Winx Club 3x09: The Heart and the Sword
Jan. 30th, 2008 06:45 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
spiderbraidsPreviously on Winx Club, Sky invited Bloom to his party, and unlike a certain other princess' ball, most of the Specialists were in attendance as well. Valtor saw an opportunity to take Bloom out of the picture, and decided to give Diaspro a potion, which she then slipped into Sky's drink. Sky then announced that he was planning to spend the rest of life with Diaspro instead of Bloom, and as if Bloom's broken heart wasn't enough, the party soon turned into madness when Sky ordered the guards to arrest the Winx after Diaspro told him that they were witches. Speaking of parties getting crashed, Stella's stepmother-to-be Cassandra and her daughter Chimera also attended the party, and Stella was already dreading having to save Chimera. Darling, you have no idea how much better things would be between you two (and for us) if you did have to save her. Then again, nor do we get to find out: Stella saved her father from a dragon while Cassandra took off with her daughter, and now there are two Winx girls with their Enchantix. One of whom will be mostly absent this week, I might add...
Between Stella's party then and the whole witches deal now, you'd think that Bloom would think that there was some dark magic in play where Sky is concerned. But as we open at Alfea, Bloom is wandering around aimlessly. We hear a "There she is" as Kiko jumps out from the bushes. Take a good look at the bunny, because you won't be seeing too much of him this season.
Bloom: "Hey Kiko! A big hug for me? I know you love me Kiko, even if no one else does."
Stella pops out of the bushes: "We love you too Bloom, we love you very, very, much."
And after see the other girls (minus Layla, but you'll see her later, MUCH later) peeking out from behind the bush, Stella hugs Bloom and knocks Kiko out of her arms. Yeah, that's typical for Kiko this season.
Flora: "Did you order breakfast in the park?"
Bloom: "Breakfast?"
Flora snaps her fingers, and the girls' bonded pixies come out. Amore conjures up a picnic blanket. Piff conjures up a basket with chips and other things. Chatta conjures up croissants, and Digit conures up some fruit. Lockette: "The service is really quite efficient here." Tune pops in to tie a hanky around Bloom's shoulders, and Stella provides the finishing touch by conjuring a vase of flowers and turning Kiko into a waiter. Seriously.
Bloom appreciates their gesture, but she's still sulking over what Sky did to her. Next thing you know, we see that Kiko has eaten the whole picnic except the fruit. Everyone has a good laugh.
A time lapse panning shot heads into Faragonda's window at night where FG is magiconferencing with the heads of the other schools. Hello, heads of the other schools.
FG: "We can't take any risks. I've already had magical shields installed to protect Alfea."
Sal: "That's smart. Valtor is a threat to the entire dimension. It won't be long before he attacks one of our schools. We have to be ready for him."
Grif: "If we only knew where and when."
FG: "Valtor is unpredictable, ambitious and evil, and there are no limits to the power he seeks."
Sal and Grif seem pretty shocked as FG continues: "And now that he knows Bloom is at Alfea, he is bound to come here seeking revenge... revenge against the daughter of those who defeated him a long time ago."
And without skipping a beat, we head over to the next scene, where FG conjures up a scroll: "The magic formulas contained in this parchment might be Alfea's only chance of survival." We cut to the table, where we see that the Griz, Palladium, WizGiz, and Avalon are attending this little meeting. Except for the Griz, don't expect too much of them this season either.
FG: "This is our school's greatest treasure, and Valtor will stop at nothing to get it. And that's not all. He has already attacked other worlds in the magical dimension. Andros has been hit very hard. And then there's a story you don't know. Something that links me with Valtor."
She heads over to a conveniently placed magiprojector, and then re-relays the story of the Company of Light, pretty much as she told it to Bloom a few weeks ago, replete with the shadow puppets. Blah blah blah.
WizGiz, on Val: "Now that he's on the loose, not only would he try to go after you, but he might go after Bloom too."
FG: "Add to that the powerful spells in our archives."
Palladium: "And we're better to be ready to defend ourselves."
FG holds up her scroll: "This scroll contains magical defense spells which we can use to protect our school. The time has come to release its power, and build our defenses around Alfea."
The teachers hold their hands in a circle, as FG recites the incantation: "Mighty daylight, crescents of moon, against evil, shield our school." With that, a new shield comes out over Alfea, as we fade to the next morning where FG is reading letters. She hears a knock and tells whoever it is to come in. It's the Griz, and she says that some students' parents are here, and they'd like to have a word with FG.
And here they are. Some dad finds Bloom's presence at Alfea a matter of great concern, especially after the party on Eraklyon. FG finds their concern unfounded, and adds: "We're still trying to figure out what happened on Eraklyon, but the fact is Bloom is one of our best students, and she is an honest and very trustworthy girl. And I guarantee you, there is no truth to the rumor that's she's connected to Valtor." But mom wants to ensure that everyone's daughters are studying in a safe environment and dad asks FG to remove Bloom. FG is quite shocked at this.
Meanwhile, we pan over to the dorms, where Bloom is crying into her pillow, and (more importantly) still unaware of the possibility that dark magic may have been in play on Eraklyon: "Why did Sky betray me?" Lockette shows up to conjure a hanky: "I know it's hard, but we're all here for you." Bloom takes the hanky: "I'd never have guessed that anything would hurt this much." Lockette: "You'll feel better soon. You'll see." Stella knocks and opens the door, and comes in with Musa, who tells Bloom that FG's called a meeting, which no doubt has something to do with that little PTA meeting.
Auditorium. We see the Winx and other random girls filing in as FG informs the students about Val's escape from the Omega Dimension. Some random girl asks if they're in danger, and although they're okay for the moment, FG says that they could well be a target. FG tells the students to be vigilant and report anything suspicious. FG also adds that Val might be seeking revenge, as he has an old score to settle with herself and Bloom. Naturally, the students gasp. We're shown a shot of the parents who were talking to FG earlier as she mentions them and their request to remove Bloom from Alfea. Bloom looks shocked. FG: "I've thought it over thoroughly, and I've come to a decision, the only one possible." We see the parents looking smug, pretty sure that FG will kowtow to their demands.
FG: "I have no choice... but to TURN DOWN their request. Bloom will be staying here at Alfea."
The Winx (as well as the other students) are jubilant over this development, while the two parents are indignant. Goodbye, concerned parents!
