The second half of the first season of Kevin Smith's continuation of the "Masters of the Universe" story arrives with a lot less fanfare, and controversy, that the initial half did back in the summer. I thought the first half was alright, nice to look at and with some good performances, but with a mediocre story and script. Generally, I think I feel about he same about the second half.
With the worst having come to pass, and Skeletor (Mark Hamill) now controlling the Power Sword and the godlike powers of Castle Greyskull, Prince Adam (Chris Wood) is left to do the unthinkable and call forth the power onto himself, without the conduit of the sword. Transformed into a hulking Neanderthal version of He-Man, he manages to remove Skeletor from the castle, but, operating on pure emotion, is unable or unwilling, to give up the power.
This second half is a tighter story than the first and less episodic in nature. Indeed, it's more like one long fight scene at times, as various characters battle for ultimate control of Castle Greyskull. Again, it looks really good and again the vocal performances are strong. Particularly in this second half, focus is on Lena Headey's Evil-Lyn character and she absolutely kills it.
I would say that I felt the ending got a bit too esoteric for my taste. I'm still not really sure of the significance of the centre of the universe plot and a few of the "everything's just chaos" and "staring into the void" business felt like basic philosophy lessons, when really I just want my cartoon man to hit the cartoon skeleton with his sword.
There are some really cool references though and some neat jokes, and I like the idea we might be doing a variation on Hordak in season two. Though generally still 'fine', rather than 'amazing', I'll be back for more.