one small and pedantic correction. You stated that it doesn't say anywhere In episode 8 that Beelzebub is gluttony. When she first announces herself she call herself "the queen bee of gluttony". I do agree that they could have been more explicit about it though.
This is where I like Monster’s Ball because it does flat out say “this is the appetite of Beelzebub” because in Cotton Candy she just calls Herself Queen Bee the entire time
I didn't get it the first time, so much so that I HATED the episode bc I didn't know wtf was going on. Saw it for the 3rd time, OOOOOH I SEE NOW and my opinion did a full 180
1:55:44 Stolas wasn't paying attention to Stella's phone call. You can see it in his body language and how he looks at Stella. As if he just noticed she's stopped talking and openly glaring at him. Clearly, he tuned out everything else in favor of what he's reading. The implication is Stolas is terrorized...when he's paying attention.
Exactly, he only tunes back in and looks up at her *after* she stops shouting. The implication is her yelling and berating him is her norm to the point where he fully tunes her out when she starts ranting, and only when she goes silent does he notice and snap back to attention.
Regarding the unclear tone surrounding the portrayal of Stolas being a DA victim in episode 2, my interpretation of the tone (as a DA survivor myself) was that it's tragic and awful from an audience perspective, but that Stolas (and maybe also their kid) doesn't see it for just how bad it is, he's almost resigned to it in a "well, what can you do?" kind of way, and Octavia seems to just find it annoying like "can you believe these ridiculous clowns?" I think that's why it's played slightly comedic but also slightly serious in this murky way. Their feelings are probably also murky, and a little in denial maybe, even though we (audience) are meant to see how bad it is. Angel, by contrast, is fully aware of how bad his situation is, and takes it seriously when he's not trying to play it off and hide the truth in front of other people. And since the audience and character are on the same page, there's no ambiguity there. My two cents.
This is exactly how I read it as well. Stolas seems very resigned and numbed out, so as far as what's shown to us within that episode by itself, I get the confusion on how we're meant to read it but also my reaction personally as somebody who was raised in a DV situation was just "this is abuse and it's been happening for so long that nobody is really taking it seriously anymore, it's become normalised"
Yup thats what I thought too. Double true for Octavia. Octavia grew up in a DA household so she wouldnt know what its like to be in a healthy happy family. When you’re young, you dont really realize how much tension there is in a DA family. As you grow up into a teen, you finally realize how messed up everything is but you’ve grown into it so it doesn’t really affect you negatively anymore other than surface level annoyance.
And they're both in the "just stop paying attention to the screaming person" stage and tuning her out by immersing themselves in their media of choice. As I said in my own comment... you could shoot me while I'm reading, and I'll notice when I put the book down.
Also, connecting to very fatalistic tone of Stola's lullaby, I don't think Stolas is in a very good place mentally but in a different way than Angel. Angel is self-destructive, but he's self-destructive with an underlying idea that "maybe, just maybe, he'll get tired and I'll get out of this alive *somehow".* With Stolas lullaby, I get the feeling it's much more of "no, my life is basically over, my baby girl is the only thing worth staying alive for and even then I'm gonna reassure her she'll be fine without me". And just to clarify, I don't think he's actively suicidal or anything like that when he sings that song, but maybe in that depressed numbness where you think *"if* I would happen to die it wouldn't be such a horrible thing". Idk, the tears in his eyes when he tucks her in gets to me.
58:45 Blitz is an entrepreneur, which is uncommon for Imps, as Striker says in a later episode so the suit makes sense also, Blitz is trying to turn over a new leaf, he's wearing a literal facade for his new life of what he wants to be perceived as while hiding from his past(s).
One thing I haven't seen people bring up about Stollas taking his daughter to Lulu land. Right before he suggests it Octavia asks if they are done yelling at eachother, and then Stella screams in the background. The scean reads in part to me as Stollas trying to get Octavia away from that environment without damaging her relationship with her mom
3:24:50 She says “Queen Bee of Gluttony” right before her song. Under the credit everyone’s going to check to see if Kesha Sebert actually guest starred in this episode it says Queen Bee-lzebub. Loona tells Blitz he needs to drink something other than Beelzejuice. It’s not “spelled out,” but it’s not *absent.* Vivzie does it a lot. Some people call it narrative backfilling. I call it medium awareness. Specifically, awareness that everybody watching in the year 202X has full access to pause, rewind, and scene-scrolling. Watchers are exactly as informed as they choose to be. Sorry, this is a bit of a nerve for me. I’m not yelling at you, I’m yelling at other reactors who blamed Hazbin Hotel for their own very casual reactions. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with casual viewing, until you start to criticize the show for not revealing things that you were talking over.
Another thing about Stolas being in Blitz's van is that he absolutely didn't need too. He literally teleported himself to Ozzies, he could have gone back the same way.
It doesn't help that Millie is the one who has a lot of Moxie in the dictionary meaning: noun 1. The ability to face difficulty with spirit and courage. 2. Aggressive energy; initiative. 3. Skill; know-how.
Ozzie’s to me is probably the best episode in season 1. It’s consistently good, sticks to one interesting plot point / setting, and most importantly, has a great villain-esc musical number. Also Asmodeus and Fizz have the best relationship in the entire show.
Since the weekend, I've been hitting reload on subscriptions waiting. 5pm: nope, nothing. 7pm: RUclips: ‘This was posted 10h ago!’ Me: «swipes everything off the table» Hold my damn calls, cancel everything, I've got a season of analysis to watch, starting now.
The one thing I'll say about Helluva Boss vs Hazbin in terms of warping ones perception, is that the production of Hazbin Hotel actually came after Season 1 of Helluva Boss. The Murder Family episode of Helluva came out just 2 months after A24 announced they picked up Hazbin Hotel. Then there were discussions back and forth whether or not they would outsource animation or do it in house, and the production only finished in March of 2023 (with an original release date for summer but then the strikes pushed it back to January) So it was the growing pains of season 1 of Helluva Boss that allowed for them to do something like Masquerade (episode 4 of Hazbin) which is probably why coming from Hazbin it can seem so jarring to see an indecisiveness of the tone regarding Stella.
iirc there's also the fact that the first script of Hazbin was scrapped and they had to re-write it. You can really see them finding their footing and discovering what works and what doesn't in Helluva, I think S2 is a MASSIVE improvement
Talking about why Stolas hides behind the menu in episode 7... He's also been confronted with the image of his daughter. And he obviously feels guilty about how his affair has affected her. Of course he hides.
Love the re-reaction of House of Asmodeus lol. Stolas/Blitzø isn't a "GOOD" relationship, but goddamn is it INTERESTING. I wanna take Blitzø and put him in tupperware and shake him, he's SOOO messed up and it lovvvve it.
One thing worth noting at 1:55:00 is that because the family is so distanced, it's entirely possible neither Stolas nor Octavia were paying attention enough to know what Stella was yelling about on the phone. I've got no way to prove it, but it would make sense because of the general sense of apathy each of the three owls have regarding the others' current actions.
On the scene where Stella threatens stolas' life right in front of him without provoking a reaction. The way always read that scene and that is just me and i feel validated in that interpretation by later information is that it comes down to exposure. Stolas has been together with Stella for a long time. He's been listening to her ranting and her empty threats for probably more than two decades now. There is a point where you have to tune that shit out or you will just go insane. So he hears her sure but he doesn't listen to her and how is he to know that this time she is serious that this time it's not just and empty threat but a cruel promise that she will follow through on. So for me this was the first indication on how long her abuse has actually been going on for that both stolas and octavia have dulled down to it to this degree. Octavia just blasts her music on high and tries not hear the fighting and stolas dissociates he escapes into his books and phantasies and tries to tune her berating out that way.
Skyen, can I just say that your harmonizing at 37:48 had me replay that segment several times, you have a great ear for harmonies if that was done intentionally and that isn't easy for every amateur singer to do.
While "Bee" wasnt as explicitly named the embodiment of sin, like they did with Ozzie; the first thing we hear her say is her introduction as "The Queen Bee of Gluttony".
In episode 8 I love how Luna gets called out for calling someone a bitch, only for Bee to use the word about a dozen times without issue. It doesn't reflect badly on Bee inherently, but its a strong example of her having authority and pretty privilege to get away with something that luna wasn't able to. (Although maybe its just everyone knows Bee uses it as a term of affection, while Luna was very much using it as an insult). Perhaps less Bee able to do it because of authority, but because she has built up a good reputation.
I think I've encountered one thing I actually disagree with you on, which is blitzø character design in terms of fashion. It reflects his more punk vibes, the large red buttons very much remind me of the puffs on clown suits, the angles are sharp. And in terms of the gloves and the turtleneck, I think it reflects just how much he covers up and hides his body.
Yeah. To me, his outfit is honestly a pretty good visual representation of, "My name is Blitzo, the 'O' is silent." It may be a sharp, formal suit that portrays him as a composed person with some sort of authority, but it still carries qualities reminiscent of the past that he's desperate to distance himself from. Even as he actively attempts to cover up who he was, he still has some glaring cracks in his facade that he can't help but keep around and impulsively draw attention to.
@@nevermind9835 his style of reaction is so different to others I've seen, it really is refreshing Like even if I disagree with something he says (I think there's stuff about Blitzø's design that says stuff about him, for example) he tends to explain his reasoning from a really knowledgeable artistic viewpoint that makes me pause and consider things I wasn't thinking about prior. You don't get that from most reactors.
