REFRESHING.
In preparation for Hilda's second season, I decided to watch one of my (and another friend's) favourite episodes. Season 2 has me so hyped! Let's hope it's as good (or even better) than Season 1.
I'm delighted to see Hilda back in the wilderness. She's been in Trolberg for most of the season, so it's nice to return to the mysterious and unpredictable nature of its inhabitants. Somehow, being there is nostalgic, even though I've never lived there. It's nice.
But above all the forest giants and elves, my favourite wilderness character is Woodman, and he's still as charming & deadpan hilarious as usual. I also love his back and forth with Hilda. His selfish and unsympathetic nature contrast well with Hilda's kind and sympathetic heart. But by the episode's end, he shows genuine compassion.
Hilda: "I guess Trolberg is my home now."
Wood Man: "Well, obviously. For now anyway. And someday your home may be somewhere else. But that doesn't mean you leave your other homes behind. The wilderness will always be a part of who you are. That's why we're such good friends."
Hilda: "We are?"
Wood Man: "Repeating myself makes me anxious. I'll stop by next time I'm in town. Make sure you do the same. Just walk on in."
Anikka, the song that plays during the evening montage and end credits, was so calming. I'm in love with the gentle strums of the guitar and the whistling. It makes me want to huddle by a fire with a cup of hot chocolate on a cold Winter's day.
Chapter 11: The House in the Woods is endearing, fun, and very ominous. It consists of Trolberg, the wilderness and all my favourite characters, which makes for a balanced and heartfelt episode. Showing the journey to & from Trolberg helps connect the two places well, and reminds the audience—not just Hilda—that despite living in a bustling city, the wilderness is still out there.
TECHNICAL SCORE & ENJOYMENT SCORE: 8/10
I needed this like the air I breathe
This was an especially lovely episode that made me feel wistful! I loved the concept of the cabin in the woods, and how it was reminiscent of Escher's works. I also liked the things Hilda learned about the concept of home and family along the way. Other things I appreciated were the gambling elves, the forest giant (especially his design and humor), the elf mail system, the objects drawn in the house, the whistling tune playing certain Wood Man scenes, and just everything Wood Man. The ending made me feel so warm inside!
This episode is beautiful.
An episode about home. It's not about the possessions or the place; it's about the people. Wherever Hilda's friends or family are, that's her home. People leave homes and make new ones. But they never really leave those old homes behind. It's a part of who you are. This episode is beautiful. And when that song plays, it's magical.
When Raven showed up, I thought it was a deus ex machina. But Raven had his reasons to be there, so I'll let it slide. Alfur some cool moments. Raven did too. We got to see more of Woodman and the wilderness. It's was refreshing. This episode reminded me why I love Hilda (the series and her) so much. Simple stories set in a beautiful world with beautiful characters and animation.
7.5/10
Shout by ⋆｡°✩BlockedParent2023-09-20T22:21:14Z
home is wherever mum is