He-Man Rebooted with CGI and New Concepts
This episode is Dedicated in memory of our friend, listener, and fan Darren Filsell.
Key Takeaways:
- New Audience: The newest series appeals to a younger audience by creating a fresh and fun atmosphere, free from the constraints of past mythos.
- Character Transformations: The show introduces a unique take on character transformations, with many heroes and villains undergoing power upgrades, drawing mixed reactions from fans.
- Voice Acting Excellence: The series boasts a talented voice cast that effectively brings the characters to life, particularly highlighting Adam and Tila.
- Legacy and Reflection: Fans reflect on the importance of respecting each iteration of the franchise, noting the distinction between personal headcanons and the official narratives explored in the series.
Note: Season 1 begins with the episode “The Sword of Grayskull” and concludes with “Cry Havoc – Part 2”.
Episode 75 of the “Masters Cast” podcast, hosted by Jon Kallis (Shadow), Katy Cartee (Rainbow Brite), Martin Penny (Wacky Martin), Leanne Hannah (Stratos Macca), and Josh de Lioncourt, dives deep into the review of the 2021 CGI animated series “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe.” We share ourinitial impressions, criticisms, and praises, exploring how the new series fits within the beloved franchise.
The Discussion
- Character Developments: A key topic of discussion is how the characters of Adam, Tesla, Duncan, and others appeal to a new generation. Critics and fans express varying views on the impacts of age and role changes while celebrating Adam’s prominence in the narrative.
- Transformations:
- We debate the necessity of “transformations” for all characters. Some fans view this as a dilution of He-Man’s uniqueness, while others see it as an opportunity for empowerment among the heroes.
- The inclusion of older characters like Skeletor, Cringer, and the clever adaptations of classic themes inject nostalgia into the series.
- Legacy & Fan Reactions:
- The series continues the “Masters of the Universe” tradition of innovating past lore. However, it faces some backlash from die-hard fans who feel the show operates under the premise of “He-Man in Name Only.”
- We advocate for appreciation of all iterations of the franchise, acknowledging the evolution of the narrative to capture children’s imaginations, thereby securing the franchise’s future.
In summary, we offer our listeners a robust dialogue about the new CGI series, its narrative choices, and the important role it plays in the broader context of the “He-Man” legacy. We deliberate on various elements ranging from character transformations to voice acting and the significance of renewal within cherished nostalgic properties. Ultimately, they highlight the importance of inclusion, evolution, and celebration of all things “Masters of the Universe.” Fans are encouraged to embrace both new and classic narratives, fostering a deeper appreciation for the beloved franchise.
The show’s fans have adopted the name “CG He-Man” for this series and it can be viewed exclusively on Netflix. View the trailer for season one here: