Welcome to Piggy Reviews! Where everything below is controversial and pig-written, so tread with caution!
Angry Birds Stella – The Animated Series started off strong last week with “A Fork in the Friendship”, featuring exclusive bird life footage on as yet uncharted Golden Island.
At 6 minutes per episode, the new Animated Series is a visual delight with acres of beautifully rendered landscapes and a huge amount of in-depth character development. If you, like me, wondered why Gale decided to break away from the Flock in Angry Birds Stella and start her own piggy dominion, wonder no more!
She’s just growing up to be a big bird, and grown-up birds have different expectations from avian youth. Alas, “growing up” causes its fair share of problems.
Dawn of a New Era?
Or symbol of Paradise Lost? Comment below…
While the new Animated Series is obviously targeted at the preteen audience, the entire concept of studying how each character type responds to changing social expectations delves surprisingly deeply into matters related to juvenile and even adult psychology.
Watch Episode 1 here on Toons.TV and see if you felt some sort of real life derived deja vu observing such issues as:
– Gale, Mistress of Birds and Whose Feathers are a Shade of Royal Purple, appears to derive little pleasure from her flock and seeks to be in control of things. She is amused only when others go out of their way to serve her.
– Other Birds see such behavior as arrogance and it leads to alienation. Soon after, what seems to be an unfortunate act of carelessness breaks apart hard-won friendships for good.
– Gale walks away from the furious Flock, but derives happiness from the piggies accepting her as their queen without so much as an oink!
When you were growing up, did you somehow find yourself being misunderstood and cast aside, and you had to seek comfort in solitude until you found a group that accepted you as you are? There you go, Gale is facing the exact same problem some of us went through in our younger days.
Some of the above issues with Ms. Gale obviously point towards clinical depression and I believe with modern knowledge in mental healthcare, the Pigs’ Invasion of Golden Bay could have been prevented in the first place. But nah! I’m just kidding, war had already been declared between the two animal species that never get along, so pop those pigs before they steal all our stuff!
The Adventures of the Bad Princess continues in Episode 2 set to air this weekend! Check out the Sneak Porkview below – it’s like a preview, only pigger…
@les-toreadors I really love your writting style and enjoy very much reading your witty articles and comments. This one isn’t exception. Brilliant insight into Gale’s personality. I met so many people who are just like Gale, not only while growing up but also later in my adulthood.
Hamsome Pig makes his Toon debut!!
(the name was confirmed by Rovio – https://twitter.com/AngryBirds/status/507460195031973888 )
Wow. 6 minutes per episodes. those r short movies!!
maybe it will give me some taste to continue the game ( i had stopped a while ago playing Stella)
Yep it does give valuable insight to the game’s story! Ep 1 covers how the pigs got owned (lol) by a bird, and the Handsome Pig will appear soon.
Still no word on what hair products Handsome Pig uses to keep his ‘do in place :)
Just one word: Wig
Awesome review @les-toreadors! And thank you for the sneak peek. I think the majority of us growing up have faced the same dilemma, no matter what generation we’re from. It’s all a part of growing up and how we handle difficult social issues. But, even though the game is geared towards a younger audience, this over-the-hill granny is hooked! It’s such a delightfully cute but challenging game that keeps me wanting more. Hurry up Rovio, we need an update yesterday!
@les-toreadors
Ok, How much do you charge per hour for your psychological sessions and how long does one have to wait for an appointment?
Great write-up and it appears that Stella (Rovio) may have something applicable to express that applies to real life.
seems like all these episodes are set in a storyline
These episodes are a prequel to the Stella app. Maybe a meaningful crossover can happen eventually?
Gale’s behaving rudely and trying to be bossy but she fails and joins the pork side.