Warning: The following contains SPOILERS for Masters of the Universe: Revelation, Part 2 finale, “Comes with Everything You See Here.”
Masters of the Universe: Revelation, Part 2 has completed Orko’s rebirth into the Gandalf of Eternia, complete with a white robe, just like in the second book of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Like Gandalf, the Trollan wizard returned from the dead more powerful than ever. This brought Orko full circle from his dramatic death scene in Masters of the Universe: Revelation, Part 1, which was a tribute to Gandalf’s battle with the Balrog in The Fellowship of the Ring.
Orko was not part of the initial release of Masters of the Universe toys, having been created as a comic relief character for the tie-in cartoon He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. Orko proved popular enough to merit an action figure in Wave 3 of the classic toy line and has been a part of every incarnation of Masters of the Universe ever since. While his magic often caused more problems than it solved, Orko proved his heroism in the penultimate episode of Masters of the Universe: Revelation, Part 1, sacrificing himself to hold Scareglow at bay while his allies escaped through a portal into the paradise realm of Preternia.
While it was presumed that Orko’s death was permanent, the Trollan wizard made an unexpected and triumphant return in the Masters of the Universe: Revelation, Part 2 finale, “Comes with Everything You See Here.” The heroes of Eternia launched a multi-pronged attack on Castle Grayskull, forming an unlikely alliance with Skeletor against the sorceress Evil-Lyn, who had claimed the power of both the Champion and the Sorceress of Castle Grayskull. Intending to destroy all reality, Evil-Lyn opened the gates to the hellish realm of Subternia and released an army of the damned upon those who opposed her. This proved to be her undoing, however, as this also allowed Orko a chance to return to Eternia, like Prince Adam had in the finale of Masters of the Universe: Revelation, Part 1.
Just like Gandalf in LOTR, Orko’s return at the end of Masters of the Universe: Revelations, Part 2 came with a distinct magic power upgrade. Impressively, Orko manifested himself simultaneously before three groups of his friends. He saved Prince Adam from Evil-Lyn’s magic within the great hall of Castle Grayskull and battled with the dark sorceress while pleading for her to abandon her mad plan. Orko also saved King Randor from a death blow, while he faced Scareglow a second time and knocked the ruler of Subternia out after trapping him in a bubble. Orko also opened a way out of the dungeons of Castle Grayskull for Andra and Man-At-Arms, so that they could join the fight outside the castle walls.
Some may think that Orko’s return cheapens his sacrifice and the other Masters of the Universe character deaths that made Part 1 so thrilling. However, the theme of resurrection and redemption is a classic fantasy trope. Beyond serving as a tribute to The Lord of the Rings and affirming Orko’s status as a mighty wizard on par with Gandalf, his return is well in keeping with the same themes that formed the foundation of the Masters of the Universe franchise. It will be interesting to see what Orko does with his newfound power in Masters of the Universe: Revelation season 2.
