Recently, I watched the Netflix original series: She-Ra and the Princesses of Power for the first time and documented my reactions and journey on TikTok, as seen in the video above which was the cumulative reaction to the series. I wanted to take those same thoughts and expand upon them here.
My overall reaction to the show was one of disappointment. Despite my high hopes and attempts to stay optimistic, the show ultimately let me down due to its premature cancellation and the recurring issues prevalent in the animation industry. These factors resulted in a significant disservice to many of the characters and the overarching plot.
The Theme of Free Will in She-Ra
One of the core themes throughout She-Ra is the exploration of free will: how we attain it, what prevents us from having it, and how we utilize it once we do. The most evident example of this is the comparison between Adora and Catra. Both characters are indoctrinated child soldiers raised under typical propaganda, reinforced through fear tactics, abuse, conditional approval, and competition—all mechanisms that repress free will.
Adora’s journey towards free will begins when she finds the sword, which provides her with a glimpse of privilege and an opportunity to make a choice. She seizes this chance and decides to switch sides. Conversely, Catra does not take the same path. While their conflict is central to exploring the theme of free will, they are not the only ones affected. The show also examines how living a sheltered or coddled life, and the expectations of elders, can impede one's agency.
The Princess Alliance characters also face these challenges, each coming into their own and deciding with their free will what moral and communal choices are best for them. The show further explores the misuse of free will through characters like Shadow Weaver—when it’s employed without a moral compass for selfish interests, rejecting community in favor of self-serving actions. This illustrates that free will alone isn’t sufficient; it must be guided by good intent, and vice versa good intent alone is not enough.
Furthermore, She-Ra and Glimmer’s struggles with free will highlight its complexities. They often rush into battles or make selfish choices, thinking they are acting for the right reasons but failing to find balance. This human element is a great storyline to follow, especially when it ties back to larger concepts like war, colonization, and industrialization, and the cyclical nature of abuse and oppression.
Missed Potential and Rushed Resolutions
Unfortunately, the show's cancellation led to rushed resolutions, negating the perception of choice and removing significant obstacles with simplistic solutions. The introduction of the mind control chips revoked any potential for deep exploration of the main themes.
Catra’s arc, in particular, suffered. Her sudden self-realization and redemption felt unearned and rushed. To do her character justice within the time constraints, the show should have started her redemption arc at the end of season three or refrained from redeeming her at all. A “what-if” conversation between Catra and Adora could have conveyed their complex relationship without compromising the plot. Instead, we see a character whose potential for a redemption arc was stripped away simply because her chip was removed—a lazy cop-out that undermines true symbolic storytelling. This quick fix bypassed her internal struggle and robbed her of a meaningful journey.
The show had also set up a compelling narrative to explore stealing free will away through the charismatic antagonist we see in Horde Prime. He is introduced as a character who takes on an almost cult leader archetype, wielding propaganda, speaking in adoration of his followers calling them “beloved” and remarking on them akin to family members.
It would have been fascinating to see him conquer cities and towns, mirroring what happened to Scorpia’s people. This would have allowed for an exploration of when and why free will might be appealing to give up, not just born into its absence but having it actively taken and given away through coercion, fear, or greed. Instead, we again rely on the mind-control chips, removing that narrative.
Furthermore, the show’s reliance on robots over human soldiers in the war narrative removed the human aspect, which is crucial in stories about indoctrination and choice. While technological advancements can be justified within the story do to Entrapta’s involvement, they shouldn’t strip away the human element that grounds the conflict.
Literary Connections
The theme of free will versus indoctrination is a prevalent motif in literature, providing a rich ground for comparison with She-Ra on the difference and shortcomings seen in the narrative.
In George Orwell’s 1984, the suppression of free will is achieved through pervasive propaganda, surveillance, and psychological manipulation. This parallels the Horde’s control over its soldiers in She-Ra, where fear tactics, abuse, and the conditional approval of authority figures repress the characters' autonomy. Orwell's depiction is meticulous, showing the gradual erosion of individual thought and the near-impossibility of reclaiming autonomy in a totalitarian state. In contrast, She-Ra's treatment feels more superficial. The mechanisms of indoctrination are depicted, but glazed over, leading to a less impactful portrayal.
Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World offers another compelling comparison. In Huxley's world, free will is sacrificed for societal stability, achieved through conditioning and the suppression of individuality. The citizens of the World State are kept in line through a combination of genetic engineering, psychological conditioning, and the drug soma, which numbs their desires and discontent. This loss of agency for the sake of harmony is mirrored in the lives of She-Ra's characters, particularly in the Princess Alliance, who must break free from societal expectations and sheltered lives to assert their individuality. However, where Brave New World delves into the psychological impact and ethical dilemmas of such a society, She-Ra barely skims the surface, missing the opportunity for a profound exploration of these themes.
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein also resonates with She-Ra’s narrative, particularly in the struggle for free will and the consequences of its misuse. Victor Frankenstein’s pursuit of knowledge and power, devoid of moral consideration, leads to tragic outcomes for himself and others. His creation, the Monster, symbolizes the destructive potential of unrestrained ambition and the failure to balance free will with moral responsibility. Similarly, characters in She-Ra face dire consequences when they act without this balance. For instance, Glimmer and She-Ra often make impulsive decisions, thinking they are acting for the greater good, but their lack of restraint leads to negative outcomes.