@@nevermind9835 same! I feel like I comment this on all of his videos lol but I just started learning and have been putting these on in the bg while I practice, it's been a BIG help in how I approach boarding something
1:55:19 I actually took that scene as Stolas actually not hearing what Stella said cause he's too absorbed in his book. He does look at her cause he realized she said something, but he doesn't know what. I think he's gotten so used to her yelling at him that probably taught himself to tune her out
There is actually a canon explanation for why certain characters look alike. It goes like this: Lucifer was the original wearer of the look and Lucifer as King and Sin of Pride is a symbol of power. That inspired Overlords and even other Sins like Asmodeus to copy the look to associate themselves with Lucifer and his power until the look became a universal symbol of power in Hell. That's why Blitzø wear his coat, he is trying to project power to mask his inferiority complex and also make a statement as an Imp. You'll see another character that does that for similar reasons in season 2.
In previous videos I recall you discussing how the show hasn't had much in the way of compelling persistent antagonists. This feels like as good a place as any to say that I think it still kinda works without those because the protagonists are often their own worst enemies. I'm cool with Hazbin Hotel being the show with a clear plot and high stakes while Helluva Boss explores the characters through lower-stakes scenarios.
Dammit Skyen now not only vivzie is teasing us with HB but you too. I’m genuinely looking forward to hearing what you have to say about what I guess we’d now call the first half of S2
47:33 I cannot go indepth bc spoilers, but trust me when I say that scene is /definitely/ meant to be read as abusive. 1:02:25 OH OH IK THIS! IK THIS! The romance was planned rrrrrright after the pilot. Brandon walked in and explained to Vivzie how Stolas and Blitz would be much more interesting as a romance with the changes they had planned for him, and the crew agreed.
Blitz has shown up to this point mainly through his trip that he feels incapable of being loved, how every past love interest or friendship has ended in failure for him, taunting him that while he doesn't want to be alone, he will end up being so (It's kinda funny cause the voices of Fizz Striker Verosika and Fizz in the trip are all Brandon Rogers so it is literally Blitz's subconscious attacking him). Because of this, he sees all of Stolas' attempts at being loving and affectionate as just being part of this persona he 'thinks' Stolas is putting on about wanting to just be dicked by a lower class being. For that, he completely ignores any attempt by Stolas as being affectionate. But when put on the spot by Asmodeus and Fizz, where Stolas would have to show his true feelings about Blitz, he folds and hides his face, just confirming all of Blitz's beliefs seemingly and absolutely destroying him, cause there was that small chance where he didn't hide his face and Blitz may have realized he truly loves him, but its all for naught. Blitz is a complete moron for this, but through this lens of not trusting Stolas' affection, you can see why he ignores him. Also the fact that Stolas needed a ride home is super sad, cause the man can teleport, he really wanted those extra minutes with Blitz to try and fix what happened :(
I would argue that not being quite sure how to read the tone of the depictions of abuse in ep2 is actually extremely effective. situations like that are complicated, and the people involved are traumatized and coping any way they can. not being sure whether to laugh or be horrified is a common experience, and the murky tone managing to capture that feeling is, i think, really on point. i think the scene with Octavia stepping over the destroyed plant that misses her by inches, which she barely reacts to, is a very clear and poignant demonstration of that as well especially with stolas's character, who has a put-together royal persona that's a front that he keeps relying on in tough situations. and this is the beginning of his character arc, where he hasn't fully realized a lot of things about himself, and about the situation. idk i just think the ambiguity is kind of essential
btw, the servant who was thrown by stella in episode 2 and holds the phone for stolas later on also shows up again in episode 7 in Ozzies and he has a whole table of people around who seem to very much enjoy his(?) company. is a nice little thing that gives a background character way more depth. While I agree with most of Skyen's points, I'd rate episode 4 a little bit higher, just because of all the hilarious moments and one liners it gave us. "Shut up dear furry!" "Here we see three tacky stalkers, about to do a murder!", moxy pulling an arsenal from his pockets. Blitz and moxy in drag. I.M.P in cat fursuits. Moxy and Milly making out both mid-air and mid-combat. The overall thing is not that good, but it does have its moments.
I feel like a lot of damage was done with the relationship between blitz and stolas by the beginnings of it. Even ignoring blitzo's obvious inability to feel like he is a potentially lovable person. Like a lot of their scenes of 'being together' have strong bdsm undertones, including the one scene we get of them in bed together at the beginning of harvest moon. In that context, stolas' over-the-top, needy, overly sexual nature in the first half of season one always came off as a rather accurate depiction of someone going through sub frenzy. lol. Then by the time he calms down and wants to focus on the more 'relationship' aspects, the narrative in blitz' mind of stolas always being so hardcore about the sexual parts of their 'relationship' is already too hard-wired.
Yeah. It's an example of when the show take things that at first was shown of as jokes (Stolas being thirsty all the time and his condescending tone towards Blitz, their deal etc) and then *bam* in s1e7 this kind of behaviour suddenly have consequences when Stolas wants to take it one step further and Blitz point out to him that he can't just suddenly act all lovely dovey when his behaviour up to that point only ever seems to have been purely sexual. I think it's interesting. But sadly, a lot of the fandom doesn't understand it and gets angry at Blitz for not understanding that Stolas loves him. Because they never took stolas behaviour before that as anything other than a joke, so why would Blitz feel like he is only played with?
I definitely agree that season 1 doesn’t have the most compelling villains (aside from Striker of course) Thankfully season 2’s villains are a vast improvement.
Typing thoughts as the video rolls... On tone... it doesn't have to be consistent. It has some risks, and it probably has something to do with the sort of media folks consume, but some portion of the audience has practice parsing scenes that use two very different tones at the same time to convey that something is one one on one level, and other way on another level, or using an extreme tone different to strengthen the impact. Heck, "I don't know how I'm supposed to read this scene" is a thing that's useful, if you want somebody to feel uncomfortable - in media that usually tells you precisely how to feel, unclear signalling feels wrong.. They're pretty textbook in things like horror-comedy, stuff with a "metal" aesthetic, or just the way british media will often use perfectly straight delivery of comedy or satire. On Blitzo's base outfit not saying much about him... He's dressing to present as a cool professional, as a member of one of the lowest classes in the extremely classist social hierarchy of hell. It's also got clown buttons and isn't great condition, both of which reflect who he is and what he's doing. He generally tries to dress for where he's going and what he's doing. You know, I still just don't read Striker as sexy. At least not beyond the notion that some folks have a cowboy fetish. He's one of the only characters in both series where I just bounce entirely off in that sense. And the fact that the characters keep /telling/ me he's sexy when nothing about it is landing for me just makes it worse, in that "nothing is less cool than trying to be cool" way. "Stolas definitely heard it", regarding planning his death... Couple angles to consider, first Stolas is a very sheltered individual who's secure in his power, when he chooses to use it. Second, and probably the main issue: he's reading. You could shoot me while I'm reading a book, and I wouldn't notice until I put the book down. Books are absolutely his happy place and he's probably vaguely aware that Stella's yelling, but /all/ of his attention is on the text. Bonus: he's probably just very accustomed to paying as little attention as is physically possible what the harpy lady is on about at any given moment, because she's fantastically shallow, petty, abusive and a few other things that become explicit in S2. And, I mean, she doesn't care that he cheated on her, she cares that it was public, with an imp, and how that will impact her status at high society parties. "The villains suck": yes, but the helluva story isn't /ever/ about the antagonists (and some other secondary roles). it's always about the main cast's traumas and relationships. it's like walking dead style zombie fiction, the zombies are only really there as a bit of a pressure cooker, so they're mostly bland and disposable, to keep focus on the character drama. i feel they're trying to figure out exactly where they want that balance to be, and you'll see them experiment a bit more with it in S2. (and, honestly, i care more about the DHORKs than I cared about the main cast of walking dead, so...) Look forward to seeing your thoughts on S2 :)
I got so mad for a second that this video was posted 2h ago and I didn’t noticed but then I realized that the people that started the video when it was posted still haven’t finished watching it.
I started watching you for your hazbin reaction and now I’m obsessed with all your content even the non-hazbin/ helluva boss related stuff I really enjoy your commentary and analysis on different things 🫶
Can’t wait for him to see: [⚠️BEWARE OF SPOILERS BELOW⚠️] S2-E4 when it cuts back and forth from the climactic and dangerous fight with Striker, to silly cartoon battle about giving Loona a rabies shot
the pilot feels like ot only excits for the creative team of hellava boss. its for them to play around with the characters, settings, jokes, and songs to see what works for the. it doesnt feel like its really meant for us
No spoilers ofc but there's one episode in particular that will make it very VERY obvious that the character arcs and relationships were developed as it went along. A lot of the fandom ignores the retconning bc ultimately it ends up being a better show thanks to the changes, but it's very refreshing to see someone point it out in a non derogatory way. It does help that the writers are good about picking up on one-off gags and developing those details into character's backstories, but anyone who claims it was planned from the start is absolutely lying to themselves.
Wait really? What would that be? I know we don’t want to spoil anything here, but could I get a bit more of a hint to what that one episode would be? I’ve watched all of the Helluva content up to now and I’m not 100% sure what you’re describing.
