Taken from my Tumblr @rwinger24.
My first review of every Star vs the Forces of Evil episode reviewed. We’ll start off with the pilot, “Star Comes to Earth.”
Star Comes to Earth
Story by: Daron Nefcy, Dave Wasson, Jordana Arkin
Writer/Storyboarder: Mike Mullen
Director: Mike Mullen I really like the fact that this episode manages to tell the show’s premise.
Star Butterfly, a 14 year old princess of Mewni receives her royal family heirloom, a magic wand. With having trouble learning how to use it, her parents send her to Earth to continue her training. She becomes friends and lives with a 14-year old boy named Marco Diaz, and together they battle against the forces of evil and deal with life at home and high school too. And by forces of evil, I’m referring to Ludo and his army of monsters (who are a lot like animals.)
The execution of introducing the characters came out very well. We see that Star and Marco are polar opposites. Even they are the opposites of what their parents are. Star is “reckless, irresponsible but fun and excited” while King and Queen Butterfly are strict and uptight. Marco “The Safe Kid” is safe, concerned, and can worry about certain things especially through Star’s wacky mishaps while his parents (Mr. and Mrs. Diaz) are carefree and optimistic.
I like the unique dialogue which brings us to some good humor and fun ways to advance the plot. That can also create some fun gags and very clever action sequences like the fight scene at the outside of the convenience store in the climax, where Star and Marco battle Ludo for the first time. Very Sailor Moon/anime-esque.
Even that I hear there are some pacing issues in this episode, that’s fine because this is the show’s first season and there are gonna be some kinks for Daron and her crew to work out with for the show. And with first episodes, writers got to do their best and introduce the characters with their usual unique traits.)
Characters/Personalities
Star - part girly-girly, part tomboy, wreckless and iressponsible, dislikes St. O’s, but upbeat and lively. She does understand her mistakes too.
Marco - the safe kid, wants to have more danger in his life, and it turns out he’s good at karate. The fight scene showcases that and Star’s magic.
Ludo - typical “villain of the week” villain, something to show how good Star and Marco can kick bad guy butt.
King and Queen Butterfly - Uptight, strict, and they want what is best for Star. This will change later on in the series.
Mr. and Mrs. Diaz - Carefree, optimistic, and cheerful. Despite the fact Star created puppies that shoot lasers out of their eyes and destroys some things (even hurting Mr. Diaz’s eye), they still look on the bright side of things because they know Star and Marco are angel children/good kids (In the first season, we see them as something to bring some funny dialogue and good gags).
Pilot episodes like this are a good way to introducing characters to give the audience a good impression.
Overall: This episode is fun, memorable (especially knowing every line of this episode), and a smart way to introduce this amazing fast-paced show, fun and interesting characters, and what’s yet to come on SVTFOE.
I’m gonna give this episode a straight on PINK. A very good way for Daron Nefcy to start off one of my all-time favorite animated series. And it’s an awesome way to introduce us the world and universe of Star Butterfly and Marco Diaz.
1 Pink (Good)
0 Yellow (Meh)
0 Green (Bad)
See you next time. Buh-bye everybody.