r/JustAddWater

Hey! So I know a lot of people don’t like season 3 because of the cast, plot, character, etc…changes that were made. But tbh I think it was nice and holds up its own way. I personally like it for a couple of different reasons.

1. Cleo, Rikki, and Lewis’ growth.

2. Cleo became much more scientific and experimentive open to

trying new things. She was also more confident and a risk taker compared to her season 1 self. Rikki became much more controlled and serious. She managed a cafe and dealt with a break up with Zane I actually liked how she handled it very mature. In season 1 she was more explosive. She also showed a more softer side with the other girl where there are moments where she took accountability and apologized. She doesn’t lock them out as she once used to. Lewis tbh most of his growth happened in season 2 and we don’t see much in season 3. Tho he did seem very calm and mature. But from what we saw he and Cleo were much better at communicating and had a healthy relationship.

2. The Plot

Personally, I like the plot the same as the other seasons. The tentacle I found interesting how at first as the audience we are meant to think it’s trying to hurt the girls but actually in the end was trying to tell them something. I liked Sophie as an antagonist and I liked Ryan as someone who was getting too close to Mako Island. I really enjoyed Sam as a stepmother / womanly figure and enjoyed her and Don getting married. It was interesting to see her change the household dynamic a bit.
I liked Bella she wasn’t trying to be a replacement to Emma just a new friend and played the role of the “talented” one I’d say. Will is kinda hard to say I did like his own competitive swimmer thing and his fascination with Mako Island definitely one of the more involved characters.

3. The Relationships

Even tho Kim was annoying as always she started acting more like a teenager and her relationship with Cleo kinda became closer / different. I know Zane’s character growth was basically regressed but I thought it was interesting how they were playing him as a jealous / manipulative boyfriend. Since Cleo and Lewis have always been the main endgame couple, Emma had Byron and mainly Ash both who were not bad partners (shows how she dated different people), Bella has just met Will so their relationship is just starting. I guess Rikki got the not every relationship / first boyfriend is perfect. I liked Sophie being between Zane and Will cause she liked Zane and obviously loves Will as her brother but Will and Zane hate each other. Her relationship with Will was also interesting idk what his parents if they are alive but he spends his time with her and she loves him as an older sister even if she hates Bella.

4. Miscellaneous Stuff

This season was filmed 2009-2010 so digital cameras had become popular and I personally like how modern it looks I feel visually it still holds up to today. It’s interesting seeing how much culture has changed from 2005 when the first season aired. And honestly the last season doesn’t feel that different from today even fashion wise. Some people don’t like that I kinda don’t mind. I love the hairstyles and makeup on the girls they were simple yet beautiful. I always found the first season to be great because it has funny moments of the girls finding out new stuff about being mermaids and the full moon. However, they combined it with a more serious plot of Dr. Denman finding out they were mermaids and Mr. Bennett funding the full thing. Rikki dating Zane who was searching for mermaids already and no one believed him. Lewis trying to be a good friend and Ms. Chatham being a great ally. In season 2 I liked the whole kinda typical teenage drama thing with Charlotte. Her being related to Gracie the girls learning about the past. Emma struggling to tell her secret to Ash. The girls learning to confront the full moon. The friendship between the girls and Lewis being tested his relationship with Cleo being tested.

Anyways, I found all three seasons to be equally great. I know season 3 suffered a bit more from contracts and the fact they didn’t plan it but I think they did great.

In my opinion there were different reasons and choices that kinda ruined the show (Will's presence, tentacle's purpose, Emma missing and not talking about her at all, Zane and Rikki's downfall, a distant vibe from the original plot, static dialogues, unnecessary drama, etc.).

Sometimes people blame her personality not fitting with Rikki and Cleo and while it's true the OG trio is unbeatable, she would've matched a lot better with the girls if Emma was there too (I totally see the four mermaids being a strong and tight group).

Bella's character definitely deserved so much more expansion and she had the potential to explore the mermaid lore.

I guess we would've loved her even more if she appeared in S2 or from the beginning. Unfortunately they didn't give her a proper development but I'm glad to say that Bella almost saved the season, since she was the only one bringing a new energy into the story which wasn't necessarily a contrast to the first seasons.

Hypothetically speaking cleo could be able to blood bend and technically freeze water if she really tapped in to her powers.

Cleo: Cleo is the Most Powerful (Peak Potential) if Cleo taps into bloodbending, she wins any fight. It does not matter how much fire or lightning Rikki can generate if Cleo can freeze the blood in Rikki's veins, stop her heart, or physically force her arms down to prevent her from using her hands.

Rikki: Rikki’s powers are more destructive and dangerous Her ability to trigger electrolysis, melt metal, or throw lightning makes her a living weapon. Due to her high energy, explosive power.

Emma: I mean there’s no explanation as to why she’s last but here’s why: Emma deals with solid mass. In a fight, Rikki can instantly melt anything Emma creates, turning Emma’s ice walls into water for Cleo to use. If Cleo is bloodbending it prevents her from being able to use her hands. Emma’s peak potential is essentially controlling the weather (blizzards and storms). While dangerous, it does doesn’t compare to Rikki’s and Cleo.

Btw all these are if they all fully tapped into their elements.

Like let’s assume Lewis never had to study overseas. I would assume about the same when it comes to the tentacle because he was very involved and working alongside Cleo. I think Will’s role would’ve changed a bit because the girls wouldn’t feel the urge to need him as Lewis was there. He’d definitely be more of a background character. As for arguments idk how Lewis between Zane and Will would be like. I think he’d confront them or idk. What do you think?

I know no one wanted them together and it probably would be for the best since they wouldn’t have lasted long but I wonder what it would’ve looked like? (Since the show kinda set them up) I think that Rikki would’ve definitely been confrontational with Sophie and they’d probably argue a lot. I think she would’ve complained to Will about how he lets his sister get away with everything. They would’ve gotten along swimming. Perhaps his softer nature would complement her firely nature. She probably wouldn’t like him being protective / overprotective he’d probably get annoyed at how she always risks herself. They would’ve had different life views or maybe the same? If he wanted to do competitive swimming she’d definitely support that and he’d probably would’ve helped her or encouraged her to go diving to find hidden treasures. They’d probably love to travel a lot. In the end maybe they’d get bored of each other or annoyed?

You've read it a billion times, but her energy not being there felt like a void to me.

Emma's personality was so strong and necessary, other than being the core of the show together with Rikki and Cleo.

Will called her an angel twice after she saved his life and then said “wait….” after Rikki went to walk away after checking up on him after saving him. Anyone else feel like the writers created a weird tension between these characters just to completely ignore it afterwards? He was such a badly written character already and after almost kissing Bella he pulled this stunt. Obviously if he was a real person he would be considered a real douche but it was just ignored like it was nothing, but it just felt like Will probably always had unresolved feelings. So weird