Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur is highly beloved among Disney’s animated shows. Despite its eventual cancellation after Season Two, It’s still turning heads and gathering fans. People love watching the adventures of the young superhero and her reptilian companion. However, a recent episode has garnered some negative attention and reactions from parents. They are complaining that it depicts something inappropriate for children’s television. Care to learn about what has gotten these parental caretakers so upset?
Lunella Makes Moon Girl Magic
Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur takes place in a universe adjacent to the MCU. The series typically follows Lunella Lafayette, a genius African-American teenager from the Lower East Side. Her exploits began after she created a portal generator, thinking it was a power source. And during her first test run, it brought her a Tyrannosaurus she named Devil Dinosaur. They become a crime-fighting duo, with Lunella naming herself after a mysterious female scientist. Casey, Lunella’s best friend, records their heroic deeds as their publicist.
The show has entertained viewers with exciting stories featuring Moon Girl and her dinosaurian sidekick. Typically, they involve taking on a villain, while Lunella deals with life and personal growth. But there were times when the two sides of her life collided and mixed. The most recent example was when Lunella revealed her alter-ego to her family. Her grandparents and dad accepted it, but her mom, Adria, forbade her from superheroing again. Adria eventually rescinded her choice, though things have been strained between the two Lafayettes since.
Recapping the Story of Full Moon
Tensions between Lunella and Adria are still high in the Lafayette household. But the pressure suddenly disappears when Lunella experiences a new life milestone – her first period. She becomes anxious from the revelation, and Adria steps in and comforts her daughter. To help further, Adria suggests a mother-daughter day filled with bonding activities. Lunella agrees, seeing this as an opportunity to reconnect with her mom. She’s also determined to ensure her Moon Girl duties do not get in the way.
Things between Lunella and Adria go perfectly, and their reconnection seems guaranteed. The only problem is a rampaging mutated plant arrives, and Lunella must fight it periodically. It isn’t long until Adria realizes what’s happening and suggests canceling their day. The plant overpowers and strikes down the young hero in front of her mother. Lunella tearfully apologizes for letting Moon Girl come between them and ruining everything. Adria does the same and finally accepts her daughter for being a superhero.
Parents Rage Against Depiction of Puberty
This Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur episode showcases a positive message of change and acceptance. It’s also one of the few Disney media pieces to depict female characters experiencing periods. The Ghost and Molly McGee did it during its second season with a main character. Doing so helps young female viewers understand the changes their bodies will experience. It even emphasizes how normal puberty is and shouldn’t be viewed negatively.
Of course, not everyone is happy with Disney’s decision to depict periods. This choice has left a bad taste in parents’ mouths, mostly fathers of viewers. They complained the episode is sexual, afterschool programming from Hell, and a fetish for creators. Luckily, the praise from women outweighs the hatred directed at the show. They expressed relief at the depiction of parents showing support during a monumental milestone. Others even considered this episode relatable, remembering how they felt during their first periods.
Final Thoughts
This Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur period controversy is immensely ridiculous. There’s nothing wrong with kids’ programming depicting a crucial stage in life. It prepares them for the future and expresses how biological change is natural. Plus, it shows Disney’s willingness to become progressive in these modern times. These disgruntled fathers and Internet trolls need to back off and stop ruining positive change. The next Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur episodes air this Saturday, March 1st.