FG: "I know you well, my girls, and I trust you. You are brave, and would not hesitate to defend your school, or a friend in trouble. And I want you all to know, that should any one of you here ever find yourself in danger, we would all without exception be there for you. So, we will stand by Bloom. If some of the parents cannot live with this, and would rather withdraw their daughters from the school, they may do so. When they are ready to return, Alfea's doors will be wide open."
But then Bloom stands up, and this can't be good.
Bloom: "I didn't realize I was causing so much trouble. If I really am a danger to Alfea, maybe I should leave."
Musa and Tecna gasp as Stella says: "Come on Bloom. You know how parents are. (in old guy voice) 'Wear a hat or you'll catch a cold!' They worry way too much about everything."
Musa: "Yeah! Forget about it."
Bloom: "Thanks, girls, but maybe it'd be better if I did leave the school for a while."
Flora: "No, Bloom! Don't do that!"
Bloom: "Just for a while Flora, or at least until things have cooled off with Valtor. Actually, I think I'll go back to Gardenia. Family time's always good for you."
And with that, we're back in Gardenia for the first time since everyone bar Tecna and Flora took an unauthorized trip to Earth to dance, shop, and in Bloom's case, give Vanessa her support at the trial of those guys who burned down her flower shop. Instead of the usual pan past the "Welcome to Gardenia" sign, we get a fully CG establishing shot of Gardenia (well, the area around her home anyway), before we see Bloom walking down the streets of Gardenia. A song plays in the background: "I won't ask for more / Just hold me for one more day / Pretend you'll always be by my side / I won't ask for more / I'll give you my love and care / I'll prove there's no one else I adore / It's just too hard to bear..." As the song plays, Bloom sees a couple walking on the street, and then has a flashback to when she first saw Sky, and then when she walked with Sky and his dog (HUH. Whatever happened to his dog?) on the eve of her simulator exams. Then she sees a couple kissing on a street corner and turns away in disgust. I should note that 4K replaced the kissing couple with grafitti saying "Love Conquers All"...
Interspersed with Bloom looking sad, we see flashbacks to when she used her Dragonfire to revive Sky during the Trix's successful attack on Red Fountain, Sky and Bloom standing outside the castle after rescuing Diaspro, Sky and Bloom holding hands at the end of first year party, and Sky and Bloom kissing at the end of the second year. We see her sad at seeing other couples showing their love in the open, as the lyrics go "It's just too hard to bear." And indeed, it is. We see flashbacks to Sky and Bloom dancing at both Stella's and Sky's parties. It's now clear why Bloom is leaving school for a while, and it has nothing to do with the safety issues that Valtor's little grudge is causing. It's that she's very upset over Sky.
And now, Bloom is home, where Vanessa gives her some green tea. Hey, where I live, you would not believe the amount of bottled green tea you can find on the market here, but I digress.
Vanessa: "Sweetie, I know how you feel, what with everything that's happened with Sky. Maybe you should talk to him and try to figure things out."
Bloom: "He loves Diaspro. He's ALWAYS loved her. He's been playing me for a fool the whole time!... What else is there to figure out? Everything's pretty clear..."
Uh, the possibility that dark magic just might be in play here? Hello??? You spend much of the year in a world populated with witches, fairies, and quite a few wizards. Your boyfriend was promising to announce his relationship to you with his whole world one day, and announced his relationship to someone he's said before that he doesn't love anymore the next, while accusing you of being a witch. Connect the dots, redhead. Surely something's not right here?
V: "But knowing why he did it might help you feel better. If he's the same Sky who saved you from Darkar's magic, then something very serious must have happened to explain why he changed so much."
At this point, we're treated to a flashback to the previous season finale. We see Sky talking to Bloom. We see Bloom glowing, and turning back into Light Bloom. We see her with the crystal she was summoning for Darkar, and then we see her coming down and hugging Sky, with the others looking on.
V: "You never know honey. It might just be that HE'S the one that needs your help. In any case you have the right to know. Demand some answers." Geez mom, just cut the crap and tell her that Sky might be under a spell or something.
And then Mike comes in. Hello, dad! :-)
V: "Never give up, Bloom, especially when your feelings are at stake. Sky should explain his actions. In fact, insist that he does." Okay, seriously, what kind of writing are we dealing with here? Vanessa knows about the Darkar dealie, but doesn't suspect that something similar might have happened with Sky? 4Kids for the win, in this particular instance.
Mike: "Well, I can't tell whether this Sky guy is a prince or a jerk, but I have half a mind to teach him a lesson for treating you like that!"
Mike kisses Bloom on the forehead. Bloom: "No matter how bad things get, or how lonely I feel, I know I can always count on my mom and dad." She thanks them before embracing them. Aww...
(For comparison, here's some 4K dialog that shows the parents being more, shall we say, intuitive:
4K Vanessa: "I don't know much about spells honey, but isn't it true that a person doesn't know what they're doing when they're under one? Isn't that what happened when Lord Darkar put you under a spell and Sky saved you? It may be time to put pride aside, and help your friend."
4K Mike: "Normally guys who act like that need to get the heave-ho. But in this case I think you and Sky have true love, and that's worth fighting for." (kisses forehead)
Like I said, 4K for the win.)
Back at Alfea. Stella is in her room and dialing Brandon on her phone. She hasn't heard from Brandon in days, and suspects that he's dealing with Sky, but she's still wondering why he doesn't even make occasional calls or pick up the phone. And then Brandon calls. Heh.
So, Brandon's already talked to Sky on Eraklyon, and he has a theory, but he wants Stella to confirm it. He says he'll call later. Stella wants details, but he tells her "Just be patient" before hanging up. This doesn't please Stella too much...
Eraklyon palace. Brandon walks around a bunch of static extras, as we see King Erendor annoucing the arrival of Diaspro of Eraklyon. Sky: "You're radiant, as usual." Erendor announces his son's engagement and the crowd goes wild. Sky: "Protocol announces a longer courtship, but we really couldn't wait to share the news with all of you." Brandon looks flabbergasted, while Diaspro looks smug.
Stella's room! Stella is with Tecna, and Tecna is watching the announcement of the engagement on her palmtop. Stella's quite teed off, and Tecna points out that it's the biggest story on the Realm Wide Web. I think that's the first time that's been mentioned in this dub. Now see if you can catch the dialog error here. I'll drop a nice subtle hint ;-)
Stella: "Bloom will be totally devastated when she finds out. I don't want to tell her but she needs to know, I mean Stella's my best friend, I've got to do it."
