Whenever beloved 80’s IPs are trotted out for a nostalgia run or reboot, it can usually go swimmingly well or catastrophically, with little in between. Masters of the Universe: Revolution is luckily surprisingly good – is this Kevin Smith’s unspoken “apology” for 2021’s divisive predecessor, Masters of the Universe: Revelation?
It seems the Netflix series finally embraced the cheesy awesomeness of the iconic Mattel property with a captivating blend of Masters of the Universe (MOTU) nostalgia and fresh storytelling. Despite the setback of a canceled He-Man movie, Kevin Smith’s “Masters of the Universe: Revolution” might have revitalized fan interest in the franchise with a unique blend of grit, intensity, and action.
I’ve been absorbing all your @MastersOfficial REVOLUTION love and it’s a big bowl of bliss! We’re all so happy and relieved that folks are taking the trip to Eternia and enjoying all the twists and turns! THANK YOU from me, the cast & crew, @Mattel, @powerhouseanim and @netflix! pic.twitter.com/0f3W97a2oJ
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) January 27, 2024
Kevin Smith’s “Masters of the Universe: Revolution” serves as a continuation of the MOTU Revelation 2021 plot, picking up where the previous animated series left off. It followed Prince Adam of Eternia as he leads a charge against a formidable alliance between Skeletor and Hordak. Major plot threads are left dangling, creating anticipation for a second season.
Originating as a line of toys, the He-Man Filmation cartoon from the 1980s served as its biggest marketing vehicle. Despite being, for all intents and purposes, a 30-minute toy ad, the animated series remains a beloved classic despite the cheesiness of the stories and characterization.
However, Masters of the Universe: Revolution challenges the notion that this universe isn’t known for serious, emotional storytelling while incorporating the charm of the original cartoon. The series retains the whimsy of the characters while allowing them to evolve, change, and grow.
“Revolution” boldly picks up where “Revelation” left off with the main cast’s new status quo. Prince Adam’s identity was exposed, Teela assumed her role as the new Sorceress of Grayskull, and Skeletor, empowered by Motherboard, emerges as a more formidable adversary (aka Skeletek). Meanwhile, Hordak and his evil army make their bid to conquer Eternia.
As Season 1 concludes, Netflix leaves breadcrumbs for He-Man’s future, with two post-credits scenes teasing upcoming developments. Characters from the live-action film such as Gwildor, alongside elements from the franchise’s past, made unexpected comebacks, indicating Kevin Smith’s appreciation for the diverse history of Castle Grayskull’s universe.
The dramatic turn of events sees Skeletek turning on his master, Hordak, and unlocking his identity as King Randor’s brother, Keldor. This twist sets the stage for a revived Hordak, bitter and ready to launch a renewed assault on Eternia.
With Skeletek bringing Technological Titans from Eternia’s core and potential hidden machines beneath the surface, Hordak’s legion could become an even more formidable force in the impending second season.
By the end of the last episode, a mysterious warrior’s mention of Horde Prime’s involvement in reviving Hordak fuels speculation about cloning and a possible homage to the other Netflix Masters of the Universe cartoon. The enigmatic nature of Horde Prime raises questions about whether cloning or artificial intelligence plays a role in the resurrection of Hordak, adding some intrigue.
Masters of the Universe: Revolution excels by cranking fun to 11 throughout. 2021’s “Revelation” offered a more nuanced exploration of characters that received mixed reactions from old and new fans.
On the other hand, “Revolution” contrasted it with a lighthearted tone, striking a better balance between emotional moments and sheer enjoyment of seeing the “most powerful man in the universe” smashing evil with a smile.
All 5 episodes of Masters of the Universe: Revolution Season 1 are now available for streaming on Netflix. What did you think of the series so far? What are your expectations for Season 2?