@@viedal I agree that it obviously wasn't planned from the start, but it's not a hard retcon. They add information that they didn't originally plan for, but it doesn't actively contradict earlier episodes. Hard retcon, at least as I understand it, is like when movies or shows ignore that the popular character has already died at least once and bring them back, or when comic book writers and fans silently but collectively agree to forget that an unpopular story arc happened, or when Dallas decided an entire season was just a dream one of the characters had.
Genuienly excited for you to get to season 2. Episode 2 is by far my favorite and the season as a whole definitely has that feeling of found identity and a story it wants to tell with the characters rather than just being an "What if the Office was a Newgrounds style sunday afternoon adult cartoon".
Why is episode 2 your favourite? Genuine question. I like it but it's not my personal favourite, but if there was something I miss that would absolutely blow me away I'd be keen to know :D
@@Moxie2017 Spoiler Warning for Skyen I'm not sure why but for some reason Father-Daughter dynamics tend to get to me very deeply. That scene between Loona and Octavia where Loona just drops the facade and speaks what she really feels about Blitzø and the way Octavia immediately understands how hard it all is for Stolas and matures a little is really special to me. Loo Loo Land had a bit of that but Seeing Stars really went deep with it and it stuck with me. Other than that Oops and the topic of forgiveness between old friends is also really powerful but episode 2 still takes the cake
There were a few posts I read that changed my perception of that Stolas hiding behind the menu. When Fizzarolli talks about the Loo Loo Land being burned down, Blitz hides his face behind the menu. In turn when Asmodeus brings up his wife & Octavia, Stolas mimics that gesture. Not realizing the hurtful implications that has for Blitz. There is another example but its in season 2. Stolas in a lot of ways feels very neurodivergent coded in how he acts, with him caressing his cravat as his comfort, lack of social cues (& more). Which btw its not to make excuses for how he comes across. I feel though its a important detail of insight into Stolas, kinda like how Skyen talked about how Stolas interacts with Blitz differently from others.
It's funny how folks talk about her being bland, but like... she's a southern farmgirl who can casually rip her way through an army of goons, who clearly takes after her dad, who will destroy anyone and anything that threatens her tiny theatre-loving husband. She's great. In literally any other context, she'd stand out. It's only because everyone else are over-the-top trauma balls, in a a show where the a-plot is entirely about rubbing people's traumas into each other...
@@Daemonworks well no, she wouldn't stand out, her entire character sums up as: "very strong and a wife", in what actual narrative would someone like this stand out? Everyone else has actual depth in their decisions and how they became who they are, she is just...nothing, her whole character traits are represented either by Moxxie (a better written character) or by pure strength (which is useless with no actual conflict on it, it's just eye candy and gag). You didn't need to show publicly that you can't distinguish good writing from bad.....
@@jasmineelhilali9152 Quite the reality disconnect there. I meant precisely what I said, not what you seem to think I meant. She's an occasionally literally feral mass-murderer who's actually very well adjusted and comfortable with her place in life, and is very much in love with her smaller weaker husband in a relationship that doens't really do any of the power dynamic stuff most writers would work into that. Sure, there's worlds where that combination of traits wouldn't seem weird, but a heck of a lot more where it'd raise some eyebrows. But hey ho, let's do some actual character and narrative analysis here. I would argue that "strong" and "a wife" aren't all she is. She's a farm girl in the big city, she's one of the few basically happy and well adjusted people in hell, she loves loolooland and the harvest festival, really wants to be part of the big competition but was banned for killing too many folks (or at least, being too obvious about it). We've got insight into her family relationships, including some sore spots. She's curious what pop star sex was like. She texts Blitzo for his opinion on sex toys to use with Moxxie. She thinks nothing of smacking a Sin's partner, in his own place. Plus some S2 stuff I won't go into because Skyen hasn't gotten there yet. Sure, these aren't all terribly load-bearing. Often in passing, not plot relevant (not that this is actually bad, but some folks are plot-obsessed), etc. And she's absolutely been mostly used just a fun character. The real core of her as a character, if I were to boil her down to one simple point, very specifically in the context of a show that's mostly about dysfunctional people struggling to find happiness is this: she's already happy. The real problem, for folks who want her to be more than just fun, is that they haven't seemed to know what to do with that. So far as we know, she's pretty damned content. She's got a husband she loves to bits, a job she likes, she's fond of her co-workers and has little to prove, no chips on her shoulders and isn't seeking goals like status or fame.. She gets along fairly well with most folks. She has a fair bit of personality, just mostly not the "driving force" variety. The big things she would strive for, that she desperately hungered for, that she would kill (ok, low bar there) or die to get? She's already got 'em. In a story that's very focused on characters driven by desperate unfulfilled needs and gaping emotional wounds, she's fine. She doesn't think her life is perfect, but she's comfortable with that - her feet are on the ground her shit is sorted. This, in a show that is primarily about internal and social conflict between raging dumpster fire hot mess characters. Her only skin in that game is that some of those hot messes are friends and family. They know what to do with characters motivated by pain and need, but they made somebody who's default state is "nah, i'm good" and when it came time to do something with her that ties into their main drama, they go "huh, wut do?". To be fair, a static, happy character is something you can absolutely do great things with, but it's a weirder fit into this sort of thing, and nothing like writing a character who's got burning desires and massive flaws glaring holes at you saying "use me for drama, ALL THE DRAMA". And that's sorta their main deal. She's absolutely been underwritten, but it looks like they're slowly figuring out what to do with her, so fingers crossed. And, she /is/ a fun character. They just need to find more for her to do.
Don't worry about waiting for season 2, can just wait for it to be fully out, you've got 'till the end of the year at least before that's done so don't get rushed
Now I like Helluva Boss, but I really want some other indie anination breakdowns (if it's okay with Skyen) Some top of my list: -Lackadaisy -Monkey Wrench -Murder Drones (and Amazing Digital Circus) -Spooky Month
Literally dropped everything when I saw u posted lol will edit later to add some thoughts when I watch it all Edit: 58:14 I think the reason Blitzø wears gloves is because he wants to hide his scars as we can see them in s1ep5 in the beginning. His scars begin just before his fingers which is exactly where the gloves end and there’s actually a reason why he would do something like this in later episodes (s2e6 which honestly I can’t wait to see you react to). There is also some more to his clothing but I can’t say too much without spoilers. I guess I could mention tho that in s1ep7 we can see on the last photo that the taller female imp has the same exact neacklace (or choker?) as Blitzø does (again there’s more abt it in s2ep6). I honestly never had the feeling that Blitzø’s design doesn’t match him and I think I can pinpoint the reason for that. Blitzø seems to have inferiority complex (as he is the lowest in the hierarchy, just an IMP) which we can actually see in for example episode 5 where one of striker’s argument for Blitzø joining his side is that they are above other imps and how the business is rigged against him (because he is an imp and not many are able to start their own business) and also he is constantly reminded how insignificant he is when around stolas by stolas himself or other(like in s1ep5 when he calls him itty bitty imp and in s1ep7 stolas is called out not only on cheating, but also that he is sleeping with an imp) and you can see Blitzø’s reaction - he is ashamed, he is insecure (which is also one of the reasons why he wouldn’t believe stolas has any romantic feelings towards him but that’s another can of worms). The point is, he may actually dress in more formal attire and not too chaotic or like himself because he want others and himself to see him as someone more than just an imp. He wants people to see him and think he is A BOSS of IMP. But that’s just my thought about it, idk if that’s actually the reason why he dresses like that.
I totally agree, I also think he dresses like that because he wants to be taken more seriously than he's used to. He takes pride in running his own business and he wants to dress accordingly.
Y'know, talking about the Pilot and how ADHD friendly it is, with its cutaways inside of other cutaways, I'm reminded of something that had a similar structure but done way better: the _Ed Edd n Eddy_ episode "Every Which Way but Ed", the main difference being that _EEnE_ makes the awkward structure part of the episode's plot by use of its nonexistent 4th wall in a fantastic way.
Don’t know if this is something you’d be interested in, but the way you analyze animation I feel would work great for the story animations of GildedGuy on RUclips. The story is entirely driven by visuals and music, and the growth in skill that you can see throughout his videos is astonishing
So happy to see this video! Did not want to be annoying, so I patiently checked if you uploaded anything hellaverse related several times a day. Needles to say, I’m really exited for this video! Only on the second episode ranking, but already enjoyed it immensely. Can’t wait to see your reaction to second season. Thank you for the video!
I got the impression stolas was trying not to cry infront of blitz. Like bro got his heart iviserated(?) while blitz got slow roasted to humiliation perfection. So he didn't want blitz to think "ah crap I have to hold him together while he cries" so he covers up his face.
48:00 The show knows exactly where it's going as most of Stella's abuse is discarded because it's shown from another person's perspective. In episode two, her fit is ignored or even played for a laugh because we see Octavia's reaction to it, or lack of it, really, since it seems to be a recurring thing. In episode 5, Stella's outburst is played specifically for Striker who couldn't care less for whatever hell Stolas might be going through at home so it's not shown as a serious interaction either. The first time we really get a glimpse of the abuse Stolas receives from his wife is when it's shown from HIS perspective, when he finally speaks up and responds to her with the seriousness the situation requires. Only then are you supposed to recall all of her past actions and be like "okay, I understand Stolas' character a little bit better now. I see how this situation affects his relationship with Blitz."
1:55:14 I think that it might be so frequent for them to hear Stella scream for no peculiar reason that they are just used to it now, it became background noise for them. So Stolas probably just wasn't listening to what she was actually saying and just upped his head when the noise stopped (as if the sudden silence was the unusual thing). I also suppose he doesn't hear what is said inside the phone so he might actually have no idea that Stella is actively trying to murder him.