Spotted it yet? ;-)
Bloom's house, where Vanessa is vacuuming and Mike's reading the paper. And a bright light suddenly appearing in the room can only mean one thing: Stella arriving via her scepter-ring. Stella apologises for dropping in, before saying she's worried aboutStellaBloom. Vanessa understands of course, so next we see Vanessa opening the door and telling Bloom she has a visitor. I should note that Bloom is at her drawing table, which was one of the very first things we saw in the first episode. Anyways, Bloom is totally indifferent (given that scene with her parents, you'd think she'd be a bit more chipper), and we see Stella dramatically saying "Something happened", and then the two girls sorta-embracing through the window outside her room. Aww...
And now, Bloom's making an announcement to her adopted parents: "I'm going back to Alfea. I'm going to face Sky, and Diaspro too if I must. If I have to lose Sky, I want to know why, and I want to hear it from him." Stella: "That's the spirit Bloom! You go girl." Mike: "You know what, sweetheart? He might be a prince, but I really wouldn't want to be in Sky's shoes right now."
HEH!
Alfea! The other girls (again, minus Layla) come out to greet Stella and Bloom. Tecna hugs Bloom. Stella: "Told you she wouldn't be able to stay away from us for long :-)" Cut to girls walking in the quad, and we hear that Bloom wants to leave as soon as possible.
Tecna: "There's only one problem, though. In order for us to get back, you'll have to go through the protective shield, which is activated at 8pm sharp."
Flora: "That's not good."
Tecna: "But don't worry. Digit and I modified a field distortion device with variable frequency energy."
Stella: "Translation, please?"
Heh. Tec/Musa's room, and we see a turtle shaped device on the table. Hello, field distortion device thingy.
Tecna: "This marvel of magitechnology will create a breach in the shield big enough for you go get through without problem."
Stella: "Nice. Are you sure it works?"
Tecna doesn't look so sure that it does. But since when has anything Tecna done ever not worked? :-)
Bloom: "Well, we'll find out when we get back. For now, let's just go."
Musa explains the plan: "Riven is going to fly us there in one of their ships. Upon arrival, he'll create a diversion so we can sneak in undetected."
Tecna: "And I'll be standing by, ready to create an opening in the shield when you get back. I'd really like to come with you, but I think I'll be more useful if I stay here." Hmm, that's another U-turn from the S2 Tecna, from when she had to be told that she was more useful staying behind at Alfea for the pixie rescue mission.
Bloom: "Thanks for what you're doing Tecna."
Stella finally gives us an explanation for Layla's absence so far: "Layla is on Andros, so it's just the four of us. It'll make it easier to sneak in."
(Imagines Layla at her dad's palace transforming into her new outfit for her parents: "Dad, Mom, look at this new fairy outfit I got. And check out these new nifty powers.")
Alfea quad. They see the Griz. Musa tells them that they need an excuse for her, and Stella conjures up some picnic goodies for Flora and Musa to carry. The Griz reminds the girls of the curfew and shield thing as they walk past. And then a RF ship drops in.
Riven: "I uh... I hope I didn't keep you girls waiting :-)"
Griz: "An interrealm ship for a picnic??? Might I ask where you intend to go?"
Stella: "Oh, not far, because we feel lazy today. Do you ever feel that way?"
Griz: "Hmph!"
And we're off.
Riven: "Hey, girls. You know what, I wonder how I ended up being the one going on this mission with you."
Musa: "'Cause I asked you maybe?"
Riven: "Or 'cause I like impossible odds. Bloom, let me give you some advice. Don't get your hopes up okay? Sky could probably refuse to see you and, he'll be within his rights."
Bloom: "You're taking his side???"
Riven: "I'm only being practical here. You can't force someone to love you, and you can't insist on an explanation."
This knocks Bloom down a peg. Musa: ":-\ Thanks Riven, you're being real supportive :-/"
Zoom! Over on Eraklyon, Diaspro doesn't like Sky's jacket: "It's not suitable for an engagement party." Tailor: "But princess. It was you who chose the cotton, the fabric, just a few days ago..." Di: "Yes, but TODAY I don't like it. This is a major party and Sky MUST look perfect. Right, sweetie?" Sky: "Yes, I must look perfect, exactly as you wish :-)" Di: "It will be unforgettable."
Well, I have a hard time believing how much of a fashionist you are, Diaspro, considering that you're wearing the same dress from last week... Honestly, between that and last week's recycling of party dresses, did the clothing designers people just give up this season? Enchantix notwithstanding, of course...
Anyways, the guards come in and inform that the palace is on high alert because an unauthorized ship has landed in the area. The guard recommends for Di and Sky to follow them. Di runs off with the guard, while Sky looks out the window. Of course, it's the RF ship from earlier, and Sky wonders what it's doing here.
The guards run on the RF ship, and that's the cue for the girls. The girls run off to the palace, while the guards come to see Riven casually reading a magazine. Riven: "Don't tell me, this is a no parking zone? :-)"
HEH. The girls sneak around. Bloom ducks to avoid being seen by guards. Eventually, they're at Sky's room.
Bloom: "Hey Sky. Do you have a minute for me?"
Sky: "I don't know how you got in here, but you must leave IMMEDIATELY."
Bloom: "First, I need to talk to you Sky. I need to find out what happened. You said you loved me, and I thought it was true! But then you made the announc..."
Sky: "Well, you're very much mistaken Bloom! I've always loved Diaspro, and I DON'T want to hear one more word YOU WITCH!"
Meanwhile, Diaspro is walking around with the guards: "This must never happen again. How dare you interrupt the royal fitting for a false alarm! I don't care about your excuses. The king's guards should be able to tell a real danger from a false alarm." She opens the door... and finds the Winx.
Diaspro: "The Winx???"
Bloom: "We came to congratulate you on your engagement." HEH!
Di: "Guards, seize them!"
Flora casts a spell on a conveniently placed potted plant: "Watch your step :-)"
The guards trip up on the suddenly grown stems as the girls run off. While the girls are running, Brandon (hiding in a side corridor) pulls Stella aside. Stella is very glad to see him, as the others head back to the side corridor for Stella.
