6 Scenes I'd Want in The Horse and His Boy

I’ve said before in at least one podcast episode and one blog post that The Horse and His Boy is my favorite book from The Chronicles of Narnia. It breaks my heart that this book has never been adapted into live-action. Rumors continue to stir about a Netflix series, but I can’t find anything refutable to support a series being actively developed. It’s sad because, while other book-to-movie adaptations in the franchise might be difficult to make exciting and action-filled, this book has plenty of exciting and emotional scenes to give the full package for a movie. And this list is just a few of the scenes that would be aesthetically and emotionally beautiful.

A Wayside Adventure

The chase driving Shasta and Aravis together could be action-packed and emotion-inducing, particularly if the viewer has never read the books. Mix in some chase music, akin to “Prince Caspian Flees”, and this scene would have viewers fearing for Shasta and Bree’s safety for sure.

At the Gates of Tashbaan

I would imagine this scene similarly to the breathtaking view of the Argonath from The Lord of the Rings. Mix in some majestic music, like the music from the opening ceremonies from Hunger Games, as the humans and horses enter the Calormen capital. But maybe something more fear-inducing, as Shasta was scared to get separated from the others.

Shasta Among the Tombs

This is one of those scenes from the book that resonated with me. Shasta felt scared and alone. All he had for comfort was a little cat (which turned out to be Aslan). A dimly lit view with a some melancholy, sad music would make this scene powerful. This scene might even make me cry if we ever get it on screen.

The Hermit of the Southern March

Again, this scene could use some music like "Prince Caspian Flees", but with some of Aslan's theme mixed in here. Yeah, the two kids needed to get away from Rabadash, but the majesty of Aslan chasing them would be wonderful. I'm imagining a shot like when Aslan ran to the White Witch's castle or when he attacked the Telmarine soldier in Prince Caspian.

The Unwelcome Fellow Traveller

Shasta's walk with Aslan is my favorite scene from the book. A calmer version of "To Aslan's Camp" would tug at the heart-strings. Something majestic with Aslan's theme to drive home the message that Aslan was with Shasta on his journey all along.

The Fight at Anvard

The Battle of Anvard was only seen from the Hermit's commentary in the book, but seeing it on the screen would give the viewer a chance to see the action first hand. The anticipation of Shasta being in danger and the fight against Rabadash (particularly when he got stuck) would be engaging. Add in some music like "The Battle" or "Battle at Aslan's How" (with something whimsical for Rabadash's mishap) would get my heart invested in this scene.

How Bree Became a Wiser Horse

Prince Cor’s entrance, returning to his friends with the Hermit, is a scene that I'd imagine with some Anvard variation of the Kings and Queens theme. Something strong and majestic, revealing him as Cor, not Shasta. 

Rabadash the Ridiculous

I imagine this scene having some mix of whimsy and reverence. As Aslan talks to the group, I'd imagine this scene would be very solemn. Definitely something with Aslan's theme. But as Rabadash turns into a donkey, we'd need some silly music to get us all laughing at Rabadash the Ridiculous, like the characters at the table.

Despite all my wishes to see The Horse and His Boy portrayed on screen, I won't hold my breath. Rumors have been floating around for years with no news. But a guy can dream. Maybe someday I'll get to see Shasta on screen and have a nice cry as I see him transform into Prince Cor. 

The Bad Batch Series Finale

(Guest post by Ben)

NOTE: This article contains spoilers for The Bad Batch. You’ve been warned.

Clone Force 99 came to us at the end of Clone Wars, fulfilling a niche purpose that, as far as I was concerned, was finished when that series ended. But Dave Filoni had other ideas, and The Bad Batch gave us three glorious seasons of good soldiers who didn’t always follow orders. With the series finale a good month behind us (as of this writing), it’s given me some time to reflect on the emotional rollercoaster that was The Bad Batch.

When we lost Tech in Season 2, I realized that all bets were off. Who else of Clone Force 99 could be taken from us? I know—knew—Omega wouldn’t make it. She was going to die in a blaze of glory saving her brothers. If not, then Crosshair would die in a blaze of glory saving Omega. Regardless, someone was going to die in a blaze of glory.

