By Ben Wright (@iamzavagno | www.xgeeks.co.uk)
This review is spoiler-free.
The Dragon Prince Season 5 takes to the seas, delivering a breathtaking and satisfying next phase of this beloved animated fantasy saga!
Continuing the tradition of its predecessors, Season 5 flawlessly weaves together intricate character arcs and elaborate world-building. The growth of each character is palpable as they face moral dilemmas and personal demons and make decisions that resonate with authenticity. One of the standout aspects of this season is its ability to tackle complex themes with nuance and sensitivity. From discussions of power, destiny, and sacrifice to explorations of friendship, love, and the grey areas between good and evil. Without giving away spoilers, it can be said that the narrative resolutions feel earned and satisfying, providing closure to some key storylines while leaving room for the next stage of the overarching story.
Visually, Season 5 is an absolute masterpiece! The animation reaches new heights, showcasing breathtaking landscapes, thrilling battle sequences, and magical moments that leave you in awe. With the show swapping the land for the sea, things get really creative and this new nautical approach to the visual style and the storytelling gives the show a re-energising glow. I love how they are moving towards a sea-based story and environment, and they produce one of the greatest ship concepts I have ever witnessed! If this is the new direction the show is heading, Season 6 will be much stronger for it!
The cast of The Dragon Prince is once again in top form with Paula Burrows (Rayla) leading the charge alongside Sasha Rojen (Ezran) and Jack DeSena (Callum). Jason Simpson (Viren) brings a level of complexity and gravitas to his role that elevates all of the scenes he is a part of. Erik Todd Dellums (Aaravos) and Racquel Belmonte (Claudia) also have their great moments to shine in the series, and their continued contributions to the show make it stronger for their inclusion.
In terms of the negatives? One of the criticisms from last season was some of the pacing, and again, I think that is a valid observation, and we do see a repeat of this issue. It felt like they needed to figure out how to wind down elements of the Aaravos arc, with one eye on the new destination. With that being said, it wasn’t detrimental to the overall season.
With its rich storytelling, imaginative animation, and thought-provoking themes, The Dragon Prince Season 5 is another impressive outing for this Netflix hidden gem!
X-Geeks 