fanfixes

[fanfixes]

DEFENDERS OF BERK | HTTYD SERIES | BREAKING DOWN HICCUP

Blog Post Series: Breaking Down Hiccup

Title: Tunnel Vision

Ep/Season: Episode 4, Season 2 (Defenders of Berk)

Premise:

Somethings brewing underneath Berk and it is up to Hiccup and gang to find out exactly what that is.

THE VALUE OF TEAM WORK

From the very trivial pursuits like giving Gobber a bath to fighting off the Screaming Death, the team has to be in it together. As girlboss as Astrid is on her own, as intelligent and savvy Hiccup can be and as strong as Stoick is, IT TAKES A (literal) VILLAGE to well... run a village.

Though the episodes called Tunnel Vision, everything about it is peripheral. The gang straggles along for answers and solutions to their water problem and then to the rogue dragon issue and then back to Gobber's bath. It is just interesting to actually see an episode where the dragon dynamic also relies heavily on teamwork.

I didn't catch this at first, but the Screaming Death and his siblings, the Whispering Deaths, are one whole unit and function as a team too. As such, the strategy to beat them can't be one-to-one combat. To be fair, Hiccup and gang always function as a team but the movies don't highlight the importance of the other members of Hiccup's unit as they should. I understand why they built it that way, and I love the movies (no complaints), I am just thankful we get to explore it in the shows.

Defenders of Berk, unlike Riders of Berk, focuses more on the life there and what they do to defend it. It has a more nuanced approach to the other riders than just solely on Hiccup and Hiccup training them. Which is an interesting shift suited to the mood of the second season.

I say that this was a pretty feisty episode and I like that it stayed within the confines of the village, because I can't get enough of the day-to-day village-viking-dragon issues. It's theatrical in one word. And the way the Screaming Death was introduced is a great built up to becoming an actual threat to Berk.

SNOTLOUT THE BUSINESS MAN

Can we also like appreciate the fact that Snotlout's pretty industrious. I mean, he's a jerk by community-living standards, but if anyone is going to capitalise on anything, its going to be Snotlout. That drop Astrid laid when she discovered Snotlout charged the villagers for water was a hilarious exchange, because let's be honest, we've all purchased bottled water. We've all been taken advantage off. I mean, why isn't water free? Anyways...

I like how despite the episode harbouring on teamwork, the individual aspects of Snotlout, Astrid and Hiccup was highlighted in this exchange. Astrid explains that Hiccup didn't mean for the people to be charged for water and Snotlout's proud that the trade was his idea because he thinks profit and Hiccup thinks people. This is just a great marked difference between leadership qualities and a capitalist.

ENEMY DRAGONS

I do not emphasise enough on Hiccup's dragon nemesis. I really should've paid more attention, but after re-watching this episode, it just clicked. The Screaming Death is a terrifying monster of a villain. I mean, I suppose he's not a villain, he's just marking his territory where he was planted. The Outcasts are villains, but the Screaming Death is a worthy adversary. It's intelligent, strong, fast and responsible. I mean, all its trying to do is protect its own and find a home, just like anyone of us would.

And that's why, I never really viewed them as Hiccup's nemesis, because they're just doing their thing in line with nature. People like Viggo or Alvin the Treacherous or Dagur purposely upset the balance of the ecosystem to get ahead in life. So it's easier to pin them as threats or enemies. But, I like that in the second season, Hiccup doesn't just have to deal with difficult people, but very difficult forces of nature and survival.

The Screaming Death would go on to have another episode I really love in the franchise and I can't wait to get to it.

THE GREAT APOLOGY - I CAN EXPLAIN

I have been away for too long. Longer than I expected to. Numerous are the reasons but procrastinator, that I am. God, I am not sure if that previous sentence English-ed well. The truth is, I needed a break. I was super gung-ho about the last number of posts and made many in response and was super hyped by them, I literally lived to produce content for this page.

But then, I kind lost the luster for it after I finished my exams and resigned from my previous posting because I was just feeling really blah. I'm quite honest with my feelings on this page, and if you've been following, you'll know that my life is in a period of a pretty great transition and that hasn't really been... transitioning. So I got stuck. Then I got sick. And am still a little under the weather. And every time I wanted to post something, I felt like I took too long a break, no one's gonna read this stuff anymore, so I stopped writing.

But I never stopped consuming HTTYD content and I was in the Jay Baruchel rabbit hole for a very long time and frankly, I missed my Tumblr interactions. (Images above placed to illustrate me, being in a hole.)

I also felt like, I wanted to improve my writing and analysis, so I was reading a lot more. Then I got stage fright, or writer's fright, and got scared you guys might find me dull and cancel me. And lived in that period of insecurity for weeks.

Well, today I got out of my head and decided, look, I did this because I love HTTYD. I never expected to have a single following. I wrote because it gave me purpose, it realigns my life. It provides structure to my day-in-day-out and I miss you guys. So, I took out my laptop, re-watched this episode, cut my stills to post this.

I'm really sorry for disappearing, I guess I was just embarrassed, but the truth is, I'm trying and with each day, it is getting easier to keep at it again. I hope.

Love you guys!!! XOXO and thanks for sticking around.

[fanfixes]

DEFENDERS OF BERK | HTTYD SERIES | THE BREAKFAST CLUB

Blog Post Series: The Breakfast Club

Title: Race to Fireworm Island

Ep/Season: Episode 5, Season 2 (Defenders of Berk)

Premise:

When threats from the Outcasts get deep into Snotlout's head, he amps up his training much to the detriment of Hookfang. Now, he must deal with the consequences of literal burnout and the possibility of maybe losing something he's been under appreciating.

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

Snotlout Gary Jorgenson

We've established many episodes before that the root cause of Snotlout's problems is his father. He lives by his dad's impossible principles and because of it, suffers from incredible personality flaws by virtue of obeying them. "Rest is for the weak" is the running theme of todays show and why I think, Snotlout is like many of us when it comes to people pleasing.

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BURNOUT

Snotlout is a kid pining for his father's approval. Everything his dad says is gold to him. Impressing his father is his rasion d'etre and everyone knows that. And because its such a tender father-son issue, they don't really meddle. Pretty understanding viking community if you think about it.

He pushes Hookfang beyond recognition because he believes that's how he is going to defeat the enemy. Training can't kill dragons, but incessant exercises and drills without rest can drain them, as it would anyone.

We know this because, Astrid and Hiccup train hard too, but never at the expense of Stormfly / Toothless. [Well, not that badly or in this season at least, here's looking to you 'A Grim Retreat' (Episode 6, Season 5 (Race to the Edge)]

There needs to be a balance between rest and work.

Hookfang, Spitelout & the Untimely Sword Analogy

I like the conversation Spitelout had with Snotlout. It was a terrible analogy but it showcased the clear disregard Spitelout has to his son's interest or love for his dragon. Clearly anyone could see that Snotlout loved Hookfang. You'd think as a father, that should be something he would've picked up. Yet, he was too concerned with getting ahead, winning, he never saw what was before him, the pain in his child's eyes at the possibility of losing his pet.

And we know that these dragons are more than just pets to them or their armoury. They are extensions of themselves. And I'll take it a step further and say that Spitelout disregarding Hookfang is as bad as disregarding Snotlout.

This episode, to me, is a really good Snotlout background story. It's where he first starts questioning his father's principles and realising that maybe he isn't always right and what's right is what his heart is saying, calling him to save Hookfang and to not just "chuck" him aside.

Snotfang!

They do come off as the least affection dragon-rider pair, but they love each other more than it seems because the way they express love is very different but nothing less than what it means.

I love the tender moments between Snotlout and Hookfang.

I also love that this was the episode Snotlout finally understood the consequences of his actions and finally took responsibility for them instead shifting blame. In fact, he could've blamed his dad, but he didn't. He took charge and tried his best to work things out.

It was also a really touching episode where everyone was equally invested in saving Hookfang. I believe part of it is empathy because they know how painful it must be to see your dragon sick, but another part is also sympathy, caring for their friend.

