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Dragons: The Nine Realms - Hearts of Glass (S7E3)
Thunder must wrangle and lead the Hero Dragons in a desperate attempt to save Tom and the riders from a dangerous new dragon, The Glass Caster.
| Runtime (min) | 23 |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 2023-09-14 |
| Genres | Animation, Action & Adventure |
| TV Rating | TV-Y7-FV |
| Network(s) | Hulu, Peacock |
Storyline
In this episode, Tom and the other riders find themselves in grave danger when they encounter a formidable new dragon species known as the Glass Caster. This dragon poses a unique and serious threat that leaves the riders trapped and unable to escape on their own. With his human companions in peril, Thunder must step up in a way he hasn't before, taking on a leadership role among the Hero Dragons to orchestrate a rescue mission.
Thunder faces the challenge of coordinating the different dragons and their abilities to counter the Glass Caster's powers and reach the endangered riders. The episode explores Thunder's growth as he learns to communicate with and direct the other dragons, demonstrating that leadership sometimes means relying on teamwork and trusting others to play their part. The stakes are high as Thunder races against time to save Tom and the group before the Glass Caster's threat becomes insurmountable.
What kids learn
Children watching this episode can learn valuable lessons about leadership and the importance of stepping up when others are counting on you. Thunder's journey shows that being a leader isn't about being the strongest or most powerful, but about recognizing the strengths of those around you and bringing everyone together toward a common goal. Young viewers see that even when you're scared or uncertain, taking responsibility and acting with courage can make all the difference in a crisis.
The episode also reinforces themes of teamwork and collaboration. Thunder cannot save Tom and the riders alone; he must work with the other Hero Dragons, each contributing their unique abilities to solve the problem. This demonstrates to children that complex challenges often require diverse skills and perspectives, and that asking for help or coordinating with others is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Additionally, the story touches on loyalty and the bonds between friends. Thunder's determination to rescue Tom highlights the depth of their connection and shows children the importance of standing by the people you care about, even when circumstances are difficult or dangerous.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How scary is the Glass Caster dragon for younger viewers? | The Glass Caster presents a serious threat in the episode, creating tension as the riders are trapped and in danger. However, the show maintains its typical adventure tone without graphic violence or overly frightening imagery. The focus remains on Thunder's problem-solving and teamwork rather than prolonged peril. Younger or more sensitive children might feel some suspense during the rescue sequences, but the episode balances excitement with the reassurance of the dragons working together toward a solution. |
| What makes Thunder's leadership role significant in this episode? | This episode marks an important character development moment as Thunder takes charge of the Hero Dragons rather than simply following Tom's lead. He must communicate across species, coordinate different dragon abilities, and make strategic decisions under pressure. This shift demonstrates growth in Thunder's confidence and maturity, showing children that leadership can emerge in unexpected moments and that taking initiative is part of growing up and becoming more responsible within your community or friend group. |
| Are Tom and the riders actually in serious danger? | Yes, the episode establishes genuine stakes with Tom and the other riders trapped and unable to free themselves from the Glass Caster's threat. The danger is real enough to drive the plot and create meaningful tension, requiring Thunder and the dragons to act urgently. However, the show handles this within its established adventure framework, focusing on the rescue effort and problem-solving rather than dwelling on graphic peril or creating overwhelming fear about the characters' safety. |
| What does this episode teach about working with others who are different from you? | Thunder must coordinate with dragons who have different abilities, temperaments, and ways of communicating. The episode illustrates that effective collaboration means understanding and valuing what each individual brings to the table, even when they approach problems differently than you would. Children see that diversity in a team is actually an advantage when facing complex challenges, and that a good leader recognizes how to bring out the best in everyone rather than expecting everyone to work the same way. |
| Is this episode appropriate for children who are new to the series? | While the episode works as a standalone adventure with clear stakes and resolution, new viewers will miss some context about the established relationships between Tom and Thunder and the dynamics among the Hero Dragons. The core story about leadership and rescue is accessible to anyone, but children familiar with the series will have a deeper appreciation for Thunder's character growth and the significance of him leading without Tom's guidance. The action and dragon elements remain engaging regardless of prior knowledge. |
Writing
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Directing
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| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Moving to an exotic new home, an adventurous teenager meets a new group of kids and discovers a dragon in the fissure. |
