The Owl House (TV Series) Thanks to Them (2022) User Reviews

Exceeded my highest expectations

[pugpool10 · 10/10 · 16 October 2022]

I won't lie: hearing that Disney drastically shortened this show's final season felt like a stab in the heart-I mean, how could they do something like that to such a fantastic show? There's no way that Dana Terrace and her team could cram a season's worth of content into three 44-minute specials! It's unheard of!!

And yet somehow-SOMEHOW-the first of those three specials manages to pull off the impossible and pushes the boundaries of this show's unequivocally beautiful writing, animation and representation to new heights while also not forgetting what came before it. The beauty of then and now, fantasy and reality, dreams and nightmares, happiness and hurt, and youth and adulthood are phenomenally blended together in perfect harmony. And it's all paced so well.

There's a LOT I want to say about this episode, but talking about it would just spoil the experience for everyone else. This is simply a touchstone of an episode and you'd be a fool to not witness it for yourself.

Fast-paced, but not rushed

[jamesurech · 9/10 · 16 October 2022]

It's a crime that The Owl House has been cut short from a full third season, but the writers have taken every last minute they have and are giving as much of the story as they can.

If you want a comparison point to another show, this episode is basically what you would get if you took Amphibia's "The New Normal" and "Escape to Amphibia" and smashed them together, with remnants of what were the filler episodes scattered in the middle.

That is not at all a bad thing, though. This episode brings you up to speed on what a lot of characters are going through and manages to weave their web of relationships and progress the plot all in one go. A lot of things that happen probably could have been their own A or B plots in an episode, but they cover just enough of the material to make it fit in the broader narrative.

Despite the fast nature of things, nothing gets shoved in your face. Everything flows very nicely from one point to the next without getting bogged down.

The plot itself is pretty good. Lots of nice character moments and good suspense. Nothing super mind-blowing, but definitely enjoyable. Overall, a high-quality episode and a good sign for what's to come with the rest of the season.

Wow, that somehow surpassed my expectations. Thank you Dana Terrace!

[thefoochie · 9/10 · 16 October 2022]

This was a wonderful start to the final season. Since there are only going to be 3 episodes, I thought the writers would have to rush everything. Surprisingly, they were able to pace it perfectly, it had lots of plot development but also lots of slow character moments. I was worried at first, but now I'm confident that Dana Terrace will be able to wrap things up in 3 episodes, she is a genius.

We pick up right where we left off after last season's cliffhanger. I wish this part was a bit longer but I'm satisfied with what we got. Then the intro plays.... and oh my lord was it amazing. We finally got an extended version of the theme song, and the montage was just so cool. Especially the part when Luz comes out to her mom!!! Camila is just the best, every child deserves a parent like her. She's so accepting and loving.

Several months pass, and the characters have made virtually no progress on finding a way home. I have to say I'm really surprised that the show took this route. I expected the events from King's Tide to the series finale would all happen in like 3 days. I'm kind of glad there was a time skip tho, although it's now been way too long since Luz has been with Eda and King :( At least that'll mean that their reunion will be even more special.

My only complaint about this episode was that there was a noticeable lack of vee. She's just... there, but she doesn't do anything. It's a shame, cause Yesterday's Lie was one of the best episodes of the show. And she doesn't even get to come with the main cast to Boiling Isles! Come on. Other than that though, every character had fantastic moments.

Hunter and Gus share a nice bonding moment. I'm so glad these two are getting scenes together. It's cute how Gus turned Hunter into a huge fan of that comic book series. They're a lot more alike than it seems.

Camila's nightmare was just heartbreaking. We finally learn why she sent Luz off to the summer camp, and I'm really glad we saw it from her perspective. It's obvious that she didn't really wanna do it, but the principal convinces her it's a good idea. It's sad cause now we know she most likely feels bad for sending Luz away and regrets all of her decisions. Someone give this woman a giant hug! Fortunately Luz wakes her up from the nightmare. She admits that she's feeling guilty too, but Camila is able to make her feel better.

While looking for Belos, Hunter also shares a touching moment with Luz. When she told him "you're part of the family now" I almost teared up. Hunter needed to hear that so badly. She is just the best, such a great friend.

But the character moments aren't even the best part of the episode. The climax is just insane! Hunter's slow progression into turning into Belos was downright terrifying, especially for a Y-7 show. I was so worried that Belos would take over completely, thankfully Hunter is able to fight back.

Even though the fight was short, it was still great. It's justifiably tame since Luz didn't wanna hurt Hunter. I'm sure the final fight with Belos will be absolutely incredible.