My heart melted at the scene when they all huddled around Hookfang when he lost altitude to keep him safe and when Astrid's voice broke when she thought Hookfang died trying to save Snotlout.

This episode displayed major character growth for Snotlout. Him taking charge, owning up and defying his father's words saying "turns out my dad knows nothing about dragons" which came as a shock to everyone because Snotlout has never spoken anything against his dad. Ever.

Sure he's stubborn, pig-headed and difficult. But from this, we know he isn't dead inside and will grow into a very important member of the village and group, and hopefully be much, much better than his predecessors.

FUNNY MOMENTS & QUESTIONS

(1) Apparently Tuffnut tried milking the fireworms. And evidently, there is no such thing as fireworm milk. Now, that being the case... WHAT IS IN THAT BOWL GUYS!!!

(2) Hiccup & Astrid flirting and sharing one mind:

(3) All hail Hiccup, our words of affirmation King. Pretty sure his love language is words of affirmation. HAHA!

(4) Also, we gotta give love to our MC here, who was nothing but supportive and innovative in saving Hookfang. The Hiccup-Snotlout friendship here was precious, and also, maybe one of the only few times Hiccup didn't want to choke Snotlout.

AND, OF COURSE, OUR HAPPY ENDING...

I suppose its worth remembering that the HTTYD universe is larger than Hiccup and Toothless. It's nice to have these nods to the smaller schemes and plans of this adventurous world, where love and friendship transcend the bounds of the main character's view and what could directly affects Hiccup only.

It is really quiet amazing how the writers managed to make the side characters as interesting as the mains and their concerns becoming our concerns. It isn't easy to strike this balance and intrigue and maybe that's why the fandom holds strong, a good decade later.

[fanfixes]

DEFENDERS OF BERK | HTTYD SERIES | BREAKING DOWN HICCUP

Blog Post Series: Breaking Down Hiccup

Title: The Night and the Fury

Ep/Season: Episode 3, Season 2 (Defenders of Berk)

Premise:

Hiccup and gang set out on a training exercise on Dragon Island in hopes to train their stealth / combat skills without help from their dragons. Unfortunately, they run into a very, very unlikely "friend"...

IN ASTRID WE TRUST

It's no secret that the team needs some polishing. And we're hoping, Astrid's obstacles could do the trick. I love how they groaned, knowing that her tests is going to be difficult. It's very like them to do that and very like her to make things tough.

This exercise is fertile ground for individual members of the team to grow. For example:

(1) TUFFNUT TAKES ON THE RESPONSIBILITY OF WATCHING THE DRAGONS

(2) RUFFNUT GOES OUT ON HER OWN

(3) FISHLEGS, WELL, IT'S JUST ANOTHER DAY FOR HIM REALLY. I.E., DOING SOMETHING HE'S SCARED TO DO

(4) HICCUP, DEALING W DAGUR

(Can we also take a moment to appreciate the little confidence boost Hiccup gives to Fishlegs? We can? Ok. Here you go.)

If you started watching RTTE without first seeing ROB/DOB, you might wonder why Dagur calls him brother. Well, to be fair, I still don't know why he does, but at least from this episode, you'll know when the supposed familial relationship began.

P/S: Look at how small & cute baby is.

It's also really cute that Hiccup tries, for the most part, to keep the peace with Dagur, though for the most part, I hate to watch them pandering to him.

THE DAGUR FIASCO

This episode is where I feel DOB kicks off. Hiccup's in a very precarious position. The last time Dagur showed up, Stoick lied that Berk was still at war w dragons and that they still killed them. For the sake of peace, Hiccup didn't have much of a choice but to play along and reassert the lie.

This episode is definitely one of my favourites, especially in terms of the Hiccup-Dagur dialogue.

It's hard to not enjoy the "bro-mance" sequences. Just look at this one:

In fact, if you only watched RTTE, you might've missed where the Dagur v Snotlout situation also began. And it might surprise you to realise, that Snotlout was very much, a fan of Monsieur Deranged here.

HICCUP'S STAND

But nothing beats, that moment when Hiccup takes his stand.

It was such a DEFINING MOMENT, because Dagur has been looking down on Hiccup for years and NOW, NOW?! He realises what a genuine threat Hiccup could be. And more importantly, how easily his pride is wounded.

I'm all here for HEROIC HICCUP. And what an artistic way to show how much Dagur underestimated him. He even underestimate his shield! Much to his lost...

Also, don't you think that it is very Captain America of Hiccup sometimes, when he's wielding the shield?

And let's not forget, Hiccup is one sassy protagonist. I mean, you know you're an enemy when he burns you.

This episode is way more significant than I realised it at first. This whole time, Alvin was Berk's only viable threat. But his beef was with Stoick, initially at least.

But now, Dagur is another. And the person he's going after is Hiccup. Dagur is Hiccup's first archenemy.

And it doesn't help that he's insane.

So, what I loved about this episode was, it heightened the stakes of the entire show AND also, showcased how Hiccup can out-wit, out-smart and challenge Dagur, who I think, must've been a pretty tough contender to command the massive armada he ends up leading.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAY BARUCHEL (9.4.2023)

I know this may come off super random, but it is Jay Baruchel's birthday today. I think we can all agree that Jay is the life and soul of Hiccup. If you follow me on twitter @reviewinghiccup, you should know that I am down the rabbit hole of Jay Baruchel movies, interviews and podcasts.

And what I love so much about this guy is the respect and reverence he has for the show. I mean, he constantly praises it and not just because of his role, which he believes pales in comparison to the artists designing and working the animation, but its obviously, he's a HTTYD superfan.

I love it when an actor pays their respects to the franchise and I do enjoy his take on the work and how much the line between who Hiccup is and who he is, as a person, is blurred.

He's a really eloquent speaker and tries to produce, write and direct movies now, instead of act in them. He's based in Canada.

Anyways, something interesting I learned about him was, in an interview w Tom Power, he talks about the book he wrote and what being a fan means to him. Him being a fan of hockey and how precious it can be to live within a franchise or something as massive as indulging interests. It sorta validates me a little, specially since I've dived deep into HTTYD fandom since changing careers.

And just like Hiccup, there is way more to this guy than it seems. He's funny, humble, kind and generous with his time. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and he's pretty jittery in real life too. But what kind of broke me, was finding out that even with his own father, he felt like he wasn't the kind of son his dad wanted.

Apparently, he had a complicated relationship with his dad which I believe may have bled into his work.

If you've watched enough of his interviews you'll know that he had to support his mom and sister at 14-years-old with acting gigs because his father left and passed away when Jay was 21 following a drug overdose. Yet, he still remains so kind. I mean, his upbringing was tough, poor and difficult, yet you can still see him trudging through humbly, not wanting to draw attention to himself as much as he can help it.

In an interview article I read this morning, he explained that he wanted to continue being a good husband, son, brother, friend and I thought that was such a genuine Hiccup thing to say. He shoulders all these responsibilities and have been since he was a kid. Look, I don't know the guy personally, but from the expansive notes and recordings I've looked into, he seems pretty decent and I am such a huge fan.

As I grow older, I understand people on a different level. I accord respect so differently from how I would've years ago. And right now, I think what makes Jay Baruchel interesting is his sheer promise to do better for his family. And I think, in the absence of chiefing, running a village and saving the world, Hiccup is very much the same in that aspect too. A chief protects his own, which seems to be the mantra ringing in my head as I listen to Jay talk about his life.

You guys have no idea how much I know about this dude. I have possibly stalked him silly right now. And, all I want is for him to succeed, in his work, life and family.

[fanfixes]

DEFENDERS OF BERK | HTTYD SERIES | BREAKING DOWN HICCUP

Blog Post Series: Breaking Down Hiccup

Title: The Night and the Fury

Ep/Season: Episode 3, Season 2 (Defenders of Berk)

Premise:

Hiccup and gang set out on a training exercise on Dragon Island in hopes to train their stealth / combat skills without help from their dragons. Unfortunately, they run into a very, very unlikely "friend"...

