My Opinion on Miraculous Ladybug episodes
Season 2
I love Miraculous Ladybug, but as
the series continues I noticed that the show really has a lot of flaws that has
caused the show to become more of a mess. In Season 2, I thought it was getting
better as it gave us a better insight into hawkmoth’s motives, the lore of the
miraculous, new heroes, and more. However, when compared to other popular shows
like Avatar or Steven Universe, I feel that it’s more like the latter than the
former. I make this comparison because Avatar is a classic that is top quality,
and while Steven Universe was still good, there were numerous issues with the
show’s writing and the airing of episodes.
Season 3 especially was so
disjointed in the releasing of episodes that it drove me crazy when watching
it. Like the show goes out of its way to put the characters in situations that
would destroy the narrative and then make them stupid so it doesn’t and I hate
that. So I decided to go over my opinions on each episode in season 2 and 3 to
see what I think of them to determine their quality. The episodes are also
arranged in an order that I think would be the best to view them in and has
been influenced by how I watched them. For now this review will only cover what
I think of Season 2 as I will save season 3 for part 2.
1. The Collector:
Rating:
Good
This
episode is a fantastic way to start the season as it finally gives us more
backstory into where the miraculous came from and why Hawkmoth wants them so
badly. Finally confirming the season 1 theory that he’s Gabriel Agreste makes
Hawkmoth a hundred times better than he was in season 1. Not to mention how he
evades the heroes’ suspicion my akumatizing himself makes him seem much smarter
than he did last season. Hawkmoth is always trying to come up with different
schemes to achieve his goal and when it subverts the regular formula they can
actually be pretty clever.
I
also like the way Master Fu is introduced to Marinette, explaining why she and
cat noir were given a miraculous and how he lost the butterfly and peacock
miraculous. Its good exposition and I thought it was handled well. Looking back
its possible the writers could have added more, but overall I think its fine as
it is.
2. Despair Bear:
Rating:
Good
This
episode starts with Chloe doing another terrible thing that causes her entire
class to suffer while she manages to avoid punishment from the school, but
there are still consequences this time. Adrien gives her an ultimatum that
starts her on a redemption arc for the season, by basically saying she needs to
be nicer or they can’t be friends. I really enjoyed seeing Chloe honestly try
to improve herself and be a better person even if she’s doing it for someone
else, or with help from others. To me that’s what friendship is all about.
The
one thing I don’t like is about this episode though is how forced the titular
villain feels. Like the butler was doing a good job at staying out of sight so
not to embarrass Chloe, so when he shoves her teddy bear in her face just kind
of comes out of left field. Either way this episode was pretty good and would
have a lasting impact on the season overall.
3. Prime Queen:
Rating:
Decent
I
don’t know how to feel about this episode. It doesn’t seem to do anything
outside the regular formula of the show, and while I found it disappointing
that doesn’t make it bad. This is just a pretty decent episode. It’s not bad,
but when compared to other episodes about shipping between the main characters
it’s much better.
That
gets me into the premise. Ladybug has an interview with Nadja Chamack who wants
confirmation of her relationship with Cat Noir, but when she rejects this
hawkmoth targets her into becoming a villain that can attack through screens.
This actually leads to a really intense fight between her and our heroes. The
writing is really clever in this in how Prime Queen keeps putting people in
danger and how ladybug has to outsmart her. I think that’s what keeps this from
being a bad episode, but it’s reliance on the formula of the show doesn’t
really do it any favors.
4. Befana:
Rating:
Alright
This
is another decent episode. We get introduced to Marinette’s grandma and see how
her relationship with her is like. I’m always up to learning more about a
characters extended family and what they’re like. This episode has some cute
moments in it, like Tikki’s present or the charm bracelets. The action was also
kind of cool. I like Befana’s power to either petrify her victims to coal
statues or turn them into her angelic minions. Still there are things about
this episodes that ruin it’s re-watch ability.
One
particular thing I don’t like about the episode is the conflict. This is
another case where communication kills as if Marinette took the time to explain
how much she’s grown to her Grandma and let her get to know her more maybe they
could’ve avoided the titular villain. Overall the episode is alright despite
its flaws and doesn’t really do much harm.
