when I feel emotionally challenged. I barely breathed this episode 😀

[@flatpigeon9349]

I remember tearbending so much after I watched this for the first time. Still shed a tear everytime.

[@marielb2924]

yes...the best episode in the series and the one I've most been wanting to see here.