Fräulein Taka

In the first part of Winx Club: The Magic is Back, the romantic aspect is only hinted at - albeit briefly - in just three couples!

• Stella & Brandon: their first encounter, unlike in the original series, is very sweet. The pivotal episode for their story is undoubtedly the one where Stella goes on a blind date with the elusive Prince Luke, who turns out to be Darcy. Stella realises she mustn't worry about what her royal family might think and that she must listen to her heart, trusting in Brandon's care.

Most of this is certainly accurate, but I take major issue with the implication that Stella & Brandon's first encounter in the original series wasn't sweet. They were incredibly sweet, utterly harmonious and perfect as a couple, and it was much better demonstrated than in the reboot. They barely have any time together in the reboot before their (apparently) major conflict shows up so we barely get a sense of their dynamic or why they even like each other. Sure, their relationship in the original is arguably based on a lie initially, because Brandon isn't actually the prince he pretends he is, but he couldn't really do much about that (it's his job to protect Sky's life) and the resolution is incredibly sweet when Brandon explains himself, apologizes profusely, Stella forgives him and tells him that she doesn't care if he's a prince or not - when she has previously been established as being pretty superficial in certain aspects and caring a lot about appearances. I find that a much more interesting conflict and arc for Stella to go through and it ends up being a lot more impactful and meaningful for the both of them as a result.

• Musa & Riven: Their relationship is handled in a more mature and adult way compared to the early seasons. Here, Riven seems to be dealing with his insecurity, which leads him to see threats everywhere. He has a dark side but still seems less aggressive than his old character. Meanwhile, Musa, although attracted to him, seems more focused on her music and her mission with the Winx.

Ugh, where do I even start with this? First of all, where does reboot!Riven "see threats everywhere"? Where is his "dark side"? Nothing in his behaviour indicates anything of the sort. I give you the insecurity (though even that is on significantly shakier ground than it was in the original) and sure, he's less aggressive than his pre-redemption original self but that's because he's not actually aggressive at all in the reboot. Like, where?

And, oh, I have a massive bone to pick with that "more mature and adult way" in which this relationship was apparently handled compared to the original. Maybe if we're talking about the later seasons, that I could accept, but they specifically refer to the early seasons here, so fuck you, that I have a problem with! Despite what the wider fandom often likes to claim the early seasons handled Musa & Riven beautifully. Musa has a crush on Riven but when she realizes what a massive prick he is, which includes teaming up with the Trix and leaving her to deal with a bunch of witches chasing her herself, Musa drops him completely. She has a little heartbreak over it which is fair, but there's no "oh, maybe he's still good deep down or something!" like Flora constantly has with Damien in the reboot. It's completely on Riven to get his shit together, realize his mistakes and apologize for them - which he does. Then, and only then, does Musa consider him again - which Riven reciprocates. But such a betrayal still leaves marks and Musa has an entire arc where she deals with the doubt and mistrust she still has towards him as a consequence of that. And that on top of the insecurity and awkwardness with emotions and vulnerability they both have. That is "mature and adult" writing, not randomly suspecting someone of being up to something shady for absolutely no reason!

You could say that they have less issues to work through in the reboot compared to the original but that doesn't automatically translate to "better written", quite the contrary in fact. Musa being more focused on music and the Winx is kind of whatever. I mean, I guess, but that's not really an active choice of hers, these plot points just get dropped or taken up whenever it's convenient. You'd think Riven stepping in during Musa's concert and helping and supporting her throughout it would leave some kind of impact on both of them but, uh... not really. The next time they interact she's just harsh to him for no reason and doesn't trust herself to comfort him also for no reason. Truly what mature and adult writing!

• Sky & Bloom: Compared to the original series, their relationship here seems to evolve more and more, episode by episode, as they are both in the same classes. Although the affection growing between them is clear, Sky tries to hold back as he is still engaged to Diaspro, despite her possessive behaviour. Bloom herself tries her best not to get in the way.