WARNING: The following contains spoilers for She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, now streaming on Netflix.
The Season 5 finale of She-Ra and the Princesses Power saw several characters redeem themselves, and one character has proven herself to be one of the most valued princesses of the Rebellion. Entrapta has bounced between the Rebellion and the Horde; however, Season 5 is her season to prove to her friends and viewers that she's as much of a hero as any other princess.
Entrapta is the princess of Dryl, but she is not an elemental like the other princesses nor does she have magical abilities like them. What she lacks in magic, she makes up for with her brain. She's also an optimistic, passionate, and friendly woman, who happens to struggle with social interactions and gets overly excited when certain moments don't seem appropriate to others. These personality traits, as well as how she physically carries herself, have led some fans to believe she is autistic.
Fans on the spectrum have been open about relating to Entrapta, and they've been hoping to get confirmation that this theory is true. Showrunner Noelle Stevenson responded to one fan's inquiry on Twitter, confirming that Entrapta is autistic. She further adds that the crew member behind much of Entrapta's development, board artist Sam Szymanski, is also on the spectrum. He related to Entrapta, fleshed out her movements and came up with several ideas for her arc.
Autistic people have not been historically represented well in media, with few characters being seen at all, and those on screen often perpetuate stereotypes. Thankfully in recent years, more media have incorporated characters that better represent the autistic community, and She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is one of them.
Entrapta is shown to be different from other characters; however, her differences do not make her lesser. She finds her imperfections, as well as others', beautiful. In Season 3, Episode 2, "Huntara," Entrapta gives a pep talk to Hordak, who recounts how he is a disappointment in the eyes of Horde Prime, but Entrapta insists that him being a failure is not bad. She even sees herself as a failure because she doesn't fit in, still, this doesn't get Entrapta down.
"You shouldn't be upset that you are not perfect," Entrapta says. "Take Emily. Her programming is glitchy, her left leg sticks and she's loud. Emily's got quirks, but that's why I like her. Imperfection is what makes scientific experimentation possible. Imperfection is beautiful."
This moment captures what makes Entrapta such a strong character and wonderful role model. No one is perfect, nor should they attempt to force themselves to be something they are not. Entrapta not only lives her life as herself, but she also reminds others that what makes them different is what makes them wonderful.
While Entrapta sees her differences and imperfections as strengths, she still struggles with some of them, specifically her social skills. Entrapta is one of the more bubbly princesses, eager to make new friends and share her passions; however, she can get ahead of herself, and, at times, her priorities appear to be out of order.
For instance, during her time with the Horde, she happily helps Hordak in the name of science, despite her contributions putting Etheria at risk. She also feels valued by Hordak, who encourages her differences and scientific endeavors. While the Rebels consider Entrapta a friend, their patience often grows thin with her, and she doesn't feel like a valued member during the earlier seasons, which explains why Hordak's friendship appeals so much to her. This changes in Season 5, though, as the other princesses still struggle to trust her.
This comes to a head in Season 5, Episode 2, "Launch," where the princesses must figure out Glimmer's location through a Horde spire. Entrapta is essential to this plan; however, her determination to figure out the transmission puts everyone at risk, leading to an outburst from the other princesses. While it seems obvious to most that the princesses are angry with Entrapta, she does not pick up on this social cue until the outburst.
"I'm not good at people," Entrapta responds, "but I am good at tech. I thought maybe if I could use tech to help you, you'd like me."
Entrapta is aware that she does not understand social cues as well as her friends do, and she tries her best to make up for this through her intelligence, passion and other strengths. When her fellow princesses see that Entrapta does care and shows it in her own, unique way, they realize they could work better to understand where she's coming from. After this moment, Entrapta becomes one of the most crucial and successful rebels.
Throughout the show, Entrapta's stayed true to who she is, saves the day and reminds everyone that just because one doesn't function as expected, that doesn't mean they are broken; they are uniquely beautiful. Seeing a autistic character like Entrapta be such a hero is validating for many fans on the spectrum and provides viewers of all ages with a role model who assures them their differences make them wonderful.
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power stars Aimee Carrero, Karen Fukuhara, AJ Michalka, Marcus Scribner, Reshma Shetty, Lorraine Toussaint, Keston John, Lauren Ash, Christine Woods, Genesis Rodriguez, Jordan Fisher, Vella Lovell, Merit Leighton, Sandra Oh, Krystal Joy Brown and Jacob Tobia. All five seasons are currently streaming on Netflix.