After the fight, Belos escapes Hunter's body and uses the Titan blood to enter the boiling Isles. And then we get the saddest part of the episode. Flapjack sacrifices itself to save Hunter's life. I'm literally tearing up as I'm writing this review. I'll miss that lil birb.

Then everyone- except for vee >:( - enters the portal. Even Camila decides to tag along, which was expected but it still made me so happy. I can't wait for her to meet Eda and King, I can already tell their scenes together are going to be awesome.

Overall, this was an absolutely incredible episode. It had a perfect blend of plot advancement and character moments, and a mix of comedy and drama. I cannot wait for the next one. 9/10. Thank you to everyone involved in this show, it makes me so happy to watch and it always brightens my day.

:0

[trevorfrash · 10/10 · 16 October 2022]

The more I think about it the more I think that this episode probably couldn't have been handled any other way. I have no doubt in my mind that if season 3 was allowed the full 21 or 22 episodes then the show would've expanded on these points that it brings up here but that being said the show pretty exceptionally starts it's final act. Everyone gets a really great moment of scree time and it seems like the writing staff was really trying to give everyone a lot to do. There's really funny moments but a lot more moments of heart and drama. Again everything moves pretty fast but the characters have a lot to go through and work with and it really sets up a great start to a 3 part finale. If anyone on the show is reading , which I assume you aren't but if you are then ~ Can't wait for the next part ! I'll Keep up the great work ! ( also thank you for all the nonbinary and queer characters !!! )

Grief & Misplacement

[FefetaLeixes · 10/10 · 16 October 2022]

Grief affects us in different ways.

Above anything, I think this special is about grief and the way all of our protagonists deal with it. They're dealing with different types of grief, grief for different things, but they're all experiencing it. For the most part this is a meditative, quiet journey through a small Connecticut town in autumn. It's a reflection of all that's been lost over the summer months. There's death in the leaves. The way the light shines through the darkness not in the oversaturated hues it used to in the past, but through darker, more solemn tones. It's a masterpiece in reflection. There's funny or silly moments here, yes, but they're often spawned from the unbearable horror of being misplaced in space. Being separated from your home and not knowing when you'll be back or IF you'll be back. Despite all of the love everyone has for each other, there's still always grief. There's still always a further step.

Flapjack is unironically my favorite character. I'm biased towards cute birds, what can I say. I wasn't expecting him to actually die. I'm glad he did, in the sense of "this is narratively satisfying and emotionally devastating." May he be remembered always as the best palisman.

And right after his death, everyone seems to move on. A more cynical take would be to say that the characters don't have enough time to grieve and they move on too fast, but I want to leave you with a question.

Is there ever really enough time to grieve?

A perfect way to start the beginning of the end!

[Stackattack456 · 10/10 · 19 October 2022]

This episode is nothing short of perfection. Even though Disney cut the final season short, this episode felt perfectly paced considering the amount of story that is needed to conclude the series. It is a perfect start to the final season and did a beautiful job of fleshing out Luz and Camila's relationship as a single loving mother who cares deeply for her daughter. Camila seeing Luz's past diary entries was an extremely emotional moment. We get to see a different side of Luz throughout this episode and how she dealt with the grief of her father. Hunter also got a beautiful amount of time to shine, talking about feeling like he finally belonged somewhere. Flapjack sacrificing themselves for him was yet another very emotional scene. This is without a doubt not only the best episode in the show but one of the best episodes I have ever seen in any show period. Masterpiece.

The best episode

[ewe-99138 · 10/10 · 21 October 2022]

This episode is the best thing I have ever watched. I loved it so much but I'm also sad that this is part of the end.

The start and the intro is wow and I don't know why but I really hoping/looking forward to if Hunter and Gus will get together cause they are got together.

And I cried my eyes out when flapjack sacrificed him self to save hunter

I would love for this season to gets it episodes it's deserves but for right now the best kick off episode ever.

And can't wait for the next - I have high expectations and really massive high expectations for the third and final episode of the series so please don't let me/us down.

Great episode

[retanamaggie · 9/10 · 10 January 2023]

This episode was even better than I expected. When I found out The Owl House was being shortened I was so heartbroken. But, this episode made me feel a bit better.

One of my favorite scenes is when Hunter and Luz are in the cabin(?) and Luz says "You're family now." and Hunter starts crying. It made me so sad but it was so good and heartwarming. I also really like the scene where Hunter gets possessed, that was cool as hell (but a bit heartbreaking).

Now, time to discuss my favorite scene, the video diary scene. I resonate with Luz so much. As a neurodivergent latina who almost lost their dad, I relate to her a lot. And the scene where Camila has the nightmare was so sad as well. Me and my mom are a lot like Camila and Luz. Also, in the video diary scene, this has nothing to do with what I just said, but I spotted a Steven Universe jacket and a Coraline jacket in Luz's closet!!

