The Owl House: Thanks to Them | A Wonderful Identity Crisis

“Thanks to Them” debuted on October 15th and hit #1 on trending on YouTube soon after. Acting as the beginning of the end for Luz and the gang, it was incredibly anticipated by both fans and those who looked on with a sordid interest because of Disney’s decision to cancel the show. The hype was NOT misplaced. The episode was a fantastic introduction to the final season of The Owl House, capitalizing on the opportunity given to it by the season two finale while setting up a multitude of plot threads into motion. Any and all viewers will be satisfied with the humorous horror that awaits them. This is written with those who have watched the show in mind. However, spoilers will only be minor.

With the show’s cancellation, it would be reasonable to assume that “Thanks to Them” (TTT) would suffer from inconsistent pacing. The sheer number of loose ends to tie up following season two is a herculean task for a full season, much less a shortened one. Amazingly, though, TTT delivers. The episode expertly weaves between lighthearted humorous scenes (Amity in the library is a highlight) and emotional climaxes with the grace of a ballerina. Each scene flows seamlessly to the next, even if it is from a different perspective or in a different setting. This entertaining current allows the writers to wring out every drop of content they can from the limited time that they were given. Each second has a discernable weight and value. There is no wasted screentime, nor are there any superfluous situations imposed on the viewer. TTT respects the viewer’s time and attention with reverence.

The episode mainly focuses on three characters: Luz, Camilla, and Hunter. The other members each get a spattering of moments here and there, but they are not the stars of the show. It is disappointing that these characters do not get explored as much because there are interesting avenues to follow. This is one of the only complaints that I have towards TTT. I wanted more, but if my only complaint is about character moments and interactions that didn’t happen, there isn’t much to go into. What is here is fantastic, and given the situation, it seems acceptable.

The entirety of The Owl House has had a theme of identity, meaning finding who you are and people who will accept you for that. TTT continues that theme and uses it to delve deeper into the three characters that get the spotlight. (The episode is set during Halloween, the time of year where everyone makes light of their identity by wearing costumes. The characters themselves are wearing outfits too. The irony is palpable.) Each of them struggles with a different aspect of identity. Camilla has refused to accept herself and her passions and had begun to push that behavior on Luz. There is an amazing flashback scene with Camilla that shows why Camilla acts the way she does. It added much needed depth to her character. Luz has struggled to find her identity. She is caught between two worlds, two different people she can become, and she is terrified of the prospect of choosing. This leads to the best scene in the entire series, but I’ll save that for the end. Hunter struggles to discard a previous identity, one that continues to plague him regardless of his actions. The plot places him in a situation where what little of his own identity he has created is stripped away from him and he is forcefully disposed to be the one person he does not want to be. Three different issues, but one masterful theme.

TTT’s climactic battle (which looks obscenely fluid and engaging – the animators leveled up for that scene) presents Luz with an opportunity to form her identity. With her mother there, Luz picks up the hat that was part of the costume she was wearing. A beautiful leitmotif of the show’s theme plays as she grabs the hat and places it on her head. Such a simple scene means so much for her character. I am being deliberately vague but know that this scene elevated TTT to a new level. Tears were shed, and if that isn’t a good episode of a children’s show, then I don’t know what is.