I feel it backfires a little bit where Millie didn't get to compete in the games because she's been caught on too much collateral damage in the past. Which sure, verbally reinforces to us that she's tough and dangerous, but it means she sits out for most of the episode so we don't See her in action. Then of course she gets side-lined by the bear trap. I was stunned to hear that the Queen Bee singing was a sound-alike from the comments in that video. Amazing work.
Skyen "who's apparently the Lord of Gluttony, not that that's anywhere spelled out in the show" The show "are you ready to party with the Queen Bee of Glu-tto-ny" 🤣 PS: I get how that could be missed, it's just your choice of words, particularly "not spelled out" was too funny not to point out
rewatching this for background as i do schoolwork, you, my good sir, are a blessing for my adhd rotten dumbass brain. i am so thankful for the existance of your channel.
I have this idea of why the show isn't more overly sexual and i think it truly lies in the fact that its produced in the US. Because I've watches countless of reactions to this show and the pattern that i could observe almost without fail was that Americans were way more prudish about the sexual jokes and displays than the Europeans who just seem to have a whole nother threshold when it comes to sexual displays. So it might seem to you and me like there is still a whole way to go till you've crossed a line while the majority of US Americans are already squeamish. But that's just a theory. And surely monetization does play a big role no matter how annoying that is.
the US literally had a puritan extrimist sect move in early in history and they really took root. The sect was so extreme they were kicked out of *england* for being too puritan anmd then the dutch also yeeted them out of their country cause they just wouldnt stop pushing their beliefs onto others and the dutch just went "okay it's cool and all believe what ya want but maybe dont bother others with it to the point of harrasment, so ehm just go away please" so the puritans left for the colonies to build their own new "better" society there
Great to hear the channel was doing for you what you wanted it to do and please don't let stuff make you feel like you need to do anything more with it than what it already is. It's great fun for me and I hope it stays a good chill time for you. Well, now I want to finally go check the latest boss designs video, been meaning to for a bit now. Thanks a lot for all your passion and effort, your stuff helps me relax and switch off of things. Have a good one!
I'm sure it was mentioned before, but please make sure to watch the "Just Look My Way" music video after Season 2 - Episode 7. Even if the rest of season 2 aired by then.
I think Helluva boss is a test bed for Spindlehorse. Here they tested what will work and how the ideas are received. After that came Hazbin Hotel trying to get things right right away.
I suppose it’s both factors, Stolas was sleeping with an imp which are considered one of the lowest life forms of hell, and also that Stolas is a victim of domestic abuse
2:44:56 for what I've seen by being in the fandom for almost a year now is that the majority of the fandom is actually 18+, stuff like former scene kids reviving their 2000's era glories or Theater nerds, the show has that Sparkledog/Heart Of Gold/Found Family charm that seems to ressonate a ton with millenials. A LOT of them are in their late 30's and 40's actually, which its a first on almost every fandom I've been besides furries. I find this quite interesting, I can't think (for example) of a single """"big""""" account in the fandom that isn't 18+, at least as far as twitter and tumblr is concerned, I wouldn't touch TikTok with a 10 foot pole. Like I genuinely believe its good ol' YT censorship
3:24:44 i thought her being the sin of gluttony was fairly explicit: she introduced herself as the “queen bee of gluttony”. (and so was the song, “I’m what you want, not what you need”, and the line after, “high on this energy”, paired with “make me that mother-f*ing honey” indicating it’s the guests’ gluttony that supplies her). Somehow my comment got posted to a random short earlier, I tried commenting this way earlier when fewer people had done so already but… anyway 😅.
I think an interesting criticism of both Helluva Boss and Hazbin Hotel is that it seems to very much run on this conception of "s*x is when there is a d*ck involved". I think it seems very telling how I don't think I've seen a f/f couple act anywhere close to as h*rny as a m/m or m/f couple in either show. Another interesting facet of this is actually with Millie and Moxxie's s*xual dynamic. I am rather glad that they very explicitly have the dynamic of she doms and he subs, but I do find it rather interesting that p*gging seems to be the only sex act that the show runners can think up that involves that kind of dynamic. I don't know how this stuff works really, but I imagine that there are more s*x acts that can be done with this "she doms and he subs" dynamic. I say this all to point out how I think there are limitations in the s*xual imaginations of the showrunners here. Considering how fandoms and BL work, which I wouldn't be surprised if Vivziepop was a fan, I think this is likely a larger issue as well. I will end with saying that, for personal reasons, I am very glad that a character like Moxxie is portrayed as someone who others in universe (mainly Millie, Blitzo, and a character in season 2) see as sexy.
Having just watched what’s currently out of season 2 last night, I’m very excited to watch your extended analyses of those episodes now. Can’t wait to see what you have to say about some stuff.
Not to drop multiple comments but I just want to agree with you on the whole shying away from sexual content discussion. Hell I'm ace and I still don't think it's very healthy to forbid teens from seeing any of this stuff - We've all been teenagers, we KNOW what it's like and what most of them are up to. There's obviously safety to consider of course - adults have no place in their exploration but they should still be allowed to explore this stuff on their own, and sanitising everything and attempting to overprotect them from what will become a very normal part of life is only going to cause issues and confusion when they do go out into the adult world. Like what are we really telling these kids when we allow them to see cartoon characters disemboweling one another, but not allowing them to see the same cartoon characters being intimate? Why is one thing advertiser friendly and not the other? Bonkers.
Best is episode 6 hands down. We get to see DEEPLY into Blitzos psyche and characterization and the animation is just consistently mind-blowing throughout. I just have two critiques. The truth gas is absolutely a contrived plot point and I feel like we could have had a little bit of allusion to something that I won't go into because it's spoilers.
Btw, I said that episode 8 had no point and stuff but your reaction changed my mind completely, I love that episode now. That's why I love your reaction style, you see so much that I dont, I admire you a lot
Of course I forgot to post the darn link - here you go: discord.gg/uExsrmg5
It doesn't work anymore i think
damnit, I'm *always* too late for them..
I hope he will do a recap and review/tier list for season 2. Please, please.🙏
one small and pedantic correction. You stated that it doesn't say anywhere In episode 8 that Beelzebub is gluttony. When she first announces herself she call herself "the queen bee of gluttony". I do agree that they could have been more explicit about it though.
There is also a seal with her name in the interior at some points!
This is where I like Monster’s Ball because it does flat out say “this is the appetite of Beelzebub” because in Cotton Candy she just calls
Herself Queen Bee the entire time
I didn't get it the first time, so much so that I HATED the episode bc I didn't know wtf was going on. Saw it for the 3rd time, OOOOOH I SEE NOW and my opinion did a full 180
1:55:44 Stolas wasn't paying attention to Stella's phone call. You can see it in his body language and how he looks at Stella. As if he just noticed she's stopped talking and openly glaring at him. Clearly, he tuned out everything else in favor of what he's reading. The implication is Stolas is terrorized...when he's paying attention.
Exactly, he only tunes back in and looks up at her *after* she stops shouting. The implication is her yelling and berating him is her norm to the point where he fully tunes her out when she starts ranting, and only when she goes silent does he notice and snap back to attention.
Regarding the unclear tone surrounding the portrayal of Stolas being a DA victim in episode 2, my interpretation of the tone (as a DA survivor myself) was that it's tragic and awful from an audience perspective, but that Stolas (and maybe also their kid) doesn't see it for just how bad it is, he's almost resigned to it in a "well, what can you do?" kind of way, and Octavia seems to just find it annoying like "can you believe these ridiculous clowns?" I think that's why it's played slightly comedic but also slightly serious in this murky way. Their feelings are probably also murky, and a little in denial maybe, even though we (audience) are meant to see how bad it is.
Angel, by contrast, is fully aware of how bad his situation is, and takes it seriously when he's not trying to play it off and hide the truth in front of other people. And since the audience and character are on the same page, there's no ambiguity there.
My two cents.
This is exactly how I read it as well. Stolas seems very resigned and numbed out, so as far as what's shown to us within that episode by itself, I get the confusion on how we're meant to read it but also my reaction personally as somebody who was raised in a DV situation was just "this is abuse and it's been happening for so long that nobody is really taking it seriously anymore, it's become normalised"
Yup thats what I thought too. Double true for Octavia.
Octavia grew up in a DA household so she wouldnt know what its like to be in a healthy happy family. When you’re young, you dont really realize how much tension there is in a DA family. As you grow up into a teen, you finally realize how messed up everything is but you’ve grown into it so it doesn’t really affect you negatively anymore other than surface level annoyance.
I think that you put it very well it’s also my reading of it as well, and … how to not spoil?
the show is getting more clear later on? imo
And they're both in the "just stop paying attention to the screaming person" stage and tuning her out by immersing themselves in their media of choice. As I said in my own comment... you could shoot me while I'm reading, and I'll notice when I put the book down.
Also, connecting to very fatalistic tone of Stola's lullaby, I don't think Stolas is in a very good place mentally but in a different way than Angel. Angel is self-destructive, but he's self-destructive with an underlying idea that "maybe, just maybe, he'll get tired and I'll get out of this alive *somehow".* With Stolas lullaby, I get the feeling it's much more of "no, my life is basically over, my baby girl is the only thing worth staying alive for and even then I'm gonna reassure her she'll be fine without me".
