#season 4 moominvalley spoliers

[trees-be-drawing]

Season 4 of Moominvalley has led me to downward spiral into the Moomin rabbit hole after several months of being away from it so I can wait for Season 4, because of how dissatisfied I’ve seen people were of the season cuz

SPOILER ALERT:

what do you mean “Comet of Moominvalley” ended up being their last episode of the season and Snufkin didn’t cry about the sea being gone? And the Groke sacrificed herself???

What do you mean Joxter and Snufkin never meet?

What do you mean Stinky and Sniff are canon???

What do you mean the characters got regressed back to Season 1? Wasn’t the whole development meant to be Moomin learning to grow up and become independent?? And from one episode I saw a spoiler of, it felt like it was probably going in that direction but idk man!

I can’t even watch the season with my siblings (who are also fans of Moomins) cuz of the country we’re in but just hearing about it made me so upset to the point I started going back to reading fanfiction, and even made me want to start writing one! I literally spent a whole week reading a bunch of them and many of them I was sad was left unfinished. Which then led me to start rewatching old Moomin content, and finally finishing the 90s version after taking a break from it for a few years, and its ending was beautiful!

I am going through it man! So if anyone has moomin content to share…. I gladly take it with open arms… PLEASE!! Because I am now going after your art and posts and you can’t stop me!

It’s been 4 years since I was on Tumblr but I did not think my reason for coming back was Moomins.

Also fuck Brisk. I never liked seeing him in Moominvalley, and by god was I unhappy hearing he’s in the first episode.

Happy Joxter showed up tho, first time hearing his voice felt like meeting the most hardcore stoner with the most beautiful singing voice I’ve ever heard. I literally almost fell off my chair hearing his voice.

[trees-be-drawing]

Soooo… my sister managed to find a way for both of us to watch Moominvalley Season 4, so I shall now provide my honest thoughts on each episode.

It will be a bit chaotic in terms of thoughts cuz there’s a lot to say and think about but I hope it’s alright.

SPOILERS AHEAD:

Episode 1:

A few seconds in and me and my sister already want to get away from Brisk just as much as Little My. We never liked him -3-. Misabel is strong af too, and Snork’s friendship with her is really really sweet! I actually don’t mind her being the focus but I thought with her strength being the focus, she would use it in the final act. Instead she was shot from the cannon. Which still gives her recognition with her being the top of the pyramid, but originally I thought she was gonna pick up the final act by literally picking them all up (which she has shown she can pick up the entire circus). But instead it was saved for her to properly show Brisk how strong she is when it was displayed almost the entire time…

I also felt Moomin was forced into a role once again. Simply cuz it was considered “destiny” since his parents once were in the circus (acts a backstory to Moominpapa’s hat, and also just shows how chaotic the Moominparents past is. It’s always funny to me) but also it makes sense he’d want the leader role, and he’s very good at it as he’s able to recognize the good qualities in his friends and family.

Edit: I forgot about the crocodile… LITTLE MY BEFRIENDS A CORCODILE!!! Good to know she has that “freedom” ideal in her too. And honesty, out of all the pets she’d want, a corcodile is definitely the most suitable, and letting it go in the end made me sad too but… it had to be done..

Episode 2:

On to the episode where that one scene gave the Snufmin fans (including me and my sister) hope in the trailer. I couldn’t help but laugh at how angry Snufkin looked cuz normally, his eyebrows would be covered by his fringe (people weren’t lying about his eyebrows having a workout). He’s just a smol and angy boi this episode. My sister also said the way Moomin calls for Snufkin sounds like him calling for his girlfriend.

It actually interested me when Fillijoink got involved in the operation against the railroad. I originally thought she’d be all for it. But it’s nice to see that she does appreciate and love the Moomins despite how chaotic they are against her strict nature. It’s also nice the Antolín gets mentioned, though if they really wanted to find it, they should’ve gone to the beach or find a hole that he might’ve dug up.

It was a pretty chaotic episode seeing everyone come up with absurd ideas to stop the railway from being made, along with the solution being found within the rules. Cuz some rules do contradict each other.

Episode 3:

A Sniff centre-episode…. That’s it. That’s all I thought.

Other than Moomin being a supportive friend, and Little My and Snufkin being the best siblings ever, I genuinely did not have much thoughts.

It also just confirms how bad of a mom and guest Mymble is. She just basically lets her kids run around and break things she “borrows”, along with give away those things she “borrows”. I felt like I was on Fillyjoink’s side on this, but I was also Moominmama where I would’ve just left Fillyjoink and Mymble to work it out for themselves.

Episode 4:

Snorkmaiden episode! It’s also where the seahorses come back… joy. I actually always liked how the seahorses looked, but damn they were bitches this episode.

The episode is basically that “young kid wants to be like the older kid, but turns out the older kid is a bad influence”

It also references the wooden lady from the books in the beginning, which technically was the arc this episode but it was mainly focused on Snorkmaiden and recognizing that she was going against her morals for people who don’t actually care about her or her friends.