IN ASTRID WE TRUST

It's no secret that the team needs some polishing. And we're hoping, Astrid's obstacles could do the trick. I love how they groaned, knowing that her tests is going to be difficult. It's very like them to do that and very like her to make things tough.

This exercise is fertile ground for individual members of the team to grow. For example:

(1) TUFFNUT TAKES ON THE RESPONSIBILITY OF WATCHING THE DRAGONS

(2) RUFFNUT GOES OUT ON HER OWN

(3) FISHLEGS, WELL, IT'S JUST ANOTHER DAY FOR HIM REALLY. I.E., DOING SOMETHING HE'S SCARED TO DO

(4) HICCUP, DEALING W DAGUR

(Can we also take a moment to appreciate the little confidence boost Hiccup gives to Fishlegs? We can? Ok. Here you go.)

If you started watching RTTE without first seeing ROB/DOB, you might wonder why Dagur calls him brother. Well, to be fair, I still don't know why he does, but at least from this episode, you'll know when the supposed familial relationship began.

P/S: Look at how small & cute baby is.

It's also really cute that Hiccup tries, for the most part, to keep the peace with Dagur, though for the most part, I hate to watch them pandering to him.

THE DAGUR FIASCO

This episode is where I feel DOB kicks off. Hiccup's in a very precarious position. The last time Dagur showed up, Stoick lied that Berk was still at war w dragons and that they still killed them. For the sake of peace, Hiccup didn't have much of a choice but to play along and reassert the lie.

This episode is definitely one of my favourites, especially in terms of the Hiccup-Dagur dialogue.

It's hard to not enjoy the "bro-mance" sequences. Just look at this one:

In fact, if you only watched RTTE, you might've missed where the Dagur v Snotlout situation also began. And it might surprise you to realise, that Snotlout was very much, a fan of Monsieur Deranged here.

HICCUP'S STAND

But nothing beats, that moment when Hiccup takes his stand.

It was such a DEFINING MOMENT, because Dagur has been looking down on Hiccup for years and NOW, NOW?! He realises what a genuine threat Hiccup could be. And more importantly, how easily his pride is wounded.

I'm all here for HEROIC HICCUP. And what an artistic way to show how much Dagur underestimated him. He even underestimate his shield! Much to his lost...

Also, don't you think that it is very Captain America of Hiccup sometimes, when he's wielding the shield?

And let's not forget, Hiccup is one sassy protagonist. I mean, you know you're an enemy when he burns you.

This episode is way more significant than I realised it at first. This whole time, Alvin was Berk's only viable threat. But his beef was with Stoick, initially at least.

But now, Dagur is another. And the person he's going after is Hiccup. Dagur is Hiccup's first archenemy.

And it doesn't help that he's insane.

So, what I loved about this episode was, it heightened the stakes of the entire show AND also, showcased how Hiccup can out-wit, out-smart and challenge Dagur, who I think, must've been a pretty tough contender to command the massive armada he ends up leading.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAY BARUCHEL (9.4.2023)

I know this may come off super random, but it is Jay Baruchel's birthday today. I think we can all agree that Jay is the life and soul of Hiccup. If you follow me on twitter @reviewinghiccup, you should know that I am down the rabbit hole of Jay Baruchel movies, interviews and podcasts.

And what I love so much about this guy is the respect and reverence he has for the show. I mean, he constantly praises it and not just because of his role, which he believes pales in comparison to the artists designing and working the animation, but its obviously, he's a HTTYD superfan.

I love it when an actor pays their respects to the franchise and I do enjoy his take on the work and how much the line between who Hiccup is and who he is, as a person, is blurred.

He's a really eloquent speaker and tries to produce, write and direct movies now, instead of act in them. He's based in Canada.

Anyways, something interesting I learned about him was, in an interview w Tom Power, he talks about the book he wrote and what being a fan means to him. Him being a fan of hockey and how precious it can be to live within a franchise or something as massive as indulging interests. It sorta validates me a little, specially since I've dived deep into HTTYD fandom since changing careers.

And just like Hiccup, there is way more to this guy than it seems. He's funny, humble, kind and generous with his time. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and he's pretty jittery in real life too. But what kind of broke me, was finding out that even with his own father, he felt like he wasn't the kind of son his dad wanted.

Apparently, he had a complicated relationship with his dad which I believe may have bled into his work.

If you've watched enough of his interviews you'll know that he had to support his mom and sister at 14-years-old with acting gigs because his father left and passed away when Jay was 21 following a drug overdose. Yet, he still remains so kind. I mean, his upbringing was tough, poor and difficult, yet you can still see him trudging through humbly, not wanting to draw attention to himself as much as he can help it.

In an interview article I read this morning, he explained that he wanted to continue being a good husband, son, brother, friend and I thought that was such a genuine Hiccup thing to say. He shoulders all these responsibilities and have been since he was a kid. Look, I don't know the guy personally, but from the expansive notes and recordings I've looked into, he seems pretty decent and I am such a huge fan.

As I grow older, I understand people on a different level. I accord respect so differently from how I would've years ago. And right now, I think what makes Jay Baruchel interesting is his sheer promise to do better for his family. And I think, in the absence of chiefing, running a village and saving the world, Hiccup is very much the same in that aspect too. A chief protects his own, which seems to be the mantra ringing in my head as I listen to Jay talk about his life.

You guys have no idea how much I know about this dude. I have possibly stalked him silly right now. And, all I want is for him to succeed, in his work, life and family.

[fanfixes]

DEFENDERS OF BERK | HTTYD SERIES | BREAKING DOWN HICCUP

Blog Post Series: Breaking Down Hiccup

Title: Live and Let Fly

Ep/Season: Episode 1, Season 2 (Defenders of Berk)

Premise:

Picking up from where we left off, Hiccup & gang are wary of the threats Alvin now brings. Unfortunately, a sudden ban on flying has stifled plans to train and prepare for the impending Outcast assault. Hiccup must deal w (1) his troops, 2) restless dragons & (3) overprotective father.

CHARACTER ANALYSIS

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III

DoB’s first episode pushes Hiccup into a different league. He is not just a dragon trainer anymore, but a soldier. He knows that his team needs to level up on training and prepare for battle. Which means, everyone has to improve.

However, Stoick sits on the fence in allowing Hiccup back out on the field following his kidnapping. He decides that it’s safer for Hiccup to be out of sight and out of mind.

That doesn’t sit well w Hiccup at all, because if Hiccup knows anything, is that his strength is maximise w Toothless than without and Berk’s advantage is it’s dragons.

No one is happy about the ban, and the dragons grow restless. Understandably so.

The new set of Berk’s warriors are trained to fight w dragons.

Cleverly, our hero is aware, that it isn’t enough to be on the backs of dragons. They need their own hand held devices and shields.

I love that this is the episode they introduce his shield and this shield plays a significant role in the many shows to come.

The humour behind the fragile calibration setting the shield off was a favourite in the episode. I’m all here for awkward encounters!

I love Hiccup’s design for his gadgets aiding him in battle. We get that physically he has limitations, but he supplements those short comings w weapons showcasing his innovative side.

I also like how his first “weapon” or battle armour is a shield. It shows that Hiccup is always on the defensive never offensive, because as much as he can help it, he doesn’t want to fight.

THEME & MESSAGE

DRAGON FLIGHT CLUB

The team decides to take matters into their own hands. After all, how are they going to defeat Alvin if they don’t study counterattacks on the captured dragons stored in Alvin’s dungeons.

And so, they assemble the secret society, Dragon Flight Club, to train under the cover of night.

I have to point out that Hiccup looks super cute here. This pose made me crush hard on Hiccup when I watched it back then. Such authority, w a dash of nonchalance.

GROWING PAINS

I think one of the hardest things for Stoick is to let Hiccup go. He is his only son. The child from his only love. He can’t lose Hiccup. Not again. (Anyone feeling Rhaenyra vibes here? Yes/No?)