And just to clarify, I don't think he's actively suicidal or anything like that when he sings that song, but maybe in that depressed numbness where you think *"if* I would happen to die it wouldn't be such a horrible thing".
Idk, the tears in his eyes when he tucks her in gets to me.
“The pilot is kinda adhd friendly” well it was written by the king of adhd so that makes sense
Prime Minister. We voted for him
@@Zamtrios245 you’re right
@@Zamtrios245aye, that was a fun election!
@@Zamtrios245 That's President Tankthrust to you
58:45 Blitz is an entrepreneur, which is uncommon for Imps, as Striker says in a later episode so the suit makes sense also, Blitz is trying to turn over a new leaf, he's wearing a literal facade for his new life of what he wants to be perceived as while hiding from his past(s).
That's what I got. Like he's deliberately going for both a businessman and badass assassin look.
And the choker, of course, goes without saying.
One thing I haven't seen people bring up about Stollas taking his daughter to Lulu land. Right before he suggests it Octavia asks if they are done yelling at eachother, and then Stella screams in the background.
The scean reads in part to me as Stollas trying to get Octavia away from that environment without damaging her relationship with her mom
Loo Loo land, with the Os. Definitely a legally distinct and different place from Lulu World, with the Us.
@@reperfan4 whoops, fingers crossed Lucifer doesn't sue😅
3:24:50 She says “Queen Bee of Gluttony” right before her song. Under the credit everyone’s going to check to see if Kesha Sebert actually guest starred in this episode it says Queen Bee-lzebub. Loona tells Blitz he needs to drink something other than Beelzejuice. It’s not “spelled out,” but it’s not *absent.*
Vivzie does it a lot. Some people call it narrative backfilling. I call it medium awareness. Specifically, awareness that everybody watching in the year 202X has full access to pause, rewind, and scene-scrolling. Watchers are exactly as informed as they choose to be.
Sorry, this is a bit of a nerve for me. I’m not yelling at you, I’m yelling at other reactors who blamed Hazbin Hotel for their own very casual reactions. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with casual viewing, until you start to criticize the show for not revealing things that you were talking over.
Another thing about Stolas being in Blitz's van is that he absolutely didn't need too. He literally teleported himself to Ozzies, he could have gone back the same way.
And Blitzø knows this, too. He literally saw him coming out of that portal, and he still drove him home. Sad, but still a bit sweet.
Skyen trying to remember who's Moxxie and who's Millie : IMPOSSIBLE chalenge x)
They're simply Boy Moxxie and Girl Moxxie
When he says Millie's name he remembers, but since Moxxie/Moxie is such an androgynous name usually used for women he gets confused.
It doesn't help that Millie is the one who has a lot of Moxie in the dictionary meaning:
noun
1. The ability to face difficulty with spirit and courage.
2. Aggressive energy; initiative.
3. Skill; know-how.
@@viedal Do you have any idea how little that helps
Ozzie’s to me is probably the best episode in season 1. It’s consistently good, sticks to one interesting plot point / setting, and most importantly, has a great villain-esc musical number.
Also Asmodeus and Fizz have the best relationship in the entire show.
no spoilers remember
It is the one time we see Verosika again in season 1 and she's amazing
Dad has posted, i must stop everything
That might be the best way to convey the feeling when any of Skyne's channels upload...
real
Personally, he's more uncle, but sure.
Since the weekend, I've been hitting reload on subscriptions waiting.
5pm: nope, nothing.
7pm: RUclips: ‘This was posted 10h ago!’
Me: «swipes everything off the table» Hold my damn calls, cancel everything, I've got a season of analysis to watch, starting now.
He feels like a grampa to me
The one thing I'll say about Helluva Boss vs Hazbin in terms of warping ones perception, is that the production of Hazbin Hotel actually came after Season 1 of Helluva Boss. The Murder Family episode of Helluva came out just 2 months after A24 announced they picked up Hazbin Hotel. Then there were discussions back and forth whether or not they would outsource animation or do it in house, and the production only finished in March of 2023 (with an original release date for summer but then the strikes pushed it back to January)
So it was the growing pains of season 1 of Helluva Boss that allowed for them to do something like Masquerade (episode 4 of Hazbin) which is probably why coming from Hazbin it can seem so jarring to see an indecisiveness of the tone regarding Stella.
iirc there's also the fact that the first script of Hazbin was scrapped and they had to re-write it.
You can really see them finding their footing and discovering what works and what doesn't in Helluva, I think S2 is a MASSIVE improvement
Hilarious seeing how Skyen and Viv both agree that like "yeah we won't miss the pilot", because yeah they decanonized it
Talking about why Stolas hides behind the menu in episode 7... He's also been confronted with the image of his daughter. And he obviously feels guilty about how his affair has affected her. Of course he hides.
Love the re-reaction of House of Asmodeus lol.
Stolas/Blitzø isn't a "GOOD" relationship, but goddamn is it INTERESTING. I wanna take Blitzø and put him in tupperware and shake him, he's SOOO messed up and it lovvvve it.
One thing worth noting at 1:55:00 is that because the family is so distanced, it's entirely possible neither Stolas nor Octavia were paying attention enough to know what Stella was yelling about on the phone. I've got no way to prove it, but it would make sense because of the general sense of apathy each of the three owls have regarding the others' current actions.
On the scene where Stella threatens stolas' life right in front of him without provoking a reaction. The way always read that scene and that is just me and i feel validated in that interpretation by later information is that it comes down to exposure. Stolas has been together with Stella for a long time. He's been listening to her ranting and her empty threats for probably more than two decades now. There is a point where you have to tune that shit out or you will just go insane. So he hears her sure but he doesn't listen to her and how is he to know that this time she is serious that this time it's not just and empty threat but a cruel promise that she will follow through on. So for me this was the first indication on how long her abuse has actually been going on for that both stolas and octavia have dulled down to it to this degree. Octavia just blasts her music on high and tries not hear the fighting and stolas dissociates he escapes into his books and phantasies and tries to tune her berating out that way.
Skyen, can I just say that your harmonizing at 37:48 had me replay that segment several times, you have a great ear for harmonies if that was done intentionally and that isn't easy for every amateur singer to do.
While "Bee" wasnt as explicitly named the embodiment of sin, like they did with Ozzie; the first thing we hear her say is her introduction as "The Queen Bee of Gluttony".
Zero days without Skyen calling Millie Moxie
1:09:02
hazbin hotel: we have amazon
helluva boss: we have a fizz
Hazbin Hotel: we have Alex Brightman
Helluva Boss: we also have Alex Brightman
In episode 8 I love how Luna gets called out for calling someone a bitch, only for Bee to use the word about a dozen times without issue. It doesn't reflect badly on Bee inherently, but its a strong example of her having authority and pretty privilege to get away with something that luna wasn't able to. (Although maybe its just everyone knows Bee uses it as a term of affection, while Luna was very much using it as an insult). Perhaps less Bee able to do it because of authority, but because she has built up a good reputation.
I think I've encountered one thing I actually disagree with you on, which is blitzø character design in terms of fashion. It reflects his more punk vibes, the large red buttons very much remind me of the puffs on clown suits, the angles are sharp. And in terms of the gloves and the turtleneck, I think it reflects just how much he covers up and hides his body.
Yeah. To me, his outfit is honestly a pretty good visual representation of, "My name is Blitzo, the 'O' is silent." It may be a sharp, formal suit that portrays him as a composed person with some sort of authority, but it still carries qualities reminiscent of the past that he's desperate to distance himself from. Even as he actively attempts to cover up who he was, he still has some glaring cracks in his facade that he can't help but keep around and impulsively draw attention to.
Yes, this!
I'm almost embarrassed how often I've checked my feed for this to drop lol
Same ngl
Same lmao. I’m out here passing exams and in between them I checked if Skyen uploaded anything hellaverse related. Happy to see he did:)
@@nevermind9835 his style of reaction is so different to others I've seen, it really is refreshing
Like even if I disagree with something he says (I think there's stuff about Blitzø's design that says stuff about him, for example) he tends to explain his reasoning from a really knowledgeable artistic viewpoint that makes me pause and consider things I wasn't thinking about prior. You don't get that from most reactors.
@@SaiyanSerenityV yeah, especially the way he analyses animation. It is so helpful to me as someone who currently studies traditional animation
@@nevermind9835 same! I feel like I comment this on all of his videos lol but I just started learning and have been putting these on in the bg while I practice, it's been a BIG help in how I approach boarding something
1:55:19 I actually took that scene as Stolas actually not hearing what Stella said cause he's too absorbed in his book. He does look at her cause he realized she said something, but he doesn't know what. I think he's gotten so used to her yelling at him that probably taught himself to tune her out
There is actually a canon explanation for why certain characters look alike. It goes like this:
Lucifer was the original wearer of the look and Lucifer as King and Sin of Pride is a symbol of power. That inspired Overlords and even other Sins like Asmodeus to copy the look to associate themselves with Lucifer and his power until the look became a universal symbol of power in Hell.
That's why Blitzø wear his coat, he is trying to project power to mask his inferiority complex and also make a statement as an Imp. You'll see another character that does that for similar reasons in season 2.
Gotta love the analysis so deep it feels like a behind the scenes DVD special feature
In previous videos I recall you discussing how the show hasn't had much in the way of compelling persistent antagonists. This feels like as good a place as any to say that I think it still kinda works without those because the protagonists are often their own worst enemies. I'm cool with Hazbin Hotel being the show with a clear plot and high stakes while Helluva Boss explores the characters through lower-stakes scenarios.