5. Riposte:
Rating:
Alright
This
episode introduces us to Kagami and it does a good job at giving the audience
some insight into who she is and what she’s like. Kagami values honor and
doesn’t hold back in any situation, but as Riposte, she’s portrayed as a
relentless warrior who’s determined to win no matter what. The episode has tons
of action but not much else to it. It doesn’t help that once again Marinette
can’t help but be awkward when it comes to being around Adrien, but I did feel
that Adrien himself was much better at communicating with Kagami towards the
end.
6. Robostus:
Rating:
Very Good
This
episode is fantastic as it present a rare scenario of the titular villain of
the week going rogue and escaping Hawkmoth’s control. I love how when Markov is
akumatized, he asks Hawkmoth why he wants the heroes miraculous and what can
they do. This later leads to his betrayal and following defeat, but Fu still
explains to Marinette the real power that the Ladybug and Cat Miraculous have
together. Overall, I found this episode to be very enjoyable and one I wouldn’t
mind watching again.
7. Dark Owl:
Rating:
Alright
Dark
Owl is actually one of the better villains on the show, as he’s able to use his
knowledge of Superheroes to outsmart them. He’s also smart enough not to keep
his akumatized object on him during a fight making it all more difficult to
defeat him. There is tons of action and intense battles in this episode and I
enjoyed how close they were to being defeated. At times the show can be really
repetitive by how easily the Heroes win all the time so making the results
narrower keeps me invested.
8. Gigantitan:
Rating:
Awful
He’s
literally a giant baby. That’s our villain, a giant baby. Not to mention that
the main plot follows Marinette roping her friends into another one of her
wacky schemes to date Adrien. This episode really felt like the first in a long
line of episodes where Marinette’s obsession really begins to consumes her more
likable qualities. This is what frustrates me the most about the show, but it
was still nice to see Marinette’s other friends (besides Ayla) just do
something for once without the episode having to revolving around them
individually.
9. Glaciator:
Rating:
Good
Glaciator
does a fantastic job at conveying the romance between the main characters
without it being awkward or obsessive. Marinette and Cat Noir both made plans
with their crush, but because of that neither shows up to the other’s event and
both of their nights are ruined. However, when these two come together as
Marinette and Cat Noir their able to cheer the other up and convey their
feelings in a very effective way.
I
love how this episode have Marinette and Cat Noir able to be real with each
other and help one another deal with their feelings of heartbreak. Considering
how next season constantly plays with the characters romantic feelings, this
episode does a great job at making them compliment each other. The villain’s
motivations just adds to it as Ladybug has to acknowledge Cat Noirs feelings
and rely on their feelings to beat him. It’s actually a really good way to make
an episode about the romance in the show and should be used to set the standard
of other similar episodes.
10. Sapotis:
Rating:
Very Good/Great
This
is one of my favorite episodes this season, because it builds on my favorite
character on the show. I loved seeing Ayla become Rena Rogue, and the first of
the new heroes to join Ladybug. Honestly nobody deserved it more than her, as
Ayla is a great friend to Marinette and a devoted fan of Ladybug. She’s really
has a strong dedication to superhero values and truth which makes her a perfect
fit for the fox miraculous. Overall this episode is a much watch and a great
Ayla episode.
11. Gorizilla:
Rating:
Bad
While
not as bad as Gigantitan, this episode still isn’t that good. The premise is
that Adrien’s father is suspicious that Adrien is Cat Noir and akumatizes his
bodyguard to put him in danger to prove it. Meanwhile, Adrien wants to see a
movie starring his mom and just so happens to run into Marinette who’s in her
pajamas.
This
plot is just these two running around being awkward while trying to avoid
Adrien’s crazed fans and later the titular villain. There’s not much real
substance here to interest me. The concept of Gabriel finding out Adrien’s
secret identity is interesting, but the shows devotion to the status quo really
makes episodes like this pointless and wasteful.
12. Captain Hardrock:
Rating:
Okay
I
was more invested in the titular villain of the episode than in the character
that it introduced. I do like them adding Luka into the show as it adds
something new into the mix, but his personality isn’t very interesting. His mom
is a loud, boisterous, former Rock Star, and his sister is a shy girl with an
amazing style. Compared to his family, Luka is just a dull, cool guy.
