User blog comment:Raised By Wolves/Character Appreciation - Week 18: Ella/@comment-4726418-20170501000254

Ella is a particularly special character for me that struck a chord ever since I first watched Pahkitew. While its cast is pretty gimmick-heavy (the results being hit and miss), Ella is the one crazy character who's the most rootable, the most likable, and yet she's probably the most out there, which is a pretty hilarious coincidence. The fact that she thinks life is a fairytale doesn't detract from her character at all for me. She's a quirky bundle of joy who just wants to spread love and this over the top characterization for her actually really strengthens her as a result since thinking life is a fairytale and wanting everyone to get along just makes you a charming character to have.

And to be honest, for someone with a gimmick that's so out there, I think any of us can relate to Ella in some way. The scenario of someone egregiously detesting you and it confusing you and you desperately trying to get along with them but failing is actually a lot more common than you think, and was a really realistic storyline. Despite all of the abuse Sugar plagues on Ella since she thinks life is a pageant, she STILL never gives up. Does this make her stupid? No! It empowers her to be a unique kind of underdog and a tragic yet lovable pushover who just wants to try her best. And even though her plans don't succeed, it's actually pretty sweet that after she's eliminated she embraces Sugar and thinks she's upset, which is obviously adorable just describing it.

Although Ella is a pretty fleshed out character for someone who lasts 6 episodes, her humor is also pretty laugh out loud. Her uplifting spirit in the face of nightmares gets me every time. Why wouldn't she answer Chris saying "Who's ready for a surprise? :P" with "Yaaay! WHO doesn't love a surpriiise"? Why wouldn't she decide to go over and compliment her opposing team for no reason other than to be nice? Why wouldn't she turn pig slavery into a friendly dance? You can tell they had fun with they were doing with her and it really shows in how much effort they went with both her character and her humor.

But really, summing up Ella in just one word is "acceptance". When she's trying her hardest to get someone who hates her with vitriol to return her friendship, she accepts in the end "Don't be sad, be happy" (<3). When she's trying her charms with Dave but fails, she accepts that she's been snubbed for Sky and has nothing against either of them. It's so refreshing to see this. It's pretty ironic that someone thinks all of life is happy endings and YET, has a pretty mature outlook and consciously avoids any remote conflict, accepting circumstances she's in and moving on from them.

Best Moment: Her epic goodbye song.

Best Episode: Mo Monkeys, Mo Problems