As it turns out, nobody else did. And yet, the tension of knowing it could happen kept me rooted to my seat. Because, you know what? I liked these characters. I was attached to them. So knowing they could be killed of was emotional enough. I’m not sad they survived, though. In fact, I’m relieved. I’m also excited that Omega grew up and went to fight with the Rebellion. Does that mean we could see her in a live-action film or show later on? That would be awesome. 

The series finale also brought some fun Easter eggs, such as the Zillo beast. First appearing in Clone Wars, it was kind of a throw-away monster—a cool one, yes, but it died with a random mention by Mr. Palpatine that it should be cloned. Well, after many years, we finally saw it again in Season 3. And, while not necessarily unique to the series finale, seeing the workings of Mount Tantiss was super cool. That mountain was first mentioned in Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn, published way back in 1991. I love that Dave Filoni canonizes those bits of “legends” that we once knew and loved. They could have had that facility anywhere, but, blessed be the Force, they chose Tantiss. 

Speaking of the Zillo beast, they did use it as a narrative turbo boost to help Hunter and the others get in. I’m OK with that. I mean, it’s a short episode. Once inside, the CX troopers attack and, ultimately, capture our heroes. Yes, Hunter and the others are so good at what they do, but they’re outnumbered, injured, and probably a bit constipated, too. That takes a toll on a battle-hardened veteran.

Constipation aside, Hunter et al. needed to be out of the picture so Omega could shine. She is no princess in distress; rather, she is a capable kid, and this is, ultimately, her story. Omega breaks out, and Omega saves the kids. (And dang, the fact that there were kid prisoners being tested really hits the feels.) Omega is a hero, which we see more of during the epilogue when she goes out on her own. In a world where we are always looking for more strong female main characters, why aren’t more people talking about Omega?

The Bad Batch was always something I looked forward to after a long day (week) of work. If you’ve read this article and think, “Man, this guy’s delusion; doesn’t he hate anything?”, the answer is...not really. I do recognize that the show wasn’t perfect, and that some arcs were slower than others. But what we got from The Bad Batch heavily outweighs any possible complaints. I mean, having Ventress show up and work with Omega? That’s awesome! It’s the small things in life, folks, that make Star Wars what it is. It’s a space opera, and as such, isn’t to be taken as “hard” science fiction. Now that the series is over, though, I’m back to not watching TV...although The Acolyte is just around the corner! 

Why You Should Watch Godzilla Minus One

 

I am new to the Godzilla franchise and Godzilla Minus one is a great film for newcomers. Directed by Takashi Yamazaki, it is a Japanese movie with English subtitles, and I have seen a few Kaiju movies (Pacific Rim) and this one is so good that I have to write a blog about it. Here are some reasons that Godzilla Minus one is a must see.

A Fresh Take on a Classic Monster

Godzilla Minus 1 reinvents the iconic monster by placing it in a post-World War II Japan, a setting that adds significant depth and historical context to the narrative. The film explores the societal and emotional aftermath of the war, creating a backdrop that enhances the dramatic tension and stakes of Godzilla’s rampage. This fresh setting allows for a unique exploration of themes such as destruction, rebirth, and resilience, making it more than just a monster movie.

Stunning Visual Effects and Cinematography

One of the standout aspects of Godzilla Minus one is its breathtaking visual effects and cinematography. The film utilizes state-of-the-art CGI to bring Godzilla to life in a way that is both terrifying and awe-inspiring. The detailed rendering of the monster, combined with realistic destruction scenes, immerses the audience in the chaos and scale of Godzilla’s impact. Cinematographer Kazuhiro Suzuki’s work ensures that each scene is visually compelling, capturing the devastation and beauty of a world facing an unimaginable threat. No wonder it won an Oscar for best visual effects.

Compelling Human Storyline

Unlike many monster movies that focus solely on the creature, Godzilla Minus one gives significant attention to its human characters, providing a balanced and engaging narrative. The film’s protagonist delivers a powerful performance that highlights human vulnerability and courage in the face of overwhelming odds. The supporting cast also brings depth to the story, portraying a range of emotions from fear to determination, which adds layers to the overall narrative. I was surprised how invested I was in the drama of the human storyline. However, I think the ending could have been different to make it more emotionally impactful.