Heck, Snorkmaiden wasn’t even jealous of the figurehead this episode. She actually wanted to return it to its ship, and was more upset that Moomin claimed that “they” found it, when it was all her. All the admiration for the figurehead all went into the seashorses, and they didn’t give a shit about him!

I actually liked this episode, even though the image of snorkhorse is now forever a curse to my memory.

Episode 5:

Stinky is an inspector, and trying to find the culprit to Moominpapa’s manuscript being stolen. I didn’t have too many thoughts on this one, but I was mostly just thinking how nice it is to see Snork more involved in the episodes, he definitely slowly became a favorite of mine in this series. I didn’t mind Stinky too much either but I already knew he wouldn’t be the one to steal the manuscript and Moomin not believing him is fair to me considering how much of a thief Stinky is.

I also really loved how Moominpapa started to love hearing his wife’s tales of adventure, even if it sounded far fetched at first. I always really loved their relationship with how chaotic and supportive it is.

Episode 6:

Romance is in the air!! Mostly for Fillyjoink and Sniff. I actually did find the inspector and Fillyjoink to be cute, but 90’s nostalgia still makes me think of Mymble Jr. I also liked Fillyjoink this episode, mostly cuz I appreciate a Queen who knows her worth.

I also did like the bits with Mymble and Little My. Little My suffering with “older child being a parent to her siblings and mother” Is honestly tragic. I felt bad for her, and even appreciated that she didn’t reciprocate with Mymble reaching out to her, cuz honestly, she really doesn’t deserve it. I’m wondering if this was why Mymble Jr. isn’t present, cuz honestly, I love Little My in this series, and seeing how she was treated by Mymble made me sad, but also made me smile knowing it didn’t waver her from pointing out when something sounds stupid to her.

I always liked Little My and Sniff’s friendship as well. Her and Sniff having fun after dealing with the mushiness of love that day honestly made me smile and laugh at the end. It reminded me of their friendship in the 90’s series.

Sniff also got hit with a “love potion” and Sniff really doesn’t care for whatever gender he thought he was in love with. He truly is a bi/pan icon. I didn’t get the bit where Sniff and Stinky are canon or… really understood it?? Idk maybe I wasn’t understanding the context correctly. But looking back at the 90’s version, there were moments with them trying to find riches together so I think I can understand why it’s a ship. A pretty underrated ship but I don’t mind it.

Episode 7:

Moominmama takes place in the art competition. I’m still on 90’s nostalgia so it’s baiscally just that art competition with Moominpapa but this time it’s with Moominmama. We have seen her paint before so it makes sense, but it’s honestly really fun seeing Moominpapa want to be her muse, and even getting it at the end of the episode.

It’s mainly Moominmama learning to stick with what makes her happy, along with Little My “helping” because it’s rewarding.

Also, the Hemulen who collects stamps is here! His purple dress gown, is truly iconic. I recognised it immediately. I remember this moment is in the Hobgoblin arc in the books, but it’s interesting it’s a separate arc here. And instead of flowers, he’s taken to photography of local wildlife, which isn’t too far fetched from the real thing.

Also Moomin keeps all the letters Snufkin gave him in a neat pile tied in string under his bed… and remembered the stamp used on them… so… 🤭

Episode 8:

Snufkin comes to Moominvalley in the winter! Mostly due to the winter being so fierce. And Moomin, of course, is god damn excited by this. It reminds me of this one fanfic I read, but besides that, I kept hoping Moomin would take a moment to fully listen to Snufkin about why he came over, but hey, Snufkin loves Moomin too much to upset him and honestly, him and Moomin were very cute when they hung out. Snufkin’s probably the only one who laughs at Moomin’s bad jokes so that’s pretty silly.

Sniff took the place of Sorry-O where he thinks he’s the ancestor of wolves which…. Buddy you look nothing like a wolf, but feed your ego I guess. But he also ended up being the annoyance (along with the woodies) that led Snufkin to leave, which… I never liked how Sniff was done in this adaptation. I don’t like to hate Sniff really, cuz he’s honestly pretty lovable in the 90’s version. I only got the impression he’s just not good at reading the room cuz of how prideful he is, that’s all.

Too-Ticky is here too, and honestly her and Little My hanging out is pretty cute!! They’ve hung out before in the 90’s, and I’ve always loved Too-Ticky’s added warmth in the series. She’s wonderful. I don’t think she ever interacted with Snufkin this episode though… it feels like a missed opportunity.

Episode 9:

It’s still winter, but hey, who doesn’t like a winter episode, and even better, it’s JOXTER!!!

I still think his voice is deeper than I thought. (I will forever still have John Chancer as his voice in my head) He just sounds like a hardcore stoner, and honestly, I love how chill and goofy he is. And his song at the end was absolutely beautiful. My sister pointed out that there was even a harmonica in the song…. I wish this meant it was a reunion song for Snufkin and Joxter but I already know that’s not the case.

Besides that, I do like Moominpapa and Moomintroll’s time together. It’s nice seeing Moomin continue to build up his father. Cuz genuinely, he is pretty extraordinary and a really fun guy.

