draqua:

Thinking about Netflix’s She-Ra again today and realizing the sheer intelligence of the “Entrapta seeming to die” thing. It effectively allowed the show to have its cake & eat it: getting the dramatic story beat of a character death WITHOUT having to eliminate that character.

In terms of functionality, Entrapta’s death might as well be the real thing. It ups the tension in the plot, providing grounds for the Princesses breaking their alliance. It also affirms The Hoard as a lethal threat & that this show is ready to deal in lethal stakes.

In terms of character, since for all the heroes know Entrapta IS DEAD, this adds further motivation and (particularly in the case of Adora) a tragic loss which must be remembered, honored, and avenged.

The trick, of course, is that Entrapta is very much alive, well, and heavily embroiled in progressing the plot; along with her complicated character arc and new relationships within The Hoard. We didn’t have to lose this incredibly interesting girl for the sake of ‘a death’.