New episodes of She-Ra finally return to Netflix today with a debut episode that is certainly on the edge of greatness. The She-Ra and Princess of Power Season 4 Premiere, “The Coronation,” sees the rise of two popular characters while also addressing the very real issue of losing a loved one.
It’s coronation Day and Glimmer is sporting a fresh cut along with some new attire. While everyone dances around the loss of Queen Angela, the focus is on planning the monumental event surrounding Glimmer’s big day. Throughout the episode, Glimmer has to deal with choosing colors, cakes, flower arrangements, and a lot of princess nonsense. The future queen is becoming increasingly more frustrated with every decision and the constant shenanigans from the other princesses.
Elsewhere, Catra is very much descending deeper and deeper into darkness. After lying about Entrapta, Catra immediately challenges Hordak’s leadership. Additionally she snaps at Scorpia as she continues to push everyone further away from her. After Catra storms off, we find that Scorpia is taking care of Emily (Entrapta’s robot) and is becoming more worried about Entrapta.
Note: Entrapta (fave) has to be one of the most intriguing characters in pop culture today. Her allegiance is never to the side of good or evil, nor even her friends, but to the pursuit of science. There are a lot of fan theories on Entrapta out there, but I cannot wait to see what this season has in store for her character arc.
Back at Bright Moon, the Coronation ceremony commences and the best friend squad begin the ceremonial quest in the Chamber of the Queens. Adora, Bow, and Glimmer encounter a serpent crystal monster and prepare for battle. We suddenly find that Glimmer cannot use her powers because she hasn’t been recharging. This is where we find the real heart of the episode.
Glimmer explains that she is reluctant to take the Moon Stone’s full power for herself because that means accepting that her mother is gone.
“Everyone is already acting like it doesn’t matter. It’s like no one remembers her. We’re having a coronation because she’s gone. And Everyone is acting like it’s a fun party, but it’s not.”
Time to grab the tissues as Adora and Bow comfort their friend. Adora says she’s going to take care of Glimmer, because it was the last thing Angela asked her to do. The best friend squad powers up and fights the monster head on.
Glimmer completes her quest by using the sacred lantern in the chamber which powers up the future queen. Just as we’re recovering from the first heartfelt moment, Glimmer is even briefly shown with the signature wings that her mother always had. After this sequence we see Queen Angela in a holographic message talking to her daughter in another very emotional moment.
“I wish I didn’t have to leave you. But I know you’ll be alright because you are a Glimmer and you are so, so strong. I’ve done my best to prepare you to rule, but you were always ready to lead. I’m so proud of you Glimmer, I love you. ”
In this moment Glimmer is able to say goodbye.
After this heart-wrenching ordeal, Glimmer finally is able to take the throne as the new Queen and addresses her people.
This would be a strong ending in itself, but wait! There’s more. Back in the Fright Zone, Catra straight up attacks Hordak by removing the diamond powering his mechanical body. As Hordak is weakened Catra pulls rank and takes a throne of her own.
This was a VERY strong showing for the first episode and all of the pieces are perfectly in place. I’m excited to see what the future holds for “tweener” characters such as Scorpia, Entrapta, and Shadow Weaver. If this episode is any indication of what Season four is bringing to the table, we are in for one heck of a ride.