Overall
as a villain of the week episode it’s not bad, but I just think when
introducing a character as important as a new love interest for the main
character, it should make them feel more fleshed out. Luka isn’t that and his
role in the series is just an additional frustration to me. Still there is a lot
to like about this episode as well, like the action, music, or pretty much
everything besides Luka, but he’s role is such needlessly big one that it’s
hard to look pass it.
13. Syren:
Rating:
Decent
This
episode is the first with the elemental power boosts and while it is decent and
fun, it’s also kind of one note. This girl we never met before has a crush on
Kim, but he’s too thickheaded to realize her feelings and so Hawkmoth turns her
into the titular villain and she floods Paris. This is because she’s a swimmer,
and they need to give Ladybug and Cat Noir underwater power-ups.
Ondine
isn’t interesting and has only appeared in 3 episodes so far. Her role is to be
a love interest to Kim but besides that you’d probably forget she exists. The
power-ups are cool in theory and liked how Master Fu and Marinette needed to
work together to make them. However, the only other thing I liked was Adrien
finally meeting Master Fu and the two beginning to open to one another.
Still
the concept of power-ups we haven’t seen is intriguing and it would be fun to
see more of them. I had an idea for flight power-up for ladybug where her
costume could get some cute ladybug wings to it.
14. Frightingale:
Rating:
Awful
I
remember this was marketed as part of a bunch with special guest stars this
season, but Laura Marano only really does Clara’s singing voice so that was a
letdown. This episode is just painfully awful. The basic premise is that the
famous popstar Clara Nightingale wants to make a music video for Ladybug using
real Paris citizens as performers.
If
that idea wasn’t bad enough in general, of course the plot eventually forces
Marinette and Adrien into the roles of Ladybug and Cat Noir, nearly exposing
their identities to all of Paris. They’re only saved by their own awkward
performances and Chloe shutting the show down for rejecting her. Whenever an
episode revolves around nearly exposing the hero’s identities you know just
know it’s going to be bad because there’s NO way they’re breaking the status
quo this early and have it stick. All this accomplishes is putting the
characters into awkward scenarios where they can’t really be themselves.
Clara
is particularly annoying because she’s basically Wheelie from Generation 1 of
Transformers. She has a physical need to rhyme and dance all the time, and when
she’s akumatized her power basically forces her victims to do the same or
they’ll become glitter statues. This doesn’t even mention how she’s another
villain Chloe created. Like they do a lot to develop her this season, but in this
episode she manage well be her season 1 self still. At least she’s better in
the next episode.
15. Zombiezou:
Rating:
Good
This
episode was a fun spin on the Zombie-style genre. Instead of the regular super
power fight, Zombiezou subverts the formula by having Ladybug and Cat Noir have
to fight to reach her, all the while trying to protect their friends along the
way. The fun comes from seeing more characters involved in the plot for once
and Chloe takes another step at improving herself when she apologizes for all
the trouble she caused. Overall, it’s
another major step forward for her this season and the show’s quality.
16. Troublemaker:
Rating:
Alright
This
was fairly good episode, but overall was pretty average. I didn’t really enjoy
how the episode humiliates Marinette by nearly exposing her crush and then just
kind of sweeps it under the rug, (which will unfortunately become a trend in
season 3) but other than it’s fine. I enjoy the chemistry between Jagged Stone
and Penny and how threatening the titular villain is. It’s also nice to see
just Marinette appreciated for all the good work she does as well.
17. Reverser:
Rating:
Good
I
was actually excited going into this episode, as a villain who inverts people’s
personalities seems like a really creative idea. Plus, this episode also
introduces the first real LGBT representation in the form of Marc so that’s
another positive about it. The one negative about it is that once again the
villain is created through a misunderstanding created by Marinette, but at least
this time her heart was in the right place.
Still
I really liked seeing the fight in this episode, especially when Ladybug and
Cat Noir are so afflicted by Reverser’s curse that Nate and Alex have to help
them in the final battle. It also has some good humor in it. I like seeing
Marinette helping a classmate with their crush who’s almost just as awkward as
she is.