Brandon: "I was going to call you later tonight, but I'm glad to see you. I snuck in here to talk to Sky, but Diaspro never leaves him alone, not for a minute."
The guards come, and Brandon decides to take them on, as the girls run off down the hall.
Knight room. The girls enter, and Sky is on a balcony right above them: "So girls, where we we? It might have been easy for you to get in here, but it won't be so easy getting out." Stella: "I'm sorry Sky, but you asked for it. Enchantix!"
Stella stretches her arms out, and cue Stella's new nifty transformation, with that nice kiss. Stella takes off and releases a shower of fairy dust she calls Magic Rainbow. It seems to be forming a barrier around Sky, but he breaks free of it quite easily: "Is that the best you can do???" Sky chases the non-transformed girls with his sword, before eventually getting hit with a fireball, apparently, from a non-transformed Bloom: "I don't want to fight you Sky, I just want to talk to you. If that is what you really want, I will get out of your life." Sky grabs an ax from a knight suit: "You're ALREADY out of my life!" Enchantix Stella decides that that's enough and shoots a sunball at ax-wielding Sky, knocking him clear into some more knight suits.
Bloom is agape, because the left sleeve of that nice jacket Di made for Sky has ripped open to reveal Val's mark on his shoulder. As Stella says, that explains everything. Took long enough for you to finally get it, eh Bloom?
The girls decide to transform. Insert regular Winx transformations here.
Bloom: "I should have realized it sooner."
Me: "No sh!t, Bloom..." (This is right up there with Val's "I don't think we'll ever be friends" bit as far as understatements go.)
Bloom (cont'd): "Only a spell could make him change like that."
Musa: "And it's not hard to figure out who put the spell on him. It had to be Diaspro."
Sky: "Don't you dare say her name!"
Musa: "We can't fight him. What we need to do is break the spell using our fairy dust."
And you do remember way back when FG was introducing the fairies to this new transformation, she also mentioned fairy dust as being among the new powers, right? So... Enchantix Stella: "That's where I come in." (And she flexes her arm rather cutely when she says this :-) )
She hovers down in front of Sky, and the star jewel on her chest glows. And we get to see the jewel in detail as it releases a bottle, and we then see Stella drawing a star outline with the bottle. Ladies and gentlemen, fairy dust. (I will confess that when writing up the summary for the episode, I just fast forwarded through the bottle part. Apparently, 4K had the same idea. And showing Stella drawing the star outline is actually MORE than they generally show of the bottles.)
The dust rains down on Sky, and you can tell that it's very potent. We see Val's mark disappear, and it appears that Sky's back to normal. Bloom goes over to Sky as Musa notes that Val's mark is gone... as Diaspro enters the knight room with guards she's ordering to arrest them.
The girls fly out the window towards Riven's signal. We see Di at the window as the RF ship flies off.
Di: "You haven't heard the last of me Bloom... Sky will be mine."
Meanwhile, over at some other balcony, Brandon crashes through a window, and the guards corner him into surrendering.
8pm. Back at Alfea, the Griz checks her watch and puts up the barrier.
RF ship. We see that the girls are still transformed, and Bloom and Stella are worrying about their boyfriends:
Bloom: "I hope Sky will be able to break free of Diaspro..."
Stella: "Well, I hope Brandon is okay too. We left them there, and if something should happen to him... I could never forgive myself."
Okay, so now they're approaching Alfea, so Riven's recommmending them to contact Tecna to see if everything is ready.
Tecna and Digit's room. We see Tec's palmtop flashing. Fairy Flora tells Tec that they're ready to try out that nifty device of hers. As we see Digit attaching the device to the shield, Tecna explains:
Tecna: "Okay. Listen to me carefully. The hole of the shield will be there for just a few seconds. As soon as Digit switches on the device, you'll receive the coordinates. Don't miss the target, you'll only get one chance."
Digit: "Distortion device activated."
Display tells us they have 30 seconds, as Riven gets the coordinates, and does the proper adjustments.
We see the hole open over Alfea, and Riven says that the ship won't fit in the hole so they'll have to fly themselves. Display is down to 11 seconds and counting.
Riven: "There you are, right at the doorstep." Display says 5 seconds and counting.
The girls take off, as Riven says "Girls, it was a pleasure." Heh. Stella, Flora and Musa streak through the hole, with 3 seconds and counting.
Bloom aims straight for the hole as the last seconds tick away. The hole shrinks, and the barrier apparently catches Bloom's ankles/fairyboots, such that Bloom doesn't have a smooth landing like everyone else.
The lights go on, and Musa realizes Bloom's fairyboots have just landed everyone in big trouble. Griz: "Welcome back. Congratulations on your little stunt! What you've done is very serious... By tampering with the protective shield, you've weakened it. For that you will be severely punished." As Bloom apologizes, Griz orders them all back to their rooms, and they'll be talking with FG in the morning.
And as if their imminent punishment isn't enough, the girls hear crying from their dorm. Tecna notes that everyone's having a bad night, as Layla is finally back from Andros, and her crying means that this can't be good... Well, remember way back when Layla said that some realms still use princess balls to announce who you're going to marry? Well... apparently, Andros is one of them.
Layla: "I was always proud of being the princess of Andros... but now, all of that's changed. Today my parents told me that they picked the guy they've expected me to marry. He's from the richest family in Andros, and all I know that his name is Nabu, but my life is about to be ruined forever."
Ouch. At least you're not getting punished over what good ol' redhead and her fairyboots did... But seriously, Layla, you haven't even met the guy yet, and you're already concluding that he'll ruin your life? You can't conclude, say, that you don't like burgers without having a bite first. Have a bite first, THEN you can say you hate them. Just sayin'...
And seriously. What kind of name is Nabu anyway???
Critique of the episode:
My biggest beef with this one is the fact that Bloom didn't realize sooner that Sky was under a spell. I mean, I'll have to repeat myself, but a) she spends much of her year in a realm of magic, b) she herself has been through this before (and Sky didn't jump to conclusions like this), c) Sky hadn't mentioned Diaspro since their Eraklyon misson (though I'd chalk that up to writers' tendency to sweep things under the rug), and d) Sky turned a complete 180 on her in the space of like 10 minutes. But instead of thinking that something was up with Sky, she thinks that he hates her guts and wants her out of his life? Seriously? I think 4K made a good change on this.