But it’s impossible to cage Hiccup in general. The boy has always been made to fly. And hard as it is for any parent to let their kids go, Stoick is no exception.

Instead of fighting against Hiccup, Stoick needed to learn, that together, they are powerful. Signified by the combined blast of Thornado’s roar and Toothless’ plasma.

Together they will defeat Berk’s enemies. And together they will defend their village.

Hiccup is a little more mature in this season than the last. We’ve seen him grow as a member of Berk’s council. Now, we will watch him grow in another aspect for his people. A defender.

Favourite Moment:

I find it hilarious how this entire conversation means that this scenario HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE.

[fanfixes]

DEFENDERS OF BERK | HTTYD SERIES | THE BREAKFAST CLUB

Blog Post Title: The Breakfast Club

Title: The Iron Gronckle

Ep/Season: Episode 2, Season 2 (Defenders of Berk)

Premise:

After an afternoon binge eating their sorrows away, Fishlegs & Meatlug return to Berk w a bad tummy. But good news comes, as it is discovered that the combination of rocks Meatlug consumed has produced the sterling, swashbuckling lava used to forge the metal we know famously in the HTTYD universe as Gronckle Iron!

CHARACTER ANALYSIS

Each character in HTTYD is different. And it is their differences in personality, attitude and strengths that drives the storyline in the HTTYD series. This new blog post series, “The Breakfast Club” is designed to discuss the other characters (not just Hiccup) and how their journey and story fits into DOB/RTTE.

FISHLEGS JUSTIN INGERMAN

As great as Fishlegs is as a person, he is sorely insecure and in dire need of validation. He is aware that he falls short in certain things and what he really needed from Hiccup and gang was some appreciation.

Meatlug is the slowest dragon of the group, and it seems like her speed caused the others, on faster dragons, their vantage point. In other words, they haven't yet understood her value.

It isn't enough that Fishlegs is the master of all dragon knowledge. He needs to be fast enough to keep up on missions. And feeling as if Meatlug and him has little to contribute, they stray away from the mission.

It seems like the writers love to explore the dimensions of underestimated / underrated characters and give them an edge no one else has, to equal or elevate their standing.

It was adorable watching Fishlegs and Meatlug walk back to Berk "walk of shame" mode after devouring an entire bush of berries and crate of rocks.

Anyways, it turns out that Meatlug's lava created a light and strong metal Gobber could used to manufacture all sorts of weapons, helmets and mechanisms. And w Fishlegs, losing himself momentarily in the mix and muddle of his duties to the Academy, thought he found something right up his alley and decided to serve the people differently.

Everyone's super psyched about the new metal. The whole town has stopped by to get a piece of it. Even Hiccup!

Unfortunately,

Fishlegs decides that he doesn't want to serve in the academy anymore or go on missions and it is during this time that the team learns the value of Fishlegs and Meatlug.

HICCUP HORRENDOUS HADDOCK III

This episode follows Hiccup and Fishleg's friendship. We know they're best friends. As in, Hiccup's best human friend.

It is important, that as friends, we learn to value each other and be wary of when the other is hurting.

It isn't enough to always be around each other, though presence can mean something, it isn't always enough.

As leader, Hiccup needed to understand the complex emotions playing out in Fishleg's mind, but importantly, as a friend, he had to address it.

It isn't easy being a leader. If it was, Snotlout could do it (hehe).

I love that we get to watch Hiccup's interaction w the other dragons. He's gentle and calmly towards Meatlug, show casing that his gift isn't limited to night furies, but to all types.

It was important for Fishlegs to go away, to find himself in other things for awhile. So that the other's can realise how important he is to the group and more importantly, for Fishlegs himself to gain some self-respect.

Having to save Hiccup and Meatlug thrusted him into a position outside his comfort zone and made him confront w the fact that he can do more than he is told he is can.

Also, just like, this scene cracks me up every time.

This episode was sweet to say the least. Nothing too adventurous, nothing too spectacular, but very down to earth. An easy watch after a long day from work.

Moral Take-a-Way: I think it is really important to know our own value. We need to be independent of what others say or think about us. Or even, what we think they are saying about us. It's because, without that inner conviction of your own person, you will fall prey to criticism and unfair remarks.

I don't think the other riders were very fair to Fishlegs, and Hiccup being the only one asked to apologise wasn't very fair either. But, it is important, above all, not to seek apologies or fairness, but to really know your worth.

And! Another thing I really appreciated, was Gobber, equally extending a hand HOOK, in giving Fishlegs some validation.

Also, since we're on the topic of insecurity, I am going through a Jay Baruchel binge lately, and re-watched Tropic Thunder. It is an insane movie. But, at its heart, its about three very famous movies stars, at the pinnacle of their career going through different stages and varying levels of deep insecurity. I don't know, I thought I'd just share a couple stills from the movie for fun.

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DEFENDERS OF BERK | HTTYD SERIES | BREAKING DOWN HICCUP

Blog Post Series: Breaking Down Hiccup

Title: Live and Let Fly

Ep/Season: Episode 1, Season 2 (Defenders of Berk)

Premise:

Picking up from where we left off, Hiccup & gang are wary of the threats Alvin now brings. Unfortunately, a sudden ban on flying has stifled plans to train and prepare for the impending Outcast assault. Hiccup must deal w (1) his troops, 2) restless dragons & (3) overprotective father.

CHARACTER ANALYSIS

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III

DoB’s first episode pushes Hiccup into a different league. He is not just a dragon trainer anymore, but a soldier. He knows that his team needs to level up on training and prepare for battle. Which means, everyone has to improve.

However, Stoick sits on the fence in allowing Hiccup back out on the field following his kidnapping. He decides that it’s safer for Hiccup to be out of sight and out of mind.

That doesn’t sit well w Hiccup at all, because if Hiccup knows anything, is that his strength is maximise w Toothless than without and Berk’s advantage is it’s dragons.

No one is happy about the ban, and the dragons grow restless. Understandably so.

The new set of Berk’s warriors are trained to fight w dragons.

Cleverly, our hero is aware, that it isn’t enough to be on the backs of dragons. They need their own hand held devices and shields.

I love that this is the episode they introduce his shield and this shield plays a significant role in the many shows to come.

The humour behind the fragile calibration setting the shield off was a favourite in the episode. I’m all here for awkward encounters!

I love Hiccup’s design for his gadgets aiding him in battle. We get that physically he has limitations, but he supplements those short comings w weapons showcasing his innovative side.

I also like how his first “weapon” or battle armour is a shield. It shows that Hiccup is always on the defensive never offensive, because as much as he can help it, he doesn’t want to fight.

THEME & MESSAGE

DRAGON FLIGHT CLUB

The team decides to take matters into their own hands. After all, how are they going to defeat Alvin if they don’t study counterattacks on the captured dragons stored in Alvin’s dungeons.

And so, they assemble the secret society, Dragon Flight Club, to train under the cover of night.

I have to point out that Hiccup looks super cute here. This pose made me crush hard on Hiccup when I watched it back then. Such authority, w a dash of nonchalance.

GROWING PAINS

I think one of the hardest things for Stoick is to let Hiccup go. He is his only son. The child from his only love. He can’t lose Hiccup. Not again. (Anyone feeling Rhaenyra vibes here? Yes/No?)

But it’s impossible to cage Hiccup in general. The boy has always been made to fly. And hard as it is for any parent to let their kids go, Stoick is no exception.

Instead of fighting against Hiccup, Stoick needed to learn, that together, they are powerful. Signified by the combined blast of Thornado’s roar and Toothless’ plasma.

Together they will defeat Berk’s enemies. And together they will defend their village.

Hiccup is a little more mature in this season than the last. We’ve seen him grow as a member of Berk’s council. Now, we will watch him grow in another aspect for his people. A defender.

Favourite Moment:

I find it hilarious how this entire conversation means that this scenario HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE.

