TV Show review
July 23, 2021 · 25 min · TV-PG · Ended · Action · Sci-Fi · Animation · Fantasy · Adventure
Based on 1 season, 10 episodes · through November 23, 2021
"Masters of the Universe: Revelation" is a 2021 animated action series that serves as a sequel to the classic 1980s cartoon. Set in Eternia, a massive battle between He-Man and Skeletor ends in their deaths and wipes magic from the planet. The story follows Teela, He-Man's former guard, who leads a team of scavengers to reforge the Sword of Power and restore magic before Eternia dies. Along her journey, Teela struggles with the betrayal of Adam hiding his secret identity from her. Viewers will quickly notice strong woke themes, starting with the sudden death of He-Man to center a muscular, redesigned Teela as the primary lead. The show also implements race-swapping, changing legacy characters like Lieutenant Andra and King Grayskull into Black characters. Additionally, there is heavy queer subtext and romantic tension between Teela and Andra that pushes modern identity representation over the original source material.
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Masters of the Universe: Revelation.
Woke representation / casting
The series features deliberate diversity casting. Classic characters like Lieutenant Andra and King Grayskull are race-swapped to be Black. There is also a strong emphasis on prominent, highly competent female leads while traditional male figures are pushed to the background or killed off.
75%
Woke political dialogue
While there are no overt political speeches, the dialogue is filled with modern emotional grievances. Characters frequently talk in therapeutic terms about trust, secrets, and institutional betrayal, reflecting modern activist attitudes toward authority and traditional secrets.
35%
Identity-driven story themes
The story revolves around Teela taking over the hero's journey from a sidelined male lead. It places female empowerment at the center. There is also noticeable queer subtext and romantic tension between Teela and Andra, which serves to prioritize modern identity themes over traditional fantasy storytelling.
75%
Western institutional / cultural critique
The series deconstructs traditional heroic tropes and patriarchal structures. Prince Adam's secret identity, traditionally seen as heroic, is framed as a toxic and selfish betrayal of trust that broke the team. The royal family and established authorities are depicted as flawed and out of touch.
60%
Woke character or canon changes
Major changes were made to established canon and characters. He-Man is killed in the first episode to make Teela the main character. Teela is redesigned with a muscular, tomboyish look. Legacy characters Lieutenant Andra and King Grayskull are race-swapped to align with modern diversity goals.
85%
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
The show faced massive backlash from fans of the original cartoon. Viewers accused the marketing of a bait-and-switch by hiding He-Man's death. Critics and fans review-bombed the series, calling out the woke agenda, the sidelining of the male lead, and the ideological redesign of classic characters.
95%
Creator track record context
The creative team has a strong progressive track record. Writers Tim Sheridan and Eric Carrasco have high woke scores for their active LGBTQ+ advocacy and progressive storytelling. Prominent producers like Adam Bonnett and Brad Graeber also have a history of championing diversity and queer representation.
55%
Production
