Review | The Dragon Prince: The Mystery of Aaravos (Season 4)

“Season 4 opens a new exciting chapter for The Dragon Prince. With a slower pace than the previous season, this one explores the complexities of Xadia’s political landscape and sets the stake of the next big arc.”

The wait is finally over. After 2 years, the fourth season of The Dragon Prince has finally arrived on Netflix! As usual, this season is composed of 9 episodes and is entitled ‘Earth.’

RETURN TO XADIA

*The Dragon Prince*. Nicole Oliver as Zubeia in The Dragon Prince. Cr. COURTESY OF NETFLIX © 2022

Just as two years have passed in our world, two years have also passed in Xadia. Many of the characters have an updated design to reflect this time jump. We find them in their new lives. King Ezran is trying to bring Katolis in a new era of peace with the help of his council including Callum who has become the High Mage. Elsewhere, Janai and Amaya prepare for their marriage that would unite elves and humans. Meanwhile, Claudia, her boyfriend and her father are trying to find Aaravos. Obviously, nothing happens according to plan. And troubles arise.

This season is the start of the next big arc of the series. Which is about Aaravos, the main villain in this universe. Thus, these episodes act as an introduction to what is coming next. The first half of the season focuses on what the characters are doing now. While the second half introduces the stakes and launch our main heroes into their new quest. Consequently, this is a slower pace than the previous season. Nevertheless, it’s still as captivating as ever. In fact, it is exciting to learn more about Aaravos.

WORLDBUILDING AND REPRESENTATION

*The Dragon Prince* (L to R) Jack De Sena as Callum and Sasha Rojen as Ezran in The Dragon Prince. Cr. COURTESY OF NETFLIX © 2022

Moreover, this season fully delves into Amaya’s relationship with Janai. Unlike Japanese anime, it’s not often that you see LGBT relationships in American animation, so it is always something to celebrate when that happens. After Arcane, Netflix does it again with The Dragon Prince. Amaya and Janai’s relation takes the center stage in the elves and humans storyline. Their upcoming marriage would unite both races. However, because of that, it is a matter of political dispute. Some elves are not so happy to unite with humans. It creates tensions. Plus, both people don’t necessarily understand the traditions of the other. So, this is another point of complication. It is so intriguing to see how a simple act of love is the source of so many tensions.

I love how this season delves into the political landscape of Xandia and all its complexities. Beyond the elves and humans, we also see King Ezran’s attempt to create a new era of peace between Katolis and the dragons. And here again, it is not so easy. Indeed, Katolis and the dragons have a tumultuous history. Which makes it difficult for some to accept that both can be at peace. Worldbuilding is essential for fantasy franchises. The Dragon Prince sure knows how to do it right.

VISUALS

*The Dragon Prince* (L to R) Sasha Rojen as Ezran and Jack De Sena as Callum in The Dragon Prince. Cr. COURTESY OF NETFLIX © 2022

Undoubtedly, this series has striking visuals that truly standout in the American animation. There is this little something that immediately draws your attention. It is always a pleasure to return to that world. Each season explores new beautiful places further expanding what we know of Xadia.

Furthermore, as I mentioned earlier several characters have an updated design. This change reflects the time jump but also the place the characters are now. They obviously look older with different outfits while still retaining the same colour palette. Each character’s look says something about them. For example, Ezran is a more experienced king. So, he has a serious and serene look. Indeed, you know he is a leader but his design also reminds you that despite the situation, he is still a kid. While Callum has forgone his erudite explorer outfit for something more suited for a mage. And Soren no longer looks like the annoying person of the group. Now, he is more like the embarassing protective uncle. As for Rayla, although she appears as a seasoned assassin, there is struggle within her about what she is supposed to do. I would say that with her, she wants to look like someone she is not.

VERDICT

Season 4 opens a new exciting chapter for The Dragon Prince. With a slower pace than the previous season, this one explores the complexities of Xadia’s political landscape and sets the stake of the next big arc.