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INDEX | RIDERS OF BERK | DEFENDERS OF BERK | HTTYD SERIES

Episodes Reviewed (An Index)

RIDERS OF BERK

Episode 1: How to Start a Dragon Academy Episode 2: Viking for Hire Episode 3: Animal House Episode 4: Terrible Twos Episodes 5 & 6 : In Dragons we Trusts | Alvin and the Outcasts Episode 7: How to Pick Your Dragon Episode 8: Portrait of Hiccup as a Buff Man Episode 9: Dragon Flower Episodes 10 & 11: Heather Report Episode 12: Thawfest Episode 13: When Lightning Strikes Episode 14: What Flies Beneath Episodes 15 & 16: Twinsanity & Defiant One Episode 17: Breakneck Bog Episode 18: Gem of a Different Colour Episodes 19 & 20: We are Family

DEFENDERS OF BERK

Episode 1: Live and Let Fly

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RIDERS OF BERK | HTTYD SERIES | A CLOSING

Hey guys! Sorry for the week long hiatus, I had so many unexpected events to deal w that no time could be had for updating this blog.

^ me the whole week tbh ANYWAYS! I do think that we can announce the winners of Part I and Part II of the Polls! [Unless something changes in 4 hours and a day! HAHA! Which, might be safe to say it wont.]

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

RIDERS OF BERK POLL (1) - Portrait of Hiccup as a Buff Man

RIDERS OF BERK POLL (2) - When Lightning Strikes

Portrait of Hiccup as a Buff Man was a landslide win. I mean, I get why. It showcased that tender relationship between Stoick and Hiccup, it played w Hiccup's confidence and identity and realising the gifts that make him different is what makes him great. And Stoick also learning to put aside his traditional prejudices to appreciate Hiccup's uniqueness.

When Lightning Strikes was another strong win. It dealt w the village's strong impudent views, Hiccup's resolve to save Toothless, Stoick finally standing up for Toothless and Hiccup. Though, Thawfest and Breakneck Bog tally slightly behind with an almost equal number of votes.

The thing these 4 episodes have in common is that it deals w intricacies of family ties and relationships. Hiccup and Stoick, Hiccup and his mother, Hiccup and Toothless, Spitelout and Snotlout. They play around w the theme of togetherness and acceptance. To live and let live. And I get why that hits.

Admittedly, I thought that Animal House and How to Pick Your Dragon would garner more votes for the 1st round of Polls. Those were my honourable mentions for 1st round but I get why Heather Report came in second. It was the fire test of Hiccup and Astrid's relationship and much more.

And for the 2nd round of Polls I was banking on Thawfest to win. Haha! Regardless, I am just so glad that many of you took part in these polls and have continued reading and sharing my work.

If you guys are new to the blog and want to read up on all my reviews, you can find them all here:

Episode 1: How to Start a Dragon Academy

Episode 2: Viking for Hire

Episode 3: Animal House Episode 4: Terrible Twos Episodes 5 & 6 : In Dragons we Trusts | Alvin and the Outcasts Episode 7: How to Pick Your Dragon

Episode 8: Portrait of Hiccup as a Buff Man

Episode 9: Dragon Flower

Episodes 10 & 11: Heather Report

Episode 12: Thawfest

Episode 13: When Lightning Strikes

Episode 14: What Flies Beneath

Episodes 15 & 16: Twinsanity & Defiant One

Episode 17: Breakneck Bog

Episode 18: Gem of a Different Colour

Episodes 19 & 20: We are Family

HAPPY READING!

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Omg it’s an HTTYD blog that’s not dead, you’re my herooo 😭 ❤️

NOPE NOT DEAD! VERY MUCH ALIVE! HAHA!

RIDERS OF BERK | EPISODES REVIEWED!

HERE'S A LIST OF POSTS ON EACH EPISODE FOR EASY REFERENCE!

Episode 1: How to Start a Dragon Academy Episode 2: Viking for Hire Episode 3: Animal House Episode 4: Terrible Twos Episodes 5 & 6 : In Dragons we Trusts | Alvin and the Outcasts Episode 7: How to Pick Your Dragon Episode 8: Portrait of Hiccup as a Buff Man Episode 9: Dragon Flower Episodes 10 & 11: Heather Report Episode 12: Thawfest Episode 13: When Lightning Strikes Episode 14: What Flies Beneath Episodes 15 & 16: Twinsanity & Defiant One Episode 17: Breakneck Bog Episode 18: Gem of a Different Colour Episodes 19 & 20: We are Family

ENJOY @tidela471 and Thank you for reaching out <3

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RIDERS OF BERK || THE SEASON FINALE | HTTYD SERIES | BREAKING DOWN HICCUP

Blog Post Title: Breaking Down Hiccup

Title: We are Family I & II

Ep/Season: Episodes 19 & 20, Season 1 (Riders of Berk)

Premise:

It's Bork week! The riders were tasked to do a Dragon Air show in conjunction w the festive week. The Nadders had a synchorinsed air glide, the Gronckles were gonna arrive in a steady formation and well, Hiccup started feeling a little left-out for Toothless who might need to do the show alone.

Newly entrusted w Bork's papers, i.e., the originals drafts making up the sacred Book of Dragons, he stumbles on a couple of sheets revealing the mysterious Isle of Night, an island filled with Night Furies.

Desperate to find Toothless a family of his own, Hiccup and gang sets out to look for the island, but stumbled into something else.

THEME & MESSAGE

PRESERVING GENERATIONS

The Vikings are a very proud people. Proud of their culture, background and ancestry. They all come from a long line of dragon killers. As far as we know it, no one apart from Hiccup has tried to make peace w the beast. And so, it is a huge deal that this year's Bork Week is celebrated along side the dragons instead of against them.

Bork the Bold is Gobber's great, great grandfather. He has inherited all his trinkets and keepsakes. The journey of collecting and collating the information found in the Book is discussed in Dreamworks Dragons' limited series Book of Dragons.

Maybe that's why Gobber is such a dragon expert himself. It runs in his blood.

Now, we know times have changed and the village has now accustomed themselves to having dragons around. As part of their daily life, culture and community.

That was the one of the main objectives of the Dragon Academy & the aim of the dragon riders. And they’ve done well in securing this new sense of life.

"Traditions' a fine thing Mildew, but things have changed. Better if you asked me...We've come a long way from the time when it was us or the dragons, you might be a little less crusty if you get used to that Mildew."

And if you think about it, how many senseless deaths had occasioned all these generations long because the vikings couldn't or weren't intuitive enough to understand dragons?

So, yes, things have changed for the better.

The council agrees that it is time for Bork's notes to be stored in the academy and placed under Hiccup's charge so that it can be utilised and improved upon. It is, to them, the right place for it now.

Being the nerd that he is, Hiccup spends the entire night sifting through old manuscripts and diaries till he stumbles upon notes on an island full of Night Furies.

FINDING TOOTHLESS A FAMILY

Lamenting earlier in the afternoon, wishing Toothless had a family to belong to, Hiccup was excited to get hold of these notes, embarking almost immediately on a journey to find Bork's cave and retrieve the exact location of the Isle of Night.

This journey was so funny. I mean, Snotlout is such a jerk to the Twins, but it counterbalances because the Twins couldn't care less about Snotlout. The entire scene when he was held hostage by the wild changewing is so unserious its funny.

This adventure was pretty remarkable. I mean, Bork sounds like a pretty elusive character. His cave is revealed by sunlight. It's perched on the side of a steep cliff. I know that I said, Hiccup is the first one we know of that rode dragons, but who knows, towards the end of his life, maybe Bork did as well, he just didn't record it? (This is just my theory. I'm not fully convinced but I do wonder.)

It's also amazing that this was the episode Hiccup discovers Toothless's echolocation.

Let's have an honourable mention for the Isle of Night's location carved into the topside of the cave. Aesthetically pleasing for an adventure this big. (I wouldn’t get too attached though, y’all know why).

This mission was also special. It wasn't a scouting mission, a rescue mission, a mission against the enemy. It was instigated to find Toothless a family. And everyone went with Hiccup. The Twins, Snotlout, Fishlegs and of course, Astrid.

