On a rewatch, SUF is a lot more funny than I remember, and with way more constistent art quality than the show. The heavy stuff was an appropriate evolution of emotional/human themes that was always a big part of SU. Centered around a sensitive kid that went through a lot of crazy shit, who was now an angsty teenager in the throes of puberty as his surging testosterone squared off with his magic love powers and strength of a God.

A lot of it was very relatable to anyone who was a teenager dealing with anger issues and the desire to assert their independence, while also wanting to remain a good person. The writing for a lot of characters was very down-to-earth, SU style.
I think a lot of the flak SUF got at the time comes from the same kind of confusion and sadness that comes from a cute and happy kid becoming a greasy sour teen that’s unpredictable, irrational, and a huge dick to you while you’re trying to be nice. And as always, too much humanity for people who just wanted to see magic waifus.

There’s more lore to be covered with this show and it was something they always wanted to continue, but as a show that centered around themes of Growth and Change, following up with the MC as he steps into what was inevitably going to be a chaotic and emo puberty was the right choice. Now that we’ve digested some meat, I think we’re in for the veggies and dessert of lore and magic with Lars of the Stars.