As excited as I am for the third season of 'Dragons: Race to the Edge', I am also concerned about the lack of development between Hiccup and Astrid, as well as their own personal development.
It seems as though their relationship has been on a stand-still for a long while. These two have been 'almost there' since they were 15. And now that they have reached adulthood, with their friendship consistently dangling below that point where they know and want to be at, it seems to now be damaging their relationship.
In Race to the Edge, Hiccup's current behaviour towards Astrid has given me the impression that he cares for her as a person of higher power in a workplace cares for his employee. He doesn't think twice about putting her in her place and scolds her for not disclosing information about Heather's ulterior motives, regardless of whether or not she was sworn to secrecy for Heather's safety.
Hiccup doesn't seem to have the higher tolerance for his teammates as he used to, and he is beginning to come off as self-righteous and stand-offish. He is no longer an enjoyable character, but a force to be reckoned with, even when it comes to his closest allies and friends. He seems to only behave compassionately towards his father and Heather, which clearly speaks volumes when it comes to where he and Astrid stand. Regardless of how Heather feels about Fishlegs, however playful or platonic it may seem.
As for Astrid - the strong and self-assured shield-maiden that is Astrid - where has she gone? She seems to have been replaced by someone who is easily submissive, emotional, and eager to please. Astrid has always been one to speak her mind, providing a blunt force of reason yet remaining supportive of one's decision, especially Hiccup's. In Race to the Edge, when current situations are not in her favour, all that she provides is emotionally-driven excuses and complaints, and then says nothing more. Astrid seems to have lost her playful nature that we have all come to love in 'How to Train Your Dragon 2', as well as her honest, competitive and fiercely independent personality that was evident in both installments.
As for Hiccup, he needs to understand that entering into a situation with an easy manner and an open mind just might help open up ways of solving a problem without further conflict, especially when it comes to his teammates. He needs to understand that everybody makes mistakes (including himself), and needs to learn to forgive and forget. Dwelling on and punishing himself for his own mistakes is not healthy either. I have noticed that Astrid does this also, especially when it harms the people she cares about, indirectly or not. This requires some serious personal healing and self- development.
It also requires closure, being able to be honest about their feelings. Hiccup and Heather may understand one another and possess a special connection, however, when it comes to Astrid it is more than just a budding relationship – we have all seen it, not just because it is evident in the second installment. It is obvious that there is a lot of pent-up feelings and emotions when it comes to Hiccup and Astrid. It is now time to lay all of the cards down on the table - being open and vulnerable to what may come of their relationship is long overdue.
It seems as though their relationship has been on a stand-still for a long while. These two have been 'almost there' since they were 15. And now that they have reached adulthood, with their friendship consistently dangling below that point where they know and want to be at, it seems to now be damaging their relationship.
In Race to the Edge, Hiccup's current behaviour towards Astrid has given me the impression that he cares for her as a person of higher power in a workplace cares for his employee. He doesn't think twice about putting her in her place and scolds her for not disclosing information about Heather's ulterior motives, regardless of whether or not she was sworn to secrecy for Heather's safety.
Hiccup doesn't seem to have the higher tolerance for his teammates as he used to, and he is beginning to come off as self-righteous and stand-offish. He is no longer an enjoyable character, but a force to be reckoned with, even when it comes to his closest allies and friends. He seems to only behave compassionately towards his father and Heather, which clearly speaks volumes when it comes to where he and Astrid stand. Regardless of how Heather feels about Fishlegs, however playful or platonic it may seem.
As for Astrid - the strong and self-assured shield-maiden that is Astrid - where has she gone? She seems to have been replaced by someone who is easily submissive, emotional, and eager to please. Astrid has always been one to speak her mind, providing a blunt force of reason yet remaining supportive of one's decision, especially Hiccup's. In Race to the Edge, when current situations are not in her favour, all that she provides is emotionally-driven excuses and complaints, and then says nothing more. Astrid seems to have lost her playful nature that we have all come to love in 'How to Train Your Dragon 2', as well as her honest, competitive and fiercely independent personality that was evident in both installments.
As for Hiccup, he needs to understand that entering into a situation with an easy manner and an open mind just might help open up ways of solving a problem without further conflict, especially when it comes to his teammates. He needs to understand that everybody makes mistakes (including himself), and needs to learn to forgive and forget. Dwelling on and punishing himself for his own mistakes is not healthy either. I have noticed that Astrid does this also, especially when it harms the people she cares about, indirectly or not. This requires some serious personal healing and self- development.
It also requires closure, being able to be honest about their feelings. Hiccup and Heather may understand one another and possess a special connection, however, when it comes to Astrid it is more than just a budding relationship – we have all seen it, not just because it is evident in the second installment. It is obvious that there is a lot of pent-up feelings and emotions when it comes to Hiccup and Astrid. It is now time to lay all of the cards down on the table - being open and vulnerable to what may come of their relationship is long overdue.