This just goes to show, that inasmuch as they get on each others nerves, the five of them will always have each others back.

UNFORTUNATELY,

For those who watched the final instalment of the HTTYD franchise, The Hidden World, you would know that all Night Furies were hunted down nearly to extinction by this guy...

It was peculiar that the notes specified unruly and hostile behaviour of Night Furies in herds.

Yet, based on that information, Hiccup went alone to spare the others from danger.

The longer it took for any Night Furies to show-up, the more suspicious I was and, on my first time watching, I remember yelling "GET OUT IT’S A TRAP!"

This whole time, it was a ploy by Alvin and the Outcasts to kidnap Hiccup and force him into training their dragons.

MILDEW'S TREASON

I had an inkling that this old man had something to do with something. But I don't know why, when it was reveal that he had a hand in this, it surprised me. I knew he was a grumpy, horrid old sod, but I never expected him to be cunning.

AND, the most interesting part about this treason was how well it played out.

When Mildew was thrown in prison and it looked like Alvin had tricked him too, I thought it was genuine. Who knew it was a charade to get Hiccup to teach Mildew the tricks of the trade?

I mean, Mildew played two cards; (1) Hiccup’s knack for adventure; and (2) Hiccup’s forgiving disposition.

It’s like Mildew knew Hiccup was in search for other Night Furies for Toothless. And I wondered how he knew that was the case to be. Though, on hindsight, maybe he was just taking a swing at Hiccup’s innate desire for discovery.

He further played with Hiccup's sympathy and used it to gain his trust when “trying to escape.”

Though don’t you think it’s ironic, that Midlew is the one from Berk who ends up learning and training dragons on Outcast Island? Doesn’t this deserve an irony of all ironies stamp?

Whatever the case may be, the whole Mildew fiasco was dramatic to say the least:

HICCUP THE UNAFRAID

I don't think I have ever seen this boy flinch at danger or bad guys. He flinches when Astrid's mad at him (which is adorable), but not at Alvin, or anyone whose kidnapped him before. And he has been kidnapped many times.

He just walks through the prison barracks as if its nothing. He is the perfect example of never judge a book by its cover.

We think, from the 1st Movie, that Hiccup is a coward. But no, he is a different kind of fighter. And a testament to his own father, Stoick who is also brave and unflinching when it comes to danger UNLESS the danger befalls someone they care about.

He is more Stoick’s son than meets the eye. And just because he doesn’t look large and compelling doesn’t mean he isn’t.

This adds to what I've been talking about this whole time, that courage, perseverance and leadership takes many different forms. And Hiccup is in a state of his own.

THE RIDERS OF BERK

And in line with our topic on "things aren't as they always seem," it took Hiccup two episodes to realise that Toothless had found his family… in him.

Family doesn’t need to fit the conventional standard of blood relatives or similar species. It can occasion from bonds of brotherhood, friendship and care. The question is, whether you are there for each other no matter what. And the answer to that is, definitely!

This little family is completed w a blonde, warrior Princess and her Deadly Nadder. An arrogant yet loveable (sometimes) dweeb and his Monstrous Nightmare. A tough an tender dragon knowledge geek & his Gronckle. And a pair of eccentric twins on their Zippleback.

RIDERS OF BERK ended w a final lesson - Defending the people you love.

The dragons carried out their mission to save Hiccup and Toothless in the absence of command.

They transitioned perfectly from simply just protecting their riders to actively fighting for them.

Moving on from being riders to defenders, #iykyk.

The whole season dealt w lessons for the dragons and it’s riders. Everyone had so much to learn about themselves and each other. And we get a lovely insight into the whole process.

PERSONAL TAKE & THANK YOUS

ROB lifts the curtain on the day-to-day lives of Berkians because it was a story on how these dragons were going to assimilate into their world.

What I never expected was, being able to find such nuggets of wisdom and character building when I took apart actions and consequences or responses a character had towards their circumstances and fit them into my life creating a moral lesson.

Dreamworks Dragons as a series gets more and more interesting. The adventure thickens. The stakes higher. The losses greater. The bad guys worser. But nothing compares to the heartwarming, soul enlightening, humble beginnings that ROB brings. It’s drenched in nostalgia.

One thing I missed when ROB ended was peeping through Hiccup & Stoick’s relationship for the first time, poking more into their time together. I really wish Stoick didn’t die. It was such a harsh death. I wish he could’ve lived to see his grandkids. He would’ve loved that. He was such a family man.

The story of hope, courage, and finding yourself flows in the veins of this first season of Dragons. It pays homage to the 1st Movie, which is still my favourite. In essence, it is about a boy, and his dragon and finding himself in between.

I have so much more to say, but that might turn this post into a book, so I’ll end by thanking everyone for the opportunity to share my thoughts on this show. My posts are long, and you guys take time to read it. That’s so precious to me, because who am I to be worthy of anyone’s time really?

I’m just an obsessed fan looking for her own voice in a show and I started this blog as a reflection diary not so much realising how strong and interactive the HTTYD community is and has survived. It’s closing in to 13 years since the 1st Movie. Yet it continues to touch, inspire and motivate many.

And isn’t it like life to imitate art. I feel like HTTYD Tumblr is it’s own strong Viking community. Every single encounter or interaction w a HTTYD fan has been delightful and encouraging. It’s like we own this little corner of the universe where a show is studied and enjoyed to oblivion and everyone gets why.

I also believe, especially because I’ve studied Hiccup a lot recently, that if he existed and was stationed here in the 21st century, our boy would definitely be on Tumblr. Wouldn’t he?

- END OF SEASON 1 -

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RIDERS OF BERK | HTTYD SERIES | VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITES

THIS IS PART TWO!

@per4mancecheck @aurora-australis-tumbles @siaasea @dragonaurora @fanfixes @httydhicstrid @hiccstridshipper19 @hiccstridsposts @the-mind-of-ej @vairsmania @heyitsmeyourdryskin @uselessreptile @verdart @cirth-ithil @winxrus @brose1229 @paperjammeddanny @youweremadetosoar @green-star16 @isafury @tugskeng @forgo-dreams @writing10t @barbygirl24 @xvatarx @rosiethedragongeek @wren-sparrow @imbrokenanditsfine02 @midnightsanchez @ryupioupiou @afriend410 Don't forget to cast in your votes here too guys!!!

If you have any other favourites, let me know in the comments below! I definitely have two two absolute favourites in this set.

[fanfixes]

RIDERS OF BERK | HTTYD SERIES | VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITES

THIS IS PART TWO!

@per4mancecheck @aurora-australis-tumbles @siaasea @dragonaurora @fanfixes @httydhicstrid @hiccstridshipper19 @hiccstridsposts @the-mind-of-ej @vairsmania @heyitsmeyourdryskin @uselessreptile @verdart @cirth-ithil @winxrus @brose1229 @paperjammeddanny @youweremadetosoar @green-star16 @isafury @tugskeng @forgo-dreams @writing10t @barbygirl24 @xvatarx @rosiethedragongeek @wren-sparrow @imbrokenanditsfine02 @midnightsanchez @ryupioupiou @afriend410 Don't forget to cast in your votes here too guys!!!

If you have any other favourites, let me know in the comments below! I definitely have two two absolute favourites in this set.

[fanfixes]

OMG HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY TO MY FAVOURITE HTTYD REVIEW BLOGGER?????!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY HTTYD FANDOM! | HTTYD TALKS | DRAWING PARALLELS

Can you imagine? It's has been 13 years since the world of Berk and the archipelago opened up to us. Since we entered this crazy, viking village 12 degrees north from hopeless and a few degrees south of freezing to death.

I reckon the HTTYD anniversaries might kick off a little differently for fans all over the globe depending on its opening, because DreamWorks commemorated the HTTYD's 13 years on the 22nd of March on Instagram, though I distinctly remember it opening where I was on the 27th because it was also my birthday and I wanted to watch a movie.