.....It Just Gets Better.

[The_Coffee_Frog · 10/10 · 5 April 2023]

As a huge fan of 'Gravity Falls', I have been excited to check out 'The Owl House' from its announced, considering, it was created by 'Gravity Falls' alumni, Dana Terrace, I believe that I have been watching live since around the beginning of season two, I liked season one, but it felt lacking, to a degree, but it definitely improved during its run, season two was better once again, but I felt like it lacked "Gravity Falls'" genius, which is fine, it's its own show, just because some of the same creative team worked on the two doesn't mean that it has to be as good. However, the second half of season two then premiered, and while it still contained some of my prior problems, it was creeping up to 'Gravity Falls' levels of quality, particularly in episodes like 'Hollow Mind' and 'King's Tide', then, the third and sadly final season's premiere episode arrived, 'Thanks to Them' picking up from season two's cliffhanger, and it was incredible.

This episode managed to have everything I wanted the series to be, the story, characters, humour and animation felt like they were functioning on their highest level.

A truly spectacular episode that has me excited for what's to come, but sad as there isn't much left.

Second Time Rewatch

[PublicPenguin · 9/10 · 15 April 2023]

With the season being shortened to 3 episodes instead of the 10 - 20 originally expected, there was lots of speculation as to how the creative team would be able to tell the complete story in such a short amount of time. Thankfully this episode delivered on most of the fan's expectations. Season 2 ended with Luz and her friends being stranded on earth while destruction was happening back at their home. The episode continues right where that left off and has a short montage showing the passage of time as they try to find a way back to The Boiling Isles. I really enjoyed it and as everyone has pointed out, it had many scenes that were clearly meant to be full length episodes but were instead included here, which is nice. As a fan I would have liked to see Luz interact with the group more as she's very distant from them for the entire episode. Especially Vee as she basically acted as Camila's daughter while Luz was gone and it feels like a missed opportunity that their relationship wasn't developed more on screen. But I understand that it was in order to show her feeling like she's let everyone down and is responsible for their current situation. The confrontation with Belos taking control of Hunter was very well animated, and in a way was foreshadowing for the final episode.

Not perfect, but still full of the Owl House's heart.

[jordanamooney · 6/10 · 16 October 2022]

That fight scene animation was top notch. Best we've had since Spencer Wan left the crew. Astounding.

The death of Flapjack was surprisingly emotional and the look at Luz and Camila is some of the best character story we've seen in the entire show - which has usually been extremely soft/surface level compared to the other 'big' Disney series. It's one of the first time that their dynamic has felt so natural and fluid, especially with the diaries and Camila's own motivation. Saying that, it's fairly obvious a ton of content has been stuffed into meet the new limited schedule, and our relationships with the characters have suffered because of it.

The idea of the show taking place in the Human Realm was a pretty uninteresting one to start with - fish out of water plots are dull, dull, dull - but to see the characters so comfortable, adjusted and just plain 'existing' in this entirely new world felt really jarring, lost a lot of the dynamic and really hit hard on the Lumity aspect of the show, which felt incredibly shallow compared to the rest of the show so far, where it's conversely been one of the biggest consistently engaging themes.

Gravesfield, so far, feels more fully featured than a lot of the Boiling Isles - but it also feels far too weird for Luz to 'not fit in', especially with no many similarly eclectic teenage characters - which starts to make the story teeter more and makes the big idea of 'finding a place to fit in' a bit odd. So she's living in one of the spookiest, most haunted places in the state but isn't able to fit in? I dunno.

I was surprised by the literal six-minute-exposition-bulge-intro which really just proved how much the show is missing out in order to bring the story. And that's fine - but some of these scenes could be so beautifully written out rather than the silent musical cue. Things like the rain scene would have been more engaging than seeing it all stuffed into this six minute scene. The coming-out scene felt like such a fierce compromise it was more irritating than empowering.

Ultimately, I'm really, really glad we got these things - but were these scenes really less valuable than, say, the giraffe scene? It's not so much that it detracts from this particular product, but it's an irritating 'what if' I really wish we could have seen more fleshed out.

The other side is that here the stakes felt great, the mum-daughter dynamic felt fantastic and the mystery / Wittebane stuff felt like it was really hitting the nail on the head. The possession stuff was all exciting goodness, the exploration felt great - but it still feels like we're really feeling that compromise hard in the actual storytelling on the show. Which just feels like a sign of how much great stuff we're really missing thanks to the higher-ups at Disney HQ.