>>93035099It's funny because there's been a lot more Marco-focused episodes this season where Star is barely involved, or at least takes the B-plot role.
The problem is that with the exception of the Tom episodes, they were generally pretty bad, or at least kind of pointless. Karate and Sensei episodes have only gotten less interesting. "Marco meets/deals with Star's other friends" have been extremely hit-or-miss between Goblin Dogs, Pizza Thing and The Bounce Lounge. On the other hand, Running With Scissors was an excellent episode, but it's definitely the exception and Hekapoo carried it at least as much as Marco.
>>93035118>not to mention Marco kind of being... I'll say passiveThis is probably the biggest problem, Season 2 shifted the show pretty strongly into being more character-driven, which has lead to a lot more focus on character development and drama than action and open conflict. It's definitely a good thing for the show overall, but Marco has fallen behind fast. He's had some development but it's almost entirely revolved around getting with Jackie, by which I mean it has not existed at all except in relation to Jackie.
Marco is supposed to have been kind of an insecure and awkward "safe kid" but that trait doesn't exist except when Jackie's around, because he's completely comfortable around Star. Over the series he's developed the confidence to ask her out and eventually be casual around her, but it's really underwhelming development. First of all it's nothing compared to the shit Star has been going through at the same time, and secondly we've already seen strong, confident and assertive Marco when he's with Star.
Marco is at his best when he's ready to kick someone's ass. His banter with Toffee, getting fucking pissed at Tom's bullshit, committing himself to hunting down Hekapoo just for "stealing" Star's scissors.
Outside of real conflict Marco is still being the "safe kid." Hopefully Mewni will do to Marco what Earth did for Star.