Which means, yes, guys, I'm turning 24 today! HAHA! To mark this double celebration, I thought of doing something fun and a little different from my usual posts just to get the ball rolling. So, question, have you guys ever watched She's Out of My League?

She's Out of My League is a Jay Baruchel movie. A rom-com produced by Paramount Pictures AND (wait for it...) DreamWorks Pictures. It was released in March 2010 which meant that our Hiccup-voice-actor here had two movies playing at the cinema simultaneously.

I remembered that I wasn't allowed to watch the movie, but my older brother (10 years older than me) snuck me into the theatres to watch. I remember him covering my eyes for a bit and not understanding a lot of the humour back then, but I did remember the premise, so here goes...

Premise:

Kirk (Jay Baruchel) is your everyday, average Joe. Coupled w the fact that he is somewhat a pushover and insidiously insecure, he tries to get back with his manipulative ex-girlfriend Marni. After that failed, he stumbles onto the path of the beautiful Molly, who by beauty standards, personality and life-style choices is considered a hard 10, while he is rated a mere 5.

When Molly seems to take an interest in Kirk, the whole world is put out of balance and their friends smell impending doom by virtue of their different "social ratings." However, are these standards real, or just a social construct that needs debunking?

______________________________________

I'm not here to criticise the movie. I'm sure we all have our thoughts. Nor am I saying that this movie or the romantic storyline holds a candle to the HTTYD franchise or Hiccstrid, but, it was hilarious to discover a number of parallels between these two worlds.

DRAWING PARALLELS

THE CHARACTERS

Kirk Kettner (Jay Baruchel) - The awkward underdog, highly underestimated by everyone including himself and doesn't see that he is, in fact, more than his make.

Molly (Alice Eve) - The beautiful, blonde and determined love interest. Lawyer turned successful events planner. Independent, fiercely confident and a real go-getter.

Devon (Nate Torrence) - The nicer friend in Kirk's friend group. An adorable, huggable sweetie pie who still believes in magic and romance.

Dylan (Kyle Bornheimer) - The guy you'd love to hate. He is Kirk's overbearing older brother who bullies Kirk to mask his own insecurities.

Stainer (T.J. Miller) - The quick talking, witty side-kick whose crazy ideas propels the storyline into an absurd direction. Who is actually, also Tuffnut.

Katie (Kim Shaw) - Molly's younger, dimwitted sister who is just getting by.

Patty (Krysten Ritter) - Molly's best friend and business partner. Strong-willed, independent and fiercely loyal.

THEME, MESSAGE & STORYLINE

(1) IT ISN'T ABOUT HOW YOU LOOK LIKE, BUT WHO YOU ARE ON THE INSIDE

It's a cliche to say, beauty is from within. But it doesn't make it less true. I think what makes Molly attractive is because she is a really nice person, adaptable. Her beauty is an aspect of it. Imagine if Molly had Marni's personality. The story would've turned differently.

This is also Kirk's selling point. The pinnacle of his entire personality is the nice guy card, it's what attracts Molly.

Likewise w Hiccup, he is a genuinely good guy. You can't fault him for his courtesy. Though Kirk's personality seems more like a caricature of Hiccup's, ironically. And, Hiccup's strength and leadership is not something you'd notice on his person but in him.

(2) YOU NEED TO BE GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOURSELF

I loved Portrait of Hiccup as a Buff Man [Episode 8, Season 1 (Riders of Berk)] for many reasons, but mainly because it was the episode Hiccup proves to himself that he is worthy.

She's Out of My League was a movie about Kirk learning that he is worthy. That he isn't just a five, that this whole rating system is nonsense. He was always good enough for Molly, he was never good enough for himself.

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE EPISODES FROM RIDERS OF BERK. THE LIST IS OPENED ALL WEEK!

Which is your favourite ROB episode (Part I)

Which is your favourite ROB episode (Part II)

Though She's Out of My League didn't dive into Kirk and Molly's relationship and life after they got back together, I am assuming Kirk found his courage in someways. He ends up flying a plane, which is a life long dream of his, he dreamt of becoming a pilot. And well, we all know that if Hiccup existed today, and was a real person, he would've been a pilot too. Maybe in the AirForce, on a jet black plane named Toothless.

HICCSTRID MOMENTS

No review of mine is complete without Hiccstrid.

Kirk and Molly have roughly the same hair colour as Hiccup and Astrid. My favourite scenes in She's Out of My League are the romantic montages of them going out. This is one of my favourite shots from the show:

I crushed hard on Jay Baruchel. I mean, the dude has got some game. I mean, awkward af, but still, he's pretty cute. I mean... let me show you...

I'm still smiling!

THE ROMANTIC MONTAGES IN SHE'S OUT OF MY LEAGUE FELT LIKE A HICCSTRID AU FAN FICTION GOT PRODUCED INTO A MUSIC VIDEO!

I'm not recommending you guys watch this show by the way. If you haven't that is. If you're not used to this type of adult-comedy, you might not like it. The pacing is a little choppy, and it does slap you w many cringy moments. But sometimes, its just so ridiculously hopeless you can't help but laugh.

I don't remember if the show did well, but its not a bad movie (to me). It was underrated for what it was trying to accomplish, but it could definitely do w some refining . Like, I would've loved it if they developed the characters and the romance more.

But at the time the movie was released, I think a lot of people related to Kirk. The whole, "on a scale of 1 to 10" thing has messed w a lot of confidences.

As a teenager, I reckon that's more of a problem. I remember that popular girls in school were always pretty and the hot guys were always good looking. And well, it's hard to not believe that looks don't play a part.

But, once I grew out of it, I honestly found those attributes to come in second to many other qualities of a person. Looks just happen to be a bonus. Hahaha, look at me, a day older and already issuing unsolicited advice.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY HTTYD FANDOM!

[fanfixes]

I LOVED EP 8 PORTRAIT OF HICCUP AS A BUFF MAN, but I also loved How to Pick your Dragon. The Father Son Rship there was spot on. An honourable mention for Episode 7.

[fanfixes]

RIDERS OF BERK | HTTYD SERIES | VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITES

THIS IS PART TWO!

@per4mancecheck @aurora-australis-tumbles @siaasea @dragonaurora @fanfixes @httydhicstrid @hiccstridshipper19 @hiccstridsposts @the-mind-of-ej @vairsmania @heyitsmeyourdryskin @uselessreptile @verdart @cirth-ithil @winxrus @brose1229 @paperjammeddanny @youweremadetosoar @green-star16 @isafury @tugskeng @forgo-dreams @writing10t @barbygirl24 @xvatarx @rosiethedragongeek @wren-sparrow @imbrokenanditsfine02 @midnightsanchez @ryupioupiou @afriend410 Don't forget to cast in your votes here too guys!!!

If you have any other favourites, let me know in the comments below! I definitely have two two absolute favourites in this set.

[fanfixes]

RIDERS OF BERK || THE SEASON FINALE | HTTYD SERIES | BREAKING DOWN HICCUP

Blog Post Title: Breaking Down Hiccup

Title: We are Family I & II

Ep/Season: Episodes 19 & 20, Season 1 (Riders of Berk)

Premise:

It's Bork week! The riders were tasked to do a Dragon Air show in conjunction w the festive week. The Nadders had a synchorinsed air glide, the Gronckles were gonna arrive in a steady formation and well, Hiccup started feeling a little left-out for Toothless who might need to do the show alone.

Newly entrusted w Bork's papers, i.e., the originals drafts making up the sacred Book of Dragons, he stumbles on a couple of sheets revealing the mysterious Isle of Night, an island filled with Night Furies.

Desperate to find Toothless a family of his own, Hiccup and gang sets out to look for the island, but stumbled into something else.

THEME & MESSAGE

PRESERVING GENERATIONS

The Vikings are a very proud people. Proud of their culture, background and ancestry. They all come from a long line of dragon killers. As far as we know it, no one apart from Hiccup has tried to make peace w the beast. And so, it is a huge deal that this year's Bork Week is celebrated along side the dragons instead of against them.