Emotional and Philosophical Depth

Godzilla Minus one delves into emotional and philosophical questions about humanity, nature, and survival. The film examines how people cope with loss, trauma, and the inevitability of change. These themes are woven seamlessly into the plot, offering viewers more than just action and spectacle. The existential questions posed by the film resonate on a personal and collective level, prompting audiences to reflect on their own lives and society.

Conclusion

 

Godzilla Minus one is a powerful, visually stunning, and emotionally resonant film that stands out. For those of you looking for a compelling and entertaining movie experience, Godzilla Minus one promises to deliver on all fronts. Its unique setting, impressive visuals, strong human characters, and thoughtful themes make it a must-watch film that will leave a lasting impression.

The Emotional Roller Coaster Called X-Men '97

 *Trigger Warning: Death, grief, child death, disability*

Well, that's one way to start an article about a super hero cartoon. 

Optic Blast From The Past

X-Men '97 is a continuation of the hit X-Men cartoon from the 90's, in case the title wasn't obvious enough. We pick up with the X-Men one year later after the show ended. Xavier is in outer space with bird aliens while the world thinks he's dead, Morph and Bishop are full members of the team with all our familiar faces, Jean is pregnant with Scott's baby, and Storm has P!nk's haircut. 

I won't bother recapping the story from the OG X-Men cartoon, since it's been out long enough that most people know the basic stories and characters (Phoenix Saga, Cyclops/Jean/Wolverine love triangle, Gambit and Rogue's whole thing, Jubilee is annoying, time travel, Mr. Sinister being a problem etc.) but needless to say it's all canon. Out of the hands of Fox and away from children's prime time, the new series manages to tell more engaging, deeper stories with incredibly emotional results. 

Spoilers ahead. 

You ARE The Mother

First major shocker: Turns out the gal at the X-Mansion pregnant with Cyclops's kid is NOT Jean Grey-it's Madelyn Pryor her clone. After she has the baby it's revealed that the OG Jean has been kept in a coma by Mr. Sinister who sent in his clone puppet to... Make a baby with a couple that were already going to do that? Let's be honest, Mr. Sinister isn't the smartest mutant in the game. This leads to Madelyn having a Sailor Moon style transformation scene and taking little baby Nathan to Sinister, who then injects him with a techno/organic virus for... Reasons... but they interrupt the process and for other reasons the X-Men have to send the baby to the future to meet Forge and get him cured. 

Okay the convoluted drama aside what this adds up to is Madelyn and Scott mourning the loss of their baby, which is a tough concept rarely tackled in serious dramas much less a show where everyone's principle outfit is made of yellow spandex. They don't get over it in a single episode. Scott takes out his anger on a reporter who tries to probe him for information on his now complex relationship with Jean and Madalyn and the baby, and Madalyn takes off from the X-Mansion to start a new life without him. 

Longtime X-Men fans of course know that the baby they sent to the future is none other than Cable, everyone's favorite midlife crisis mutant, who comes back in time to make the relationships even more complicated. He has issues about not being raised by his parents and his parents have issues about not getting to raise him, which is a legitimate family dynamic in real life. 

Storm Cycle

Elsewhere in the show we have Storm, the OP Omega level mutant who is shot trying to protect Magneto (Let's not get into it) with a beam that takes away her powers. While losing powers in other superhero media is seen sometimes as a temporary problem (Like with red sun radiation on Superman) or can be used for comedic effect (Flash trying to restore the speed force in The Flash, if anyone saw it) here it's used as an analogy to becoming disabled. Storm's powers helped define who she was, they were part of her like a limb, and without them she finds herself lost and vulnerable. Even the treatments to restore her powers resemble medical tests that many newly disabled people have to endure when trying to see if they can restore their former abilities. Storm eventually does with the help of Forge (Again let's not get into it) which is a mixed bag, since while good for Storm to become Storm again the analogy falls apart for those not fortunate enough to regain their former capabilities. 

