*Season 2 arc spoilers.*
Here we are—series finale time! It’s not the last we see of Krel (and Aja,) since there are a couple more Tales of Arcadia projects after this, but 3Below is both the show that features them the most (duh) and my favorite series in the franchise, so it does definitely mark the end of an era.
For the sake of spoilers, I won’t say too much about the plot. It’s another Big Battle finale. The stakes have never been higher. Our heroes need all the allies they can get. Stopping Morando may require the ultimate sacrifice.
This is a nice culmination of everything that came before it. In the climactic fight—which constitutes most of the episode, much like episode 12—everyone gets a chance to contribute in a major way. Whether it’s Eli chipping in with a cool callback to a previous episode or Varvatos creating a shield to protect the royals, it takes the whole gang for our heroes to succeed.
One thing I continue to really love about Aja is how, even as a warrior, she’s still so compassionate. I think nearly every time she fights Col. Kubritz in this series, Aja tries to reach her, to get her to see reason and lay down her arms. Here, as Arcadia Oaks is besieged all around them by Omens, Aja says, “Whatever you think you were protecting Earth from, how could it possibly be worse than this?” It’s not even a moment, a la the Doctor giving the baddies a choice to back down before stopping them. Aja and Kubritz can be actively engaged in a fight, and Aja won’t stop trying to get her to see the error of her ways. What a wonderful quality.
Our character of the week is Archie, voiced by none other than Alfred Molina! He only has a cameo here, a stinger that provides a bridge to Wizards, the third series in the franchise. He’s a wizard’s familiar who generally takes the form of a cat (and sometimes a cat-faced dragon.) In Wizards, he’s the friend and advisor to Douxie, who’s the main character on that show.
Here in the finale, we get a little of everything from Krel. He gets down to music as he works on a piece of tech that hopefully will be the key to stopping Morando. He has some “I’m surrounded by idiots”-style aggravation as he tries to assist others remotely with said tech. I love him shouting at someone in the comms and then, with an irritated sigh, telling Aja, “Make that two mekrons, maybe three [before we’re ready].” He also has emotional moments as they prepare to face off against Morando, worried about keeping their parents safe until they’re fully restored. When Aja expresses optimism that their plan is going to work, he says, “It has to, or we lose them all over again.”
I know I said there’s more Krel to come in the franchise, but since, again, 3Below is his best showcase, I want to take another moment to shout out just how great Diego Luna is in this role. He’s funny, affecting, and endearing from start to finish. He handles all the technobabble well, which is impressive since he’s performing in his second language. He cultivates impeccable sibling chemistry with Tatiana Maslany. This is genuinely one of my favorite performances from him.
Wrapping up 3Below before we move onto Luna’s episodes of Wizards:
Recommend?
In General – Yes. If you’ve watched Trollhunters, you’ll have a greater appreciation for some of the supporting characters and callbacks, but I also think it could stand well enough on its own. A terrific sci-fi romp with lots of humor and heart.
Diego Luna – Absolutely! I love Krel, and like I said, Luna does such excellent work with this role.
Warnings
Violence, scary moments for kids, some gross-out humor, and thematic elements (including xenophobia.)
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