Bork the Bold is Gobber's great, great grandfather. He has inherited all his trinkets and keepsakes. The journey of collecting and collating the information found in the Book is discussed in Dreamworks Dragons' limited series Book of Dragons.

Maybe that's why Gobber is such a dragon expert himself. It runs in his blood.

Now, we know times have changed and the village has now accustomed themselves to having dragons around. As part of their daily life, culture and community.

That was the one of the main objectives of the Dragon Academy & the aim of the dragon riders. And they’ve done well in securing this new sense of life.

"Traditions' a fine thing Mildew, but things have changed. Better if you asked me...We've come a long way from the time when it was us or the dragons, you might be a little less crusty if you get used to that Mildew."

And if you think about it, how many senseless deaths had occasioned all these generations long because the vikings couldn't or weren't intuitive enough to understand dragons?

So, yes, things have changed for the better.

The council agrees that it is time for Bork's notes to be stored in the academy and placed under Hiccup's charge so that it can be utilised and improved upon. It is, to them, the right place for it now.

Being the nerd that he is, Hiccup spends the entire night sifting through old manuscripts and diaries till he stumbles upon notes on an island full of Night Furies.

FINDING TOOTHLESS A FAMILY

Lamenting earlier in the afternoon, wishing Toothless had a family to belong to, Hiccup was excited to get hold of these notes, embarking almost immediately on a journey to find Bork's cave and retrieve the exact location of the Isle of Night.

This journey was so funny. I mean, Snotlout is such a jerk to the Twins, but it counterbalances because the Twins couldn't care less about Snotlout. The entire scene when he was held hostage by the wild changewing is so unserious its funny.

This adventure was pretty remarkable. I mean, Bork sounds like a pretty elusive character. His cave is revealed by sunlight. It's perched on the side of a steep cliff. I know that I said, Hiccup is the first one we know of that rode dragons, but who knows, towards the end of his life, maybe Bork did as well, he just didn't record it? (This is just my theory. I'm not fully convinced but I do wonder.)

It's also amazing that this was the episode Hiccup discovers Toothless's echolocation.

Let's have an honourable mention for the Isle of Night's location carved into the topside of the cave. Aesthetically pleasing for an adventure this big. (I wouldn’t get too attached though, y’all know why).

This mission was also special. It wasn't a scouting mission, a rescue mission, a mission against the enemy. It was instigated to find Toothless a family. And everyone went with Hiccup. The Twins, Snotlout, Fishlegs and of course, Astrid.

This just goes to show, that inasmuch as they get on each others nerves, the five of them will always have each others back.

UNFORTUNATELY,

For those who watched the final instalment of the HTTYD franchise, The Hidden World, you would know that all Night Furies were hunted down nearly to extinction by this guy...

It was peculiar that the notes specified unruly and hostile behaviour of Night Furies in herds.

Yet, based on that information, Hiccup went alone to spare the others from danger.

The longer it took for any Night Furies to show-up, the more suspicious I was and, on my first time watching, I remember yelling "GET OUT IT’S A TRAP!"

This whole time, it was a ploy by Alvin and the Outcasts to kidnap Hiccup and force him into training their dragons.

MILDEW'S TREASON

I had an inkling that this old man had something to do with something. But I don't know why, when it was reveal that he had a hand in this, it surprised me. I knew he was a grumpy, horrid old sod, but I never expected him to be cunning.

AND, the most interesting part about this treason was how well it played out.

When Mildew was thrown in prison and it looked like Alvin had tricked him too, I thought it was genuine. Who knew it was a charade to get Hiccup to teach Mildew the tricks of the trade?

I mean, Mildew played two cards; (1) Hiccup’s knack for adventure; and (2) Hiccup’s forgiving disposition.

It’s like Mildew knew Hiccup was in search for other Night Furies for Toothless. And I wondered how he knew that was the case to be. Though, on hindsight, maybe he was just taking a swing at Hiccup’s innate desire for discovery.

He further played with Hiccup's sympathy and used it to gain his trust when “trying to escape.”

Though don’t you think it’s ironic, that Midlew is the one from Berk who ends up learning and training dragons on Outcast Island? Doesn’t this deserve an irony of all ironies stamp?

Whatever the case may be, the whole Mildew fiasco was dramatic to say the least:

HICCUP THE UNAFRAID

I don't think I have ever seen this boy flinch at danger or bad guys. He flinches when Astrid's mad at him (which is adorable), but not at Alvin, or anyone whose kidnapped him before. And he has been kidnapped many times.

He just walks through the prison barracks as if its nothing. He is the perfect example of never judge a book by its cover.

We think, from the 1st Movie, that Hiccup is a coward. But no, he is a different kind of fighter. And a testament to his own father, Stoick who is also brave and unflinching when it comes to danger UNLESS the danger befalls someone they care about.

He is more Stoick’s son than meets the eye. And just because he doesn’t look large and compelling doesn’t mean he isn’t.

This adds to what I've been talking about this whole time, that courage, perseverance and leadership takes many different forms. And Hiccup is in a state of his own.

THE RIDERS OF BERK

And in line with our topic on "things aren't as they always seem," it took Hiccup two episodes to realise that Toothless had found his family… in him.

Family doesn’t need to fit the conventional standard of blood relatives or similar species. It can occasion from bonds of brotherhood, friendship and care. The question is, whether you are there for each other no matter what. And the answer to that is, definitely!

This little family is completed w a blonde, warrior Princess and her Deadly Nadder. An arrogant yet loveable (sometimes) dweeb and his Monstrous Nightmare. A tough an tender dragon knowledge geek & his Gronckle. And a pair of eccentric twins on their Zippleback.

RIDERS OF BERK ended w a final lesson - Defending the people you love.

The dragons carried out their mission to save Hiccup and Toothless in the absence of command.

They transitioned perfectly from simply just protecting their riders to actively fighting for them.

Moving on from being riders to defenders, #iykyk.

The whole season dealt w lessons for the dragons and it’s riders. Everyone had so much to learn about themselves and each other. And we get a lovely insight into the whole process.

PERSONAL TAKE & THANK YOUS

ROB lifts the curtain on the day-to-day lives of Berkians because it was a story on how these dragons were going to assimilate into their world.

What I never expected was, being able to find such nuggets of wisdom and character building when I took apart actions and consequences or responses a character had towards their circumstances and fit them into my life creating a moral lesson.

Dreamworks Dragons as a series gets more and more interesting. The adventure thickens. The stakes higher. The losses greater. The bad guys worser. But nothing compares to the heartwarming, soul enlightening, humble beginnings that ROB brings. It’s drenched in nostalgia.

One thing I missed when ROB ended was peeping through Hiccup & Stoick’s relationship for the first time, poking more into their time together. I really wish Stoick didn’t die. It was such a harsh death. I wish he could’ve lived to see his grandkids. He would’ve loved that. He was such a family man.

The story of hope, courage, and finding yourself flows in the veins of this first season of Dragons. It pays homage to the 1st Movie, which is still my favourite. In essence, it is about a boy, and his dragon and finding himself in between.

I have so much more to say, but that might turn this post into a book, so I’ll end by thanking everyone for the opportunity to share my thoughts on this show. My posts are long, and you guys take time to read it. That’s so precious to me, because who am I to be worthy of anyone’s time really?

I’m just an obsessed fan looking for her own voice in a show and I started this blog as a reflection diary not so much realising how strong and interactive the HTTYD community is and has survived. It’s closing in to 13 years since the 1st Movie. Yet it continues to touch, inspire and motivate many.

And isn’t it like life to imitate art. I feel like HTTYD Tumblr is it’s own strong Viking community. Every single encounter or interaction w a HTTYD fan has been delightful and encouraging. It’s like we own this little corner of the universe where a show is studied and enjoyed to oblivion and everyone gets why.

I also believe, especially because I’ve studied Hiccup a lot recently, that if he existed and was stationed here in the 21st century, our boy would definitely be on Tumblr. Wouldn’t he?

- END OF SEASON 1 -