From out of nowhere, a great and terrible storm descends on Trolberg. What starts off as a little rain turns into snow which turns into a blizzard. There’s something more going on than simply wacky weather patterns and, naturally, Hilda’s there to investigate. Warning: spoilers.
1. Return of the Thunderbird
When “The Storm” begins, we find Hilda spread out on her bed, moping around her flat. It’s been a bit since her and Frida’s falling out and she cannot seem to work up the effort to explore or anything. “Usually you’d be all about going into a storm like this,” Hilda’s Mum says, completely missing the signs her daughter isn’t at her best.
But then the Thunderbird returns and it’s a welcome sight. He’s used here more as a device, a way to get Hilda from one place to another, from the weather station to the upper atmosphere and whatever. For as much as she struggles with other people, Hilda’s a lot stronger dealing with fantastical creatures, enough so the Thunderbird comes to her to weather the storm and enjoy some cocoa despite the millions of other places he could perch within Trolberg. Still, he’s a great character and its charming to see him back on the screen.
2. Creature of the Week
Hilda only introduces one major new creature this time around: the weather spirits. The animators portray them as puffy clouds. For some reason, a great group of them have gathered in the atmosphere above Trolberg, which has sent the weather patterns off their rockers. They’re big, boisterous creatures, prone to arguing over the most mundane elements. The animators turn in some strong visual work with them, such as when the Thunderbird soars through or when they calm down from getting all worked up, quickly deflating. There’s some good color work as well, some chilly blues and grays that are punched to their extreme saturation levels when the weather spirits get worked up.
3. Meet Victoria
The major variable in “The Storm” comes from the meteorologist, Victoria van Gale. Like with many of its ongoing elements, the show’s writers and animators have been dropping hints at her presence from as far back as when Hilda moved to Trolberg. “Victoria van Gale said this will clear out and we know that she’s never wrong,” Hilda tells Twig. Victoria works in a massive observatory on top of a mountain outside of the city, where she observes weather patterns through her aging equipment and broadcasts her show. Her hair is constantly frazzled, like lightning has struck her so many times it cannot be contained.
She’s also Hilda‘s version of a mad scientist.
From the first time she was mentioned, I had thought Victoria van Gale was someone controlling the weather, like a witch or something. We learn it’s more that she’s been experimenting with her equipment, using these old machines to manipulate the weather. Hilda and David walk through her laboratory, pulling levers and twisting knobs, discovering new storms being generated from the observatory. It’s revealed that Victoria has managed to lure a baby weather spirit and its captivity is what brought the rest of the weather spirits to the city. The show doesn’t give her a crazy laugh or some strange desire for revenge. However, Victoria is no less maniacal and no less bent on reaping whatever power she can muster. Though she works in the name of science, she’s still causing countless damage to everyone.
4. Hilda, the People Person
I like how Hilda always reminds us that Hilda is still somewhat removed from society. One of the best gags in “The Storm” is her clear inability to read people. While Victoria runs around, acting erratically, Hilda thinks it’s part of her genius. She’s fascinated by it. This, while the Thunderbird and David look at each other with suspicious glares. When it comes to creatures, though, she’s clearly on top of it. She rides like a Valkyrie into the maelstrom, announcing to the gathered weather spirits that she is their moderator.
Yet, what I also appreciate is how the show makes her the best cheerleader. She ropes David and the Thunderbird into coming in on this adventure and cheers them both on when they get caught in a tough situation. Even David manages to conquer his fears somewhat to help uncover the mystery of Victoria van Gale and tone down the city.
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5. Black Hound Sightings
Just a couple hints at the upcoming Black Hound. First, while Hilda’s scanning through the frequencies on the radio, we hear about a sighting of a dark creature roaming Trolberg. Next, while trying to watch the news through a jumbled signal, the anchor has a picture of a black dog hovering over their shoulder. “The Storm” shifts to its main plot, but these actual instances are definitely becoming more and more frequent. There’s only three episodes left and the crew is gearing big for their finale.
