DEFENDERS OF BERK | HTTYD SERIES | THE BREAKFAST CLUB
Blog Post Series: The Breakfast Club
Title: Race to Fireworm Island
Ep/Season: Episode 5, Season 2 (Defenders of Berk)
When threats from the Outcasts get deep into Snotlout's head, he amps up his training much to the detriment of Hookfang. Now, he must deal with the consequences of literal burnout and the possibility of maybe losing something he's been under appreciating.
We've established many episodes before that the root cause of Snotlout's problems is his father. He lives by his dad's impossible principles and because of it, suffers from incredible personality flaws by virtue of obeying them. "Rest is for the weak" is the running theme of todays show and why I think, Snotlout is like many of us when it comes to people pleasing.
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BURNOUT
Snotlout is a kid pining for his father's approval. Everything his dad says is gold to him. Impressing his father is his rasion d'etre and everyone knows that. And because its such a tender father-son issue, they don't really meddle. Pretty understanding viking community if you think about it.
He pushes Hookfang beyond recognition because he believes that's how he is going to defeat the enemy. Training can't kill dragons, but incessant exercises and drills without rest can drain them, as it would anyone.
We know this because, Astrid and Hiccup train hard too, but never at the expense of Stormfly / Toothless. [Well, not that badly or in this season at least, here's looking to you 'A Grim Retreat' (Episode 6, Season 5 (Race to the Edge)]
There needs to be a balance between rest and work.
Hookfang, Spitelout & the Untimely Sword Analogy
I like the conversation Spitelout had with Snotlout. It was a terrible analogy but it showcased the clear disregard Spitelout has to his son's interest or love for his dragon. Clearly anyone could see that Snotlout loved Hookfang. You'd think as a father, that should be something he would've picked up. Yet, he was too concerned with getting ahead, winning, he never saw what was before him, the pain in his child's eyes at the possibility of losing his pet.
And we know that these dragons are more than just pets to them or their armoury. They are extensions of themselves. And I'll take it a step further and say that Spitelout disregarding Hookfang is as bad as disregarding Snotlout.
This episode, to me, is a really good Snotlout background story. It's where he first starts questioning his father's principles and realising that maybe he isn't always right and what's right is what his heart is saying, calling him to save Hookfang and to not just "chuck" him aside.
They do come off as the least affection dragon-rider pair, but they love each other more than it seems because the way they express love is very different but nothing less than what it means.
I love the tender moments between Snotlout and Hookfang.
I also love that this was the episode Snotlout finally understood the consequences of his actions and finally took responsibility for them instead shifting blame. In fact, he could've blamed his dad, but he didn't. He took charge and tried his best to work things out.
It was also a really touching episode where everyone was equally invested in saving Hookfang. I believe part of it is empathy because they know how painful it must be to see your dragon sick, but another part is also sympathy, caring for their friend.
My heart melted at the scene when they all huddled around Hookfang when he lost altitude to keep him safe and when Astrid's voice broke when she thought Hookfang died trying to save Snotlout.
This episode displayed major character growth for Snotlout. Him taking charge, owning up and defying his father's words saying "turns out my dad knows nothing about dragons" which came as a shock to everyone because Snotlout has never spoken anything against his dad. Ever.
Sure he's stubborn, pig-headed and difficult. But from this, we know he isn't dead inside and will grow into a very important member of the village and group, and hopefully be much, much better than his predecessors.
FUNNY MOMENTS & QUESTIONS
(1) Apparently Tuffnut tried milking the fireworms. And evidently, there is no such thing as fireworm milk. Now, that being the case... WHAT IS IN THAT BOWL GUYS!!!
(2) Hiccup & Astrid flirting and sharing one mind:
(3) All hail Hiccup, our words of affirmation King. Pretty sure his love language is words of affirmation. HAHA!
(4) Also, we gotta give love to our MC here, who was nothing but supportive and innovative in saving Hookfang. The Hiccup-Snotlout friendship here was precious, and also, maybe one of the only few times Hiccup didn't want to choke Snotlout.
AND, OF COURSE, OUR HAPPY ENDING...
I suppose its worth remembering that the HTTYD universe is larger than Hiccup and Toothless. It's nice to have these nods to the smaller schemes and plans of this adventurous world, where love and friendship transcend the bounds of the main character's view and what could directly affects Hiccup only.
It is really quiet amazing how the writers managed to make the side characters as interesting as the mains and their concerns becoming our concerns. It isn't easy to strike this balance and intrigue and maybe that's why the fandom holds strong, a good decade later.