Remember It

The turning point of the entire series comes with the massacre of Genosha. The island has become a haven for mutants and invites Magneto, Rogue and Gambit to come on over and celebrate while they try to court Magneto into being their king. Turns out Xavier left the X-Men to him when he went to space and he's trying to behave (Which is this whole other story I don't have time to get into) and he agrees to be king under condition that he gets his old flame--Rogue--to be his queen. We find out that in the spirit of Age of Apocalypse Magneto can touch Rogue because of his magnetic field or something. She has the "let's just be friends" talk with Gambit explaining that no matter how much they love each other they can never be together without her killing him. 

Then a giant Dark Souls villain with a Sentinel skin attacks. 

During the fight we get a fake out kill from Magneto as he's kidnapped by the real boss, but we get a real death when Gambit, while skewered like a marshmallow, charges the entire giant Sentinel with power and blows it up. 

The results are Rogue holding him in her arms crying that she can't feel him. 

The heartbreak of Gambit's death resonates with Rogue through the rest of the season, as she challenges anyone preventing her getting justice for her beloved swamp rat. Rogue tears into Captain America, the US army and later the big bad of the season Bastion on her quest, and even joins Magneto after his sudden but inevitable betrayal.

A Study of Grief and Trauma

The original X-Men series was able to demonstrate raw grief at times when Jean turned into Phoenix and Cyclops was dealing with his business, but now we can deal with grief on multiple levels. Loss of a child, loss of a loved one, loss of a lifestyle, even loss of a dream with Genosha's destruction. The show, like many of us, has grown up. And hopefully, like many of us, has become even better than the original. 

Phineas and Ferb Workout

"There's 104 days of summer vacation..." Wait. Where are Phineas and Ferb at that they have three months off school? Regardless of where the Tristate Area is and why Danville has a summer that lasted four years, I can assure you that students (and teachers especially) are ready for a relaxing break. So if you've been putting off exercise until the summer, now is the time. And you can work out to the tune of Phineas and Ferb's shenanigans. 

Disclaimer: While I am a licensed physical therapy provider, I am not a personal trainer or a medical practitioner. Partner as necessary with your doctor prior to engaging in any diet or excise programs. If any of these exercises cause increased pain, stop the exercise immediately.

• Theme Song - Jumping Jacks 
• “I know what we’re gonna do today” - Lateral Lunge 10 reps 
• “Where’s Perry?” - Front Raise 10 reps 
• Doofenschmirtz scene begins - Frog Bridges 10 reps 
• Candice shouts for Mom - Prone Scap Squeeze 10 reps 
• “Whatcha doing?” - Sit to Stand Squats 10 reps 
• Perry gets his mission - Seated Marches 15 reps 
• Perry fights Doofenschmirtz - Reverse Curls 10 reps 
• “Curse you, Perry the Platypus” - Adductor Squeeze 10 reps 
• “There you are, Perry” - Butt Walk 30 seconds 

***This workout is intended to work without any equipment, but feel free to add small dumbbells or bands as you're safely able.

LDS Geeks Podcast #18: Harry Potter on Max

Though not slated to come out until 2026, it's never too early for Potterheads to begin speculating about the series coming to Max. Instead of speculating, Kenton and I talked more about our briefest wish list for the new Harry Potter series.

--Spencer

Bandit is Why I Loved "The Sign"

So last month I asked Joe to review Bluey's extended episode "The Sign", and he did not disappoint. But as soon as I read his review, I knew I needed to write my own. This isn't a rebuttal to his post, at least not in the traditional sense, but I definitely wanted to share a different perspective on the episode and why, in contrast to Joe, I loved it.

I watched "The Sign" with my girls while we were visiting Utah for my brother-in-law's wedding, and in the midst of house hunting, so the wedding and move were topics I could already relate to. My heart felt for Bandit: wrestling through a seemingly impossible situation, trying to do the right thing for his family. 

