Movie review: He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe
The third season of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe arrives on Netflix with a bang and picks up from where the previous season left off. This time around, one of their own members’ teams up with the ghost of the antagonist who was killed at the end of the last season.
Unlike the first two seasons, this one has one of the good guys play the main villain — under the influence of magic, of course — and that’s why the task is harder this time for He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, who don’t want to defeat someone who was once one of their own.
The first four episodes of the new season provide the background of a new back-story that dominates the entire season. Who was King Gray Skull, what was his connection with the Sigil of Hiss, and why he was killed by one of his own, are what make this back-story quite interesting. Once these questions are answered, they make sense to the viewers, who will then find out why there was a need to search for the Tomb of King Gray Skull.
He-Man, on the other hand, has his hands full in this season because he remains divided between duties as a prince and wielder of the Sword of Power. During the course of recovering the ‘good’ inside their former teammate, the champion fighter accidentally crosses over to the other side and has to fight his team members and face rejection from the Sword of Power, before making a triumphant return.
Developed by Robert David (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), He-Man and the Masters of the Universe also have a special entry of legendary voice-over artist Alan Oppenheimer, who famously lent his voice for the original Skeletor. The voice makes a small appearance through a flashback and has the same effect on the audience despite the passage of time.
There is also a short, but solid appearance of Ork-O the Great, the magician of yesteryear living in another dimension. The original Ork-O steps into a crucial situation and provides to cure the most powerful man in the universe, and actually works!
The third season of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe focuses much on the development of all main characters. The animation quality remains high throughout the season, and those who followed the first two seasons would find it very enjoyable. The concept of finding one’s true self remains consistent even in the newer season, while each episode highlights the value of friendship, the true nature of sacrifice, and the qualities of teamwork, even in a desperate situation. The epic conclusion of the season answers all questions planted in previous episodes and opens the way for a potential fourth season. Be ready for more ‘I have the power’ situations!
Published in Dawn, Young World, October 8th, 2022