Also, in the last couple minutes alone, the writers seemed to be setting up several potential future plotlines:
1) Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned... again.
2) Brandon left stranded on Eraklyon.
3) Bloom weakening the barrier, making it susceptible to attack.
4) Bloom weakening the barrier, lending credence to the parents' safety concerns and getting the girls punished.
5) Layla's arranged marriage.
Sounds good on paper, and I guess it probably would make good fic material in the right hands. But in the actual show, only one gets followed up on in due time (*cough*nextweek*cough*), while another doesn't get followed up on for a LONG time (which makes me wonder why they're bringing it up NOW), while two are resolved off screen, and one is completely tossed to the side of the road. We're dealing with subpar writing, folks, and we're far from finished with it for the season.
Comments are welcome.
Between Stella's party then and the whole witches deal now, you'd think that Bloom would think that there was some dark magic in play where Sky is concerned. But as we open at Alfea, Bloom is wandering around aimlessly. We hear a "There she is" as Kiko jumps out from the bushes. Take a good look at the bunny, because you won't be seeing too much of him this season.
Bloom: "Hey Kiko! A big hug for me? I know you love me Kiko, even if no one else does."
Stella pops out of the bushes: "We love you too Bloom, we love you very, very, much."
And after see the other girls (minus Layla, but you'll see her later, MUCH later) peeking out from behind the bush, Stella hugs Bloom and knocks Kiko out of her arms. Yeah, that's typical for Kiko this season.
Flora: "Did you order breakfast in the park?"
Bloom: "Breakfast?"
Flora snaps her fingers, and the girls' bonded pixies come out. Amore conjures up a picnic blanket. Piff conjures up a basket with chips and other things. Chatta conjures up croissants, and Digit conures up some fruit. Lockette: "The service is really quite efficient here." Tune pops in to tie a hanky around Bloom's shoulders, and Stella provides the finishing touch by conjuring a vase of flowers and turning Kiko into a waiter. Seriously.
Bloom appreciates their gesture, but she's still sulking over what Sky did to her. Next thing you know, we see that Kiko has eaten the whole picnic except the fruit. Everyone has a good laugh.
A time lapse panning shot heads into Faragonda's window at night where FG is magiconferencing with the heads of the other schools. Hello, heads of the other schools.
FG: "We can't take any risks. I've already had magical shields installed to protect Alfea."
Sal: "That's smart. Valtor is a threat to the entire dimension. It won't be long before he attacks one of our schools. We have to be ready for him."
Grif: "If we only knew where and when."
FG: "Valtor is unpredictable, ambitious and evil, and there are no limits to the power he seeks."
Sal and Grif seem pretty shocked as FG continues: "And now that he knows Bloom is at Alfea, he is bound to come here seeking revenge... revenge against the daughter of those who defeated him a long time ago."
And without skipping a beat, we head over to the next scene, where FG conjures up a scroll: "The magic formulas contained in this parchment might be Alfea's only chance of survival." We cut to the table, where we see that the Griz, Palladium, WizGiz, and Avalon are attending this little meeting. Except for the Griz, don't expect too much of them this season either.
FG: "This is our school's greatest treasure, and Valtor will stop at nothing to get it. And that's not all. He has already attacked other worlds in the magical dimension. Andros has been hit very hard. And then there's a story you don't know. Something that links me with Valtor."
She heads over to a conveniently placed magiprojector, and then re-relays the story of the Company of Light, pretty much as she told it to Bloom a few weeks ago, replete with the shadow puppets. Blah blah blah.
WizGiz, on Val: "Now that he's on the loose, not only would he try to go after you, but he might go after Bloom too."
FG: "Add to that the powerful spells in our archives."
Palladium: "And we're better to be ready to defend ourselves."
FG holds up her scroll: "This scroll contains magical defense spells which we can use to protect our school. The time has come to release its power, and build our defenses around Alfea."
The teachers hold their hands in a circle, as FG recites the incantation: "Mighty daylight, crescents of moon, against evil, shield our school." With that, a new shield comes out over Alfea, as we fade to the next morning where FG is reading letters. She hears a knock and tells whoever it is to come in. It's the Griz, and she says that some students' parents are here, and they'd like to have a word with FG.
And here they are. Some dad finds Bloom's presence at Alfea a matter of great concern, especially after the party on Eraklyon. FG finds their concern unfounded, and adds: "We're still trying to figure out what happened on Eraklyon, but the fact is Bloom is one of our best students, and she is an honest and very trustworthy girl. And I guarantee you, there is no truth to the rumor that's she's connected to Valtor." But mom wants to ensure that everyone's daughters are studying in a safe environment and dad asks FG to remove Bloom. FG is quite shocked at this.
Meanwhile, we pan over to the dorms, where Bloom is crying into her pillow, and (more importantly) still unaware of the possibility that dark magic may have been in play on Eraklyon: "Why did Sky betray me?" Lockette shows up to conjure a hanky: "I know it's hard, but we're all here for you." Bloom takes the hanky: "I'd never have guessed that anything would hurt this much." Lockette: "You'll feel better soon. You'll see." Stella knocks and opens the door, and comes in with Musa, who tells Bloom that FG's called a meeting, which no doubt has something to do with that little PTA meeting.
Auditorium. We see the Winx and other random girls filing in as FG informs the students about Val's escape from the Omega Dimension. Some random girl asks if they're in danger, and although they're okay for the moment, FG says that they could well be a target. FG tells the students to be vigilant and report anything suspicious. FG also adds that Val might be seeking revenge, as he has an old score to settle with herself and Bloom. Naturally, the students gasp. We're shown a shot of the parents who were talking to FG earlier as she mentions them and their request to remove Bloom from Alfea. Bloom looks shocked. FG: "I've thought it over thoroughly, and I've come to a decision, the only one possible." We see the parents looking smug, pretty sure that FG will kowtow to their demands.
FG: "I have no choice... but to TURN DOWN their request. Bloom will be staying here at Alfea."
The Winx (as well as the other students) are jubilant over this development, while the two parents are indignant. Goodbye, concerned parents!
FG: "I know you well, my girls, and I trust you. You are brave, and would not hesitate to defend your school, or a friend in trouble. And I want you all to know, that should any one of you here ever find yourself in danger, we would all without exception be there for you. So, we will stand by Bloom. If some of the parents cannot live with this, and would rather withdraw their daughters from the school, they may do so. When they are ready to return, Alfea's doors will be wide open."