Little My and Moominmama hanging out is cute too. Mama’s commentary at the end where she wishes someone also talks about the warmth provided at the end of a journey is also sad but touching. I think I’d like to do that if I write anything.

Episode 10:

Basically the vampire episode from the 90’s.

And the Groke is there too… but it’s mostly Little My and Snorkmaiden hanging out to find her. It did lead to a very sweet understanding between Little My and the Groke. I always loved the tragedy of the Groke, and how misunderstood she is.

Also my sister headcanoned the reason Joxter can speak to animals was because he was absolutely baked when he started talking to one.

Episode 11:

Aunt Jane!! And bad words become tiny creatures when spoken :0

Aunt Jane, though strict, does love Moominpapa, and at least is aware of the fact she can be stern at times. My sister also commented, we never understand our caregivers/parents actions until we’re older, and that’s honestly a great thing to take from that episode.

Joxter also fleeing the scene at uncomfortable situations is truly a Snufkin move. He truly is Snufkin’s father…. Too bad THEY DONT MEET!! At least Little My and Snufkin have fun sibling moments. I love them honestly. They’re so chaotic together. And the fact they took the punishment from Aunt Jane even when they didn’t have to is funny to me.

Episode 12:

COMET IN MOOMINVALLEY!!! The intro sounds and looks different too, and it’s a longer episode.

I personally haven’t read Comet in Moominland/Moominvalley, but I’ve been given context and I believe it’s supposed to be a tale of environmental destruction, or the negative emotions regarding it… I could be wrong though, someone please correct me if I’m wrong.

Honestly, it’s hard to believe in the idea that Season 4 is a prequel. Because from Snufkin’s remarks, it seems Moomin already knows what they’d encounter on the way to the observatory. So from the sound of it, the comet is essentially arriving a second time. But at the same time, it could be Snufkin knows this simply cuz he’s travelled there a few times, but Moomin knows what they are so it’s oddly confusing.

Snufkin also feels more… closer? To Moomintroll? He was supposed to go alone, but Snufkin seems to want to make sure he doesn’t, and my sister pointed out he looked more devastated at the idea of Moomin going alone than Snorkmaiden in that regard.

They also act like some of their adventures are actually a build up to this moment, such as the sun oil from the Fire Spirit episode, and Little My’s relationship with the Groke. It’s not bad but… for me it felt weirdly wrong… and I don’t understand why I felt that way.

The Comet in the episode, isn’t considered a threat either.. it originally was thought to just be a spectacle worth a party. It’s only when the plants start withering and the water starts evaporating and it turns out that it may actually hit the valley that they’d take it seriously.. or, not as seriously as most hoped. I understand they want to try have a positive outlook on a catastrophic situation but… it’s supposed to be a melancholic tale.. it’s also supposed to be the origins of how Moomin met all his friends, and it was rumored to be a movie after the series, not a season finale… their despair towards the situation felt really brief because they tried to find a silver lining to it all, and thus the tone of the entire episode feels… off. We’re not given time to join in on the emotions the characters we’re feeling, and though we know it will work out, we can’t really join them on that feeling either because how can we, when the feeling of despair is constantly being thwarted by unwabing positivity in a dire situation? Moomintroll felt like the only one taking it seriously but unfortunately still suffers from his panic being killed off by hope and happiness.

I also now understand the “Groke sacrificed herself” part. Considering the Comet is a beautiful, warm light she can reach for… but now I’m wondering how the heck she managed to stop the comet like that??? Or better yet, it’s implied she still lives but… what exactly happened to the comet? Did it just fall into the ocean as the Groke freezed it over? Did the impact of the comet colliding with the Groke make it explode? And in the end you’re just left with this bitterness… like there was something you were supposed to be feeling but you can’t feel it.

Overall, the season in my opinion, did have a okay start, then got pretty good, and then fell on its face at the end. It did have some good episodes, but the beginning didn’t make me too excited at first for the rest of the season, and end to me felt like we should expect something new, but if anything, I’d rather have something more instead of something new. Unless that new thing adds to the more I want, it just felt flat.

In terms of Snufmin content as well, I can see why people thinks it’s lacking… I’ll argue that I think the reason for this is because… well, that Snufmin arc finished back in Season 3. They’ve grown to understand each other now. And I think from the dialogue in episode 8, they’ve already learned to give each other what they want, and manage their time together. Cuz as much as Snufkin wants to be alone, he also didn’t stop Moomintroll from spending time with him, and Moomin understands that he needs that alone time, and thus wanted to have time to just… be silent together. Just the two of them. It’s only because it got interrupted by the Woodies and Sniff that Snufkin left.

Heck, Snufkin was the one who suggested to the others to go with Moomintroll to the observatory, and never left his side.

I will agree there was definitely more Moomin and Snorkmaiden hangouts than there was of Snufkin and Moomin, but as much as I am an avid fan of Snufmin and wished they hung out more, the moments with Moomin and Snorkmaiden felt more friendly than couple-like until the finale. More platonic. That could just be me though.

To anyone who decided to read this entire thing, I hope your eyes aren’t burning. Rest your eyelids. And maybe give me your own thoughts on some of these. I’d love to read them all.