Understandably for Joe and anyone else who had issues with the Heeler family cancelling their move in "The Sign", there was a lesson that was seemingly negated by staying. We learned from Calypso that things don't always work out the way we want them, and the ambiguous ending in the story of "the Farmer" left that point front and center for Bluey throughout the rest of the episode. To anyone who took issue with that abrupt turn of events, the change in tone and direction, I feel for you, and it isn't the only abrupt twist of events. Just look at Brandy! For the record, I agree that Brandy’s sudden pregnancy feels cheap after watching “Onesies”—mostly because she was just an Easter egg; if she’s gonna be pregnant finally, she deserves her own episode again. But I digress...

As a father, my focus in the episode was on Bandit. Compared to the kids and Chili he had limited screen time, but his time was impactful. It was obvious to me that, like any decent father, he wanted the best for his kids. I think he truly believed that the move and the better paying job would give his kids what they needed. But that's part of the problem here. 

As far as we can tell from three seasons of Bluey, there's nothing to indicate that the Heelers are in any dire financial hardship. Like many families, they probably have a mortgage and some debt, but nothing that precluded them from their basic needs and a little extra. So why was Bandit concerned about giving them a better life? Probably for the same reason I felt guilty using my time off to recover from a splitting headache. 

There’s something about being a father that’s simultaneously humbling and empowering. I think any good father has this near constant wonder if he’s raising his kids properly. Am I giving them enough attention? Am I listening properly? Am I doing enough? Am I good enough? I think this is what Bandit was dealing with (some have speculated he’s had this on his mind as far back as “Stickbird”). There’s a constant searching for all good fathers to give their kids enough and to make them happy. And I think sometimes we get the wrong idea about what will make that happen. 

Bandit thought a better paying job would give him the means to give his kids the best life. Maybe sometimes a move and a better paying job is best. Maybe sometimes planting roots is best. But what’s most important is to try where you're already planted. I know Yoda said “do or do not” but I believe trying to see the best and do our best as fathers will matter more than a high-paying salary. Cling to your Chili and do the best you can. Maybe ripping the sign out was the wrong move for Bandit; but if that’s the case, then he and Chili made the mistake together.

A line from Girl Meets World come to mind. It's when Maya confronts her birth father: “Your job was to stay.” That is a truly powerful lesson. The greatest thing as fathers that we can do, dads, is to be present with your Blueys and Bingos. Do as best you can. And if you’re ever feeling insecure, like you can’t measure up to a cartoon dog (we’ll talk about that on the podcast a little next month), or you feel you can't be the dad you think you ought to, please look at your kids and remember how much they love you (my therapist throws that trump card at me all the time)–and in the words of Wreck-It Ralph, “If that little kid likes me, how bad can I be?”

Dragonsteel Nexus 2024

Prepare to step into a realm where imagination knows no bounds, for this December, the eagerly anticipated DragonSteel Nexus 2024 (December 5-7) at Salt Lake City's Utah Convention Center is set to transport fans on an unforgettable journey through the boundless landscapes of fantasy. Organized by the visionary author Brandon Sanderson himself, this event promises to be a celebration unlike any other, where fans from all walks of life come together to revel in the wonders of storytelling and creativity.

Nestled in the heart of a vibrant metropolis, the DragonSteel Nexus serves as a nexus point for fans of Brandon Sanderson's expansive literary universe and beyond. From the iconic worlds of the Cosmere to the far-flung realms of epic fantasy and science fiction, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of Sanderson's imagination, as well as discover new worlds and stories that capture the essence of adventure and discovery.

Patrons will find themselves immersed in a breathtaking spectacle of sights and sounds. Elaborate displays and art that bring to life the iconic locations and characters from Sanderson's novels, offering fans a chance to walk in the footsteps of their favorite heroes and heroines. From the towering spires of Roshar to the mist-shrouded streets of Scadrial, every corner of the Nexus is steeped in the rich lore and history of Sanderson's literary creations.

At the heart of this event lies a gathering place for fans and creators alike to share their passion for storytelling and world-building. Panels and workshops led by renowned authors, artists, and industry professionals offer insights into the craft of writing, character design, and world-building, providing attendees with the tools and inspiration to embark on their own creative journeys.