But then Bloom stands up, and this can't be good.
Bloom: "I didn't realize I was causing so much trouble. If I really am a danger to Alfea, maybe I should leave."
Musa and Tecna gasp as Stella says: "Come on Bloom. You know how parents are. (in old guy voice) 'Wear a hat or you'll catch a cold!' They worry way too much about everything."
Musa: "Yeah! Forget about it."
Bloom: "Thanks, girls, but maybe it'd be better if I did leave the school for a while."
Flora: "No, Bloom! Don't do that!"
Bloom: "Just for a while Flora, or at least until things have cooled off with Valtor. Actually, I think I'll go back to Gardenia. Family time's always good for you."
And with that, we're back in Gardenia for the first time since everyone bar Tecna and Flora took an unauthorized trip to Earth to dance, shop, and in Bloom's case, give Vanessa her support at the trial of those guys who burned down her flower shop. Instead of the usual pan past the "Welcome to Gardenia" sign, we get a fully CG establishing shot of Gardenia (well, the area around her home anyway), before we see Bloom walking down the streets of Gardenia. A song plays in the background: "I won't ask for more / Just hold me for one more day / Pretend you'll always be by my side / I won't ask for more / I'll give you my love and care / I'll prove there's no one else I adore / It's just too hard to bear..." As the song plays, Bloom sees a couple walking on the street, and then has a flashback to when she first saw Sky, and then when she walked with Sky and his dog (HUH. Whatever happened to his dog?) on the eve of her simulator exams. Then she sees a couple kissing on a street corner and turns away in disgust. I should note that 4K replaced the kissing couple with grafitti saying "Love Conquers All"...
Interspersed with Bloom looking sad, we see flashbacks to when she used her Dragonfire to revive Sky during the Trix's successful attack on Red Fountain, Sky and Bloom standing outside the castle after rescuing Diaspro, Sky and Bloom holding hands at the end of first year party, and Sky and Bloom kissing at the end of the second year. We see her sad at seeing other couples showing their love in the open, as the lyrics go "It's just too hard to bear." And indeed, it is. We see flashbacks to Sky and Bloom dancing at both Stella's and Sky's parties. It's now clear why Bloom is leaving school for a while, and it has nothing to do with the safety issues that Valtor's little grudge is causing. It's that she's very upset over Sky.
And now, Bloom is home, where Vanessa gives her some green tea. Hey, where I live, you would not believe the amount of bottled green tea you can find on the market here, but I digress.
Vanessa: "Sweetie, I know how you feel, what with everything that's happened with Sky. Maybe you should talk to him and try to figure things out."
Bloom: "He loves Diaspro. He's ALWAYS loved her. He's been playing me for a fool the whole time!... What else is there to figure out? Everything's pretty clear..."
Uh, the possibility that dark magic just might be in play here? Hello??? You spend much of the year in a world populated with witches, fairies, and quite a few wizards. Your boyfriend was promising to announce his relationship to you with his whole world one day, and announced his relationship to someone he's said before that he doesn't love anymore the next, while accusing you of being a witch. Connect the dots, redhead. Surely something's not right here?
V: "But knowing why he did it might help you feel better. If he's the same Sky who saved you from Darkar's magic, then something very serious must have happened to explain why he changed so much."
At this point, we're treated to a flashback to the previous season finale. We see Sky talking to Bloom. We see Bloom glowing, and turning back into Light Bloom. We see her with the crystal she was summoning for Darkar, and then we see her coming down and hugging Sky, with the others looking on.
V: "You never know honey. It might just be that HE'S the one that needs your help. In any case you have the right to know. Demand some answers." Geez mom, just cut the crap and tell her that Sky might be under a spell or something.
And then Mike comes in. Hello, dad! :-)
V: "Never give up, Bloom, especially when your feelings are at stake. Sky should explain his actions. In fact, insist that he does." Okay, seriously, what kind of writing are we dealing with here? Vanessa knows about the Darkar dealie, but doesn't suspect that something similar might have happened with Sky? 4Kids for the win, in this particular instance.
Mike: "Well, I can't tell whether this Sky guy is a prince or a jerk, but I have half a mind to teach him a lesson for treating you like that!"
Mike kisses Bloom on the forehead. Bloom: "No matter how bad things get, or how lonely I feel, I know I can always count on my mom and dad." She thanks them before embracing them. Aww...
(For comparison, here's some 4K dialog that shows the parents being more, shall we say, intuitive:
4K Vanessa: "I don't know much about spells honey, but isn't it true that a person doesn't know what they're doing when they're under one? Isn't that what happened when Lord Darkar put you under a spell and Sky saved you? It may be time to put pride aside, and help your friend."
4K Mike: "Normally guys who act like that need to get the heave-ho. But in this case I think you and Sky have true love, and that's worth fighting for." (kisses forehead)
Like I said, 4K for the win.)
Back at Alfea. Stella is in her room and dialing Brandon on her phone. She hasn't heard from Brandon in days, and suspects that he's dealing with Sky, but she's still wondering why he doesn't even make occasional calls or pick up the phone. And then Brandon calls. Heh.
So, Brandon's already talked to Sky on Eraklyon, and he has a theory, but he wants Stella to confirm it. He says he'll call later. Stella wants details, but he tells her "Just be patient" before hanging up. This doesn't please Stella too much...
Eraklyon palace. Brandon walks around a bunch of static extras, as we see King Erendor annoucing the arrival of Diaspro of Eraklyon. Sky: "You're radiant, as usual." Erendor announces his son's engagement and the crowd goes wild. Sky: "Protocol announces a longer courtship, but we really couldn't wait to share the news with all of you." Brandon looks flabbergasted, while Diaspro looks smug.
Stella's room! Stella is with Tecna, and Tecna is watching the announcement of the engagement on her palmtop. Stella's quite teed off, and Tecna points out that it's the biggest story on the Realm Wide Web. I think that's the first time that's been mentioned in this dub. Now see if you can catch the dialog error here. I'll drop a nice subtle hint ;-)
Stella: "Bloom will be totally devastated when she finds out. I don't want to tell her but she needs to know, I mean Stella's my best friend, I've got to do it."