18. Sandboy:
Rating:
Very Good
This
episode was already good enough by focusing on the Kwamis, but combine that
with a villain that brings nightmares to life and you get fantastic episode.
The plot involves Tikki and Plagg going to celebrate Nooroo’s birthday by
contacting him with the other Kwamis. However this leaves Marinette and Adrien
vulnerable too Hawkmoth’s latest victim who brings their worst fears to life.
I
really enjoyed this episode because it showed us what the other Kwami are like
and what they can do together. I also liked seeing Marinette’s and Adrien’s
fears come to life and just how similar they are. They’re both are trapped in
scenarios where they are powerless or have to face off against a nightmare
version of the crush. This represents how the thing that scares our main
characters the most is their own feelings.
19. Anansi:
Rating:
Great
Anansi
is a great introduction to a new hero (as oppose to season 3’s heroes who don’t
really get much focus even when introduced). Nino does a fantastic job proving
that he’s worthy of a Miraculous in this episode by being willing to do
whatever it takes to protect Ayla. I also like how the episode introduces the
last Césaire sister and really lets the audience get to know her well. Overall,
I find this episode to be really enjoyable and does an excellent job at
capturing the main appeal of the show; that is having friends work together to
be true heroes.
20. Frozer:
Rating:
Bad
This
episode is painful to sit through, but it’s not all bad. After another
rejection from Ladybug, Adrien decides to ask out Kagami, but is nervous and
asks Marinette for assistance who is the absolute worse person to ask about this.
To make matters even worse though Marinette is also questioning her crush on
Adrien and if they’re better off as ‘just friends’. So in the end the both of
them wind up on a double date with other people.
This
is where it feels the show’s romantic writing begins to slip. Even the main
characters are beginning to grow tired of constantly pining for their crush’s
affection, but the show feels the need to constantly keep it up and refuses to
let it change. The episode also feels like it repeats some things that were
done better in Glaciator, such as having the heroes face a cold theme villain
while dealing with emotional issues. The titular villain here feels uninspired
and disconnected from the overall plot and they seem to brush off the emotions
much quicker here like it’s not as important.
The
episodes does have some positives as we get to know Kagami and Luka better here
and how they click with our main characters. Kagami never hesitates and has
confidence in her drive and skills, while Luka is much more of a go with the
flow kind of guy. Overall, Kagami and Adrien seem really comfortable together,
but ironically I feel that these couples work much better as just friends.
21. Style Queen (Queen’s battle part
1):
Rating:
Good
As
the start of the Queen’s Trilogy, this episode does an excellent job of being
something worthy to build up to as we see pieces of past episodes come together
here. From Marinette’s pigeon hat being modeled by Adrien, to the introduction
and akumatization of Chloe’s mom, this episode definitely had some hype to it
and does an excellent job of laying the ground work for the rest of the
trilogy.
22. Queen Wasp (Queen’s battle part 2):
Rating:
Good
Queen
Wasp is an excellent follow up to Style Queen as Gabriel renounces his Hawkmoth
persona after endangering his son only to take it up again when Chloe announces
herself as Paris’ newest Miraculous holder. I love how this episode shakes up
the status quo as the inciting incident that springs the heroes into action
actually doesn’t have anything to do with Hawkmoth, but a child who is wielding
a power that she can’t handle yet. I love seeing this vulnerable side of Chloe
as instead of acting like she’s superior, she uses her new powers to try and
prove she’s worthy of the admiration she craves so much.
In
the end, Chloe fails at being both a hero and villain but learns to accept her
mistakes and grows as person. I also like how Audrey’s abusive parenting method
further explains why Chloe is the way she is. In an effort to earn the
admiration of the person who see looks up to the most Chloe adopts her mother’s
personality traits and emulates her cruelty onto everyone else. This episode
really cuts to the core of Chloe’s humanity and shows that there’s more to her
that meets the eye.
23. Malediktor (Queen’s battle part 3):
Rating:
Good
The
finale to this amazing trilogy continues Chloe being vulnerable when she
embarrasses herself by giving a presentation about how important Queen Bee is.