But perhaps the true magic of the DragonSteel Nexus lies in its sense of community and camaraderie. From lively debates and spirited discussions to impromptu cosplay meetups and gaming sessions, the Nexus buzzes with the energy of like-minded fans coming together to celebrate their shared love of fantasy and science fiction. Friendships are forged, memories are made, and lifelong bonds are formed as attendees unite in their passion for the written word and the power of imagination. 

If you want proof of the event's popularity, consider this: when ticket sales opened, it took less than an hour (50 minutes) for all 1,500 VIP and 10,000 general admission tickets to sell out. Hopefully, more tickets will become available, and I hope to see you there so we can celebrate the release of the highly anticipated Stormlight 5: Wind and Truth together.

Update: After writing this post Brandon Sanderson stated that the convention center cannot get him more tickets because its booked for other events. 

That Person is a Child of God… Therefore What?

(Guest post by Spencer's dad)

Last month, I wrote an article called “I am a Child of God… Therefore What?” When we see ourselves and others as children of God, will we see them differently?  How would seeing them as children of God change how we interact?

At the conclusion of that article I wrote “Over the next ten days I will consider those questions. In two weeks I will write up some observations I made as I tried to see those around me ?”  Ten days was only the beginning of my re-visualizing the world. A month later I have three conclusions (so far):

1. We are all like the crooked tree we saw off the Old Alaska Highway.  As you look at the attached photo you can see that the top of the tree was bent at a 90 degree angle over the road. No other tree have this unique growth pattern.  No doubt a scientist could study “90 degree Tree” and conclude why this one is unique.   (It is already unique because I gave it a name)

Each of us (children of God) is as unique as 90 Degree Tree.  Our path of life has taken us to places we never imagined (both good and bad).   Our experiences and choices have brought us to where we  today.   It is easy to see how 90 Degree Tree is different than all of the other trees.  It is not as easy to see or accept how different we each are inside and outside.

2. Each child of God is as amazing as 90 Degree Tree. In the last month my eyes have been opened to how amazing each person is no matter where they are on the path.  God sees us as someone of worth. God does not define us by our current or life long challenge. The pine cone does not look much like a tree, but we know that each seed has the potential to become something much different.  We have potential to become something much different than what we have been if we allow God to nourish our seed of faith. 

3. Each child of God grows at different rates (in different seasons).  In our 16 months in the Yukon no one would have expected a tall pine tree to grow from seedling to tower over us. Steady long-term growth will bring that seedling to its towering potential. During spring and summer 2023 we saw flowers grow from seeds to full bloom.  Before we leave this month some flowers will begin their growth cycle. 

Our hope, as missionaries and as church members, is that we can help each other grow.  The gospel provides for us the spiritual nourishment to understand our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  Church meetings allows us to learn from each other and grow our flower.  The programs of the church give us the structure where we can put theory into action.   As we serve children of God we feel the Lord’s love for them (and for us).  

The Power of Kindness

As I finish off Digimon Adventure 02 and as it’s mental health awareness month, I wanted to highlight some of the best character development from the series. From Digimon Emperor to saving the Digi-Destined from Daemon, Ken went through his personal hell to get where he ended up by the end of it all. So let’s start at the beginning. 

Ken and His Brother
Exact dates and years are unclear, but as a young child Ken constantly compared himself to his older brother Sam. Who could blame him? His parents and neighbors frequently praised Sam and Ken felt forgotten. Even when the Digivice appeared to Ken, Sam claimed it was his. How could that not affect his self-esteem? So when he ventured to the Digital World, fought Millenniummon, and was infected by the Dark Spore, there was already plenty of trauma and darkness in his heart for the Spore to feed on. Wormmon warned him that people would try to take advantage of his kindness and he couldn't have known how right he'd be.

The Dark Spore
This feat of dark engineering would feed on a child’s innocence and potential that would make them a Digi-Destined, according to Oikawa. You could compare it to depression, anxiety, addiction, or any other mental health issue. With our world as broken as it is, I believe all of us have “mini traumas” that have shaped the way we look at life. These traumas big or small are like the Dark Spore, feeding on everything good and bad in our lives.

