Hilda · 9:05pm Dec 16th, 2023
I know I've previously recommended Netflix's animated series Hilda, both here and in other people's cartoon review blogs, but I really, really need to do it again. The third and last season has just dropped, and my wife and I just finished marathoning all three seasons and the S2 movie.
The first two seasons are better than I remembered, and the last one is a completely satisfying wrap-up of the series.
People who are fans of MLP because of the earnestness and sweetness of G4 will find a whole lot to like here. They will also find several things that MLP lacked, like an incredibly tight continuity, and a series-long plot arc that pays off perfectly. Hardly anyone ever holds the idiot ball, and I can't recall any specific example, so that "hardly ever" might be "never," or excusable on a "sometimes people do dumb things" level. Over the whole show, there was only one single episode I disliked, and if you're a fan of Discord it probably won't bother you. Fortunately, it is one that doesn't contribute to any continuity, and so can be skipped on any re-watch of the series.
The art and animation is incredibly skillful, and evocative. In some later wide, establishing shots, it has a very Mœbius feel to it. The "acting" is good enough to focus on in emotional moments, despite the simplicity of the designs. The weight and motion of all the creatures are an absolute delight.
I commented to Impossible Numbers that most fantasy worlds would be horribly dangerous dystopias for the average person,* but there are a few that might be worth the risk. Hilda's world is one of those exceptions. It's certainly tons of fun to watch.
So, if you've got Netflix, give it a shot!
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* Speaking as a person who lives in a location-dependent, moderately inconvenient-to-horribly dangerous dystopia that lacks any fun fantasy elements.
Thanks for the heads up, I've been debating starting it and this will be my sign to do so. Thanks in advance as I'm sure I'll love it as it seems like it has a similar vibe to Gravity Falls and The Owl House to me.
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It certainly has all the care and craftsmanship that went into those two series! (Also favorites of mine.)
I have been meaning to watch this for ages, and the more I hear about it, the more it sounds like just the sort of comfort food I need. The kind of well-crafted comfort food that is really good for you, that is.
I see the total runtime of all episodes and the film comes to just over 16 hours, and that's not no commitment, but it's less than many others shows than give less back. So, you know, I think I can justify it.
Sometimes, these days, I find it hard to just give myself permission to watch things purely for fun these days. So I will try harder to just sit down and watch the thing real soon. Maybe over Christmas, no better time for a show like this, really.
Not saying the series' staff shouldn't be accredited for this achievement, but I'm sure a lot of this comes from being based on graphic novels made by one man. Plus, that he was involved in the development and writing of the series too. And also that there's wasn't a toy directive from up above pushing the series in different directions out of nowhere with no room for leeway doesn't hurt either. Just a few little things.
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Yes, it really is a comfort watch! Going to indulge our inner children and re-watch the final (movie-length) episode tonight with hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls.
Sounds like a rare gem.
Might give it a watch later tonight!
I haven't really found any TV series to get into since G4.
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I hope you like it! Let me know what you think.
Agreed, Hilda is an S-teir show. Super wholesome and wonderful.
I don't really do much TV watching, but thanks for the recommendation.
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Welp. I'm hooked now. Loving it and it's my new go-to cozy-watch show, y'know? Thanks so much for the recommendation. Leave it to a great writer to know great writing eh?
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You're welcome! I'm so glad you are enjoying it!