Dammit Skyen now not only vivzie is teasing us with HB but you too. I’m genuinely looking forward to hearing what you have to say about what I guess we’d now call the first half of S2
Almost 4 hours of Skyen talking about one of my favorite shows. Aaaahhh sweet entertainment 😌
Me, listening to 3BSkyen talk about Stolas and Blitzø's relationship: 'Oh, he's going to have a LOT to say about The Full Moon.' 😂
47:33 I cannot go indepth bc spoilers, but trust me when I say that scene is /definitely/ meant to be read as abusive.
1:02:25 OH OH IK THIS! IK THIS! The romance was planned rrrrrright after the pilot. Brandon walked in and explained to Vivzie how Stolas and Blitz would be much more interesting as a romance with the changes they had planned for him, and the crew agreed.
Blitz has shown up to this point mainly through his trip that he feels incapable of being loved, how every past love interest or friendship has ended in failure for him, taunting him that while he doesn't want to be alone, he will end up being so (It's kinda funny cause the voices of Fizz Striker Verosika and Fizz in the trip are all Brandon Rogers so it is literally Blitz's subconscious attacking him). Because of this, he sees all of Stolas' attempts at being loving and affectionate as just being part of this persona he 'thinks' Stolas is putting on about wanting to just be dicked by a lower class being. For that, he completely ignores any attempt by Stolas as being affectionate. But when put on the spot by Asmodeus and Fizz, where Stolas would have to show his true feelings about Blitz, he folds and hides his face, just confirming all of Blitz's beliefs seemingly and absolutely destroying him, cause there was that small chance where he didn't hide his face and Blitz may have realized he truly loves him, but its all for naught.
Blitz is a complete moron for this, but through this lens of not trusting Stolas' affection, you can see why he ignores him.
Also the fact that Stolas needed a ride home is super sad, cause the man can teleport, he really wanted those extra minutes with Blitz to try and fix what happened :(
I would argue that not being quite sure how to read the tone of the depictions of abuse in ep2 is actually extremely effective. situations like that are complicated, and the people involved are traumatized and coping any way they can. not being sure whether to laugh or be horrified is a common experience, and the murky tone managing to capture that feeling is, i think, really on point. i think the scene with Octavia stepping over the destroyed plant that misses her by inches, which she barely reacts to, is a very clear and poignant demonstration of that as well
especially with stolas's character, who has a put-together royal persona that's a front that he keeps relying on in tough situations. and this is the beginning of his character arc, where he hasn't fully realized a lot of things about himself, and about the situation. idk i just think the ambiguity is kind of essential
me, a clown: today I'm going to spend the whole afternoon studying
skyen: *drops hb S1 review*
me: oh well guess I'll do it tomorrow 🤡
Please attend to your studies, they are more important than my cartoon opinions :)
@@3BSkyen more important but a lot less fun 😔
btw, the servant who was thrown by stella in episode 2 and holds the phone for stolas later on also shows up again in episode 7 in Ozzies and he has a whole table of people around who seem to very much enjoy his(?) company. is a nice little thing that gives a background character way more depth.
While I agree with most of Skyen's points, I'd rate episode 4 a little bit higher, just because of all the hilarious moments and one liners it gave us. "Shut up dear furry!" "Here we see three tacky stalkers, about to do a murder!", moxy pulling an arsenal from his pockets. Blitz and moxy in drag. I.M.P in cat fursuits. Moxy and Milly making out both mid-air and mid-combat. The overall thing is not that good, but it does have its moments.
So, the song for the end credits of the pilot. They more fully animated that song into a complete music video
I love listening to this man ramble and talk about goober stuff. I feel validated in my gooberness.
I feel like a lot of damage was done with the relationship between blitz and stolas by the beginnings of it. Even ignoring blitzo's obvious inability to feel like he is a potentially lovable person. Like a lot of their scenes of 'being together' have strong bdsm undertones, including the one scene we get of them in bed together at the beginning of harvest moon. In that context, stolas' over-the-top, needy, overly sexual nature in the first half of season one always came off as a rather accurate depiction of someone going through sub frenzy. lol. Then by the time he calms down and wants to focus on the more 'relationship' aspects, the narrative in blitz' mind of stolas always being so hardcore about the sexual parts of their 'relationship' is already too hard-wired.
Yeah. It's an example of when the show take things that at first was shown of as jokes (Stolas being thirsty all the time and his condescending tone towards Blitz, their deal etc) and then *bam* in s1e7 this kind of behaviour suddenly have consequences when Stolas wants to take it one step further and Blitz point out to him that he can't just suddenly act all lovely dovey when his behaviour up to that point only ever seems to have been purely sexual.
I think it's interesting. But sadly, a lot of the fandom doesn't understand it and gets angry at Blitz for not understanding that Stolas loves him. Because they never took stolas behaviour before that as anything other than a joke, so why would Blitz feel like he is only played with?
Oh you have NO IDEA how much I’ve been looking forward to this! Been checking in every day since your last reaction, I’m so excited to watch this!!
SAME
I definitely agree that season 1 doesn’t have the most compelling villains (aside from Striker of course) Thankfully season 2’s villains are a vast improvement.
1:31:38 Skyen briefly being possessed by the specter of Cats
I LOL’d because it was so unexpected
Typing thoughts as the video rolls...
On tone... it doesn't have to be consistent. It has some risks, and it probably has something to do with the sort of media folks consume, but some portion of the audience has practice parsing scenes that use two very different tones at the same time to convey that something is one one on one level, and other way on another level, or using an extreme tone different to strengthen the impact. Heck, "I don't know how I'm supposed to read this scene" is a thing that's useful, if you want somebody to feel uncomfortable - in media that usually tells you precisely how to feel, unclear signalling feels wrong.. They're pretty textbook in things like horror-comedy, stuff with a "metal" aesthetic, or just the way british media will often use perfectly straight delivery of comedy or satire.
On Blitzo's base outfit not saying much about him... He's dressing to present as a cool professional, as a member of one of the lowest classes in the extremely classist social hierarchy of hell. It's also got clown buttons and isn't great condition, both of which reflect who he is and what he's doing. He generally tries to dress for where he's going and what he's doing.
You know, I still just don't read Striker as sexy. At least not beyond the notion that some folks have a cowboy fetish. He's one of the only characters in both series where I just bounce entirely off in that sense. And the fact that the characters keep /telling/ me he's sexy when nothing about it is landing for me just makes it worse, in that "nothing is less cool than trying to be cool" way.
"Stolas definitely heard it", regarding planning his death... Couple angles to consider, first Stolas is a very sheltered individual who's secure in his power, when he chooses to use it. Second, and probably the main issue: he's reading. You could shoot me while I'm reading a book, and I wouldn't notice until I put the book down. Books are absolutely his happy place and he's probably vaguely aware that Stella's yelling, but /all/ of his attention is on the text. Bonus: he's probably just very accustomed to paying as little attention as is physically possible what the harpy lady is on about at any given moment, because she's fantastically shallow, petty, abusive and a few other things that become explicit in S2. And, I mean, she doesn't care that he cheated on her, she cares that it was public, with an imp, and how that will impact her status at high society parties.
"The villains suck": yes, but the helluva story isn't /ever/ about the antagonists (and some other secondary roles). it's always about the main cast's traumas and relationships. it's like walking dead style zombie fiction, the zombies are only really there as a bit of a pressure cooker, so they're mostly bland and disposable, to keep focus on the character drama. i feel they're trying to figure out exactly where they want that balance to be, and you'll see them experiment a bit more with it in S2. (and, honestly, i care more about the DHORKs than I cared about the main cast of walking dead, so...)
Look forward to seeing your thoughts on S2 :)
I got so mad for a second that this video was posted 2h ago and I didn’t noticed but then I realized that the people that started the video when it was posted still haven’t finished watching it.
I started watching you for your hazbin reaction and now I’m obsessed with all your content even the non-hazbin/ helluva boss related stuff I really enjoy your commentary and analysis on different things 🫶
Just be careful. Watch him too long and you'll find yourself caring about League of Legends lore.
I am patient zero for a lot of that yeah, and I will not see Heaven.
@@3BSkyenif heaven is as depicted in HH, the angels can keep it.
30:35 Tbf the tonal whiplash is a feature, like, Its part of Brandon's style of writing.
This show LOVES its tonal whiplash, that doesnt change in S2
Unhappy Campers is the worst episode of Season 2 so far.
Can’t wait for him to see:
[⚠️BEWARE OF SPOILERS BELOW⚠️]
S2-E4 when it cuts back and forth from the climactic and dangerous fight with Striker, to silly cartoon battle about giving Loona a rabies shot
@@ADuckWithARUclipsAccount Still a personal fave of mine, the song is a jam
@@TheSpookychick but it is a Millie episode
@@MattStMarie-bm5sq I mean…it BARELY qualifies
the pilot feels like ot only excits for the creative team of hellava boss. its for them to play around with the characters, settings, jokes, and songs to see what works for the. it doesnt feel like its really meant for us
Oh a tier list to fall asleep to and then actually listen to at work in the morning. Perfect timing.
