It was a first episode - it's meant to introduce the situation. It being somewhat dull doesn't surprise me at all.
"The difference between reality and fiction is that fiction has to make sense." - Tom Clancy, paraphrasing Mark Twain.
Are you sure it was the first in production though? You know these networks...
Brokenshell44
![[up]](https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/smiles/arrow_up.png "[up]"){kind=icon}
Uh...since the show is about a dragon academy and the first episode introduces said academy, it's probably safe to assume.
Pirate AND writer!
I don't think it's going to be all about the academy.
The Dragon Academny is the main new aspect of the show (something that must occur after the events of the movie) and the episode is dedicated to introducing it. Furthermore the episode dealt with the situation directly after the movie in the first place (dealing with Dragons being around) and bringing things on Berk into the setting of the show.
Yeah, definitely a first episode.
Y'know, I'd wonder if this show is meant to take place before "Gift Of The Night Fury" or "Legend Of The Boneknapper"
edited 10th Aug '12 2:24:01 PM by KnownUnknown
"The difference between reality and fiction is that fiction has to make sense." - Tom Clancy, paraphrasing Mark Twain.
Dakini!
Definitely after Gift of the Night Fury. Fishlegs refers to his dragon consistantly as a girl in the episodes, whereas before she laid eggs, he assumed it was a he.
Pirate AND writer!
I think it goes like this: movie, Boneknapper, Gift, Riders of Berk.
Looking for some stories?
Responsible adult
I still need to watch that special. It's on Netflix, but seeing as it's a Christmas Special, it just doesn't feel... right.
"Proto-Indo-European makes the damnedest words related. It's great. It's the Kevin Bacon of etymology." ~Madrugada
It's worth it to see Hiccup rubbing off on Astrid in the Cool Idea + Epic Fail department.
"The difference between reality and fiction is that fiction has to make sense." - Tom Clancy, paraphrasing Mark Twain.
Why? Given how much pagan stuff has been absorbed into Christmas traditions, it seems only fair. ![[lol]](https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/lol2v12_4863.png "[lol]"){kind=small}
I'm starting to think Ruff and Tuff are stoned out of their minds half the time.
"The difference between reality and fiction is that fiction has to make sense." - Tom Clancy, paraphrasing Mark Twain.
Responsible adult
It's not about the Pagan traditions, it's about it not being Christmas! 
How am I supposed to properly enjoy a Christmas special without the spirit of the season around me?
Gamer-turning-maker
I loved the sneak peek. The second episode was nice too, seeing as it deals with the issue of what happens when your big purpose in life is suddenly rendered meaningless.
Long live Cinematech. FC:0259-0435-4987
~Fabulous Max~
Finally got around to seeing it, and yeah, it's pretty darn good. I really enjoyed it. For one thing? I love Hiccup and Stoic's relationship. It's really cool to see how well they get along now, while at the same time keeping a little of the role conflict with Stoic being both dad and viking chief.
I'm still a wee bit weary of the talk of a new female character being introduced, but it could very well work. We'll see.
Oh also! I'm surprised no one's mentioned the music. I really dig the soundtrack to the show. Like the animation, it's almost as good as the movie.
edited 16th Aug '12 1:29:35 PM by MuuMiuMew
What new female character?
~Fabulous Max~
Some posts on tumblr were talking about a new chick. And there's an actress for a TBA character on the other wiki.
They called her Heather. : T
edited 16th Aug '12 7:42:46 PM by MuuMiuMew
Pirate AND writer!
There were some storyboards released for the episode in which she'll be introduced. Hiccup is flying around when he finds her unconscious on a beach. She looks kind of gypsy-ish. I heard that Anna Maria Perez de Tagle was gonna do the voice.
Looking for some stories?
Caught the first ep. Quite excellent.
EDIT: And same for the second!
edited 18th Aug '12 6:40:28 AM by RTaco
I'm liking the show so far. It'll probably get even better.
I also find Ruffnut kind of hot, in a Lita Ford sort of way, and I have to keep reminding myself she's a teenager.
I came to this conclusion after the second episode:
I kinda like how, in a way, it almost seems like Stoick is starting to groom Hiccup into being the next Chief, but without directly stating it.
I don't know if that was intentional on the part of the writers, but it's kinda neat in a subtle way. After all, Stoick isn't going to live forever, and his son has shown excellent leadership ability.
Probably intentional, given that this show is intended to bridge character development between the movies.
edited 22nd Aug '12 6:01:23 PM by KnownUnknown
"The difference between reality and fiction is that fiction has to make sense." - Tom Clancy, paraphrasing Mark Twain.
The only thing I'm not too fond of is the lack of voice credits.
I checked episode 2 and there were no credits for any of the actors. Oh and they are outsourcing still.
Has there been a new episode yet? I haven't seen one in my TV guide.
Saw the premiere.
I am ASTOUNDED AT THE DETAIL you can get in TV shows now with CG! But the plot of the episode they chose for the sneak peek was....... dull.