Despite these literary parallels that could have been used as inspiration on the overall plot arc, She-Ra falters in its execution. The show introduces complex themes but resolves them too quickly or simplistically. Characters like Catra, who undergo significant internal struggles, have their arcs truncated or inadequately explored. Catra’s redemption, for example, feels rushed and unearned compared to the nuanced character transformations in classic literature. Her sudden self-realization and shift in behavior lack the depth and gradual development seen in characters like Winston Smith from 1984 or John the Savage from Brave New World, whose journeys are fraught with internal and external conflicts that are meticulously unpacked.
In She-Ra, the exploration of free will and indoctrination could have been more profound and impactful if given the narrative space and depth found in these literary examples. The show hints at these larger themes but often opts for quicker, more surface-level resolutions that undermine the potential for a deeper, more resonant story.
Addressing the "It's Just a Kids' Show" Rebuttal
A common rebuttal to my critique of She-Ra is that "it's just a kids' show," implying that deep thematic exploration is unnecessary or out of place. However, this perspective underestimates both the audience and the potential of children's media. Historically, children's literature has not shied away from addressing profound and complex themes. Consider Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, which delves into the absurdity and irrationality of the world, or The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, which explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the battle between good and evil. These works engage young readers in meaningful ways, encouraging them to think critically about the world around them.
Expert opinions support the notion that children are capable of understanding and benefiting from complex narratives. Psychologist Bruno Bettelheim, in his seminal work The Uses of Enchantment, argues that fairy tales and stories with deep themes help children grapple with real-life dilemmas and moral questions. They provide a safe space for children to explore complex emotions and ethical issues, fostering their cognitive and emotional development.
Moreover, contemporary children's shows have successfully tackled profound themes without underestimating their audience. Avatar: The Last Airbender is a prime example, addressing topics like war, genocide, and moral ambiguity while maintaining its appeal to younger viewers. The show's creators understood that children are not only capable of engaging with complex themes but also benefit from them.
Therefore, dismissing She-Ra's shortcomings with the excuse that it is "just a kids' show" is a disservice to its audience. When a show introduces themes such as free will, indoctrination, and moral responsibility, it sets the expectation that these will be explored with the depth and respect they deserve. Children are perceptive and capable of sophisticated analysis, and they deserve media that challenges and respects their intelligence. By not fully committing to the exploration of its themes, She-Ra misses an opportunity to provide its audience with a richer, more impactful narrative.
The Potential of Animation as a Medium
This ties into the broader issue of giving the animation industry a fair chance to be recognized as a medium capable of delivering complex narratives. Animation should not be relegated to a lesser status simply because it often targets younger audiences. Just as literature, film, and other art forms have demonstrated their ability to convey deep and thought-provoking stories, so too can animation. Shows like Avatar: The Last Airbender and Steven Universe have proven that animated series can address serious themes with nuance and sensitivity, garnering critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase of all ages.
The animation industry possesses unique strengths that can enhance storytelling. The visual creativity and freedom of animation allow for the depiction of fantastical worlds and abstract concepts in ways that live-action often cannot achieve. This capability should be harnessed to explore and convey complex narratives, not dismissed as mere children's entertainment.
One significant issue in the animation industry is the reluctance to "kill your darlings," a term popularized by writers such as William Faulkner and Stephen King. This concept emphasizes the importance of cutting beloved elements of a story if they do not serve the plot. In She-Ra, numerous interesting characters and landscapes were introduced, likely out of respect for the original show and a desire to showcase cool designs. However, these elements should have been cut to maintain plot integrity, especially given the constraints of shorter seasons.
Furthermore, the overuse of fan-favorite tropes can dilute a show’s narrative, and did in this case. Tropes like the beach episode, murder mystery episode, and prom dance episode can be enjoyable when used sparingly and appropriately. However, in She-Ra, these tropes often felt like fillers that detracted from the main storyline. This trend reflects a broader issue in the industry, where shows are pressured to include popular tropes to maintain viewer interest and avoid cancellation. Yet, audiences ultimately crave well-told stories over gimmicks. Many are left wanting more from She-Ra, a desire that could have been satiated had the episodes they had been used more purposefully.
To truly elevate the medium, producers and streaming channels must embrace the potential of animation to tackle significant themes and deliver them with the same care and depth expected in other forms of storytelling. By doing so, they can create works that resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, enriching the cultural landscape and fostering a greater appreciation for the art of animation. She-Ra had the potential to be one of these works, but it fell short by not fully committing to the exploration of its introduced themes. Animation, as a powerful and versatile medium, deserves the opportunity to be taken seriously and to contribute meaningfully to the narrative arts.
Final Thoughts
Despite my critiques, I believe She-Ra had the potential to be great. The animation industry faces self-sabotage and external pressures that affect the quality of storytelling. Overall, I’d rate She-Ra a 6.5 out of 10, maybe a 6.8 if I ignore the last season and consider the potential that was left unrealized.
I want to thank everyone who followed along with my reactions and journey on TikTok as I watched through the show for the first time. Your engagement and insights made the experience even more enriching. Keep an eye out for further character design analysis, theme analysis, and even some fan art in the future in relation to this show and more!
Unpacking She-Ra: Exploring Themes of Free Will and Missed Potential