No spoilers ofc but there's one episode in particular that will make it very VERY obvious that the character arcs and relationships were developed as it went along. A lot of the fandom ignores the retconning bc ultimately it ends up being a better show thanks to the changes, but it's very refreshing to see someone point it out in a non derogatory way. It does help that the writers are good about picking up on one-off gags and developing those details into character's backstories, but anyone who claims it was planned from the start is absolutely lying to themselves.
Wait really? What would that be? I know we don’t want to spoil anything here, but could I get a bit more of a hint to what that one episode would be? I’ve watched all of the Helluva content up to now and I’m not 100% sure what you’re describing.
@@thunderbird0134 the non fizz flashback episode
@@viedal I agree that it obviously wasn't planned from the start, but it's not a hard retcon. They add information that they didn't originally plan for, but it doesn't actively contradict earlier episodes. Hard retcon, at least as I understand it, is like when movies or shows ignore that the popular character has already died at least once and bring them back, or when comic book writers and fans silently but collectively agree to forget that an unpopular story arc happened, or when Dallas decided an entire season was just a dream one of the characters had.
how is that a retcon if it doesn't contradict anything? this fandom gets super weird at times ignoring canon in favor of fan theories.
I would love to hear Skyen's take on Queen Bee's character design as the embodiment of gluttony. I find it quite interesting myself.
he did that in his reaction to the episode
Idk whether I should be happy or concerned that I knew all the episodes despite being pixelated in the thumbnail 😅
be both
Genuienly excited for you to get to season 2. Episode 2 is by far my favorite and the season as a whole definitely has that feeling of found identity and a story it wants to tell with the characters rather than just being an "What if the Office was a Newgrounds style sunday afternoon adult cartoon".
Why is episode 2 your favourite? Genuine question. I like it but it's not my personal favourite, but if there was something I miss that would absolutely blow me away I'd be keen to know :D
@@Moxie2017 Spoiler Warning for Skyen
I'm not sure why but for some reason Father-Daughter dynamics tend to get to me very deeply. That scene between Loona and Octavia where Loona just drops the facade and speaks what she really feels about Blitzø and the way Octavia immediately understands how hard it all is for Stolas and matures a little is really special to me. Loo Loo Land had a bit of that but Seeing Stars really went deep with it and it stuck with me. Other than that Oops and the topic of forgiveness between old friends is also really powerful but episode 2 still takes the cake
There were a few posts I read that changed my perception of that Stolas hiding behind the menu.
When Fizzarolli talks about the Loo Loo Land being burned down, Blitz hides his face behind the menu. In turn when Asmodeus brings up his wife & Octavia, Stolas mimics that gesture. Not realizing the hurtful implications that has for Blitz.
There is another example but its in season 2.
Stolas in a lot of ways feels very neurodivergent coded in how he acts, with him caressing his cravat as his comfort, lack of social cues (& more).
Which btw its not to make excuses for how he comes across. I feel though its a important detail of insight into Stolas, kinda like how Skyen talked about how Stolas interacts with Blitz differently from others.
The way i immediately dropped everything for almost four hours... never change, sky
I think it says a lot about Millie’s presence as a character that Skyen CANNOT FOR THE LIFE OF HIM remember her name
It's funny how folks talk about her being bland, but like... she's a southern farmgirl who can casually rip her way through an army of goons, who clearly takes after her dad, who will destroy anyone and anything that threatens her tiny theatre-loving husband. She's great. In literally any other context, she'd stand out. It's only because everyone else are over-the-top trauma balls, in a a show where the a-plot is entirely about rubbing people's traumas into each other...
@@Daemonworks well no, she wouldn't stand out, her entire character sums up as: "very strong and a wife", in what actual narrative would someone like this stand out? Everyone else has actual depth in their decisions and how they became who they are, she is just...nothing, her whole character traits are represented either by Moxxie (a better written character) or by pure strength (which is useless with no actual conflict on it, it's just eye candy and gag). You didn't need to show publicly that you can't distinguish good writing from bad.....
@@jasmineelhilali9152 Quite the reality disconnect there. I meant precisely what I said, not what you seem to think I meant. She's an occasionally literally feral mass-murderer who's actually very well adjusted and comfortable with her place in life, and is very much in love with her smaller weaker husband in a relationship that doens't really do any of the power dynamic stuff most writers would work into that. Sure, there's worlds where that combination of traits wouldn't seem weird, but a heck of a lot more where it'd raise some eyebrows.
But hey ho, let's do some actual character and narrative analysis here.
I would argue that "strong" and "a wife" aren't all she is. She's a farm girl in the big city, she's one of the few basically happy and well adjusted people in hell, she loves loolooland and the harvest festival, really wants to be part of the big competition but was banned for killing too many folks (or at least, being too obvious about it). We've got insight into her family relationships, including some sore spots. She's curious what pop star sex was like. She texts Blitzo for his opinion on sex toys to use with Moxxie. She thinks nothing of smacking a Sin's partner, in his own place. Plus some S2 stuff I won't go into because Skyen hasn't gotten there yet. Sure, these aren't all terribly load-bearing. Often in passing, not plot relevant (not that this is actually bad, but some folks are plot-obsessed), etc. And she's absolutely been mostly used just a fun character.
The real core of her as a character, if I were to boil her down to one simple point, very specifically in the context of a show that's mostly about dysfunctional people struggling to find happiness is this: she's already happy. The real problem, for folks who want her to be more than just fun, is that they haven't seemed to know what to do with that.
So far as we know, she's pretty damned content. She's got a husband she loves to bits, a job she likes, she's fond of her co-workers and has little to prove, no chips on her shoulders and isn't seeking goals like status or fame.. She gets along fairly well with most folks. She has a fair bit of personality, just mostly not the "driving force" variety. The big things she would strive for, that she desperately hungered for, that she would kill (ok, low bar there) or die to get? She's already got 'em. In a story that's very focused on characters driven by desperate unfulfilled needs and gaping emotional wounds, she's fine. She doesn't think her life is perfect, but she's comfortable with that - her feet are on the ground her shit is sorted.
This, in a show that is primarily about internal and social conflict between raging dumpster fire hot mess characters. Her only skin in that game is that some of those hot messes are friends and family.
They know what to do with characters motivated by pain and need, but they made somebody who's default state is "nah, i'm good" and when it came time to do something with her that ties into their main drama, they go "huh, wut do?". To be fair, a static, happy character is something you can absolutely do great things with, but it's a weirder fit into this sort of thing, and nothing like writing a character who's got burning desires and massive flaws glaring holes at you saying "use me for drama, ALL THE DRAMA". And that's sorta their main deal.
She's absolutely been underwritten, but it looks like they're slowly figuring out what to do with her, so fingers crossed.
And, she /is/ a fun character. They just need to find more for her to do.
Don't worry about waiting for season 2, can just wait for it to be fully out, you've got 'till the end of the year at least before that's done so don't get rushed
Still mixing up M&M's names! He did it, it has become a running gag!
Now I like Helluva Boss, but I really want some other indie anination breakdowns (if it's okay with Skyen)
Some top of my list:
-Lackadaisy
-Monkey Wrench
-Murder Drones (and Amazing Digital Circus)
-Spooky Month
the way i have been waiting for this moment is ridiculous, i a truly obsessed with your helluva content
Literally dropped everything when I saw u posted lol
will edit later to add some thoughts when I watch it all
Edit:
58:14 I think the reason Blitzø wears gloves is because he wants to hide his scars as we can see them in s1ep5 in the beginning. His scars begin just before his fingers which is exactly where the gloves end and there’s actually a reason why he would do something like this in later episodes (s2e6 which honestly I can’t wait to see you react to). There is also some more to his clothing but I can’t say too much without spoilers. I guess I could mention tho that in s1ep7 we can see on the last photo that the taller female imp has the same exact neacklace (or choker?) as Blitzø does (again there’s more abt it in s2ep6). I honestly never had the feeling that Blitzø’s design doesn’t match him and I think I can pinpoint the reason for that. Blitzø seems to have inferiority complex (as he is the lowest in the hierarchy, just an IMP) which we can actually see in for example episode 5 where one of striker’s argument for Blitzø joining his side is that they are above other imps and how the business is rigged against him (because he is an imp and not many are able to start their own business) and also he is constantly reminded how insignificant he is when around stolas by stolas himself or other(like in s1ep5 when he calls him itty bitty imp and in s1ep7 stolas is called out not only on cheating, but also that he is sleeping with an imp) and you can see Blitzø’s reaction - he is ashamed, he is insecure (which is also one of the reasons why he wouldn’t believe stolas has any romantic feelings towards him but that’s another can of worms). The point is, he may actually dress in more formal attire and not too chaotic or like himself because he want others and himself to see him as someone more than just an imp. He wants people to see him and think he is A BOSS of IMP. But that’s just my thought about it, idk if that’s actually the reason why he dresses like that.
I totally agree, I also think he dresses like that because he wants to be taken more seriously than he's used to. He takes pride in running his own business and he wants to dress accordingly.
Was going to comment about this too and you put it into much better words than I could have 😄
2:20:43 I’ve always loved the detail that the goons were drawing a summoning circle for Stolas with their blood!!!
Me: TBSkyen! Please give me a sign if you are being held against your will!
TBSkyen: Descends into dubstep wub wub madness.
Finally the moxie and friends tier list
Y'know, talking about the Pilot and how ADHD friendly it is, with its cutaways inside of other cutaways, I'm reminded of something that had a similar structure but done way better: the _Ed Edd n Eddy_ episode "Every Which Way but Ed", the main difference being that _EEnE_ makes the awkward structure part of the episode's plot by use of its nonexistent 4th wall in a fantastic way.