She naturally takes her frustration out on her father demanding that he’d use
his powers to get vengeance for her only to lead him to being akumatized
instead. This episode seems to be the culmination of all of Chloe’s more
heinous actions and is the pinnacle of her redemption arc into a hero.
Throughout
the series, Chloe has been responsible for hurting many people and creating
many villains, and this has made her feel worthless and unwanted. This is why
she leaves Paris in such a huff, but her admiration for ladybug actually leads
her to clean up her mess and team up with Ladybug to become a real hero.
Malediktor is a really good villain as well with a crazy evil power and
fantastic motivation.
24. Catalyst (Heroes day part 1):
Rating:
Very Good
This
season finale was hyped up to be epic battle between good and evil as Hawkmoth
uses the day of heroes to create his best scheme yet. Marinette has a good plot
line here as well trying to do something special for her friends, but
struggling to deliver due to stress and her heroic obligations. Still the
highlight of this part is definitely seeing Hawkmoth’s plan unfold.
Hawkmoth
brings back Volpina, knowing Lila would be eager for revenge on ladybug on a
day dedicated to her and have her create an illusion of the worst case scenario
to make the whole city vulnerable to his power. He, then gets a power boost so
he can akumatize as many people as possible bringing back villains from the
past two seasons to use as his army. In response ladybug gathers her new allies
to confront Hawkmoth together as the episode ends.
I
like this episode, especially how it brings back Volpina and plays up her
intimidation factor. In my opinion Volpina is one of the best villains on the
show, as she reflects the main protagonist with or without powers. I also find
it funny how Ladybug reveals Carapace and Rena Rouge’s identities to one
another despite how much the show jumps through hoops to keep other identities
a secret. Overall, this was a fantastic way to start the finale.
25. Mayura (Heroes day part 2):
Rating:
Good
This
episode is an awesome finale to the season, but it does have its flaws and
that’s okay. Ladybug valiantly leads her team against Hawkmoth’s army of
villains, but less than nine minutes in her new allies already get akumatized
and turn against her. The rest of the episode though was a big time rush as
both sides struggle to gain the upper hand.
I
like seeing Hawkmoth grand scheme unfolds and see how many eventualities he
planned for as he delivers order to his army like a general commanding his
troops. I also like how ladybug counters each of his maneuvers, such as having
the other citizens hold off his army so they can reach hawkmoth himself, or
using the villain’s powers against one another. The climax is definitely when
hawkmoth loses his army, putting him up against the wall, as we finally see the
Peacock Miraculous in action for the first time.
The
aftermath is nice as well. Marinette’s picnic goes off without a hitch, as Lila
looks on with jealousy. Adrien gives Marinette a speech saying that compares
her to ladybug in how much she cares for others and she finally works up the
courage to kiss him. It’s a perfect way to end the season. They had an epic
clash with both sides going at each other at full power, while embracing
everything they did in the past and plan ahead to the future. It’s just a shame
that future was Season 3.
Overall Thoughts
on the Season:
As you can see by this graph I think the majority of Season 2 is fairly
good, with only a few occasionally bad or awful episodes in it. This was the
season that began to build on the characters and expand on their roles in the
show. Ayla, Nino, and Chloe in particular felt much more fleshed out when
they’re recruited as new heroes. I also enjoyed Kagami’s introduction and how
it foreshadowed her expanded role in the next season.
My favorite parts about this season
is its overall theme of working to better yourself and others, as well as how
we learn more about the lore surrounding the Miraculous, and Hawkmoth’s
motivations. In the first season is hard to connect to Hawkmoth because we
didn’t really know him. This season reveals his identity in the first episode
and lets us see more of how he forms his plans, so the audience has more
investment in his schemes.
There are many great moments where
characters to develop, and grow as individuals, while also proving themselves
to be worthy heroes and all of this culminates in an amazing finale. Master Fu
is also a great mentor to Ladybug this season and helps guide her in being a
better hero and leader. I like their dynamic a lot and it works really well.
This overall theme of doing good and helping others is what being a hero is
truly about. Unfortunately, next season doesn’t really do a good on expanding
the elements introduced here, but we’ll get to that next time.
