Top 10 Times The Owl House Tackled Serious Issues

"Thanks to Them"

When we first meet Luz, she’s a bright-eyed girl thrilled to discover that magic is real. Two seasons later, her eyes are half-lidded and often staring into space. By this point, all of the horrifying events that led to the group being stranded in the Human Realm have clearly started to take their emotional toll. In quieter moments, the audience gets a glimpse of the deep sadness behind Luz’s cheerful mask. Even though she’s doing her best to be helpful and pretend like things are okay, it’s obvious that a deep exhaustion has set in. A brief breakdown in school shows us that she’s barely holding it together. It’s an incredibly realistic portrayal of someone struggling with the aftereffects of a traumatic situation.

"Yesterday’s Lie"

Luz’s adventures on the Boiling Isles begin with the closing of the portal, and her only way back home. Despite being trapped in a completely different realm, she is, fortunately, fascinated by magic and has always wanted witch training. The continual excitement of her new world allows her to avoid dwelling on the home she left behind. However, after literally facing the fear of disappointing her mom during Grom, Luz starts to feel the pain of their separation. When she finally manages to create a portal, she’s only able to interact with Camila through reflections. There are parents who suffer the unconscionable loss of having their child go missing, and this fleeting reunion is a bleak reminder of what both of them are going through.

“Agony of a Witch” & "King's Tide"

Throughout the series, Luz’s tenacity and positive outlook have helped her beat the odds time and again. However, eventually the obstacles are too great and she fails to save those who mean the most to her. First, Luz overestimates her own ability to find a cure for Eda. Not only does she fail to save her, but Eda gives herself over to her curse in order to save Luz. Luz faces this same trauma again when she tries to sacrifice herself to keep the portal open for her friends. It’s King who makes the sacrifice in the end. He ends up stranded with the Collector, leaving Luz with the sinking knowledge that there’s nothing she can do to save him.

0

#7: Self-Loathing & Guilt

Also in:

Top 10 Times Fuller House Tackled Serious Issues

"Thanks to Them"

Both Hunter and Luz are the instigators of tragic events in this series. Luz’s are motivated by a desire to learn and help. Hunter’s are a result of his origins and efforts to break away from the Emperor’s control. By the start of season 3, both characters blame themselves for the myriad of troubles that have fallen on the people around them. They even agree to hide their shortcomings from their friends, who Luz and Hunter fear will shun them if they learn the truth. It all comes to a head when Hunter is possessed by Belos. Ultimately, their friends provide support, acceptance, and love, but both Luz and Hunter work hard to amend their mistakes.

"Edge of the World"

Although King has a found family in Eda, Luz and Hooty, he still dreams that his biological family will come looking for him. When he discovers a letter that offers a chance to learn more about his background, he’s thrilled. Sadly, King's hopes are crushed, as his true history is revealed and he discovers that the group who extended the invitation are actually a community built on hunting Titans – of which he’s the last remaining. It’s a lot for him to deal with but, luckily, King is reminded he’s not alone. Family doesn’t mean blood.

"Escaping Expulsion"

At first, Amity Blight seems hell-bent on making Willow and her friends’ life miserable. However, when her mom’s threatening influence comes to light and Amity works hard to make amends, she quickly becomes friends with everyone. Odalia, however, continues to try to control her daughter, going as far as to expel Luz, Gus and Willow from school. Even worse, Odalia tells Amity it’s her fault that her friends are suffering. At first, Amity doesn’t have the courage to stand up to her parents. However, when Luz’s life is put in danger, Amity defies her mother’s tyrannical rule. It’s a brilliant moment of independence and the starting point for her new life path with people who care for her unconditionally.

"Echoes of the Past"

Much of King’s personal identity is based on the stories that paint him as the ruler of demons. The stories he tells of his mightiness are from his perceived early memories. However, eventually, Eda is forced to reveal that those stories were all a childhood fantasy. She encouraged it because it made him happy but the aftermath is devastating for King, and leads him to question his identity. If he’s not a mighty ruler… then who is he? With encouragement from Eda, Luz, and Hooty, King eventually lands on real answers. It helps him find the line between fantasy and reality and start to believe in himself again.

0

#3: Mental Health

Also in:

Top 10 Sitcoms Got Real About Mental Health

"For the Future"

Luz is not the only character who forces a positive face for her friends. Willow continually represses her emotions to the detriment of her own mental health. In the first season, a journey through Willow’s memories, shows how she prefers to avoid painful moments. The group of friends struggle under even mightier obstacles in the third season. Willow continues to push through, reassuring everyone that things will turn out okay. When her efforts to cheer up Hunter fail, it seems to act as her breaking point. She ends up buried in her built-up emotions and unable to control her own magic. This moment feels like a reminder to kids and adults alike that we have to let our emotions out in healthy ways or we’ll eventually buckle under them.

"Reaching Out"

Before Luz’s journey to the Demon Realm, she lost her father. The separation from her mother on the anniversary of his death has her initially denying the pain and distracting herself with daring fights. This coping mechanism, although relatable, doesn't help her really work through her feelings. She eventually realizes that shutting Amity out is hurting both of them, and opens up about the loss and pain of her dad’s passing. The moment where Amity encourages Luz to continue her annual ritual of picking flowers is not only a beautiful moment, but a carefully handled one. Luz, of course, isn’t the only character grieving. When Hunter loses Flapjack, his reaction is absolutely crushing, and we see him carry the weight of the tragedy until the end of the series.

"Watching and Dreaming”

After three seasons of terrifying battles, family drama and personal betrayal, it’s no wonder so many characters in “The Owl House” suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Signs can include a desire to avoid triggers, like how Willow’s inner mind burns away her traumatic memories. We also see Hunter suffering from panic attacks after his uncle’s abuse. In the series finale Luz, Eda and King all relive their worst mistakes and events in horrifying nightmares. These flashbacks, although instigated by the Collector, are a result of their trauma and a clear symptom of PTSD. Thankfully, in the last few moments of the series, the audience is given a glimpse into a future where these characters can be seen pursuing happiness and healing.