Spotted it yet? ;-)
Bloom's house, where Vanessa is vacuuming and Mike's reading the paper. And a bright light suddenly appearing in the room can only mean one thing: Stella arriving via her scepter-ring. Stella apologises for dropping in, before saying she's worried about
And now, Bloom's making an announcement to her adopted parents: "I'm going back to Alfea. I'm going to face Sky, and Diaspro too if I must. If I have to lose Sky, I want to know why, and I want to hear it from him." Stella: "That's the spirit Bloom! You go girl." Mike: "You know what, sweetheart? He might be a prince, but I really wouldn't want to be in Sky's shoes right now."
HEH!
Alfea! The other girls (again, minus Layla) come out to greet Stella and Bloom. Tecna hugs Bloom. Stella: "Told you she wouldn't be able to stay away from us for long :-)" Cut to girls walking in the quad, and we hear that Bloom wants to leave as soon as possible.
Tecna: "There's only one problem, though. In order for us to get back, you'll have to go through the protective shield, which is activated at 8pm sharp."
Flora: "That's not good."
Tecna: "But don't worry. Digit and I modified a field distortion device with variable frequency energy."
Stella: "Translation, please?"
Heh. Tec/Musa's room, and we see a turtle shaped device on the table. Hello, field distortion device thingy.
Tecna: "This marvel of magitechnology will create a breach in the shield big enough for you go get through without problem."
Stella: "Nice. Are you sure it works?"
Tecna doesn't look so sure that it does. But since when has anything Tecna done ever not worked? :-)
Bloom: "Well, we'll find out when we get back. For now, let's just go."
Musa explains the plan: "Riven is going to fly us there in one of their ships. Upon arrival, he'll create a diversion so we can sneak in undetected."
Tecna: "And I'll be standing by, ready to create an opening in the shield when you get back. I'd really like to come with you, but I think I'll be more useful if I stay here." Hmm, that's another U-turn from the S2 Tecna, from when she had to be told that she was more useful staying behind at Alfea for the pixie rescue mission.
Bloom: "Thanks for what you're doing Tecna."
Stella finally gives us an explanation for Layla's absence so far: "Layla is on Andros, so it's just the four of us. It'll make it easier to sneak in."
(Imagines Layla at her dad's palace transforming into her new outfit for her parents: "Dad, Mom, look at this new fairy outfit I got. And check out these new nifty powers.")
Alfea quad. They see the Griz. Musa tells them that they need an excuse for her, and Stella conjures up some picnic goodies for Flora and Musa to carry. The Griz reminds the girls of the curfew and shield thing as they walk past. And then a RF ship drops in.
Riven: "I uh... I hope I didn't keep you girls waiting :-)"
Griz: "An interrealm ship for a picnic??? Might I ask where you intend to go?"
Stella: "Oh, not far, because we feel lazy today. Do you ever feel that way?"
Griz: "Hmph!"
And we're off.
Riven: "Hey, girls. You know what, I wonder how I ended up being the one going on this mission with you."
Musa: "'Cause I asked you maybe?"
Riven: "Or 'cause I like impossible odds. Bloom, let me give you some advice. Don't get your hopes up okay? Sky could probably refuse to see you and, he'll be within his rights."
Bloom: "You're taking his side???"
Riven: "I'm only being practical here. You can't force someone to love you, and you can't insist on an explanation."
This knocks Bloom down a peg. Musa: ":-\ Thanks Riven, you're being real supportive :-/"
Zoom! Over on Eraklyon, Diaspro doesn't like Sky's jacket: "It's not suitable for an engagement party." Tailor: "But princess. It was you who chose the cotton, the fabric, just a few days ago..." Di: "Yes, but TODAY I don't like it. This is a major party and Sky MUST look perfect. Right, sweetie?" Sky: "Yes, I must look perfect, exactly as you wish :-)" Di: "It will be unforgettable."
Well, I have a hard time believing how much of a fashionist you are, Diaspro, considering that you're wearing the same dress from last week... Honestly, between that and last week's recycling of party dresses, did the clothing designers people just give up this season? Enchantix notwithstanding, of course...
Anyways, the guards come in and inform that the palace is on high alert because an unauthorized ship has landed in the area. The guard recommends for Di and Sky to follow them. Di runs off with the guard, while Sky looks out the window. Of course, it's the RF ship from earlier, and Sky wonders what it's doing here.
The guards run on the RF ship, and that's the cue for the girls. The girls run off to the palace, while the guards come to see Riven casually reading a magazine. Riven: "Don't tell me, this is a no parking zone? :-)"
HEH. The girls sneak around. Bloom ducks to avoid being seen by guards. Eventually, they're at Sky's room.
Bloom: "Hey Sky. Do you have a minute for me?"
Sky: "I don't know how you got in here, but you must leave IMMEDIATELY."
Bloom: "First, I need to talk to you Sky. I need to find out what happened. You said you loved me, and I thought it was true! But then you made the announc..."
Sky: "Well, you're very much mistaken Bloom! I've always loved Diaspro, and I DON'T want to hear one more word YOU WITCH!"
Meanwhile, Diaspro is walking around with the guards: "This must never happen again. How dare you interrupt the royal fitting for a false alarm! I don't care about your excuses. The king's guards should be able to tell a real danger from a false alarm." She opens the door... and finds the Winx.
Diaspro: "The Winx???"
Bloom: "We came to congratulate you on your engagement." HEH!
Di: "Guards, seize them!"
Flora casts a spell on a conveniently placed potted plant: "Watch your step :-)"
The guards trip up on the suddenly grown stems as the girls run off. While the girls are running, Brandon (hiding in a side corridor) pulls Stella aside. Stella is very glad to see him, as the others head back to the side corridor for Stella.
Brandon: "I was going to call you later tonight, but I'm glad to see you. I snuck in here to talk to Sky, but Diaspro never leaves him alone, not for a minute."
The guards come, and Brandon decides to take them on, as the girls run off down the hall.
Knight room. The girls enter, and Sky is on a balcony right above them: "So girls, where we we? It might have been easy for you to get in here, but it won't be so easy getting out." Stella: "I'm sorry Sky, but you asked for it. Enchantix!"