I think it's so fun that Skyen knows to make any character voice!!
The Stolitz romance was decided on after the pilot. And the Stolitz-relevant thing you find out in s2 ep1 was decided very early into the season 1.
Don’t know if this is something you’d be interested in, but the way you analyze animation I feel would work great for the story animations of GildedGuy on RUclips. The story is entirely driven by visuals and music, and the growth in skill that you can see throughout his videos is astonishing
So happy to see this video! Did not want to be annoying, so I patiently checked if you uploaded anything hellaverse related several times a day. Needles to say, I’m really exited for this video! Only on the second episode ranking, but already enjoyed it immensely. Can’t wait to see your reaction to second season. Thank you for the video!
also to the trailers maybe
Such a pity that Skyen had lost his "official decider" status since the last tierlist. Recertifications on that thing must be tough...
You can be an official tier list maker?
@@Jan_Iedema Nah, it’s just a joke about a joke Skyen made the last time, but did not repeat this time around =)
I just realized if Blitz is obsessed with horses and it started with Hellhorses I completely understand
I got the impression stolas was trying not to cry infront of blitz. Like bro got his heart iviserated(?) while blitz got slow roasted to humiliation perfection. So he didn't want blitz to think "ah crap I have to hold him together while he cries" so he covers up his face.
Eviscerated! and yeah bro was Going Thru It
48:00 The show knows exactly where it's going as most of Stella's abuse is discarded because it's shown from another person's perspective. In episode two, her fit is ignored or even played for a laugh because we see Octavia's reaction to it, or lack of it, really, since it seems to be a recurring thing. In episode 5, Stella's outburst is played specifically for Striker who couldn't care less for whatever hell Stolas might be going through at home so it's not shown as a serious interaction either. The first time we really get a glimpse of the abuse Stolas receives from his wife is when it's shown from HIS perspective, when he finally speaks up and responds to her with the seriousness the situation requires. Only then are you supposed to recall all of her past actions and be like "okay, I understand Stolas' character a little bit better now. I see how this situation affects his relationship with Blitz."
1:55:14 I think that it might be so frequent for them to hear Stella scream for no peculiar reason that they are just used to it now, it became background noise for them. So Stolas probably just wasn't listening to what she was actually saying and just upped his head when the noise stopped (as if the sudden silence was the unusual thing). I also suppose he doesn't hear what is said inside the phone so he might actually have no idea that Stella is actively trying to murder him.
I feel it backfires a little bit where Millie didn't get to compete in the games because she's been caught on too much collateral damage in the past. Which sure, verbally reinforces to us that she's tough and dangerous, but it means she sits out for most of the episode so we don't See her in action. Then of course she gets side-lined by the bear trap.
I was stunned to hear that the Queen Bee singing was a sound-alike from the comments in that video. Amazing work.
Something i saw pointed out in the Ozzie’s episode- is that Stolas adds the white stripe to his feathers because Gabriella has it in his soap opera
Skyen "who's apparently the Lord of Gluttony, not that that's anywhere spelled out in the show"
The show "are you ready to party with the Queen Bee of Glu-tto-ny" 🤣
PS: I get how that could be missed, it's just your choice of words, particularly "not spelled out" was too funny not to point out
rewatching this for background as i do schoolwork, you, my good sir, are a blessing for my adhd rotten dumbass brain. i am so thankful for the existance of your channel.
Been waiting for this, a few days seemed really long. Thanks for all the great content to enjoy.
1:19:21 for me personally, as a sex repulsed aroace, I’m actually kinda glad that it gets toned down
I have this idea of why the show isn't more overly sexual and i think it truly lies in the fact that its produced in the US. Because I've watches countless of reactions to this show and the pattern that i could observe almost without fail was that Americans were way more prudish about the sexual jokes and displays than the Europeans who just seem to have a whole nother threshold when it comes to sexual displays. So it might seem to you and me like there is still a whole way to go till you've crossed a line while the majority of US Americans are already squeamish. But that's just a theory. And surely monetization does play a big role no matter how annoying that is.
the US literally had a puritan extrimist sect move in early in history and they really took root. The sect was so extreme they were kicked out of *england* for being too puritan anmd then the dutch also yeeted them out of their country cause they just wouldnt stop pushing their beliefs onto others and the dutch just went "okay it's cool and all believe what ya want but maybe dont bother others with it to the point of harrasment, so ehm just go away please" so the puritans left for the colonies to build their own new "better" society there
Great to hear the channel was doing for you what you wanted it to do and please don't let stuff make you feel like you need to do anything more with it than what it already is. It's great fun for me and I hope it stays a good chill time for you.
Well, now I want to finally go check the latest boss designs video, been meaning to for a bit now. Thanks a lot for all your passion and effort, your stuff helps me relax and switch off of things. Have a good one!
I'm sure it was mentioned before, but please make sure to watch the "Just Look My Way" music video after Season 2 - Episode 7. Even if the rest of season 2 aired by then.
why wait until then
@@MattStMarie-bm5sq Because that's when it canonically takes place.
I think Helluva boss is a test bed for Spindlehorse. Here they tested what will work and how the ideas are received. After that came Hazbin Hotel trying to get things right right away.
I suppose it’s both factors, Stolas was sleeping with an imp which are considered one of the lowest life forms of hell, and also that Stolas is a victim of domestic abuse
i havent even watched 5 minutes yet but this has already made my week
2:44:56 for what I've seen by being in the fandom for almost a year now is that the majority of the fandom is actually 18+, stuff like former scene kids reviving their 2000's era glories or Theater nerds, the show has that Sparkledog/Heart Of Gold/Found Family charm that seems to ressonate a ton with millenials. A LOT of them are in their late 30's and 40's actually, which its a first on almost every fandom I've been besides furries.
I find this quite interesting, I can't think (for example) of a single """"big""""" account in the fandom that isn't 18+, at least as far as twitter and tumblr is concerned, I wouldn't touch TikTok with a 10 foot pole.
Like I genuinely believe its good ol' YT censorship
3:24:44 i thought her being the sin of gluttony was fairly explicit: she introduced herself as the “queen bee of gluttony”. (and so was the song, “I’m what you want, not what you need”, and the line after, “high on this energy”, paired with “make me that mother-f*ing honey” indicating it’s the guests’ gluttony that supplies her).
Somehow my comment got posted to a random short earlier, I tried commenting this way earlier when fewer people had done so already but… anyway 😅.
A tier list with just nine entries. How long do you think it would take to complete this?
*sees runtime*
Let the good times roll!
Hello Mr Skyen, do you consider doing a review/analysis of The Digital Circus. I really enjoy your content and would love to hear your take on it
And murder drones
Yeah
I think an interesting criticism of both Helluva Boss and Hazbin Hotel is that it seems to very much run on this conception of "s*x is when there is a d*ck involved". I think it seems very telling how I don't think I've seen a f/f couple act anywhere close to as h*rny as a m/m or m/f couple in either show. Another interesting facet of this is actually with Millie and Moxxie's s*xual dynamic. I am rather glad that they very explicitly have the dynamic of she doms and he subs, but I do find it rather interesting that p*gging seems to be the only sex act that the show runners can think up that involves that kind of dynamic. I don't know how this stuff works really, but I imagine that there are more s*x acts that can be done with this "she doms and he subs" dynamic. I say this all to point out how I think there are limitations in the s*xual imaginations of the showrunners here. Considering how fandoms and BL work, which I wouldn't be surprised if Vivziepop was a fan, I think this is likely a larger issue as well. I will end with saying that, for personal reasons, I am very glad that a character like Moxxie is portrayed as someone who others in universe (mainly Millie, Blitzo, and a character in season 2) see as sexy.
The 7th episode isn't all bad. In the end Stolas learns about Blitzø not feeling loved and will try to communicate better.
I'm pretty sure Stolas doesn't quite notice what his wife is saying. To me, the way he looks at her reads as "Huh, what did you say?"
I now have a new favourite vocal warmup, tuba time!
This tier list is of a normal length. Don't check the run time
Having just watched what’s currently out of season 2 last night, I’m very excited to watch your extended analyses of those episodes now. Can’t wait to see what you have to say about some stuff.
So excited for Season two analysis 😩
Not to drop multiple comments but I just want to agree with you on the whole shying away from sexual content discussion. Hell I'm ace and I still don't think it's very healthy to forbid teens from seeing any of this stuff - We've all been teenagers, we KNOW what it's like and what most of them are up to. There's obviously safety to consider of course - adults have no place in their exploration but they should still be allowed to explore this stuff on their own, and sanitising everything and attempting to overprotect them from what will become a very normal part of life is only going to cause issues and confusion when they do go out into the adult world. Like what are we really telling these kids when we allow them to see cartoon characters disemboweling one another, but not allowing them to see the same cartoon characters being intimate? Why is one thing advertiser friendly and not the other? Bonkers.
Best is episode 6 hands down. We get to see DEEPLY into Blitzos psyche and characterization and the animation is just consistently mind-blowing throughout.
I just have two critiques. The truth gas is absolutely a contrived plot point and I feel like we could have had a little bit of allusion to something that I won't go into because it's spoilers.
Btw, I said that episode 8 had no point and stuff but your reaction changed my mind completely, I love that episode now. That's why I love your reaction style, you see so much that I dont, I admire you a lot