Losing His Brother
Maybe it was the Dark Spore at work or maybe it was some dark coincidence, but the resentment in his heart got Ken wishing his brother would disappear, so he could have the spotlight for once. After his brother’s passing, he felt responsible for it, so add that to his traumas. So when he was drawn to the Dark Ocean, the darkness and self-loathing in his heart overtook him. 

The Reign of the Digimon Emperor
Trying to escape from the traumas of his life, Ken retreated to the Digital World, as his grades and athletics rose to new levels. He had all the adulations he’d ever wanted, but it was never enough. And somewhere along the line he grew to believe that the Digital World was like a video game and his actions were inconsequential there. He could rule and conquer to boost his ego and get that dopamine hit. 

Reality Check and Wormmon’s Rebirth
After his defeat at the hands of the new Digi-Destined, he came back to himself, realizing how real the Digimon were, just in time to see Wormmmon die. With the Crest of Kindness in hand, he walked off from the others. The soul-searching that came afterwards took him through memories of his brother and the Dark Ocean, eventually leading him to return to the Digital World where he reunited with his partner. With the forgiveness of his Digimon, Ken was finally able to begin the process of moving on and making restitution for his wrongs.

Ken's Redemption Story

In the second half of Adventure 02, Ken becomes an integral part of the Digi-Destined team. Eventually the whole team, even Cody, forgive him for his actions as the Emperor. However, multiple events would still occur that would trigger the trauma of what he'd done, including slipping into the Dark Ocean with Kari, facing off against Daemon, and allowing himself to be taken by Oikawa. Even with all the good he'd done for the Digital World to repair his wrongs, he was still haunted by his mistakes. 

A Lesson in Treating Yourself with Kindness

I think the best thing for me that came out of my recent re-watch of Adventure 02 is the less in self-compassion. Interesting since his was the Crest of Kindness. Mention was made multiple times through his redemption arc of the irony that the ex-Digimon Emperor would have that crest; he Digimon was anything but kind. However, even when he changed his ways and was outwardly kind, we never saw his crest glow (and oh how I wish we could have seen Wormmon's ultimate form). Maybe it was because there was no tag. Or maybe it's just plot armor. But equally likely, in my opinion, is how unkind he was to himself during his redemption.

I could reference the confrontation with Daemon (and it's a good one) to illustrate how Ken had to be kind to himself and forgive himself, but I think what proves my point even more is when the Digi-Destined faced off against MaloMyotismon. When the reborn villain cast his illusion over the children, TK had his family back together, Kari saw harmony between both worlds, and Cody and Yolei were presented with fantasies without much previous build-up. However, instead of a fantasy of his brother reborn or of a happy Digital World, Ken's insecurity-based illusion involved him being punished by the Digimon and taken away by his brother (to the afterlife, I guess). It illustrates a level of shame and self-contempt that was not present with the other Digi-Destined. It took the support of Wormmon and his friends to pull him out of the shame-based illusion.

Facing the Dark Spores

Later, as MaloMytotismon fed on the hopelessness of the Dark Spore kids. I've already compared the Dark Spore to the darkness of mental health struggles and it's apparent here. The kids have lost hope and have forgotten their dreams (or told their dreams were worthless). Through the encouragement of the Digi-Destined the kids latch onto their hopes again, even just a little bit. Even just that little bit of hope and self-compassion helped the darkness lose control. How powerful would it be if we could all do that? It's like casting a patronus; you need to focus on the hope in life for any chance of fighting the powers of darkness. 

Sometimes I feel like I've got that Dark Spore in me. By no means have I done anything as atrocious as the Digimon Emperor, but like anyone I have my regrets. Practicing kindness and forgiving myself for mistakes I've made is rough. I think TK said it best in the Adventure 02 epilogue:

"The darkness has not been conquered, and it will continue to fight against the light forever. But as long as people remember to follow their dreams, evil will be kept at bay. And on days like today, it's hard to see any darkness anywhere. Now it's up to our children, and to children everywhere, to follow their dreams. Who knows where they'll end up... But the only way to find out is to take the first step into adventure..."