Stella stretches her arms out, and cue Stella's new nifty transformation, with that nice kiss. Stella takes off and releases a shower of fairy dust she calls Magic Rainbow. It seems to be forming a barrier around Sky, but he breaks free of it quite easily: "Is that the best you can do???" Sky chases the non-transformed girls with his sword, before eventually getting hit with a fireball, apparently, from a non-transformed Bloom: "I don't want to fight you Sky, I just want to talk to you. If that is what you really want, I will get out of your life." Sky grabs an ax from a knight suit: "You're ALREADY out of my life!" Enchantix Stella decides that that's enough and shoots a sunball at ax-wielding Sky, knocking him clear into some more knight suits.
Bloom is agape, because the left sleeve of that nice jacket Di made for Sky has ripped open to reveal Val's mark on his shoulder. As Stella says, that explains everything. Took long enough for you to finally get it, eh Bloom?
The girls decide to transform. Insert regular Winx transformations here.
Bloom: "I should have realized it sooner."
Me: "No sh!t, Bloom..." (This is right up there with Val's "I don't think we'll ever be friends" bit as far as understatements go.)
Bloom (cont'd): "Only a spell could make him change like that."
Musa: "And it's not hard to figure out who put the spell on him. It had to be Diaspro."
Sky: "Don't you dare say her name!"
Musa: "We can't fight him. What we need to do is break the spell using our fairy dust."
And you do remember way back when FG was introducing the fairies to this new transformation, she also mentioned fairy dust as being among the new powers, right? So... Enchantix Stella: "That's where I come in." (And she flexes her arm rather cutely when she says this :-) )
She hovers down in front of Sky, and the star jewel on her chest glows. And we get to see the jewel in detail as it releases a bottle, and we then see Stella drawing a star outline with the bottle. Ladies and gentlemen, fairy dust. (I will confess that when writing up the summary for the episode, I just fast forwarded through the bottle part. Apparently, 4K had the same idea. And showing Stella drawing the star outline is actually MORE than they generally show of the bottles.)
The dust rains down on Sky, and you can tell that it's very potent. We see Val's mark disappear, and it appears that Sky's back to normal. Bloom goes over to Sky as Musa notes that Val's mark is gone... as Diaspro enters the knight room with guards she's ordering to arrest them.
The girls fly out the window towards Riven's signal. We see Di at the window as the RF ship flies off.
Di: "You haven't heard the last of me Bloom... Sky will be mine."
Meanwhile, over at some other balcony, Brandon crashes through a window, and the guards corner him into surrendering.
8pm. Back at Alfea, the Griz checks her watch and puts up the barrier.
RF ship. We see that the girls are still transformed, and Bloom and Stella are worrying about their boyfriends:
Bloom: "I hope Sky will be able to break free of Diaspro..."
Stella: "Well, I hope Brandon is okay too. We left them there, and if something should happen to him... I could never forgive myself."
Okay, so now they're approaching Alfea, so Riven's recommmending them to contact Tecna to see if everything is ready.
Tecna and Digit's room. We see Tec's palmtop flashing. Fairy Flora tells Tec that they're ready to try out that nifty device of hers. As we see Digit attaching the device to the shield, Tecna explains:
Tecna: "Okay. Listen to me carefully. The hole of the shield will be there for just a few seconds. As soon as Digit switches on the device, you'll receive the coordinates. Don't miss the target, you'll only get one chance."
Digit: "Distortion device activated."
Display tells us they have 30 seconds, as Riven gets the coordinates, and does the proper adjustments.
We see the hole open over Alfea, and Riven says that the ship won't fit in the hole so they'll have to fly themselves. Display is down to 11 seconds and counting.
Riven: "There you are, right at the doorstep." Display says 5 seconds and counting.
The girls take off, as Riven says "Girls, it was a pleasure." Heh. Stella, Flora and Musa streak through the hole, with 3 seconds and counting.
Bloom aims straight for the hole as the last seconds tick away. The hole shrinks, and the barrier apparently catches Bloom's ankles/fairyboots, such that Bloom doesn't have a smooth landing like everyone else.
The lights go on, and Musa realizes Bloom's fairyboots have just landed everyone in big trouble. Griz: "Welcome back. Congratulations on your little stunt! What you've done is very serious... By tampering with the protective shield, you've weakened it. For that you will be severely punished." As Bloom apologizes, Griz orders them all back to their rooms, and they'll be talking with FG in the morning.
And as if their imminent punishment isn't enough, the girls hear crying from their dorm. Tecna notes that everyone's having a bad night, as Layla is finally back from Andros, and her crying means that this can't be good... Well, remember way back when Layla said that some realms still use princess balls to announce who you're going to marry? Well... apparently, Andros is one of them.
Layla: "I was always proud of being the princess of Andros... but now, all of that's changed. Today my parents told me that they picked the guy they've expected me to marry. He's from the richest family in Andros, and all I know that his name is Nabu, but my life is about to be ruined forever."
Ouch. At least you're not getting punished over what good ol' redhead and her fairyboots did... But seriously, Layla, you haven't even met the guy yet, and you're already concluding that he'll ruin your life? You can't conclude, say, that you don't like burgers without having a bite first. Have a bite first, THEN you can say you hate them. Just sayin'...
And seriously. What kind of name is Nabu anyway???
Critique of the episode:
My biggest beef with this one is the fact that Bloom didn't realize sooner that Sky was under a spell. I mean, I'll have to repeat myself, but a) she spends much of her year in a realm of magic, b) she herself has been through this before (and Sky didn't jump to conclusions like this), c) Sky hadn't mentioned Diaspro since their Eraklyon misson (though I'd chalk that up to writers' tendency to sweep things under the rug), and d) Sky turned a complete 180 on her in the space of like 10 minutes. But instead of thinking that something was up with Sky, she thinks that he hates her guts and wants her out of his life? Seriously? I think 4K made a good change on this.
Also, in the last couple minutes alone, the writers seemed to be setting up several potential future plotlines:
1) Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned... again.
2) Brandon left stranded on Eraklyon.
3) Bloom weakening the barrier, making it susceptible to attack.
4) Bloom weakening the barrier, lending credence to the parents' safety concerns and getting the girls punished.
5) Layla's arranged marriage.
Sounds good on paper, and I guess it probably would make good fic material in the right hands. But in the actual show, only one gets followed up on in due time (*cough*nextweek*cough*), while another doesn't get followed up on for a LONG time (which makes me wonder why they're bringing it up NOW), while two are resolved off screen, and one is completely tossed to the side of the road. We're dealing with subpar writing, folks, and we're far from finished with it for the season.
Comments are welcome.
