7 memorable moments in She-Ra and the Princesses of Power season 2
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power S2 production still. Image: Netflix
Catra’s impending redemption arc
Do hints and underwriting for future arcs count as memorable moments? When it comes to She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, yes. Yes, they do. Catra’s gone through a lot since She-Ra kicked off last season. Although she works with the Horde, that doesn’t necessarily make her evil, particularly since her motivator is validation. Given the fact she was literally raised with abuse and that’s, unfortunately, her norm, that’s understandable.
She’s dealt with physical and psychological abuse her whole life, from pretty much every high-ranking Horde officer, captain, and obviously Hordak. While we’re still nervous about Catra’s fate after Hordak left her breathless (literally), we have a hunch that Catra’s mental health and surviving abuse narrative isn’t over.
Like the slow crescendo to the Horde’s inevitable defeat, season 2 built upon the foundation of Catra’s redemption arc. However, the transitional period between her longstanding nihilistic beliefs and wherever her trajectory will take her next season is a vital part of her character development.
While we likely witnessed the awkward phase on her rise to her redemption journey, Catra had a lot of critical realizations this season. After a lifetime of trying to find validation because she’s been a victim of abuse basically since birth, this season curated some realistic representation for abuse survivors. Like Catra, survivors can be drawn back into abusive situations — whether it’s by an abusive partner, coworker, or otherwise. Showing the impact of that abuse doesn’t just show the gravity of manipulation and other emotional abuse. It starts to solidify Catra’s characterization as an anti-hero rather than just a villain.
She isn’t a misunderstood character. Her understanding of family and power in any sense of the words are just corrupt. Hopefully, she’ll learn that she doesn’t need the Horde soon.