| 1 | 2 | Tom forges a friendship with the dragon and discovers an entire world of dragons within the fissure. |
| 1 | 3 | Tom and Jun encounter unexpected dangers and are separated while exploring the Hidden Realm of dragons. Tom introduces Jun to the dragon world, and Jun bonds with a dragon of her own – Wu and Wei. |
| 1 | 4 | Tom and Jun take a risk in revealing the secret of the Hidden Realm to D’Angelo to aid an injured dragon, and D’Angelo bonds with Plowhorn. |
| 1 | 5 | Tom and the others debate how to keep the dragons a secret, even as a rambunctious young “cloaking” dragon gets loose in town and pursues a friendship with a Alex. |
| 1 | 6 | Tom and the Riders try to save ICARIS when it's revealed to be in danger from a monstrous dragon. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | Jun breaks the rules by sneaking a small, adorable dragon out of the Crystal Realm and bringing it home, but finds that her older brother, Eugene, has arrived and watches her every move. |
| 2 | 2 | Tom has to keep his mom, Olivia, distracted while Jun, Alex, and D’Angelo use a new dragon to close off a cave leading to the Crystal Realm, and prevent her from discovering the dragons. |
| 2 | 3 | When Feather is taken by a group of what appear to be zombie dragons, Alex finds her inner hero and rescues her friend. |
| 2 | 4 | Tom and Thunder train a new species of aggressive tidal dragons to help the other riders put out a forest fire threatening ICARIS. |
| 2 | 5 | Tom and D’Angelo must come together to help Alex and Jun escape the clutches of the Spiderwings. |
| 2 | 6 | Tom and the riders go in search of Thunder and must face a gauntlet of dangerous dragons to find their lost friend. Along the way, Tom reveals his big secret to D’Angelo and Alex. |
| 2 | 7 | Tom and the riders help Thunder, who is seeking revenge against the dragons that chased off his family. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1 | Tom hatches an unorthodox plan to use a Monstrous Nightmare to test Alex's new fire suit, endangering the secret of dragons. |
| 3 | 2 | After a fight with her mom, Jun joins Tom on an adventure into the Fire Realm, where her knowledge of myths saves the day. |
| 3 | 3 | When a tiny Fireworm dragon ends up at ICARIS, Alex must decide between her mom's excitement and keeping the dragon secret. |
| 3 | 4 | During an attempt to get displaced Fire Gronckles back to their native realm, D'Angelo accidentally feeds them Catastrophic Quaken eggs. |
| 3 | 5 | Eugene discovers the Lair and demands a dragon of his own. |
| 3 | 6 | The dragon riders must sneak a very sick Magma Breather into the ICARIS infirmary. |
| 3 | 7 | The Sky Torcher and Flame Throwers invade the Crystal Realm; Tom must conquer his demons and bond with the Fault Ripper to defeat the Sky Torcher. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 1 | Tom and the riders discover the Ice Realm and find Buzzsaw inside. |
| 4 | 2 | Alex and Eugene find themselves at odds with Tom and their fellow dragon riders when Feathers and Webmaster go missing during a blizzard in the Ice Realm. |
| 4 | 3 | Jun struggles to convince Tom to trust her faith in myths over the Book of Dragons when they venture to a place that his book seems to say is extremely dangerous. |
| 4 | 4 | Tom’s leadership abilities come into question by Eugene when his decisions lead to failure while attempting to confront Buzzsaw. |
| 4 | 5 | Tom and Thunder discover a baby Nightlight and must bring him back to Thunder’s home realm. |
| 4 | 6 | When Thunder’s clan of fellow Nightlights is attacked by the Snow Wraith, Tom vows to rescue them. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 1 | While punished, Tom must sneak out to rescue the Riders from Buzzsaw. |
| 5 | 2 | Tom orchestrates a “safe” tour of the realms to convince Olivia that the Hidden World is safe for them to explore. |
| 5 | 3 | A mischievous new breed of dragons called Vine Tails steal the Book of Dragons. |
| 5 | 4 | Tom and the riders must work together to rescue Eugene from a dragon’s nest. |
| 5 | 5 | Tom must rescue Olivia from the Hidden World when she winds up getting herself frozen by a pack of hungry Speed Stingers. |
| 5 | 6 | When a deep freeze puts the lives of everyone in Rakke Town in jeopardy, the riders must attempt to use the dragons to get the humans through the night without being seen. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 1 | Tom struggles under the pressure of being the new ‘Dragon Whisperer’ for Rakke Town; Thunder rises to the occasion to help him. |
| 6 | 2 | When the parents leave for the night and tell the riders not to bring the dragons to the surface while they’re gone, D’Angelo and Eugene get locked in the hangar (with the dragons!) after Eugene triggers a security lockdown. |
| 6 | 3 | Jun forms an unlikely connection with Sledkin. |
| 6 | 4 | Eugene’s bond with Webmaster is put to the test when Webmaster leaves the group for a pack of Deathgrippers. |
| 6 | 5 | Tom sets out to prove Sledkin caused an explosion that injured a dragon in the Hidden World. |
| 6 | 6 | When the dragons fall victim to Buzzsaw’s poison darts, D struggles to keep a cool head and find a cure while others panic. |
| 6 | 7 | Tom and the riders “borrow” the bathysphere to rescue a dragon from the depths of the Giant Realm Sea. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 1 | When Phil threatens to shut down D’Angelo’s new dragon hospital and ban dragons from ICARIS, D’Angelo and a little Hobgobbler have to change his mind. |
| 7 | 2 | While Tom struggles with admitting his feelings for Jun, the pair find themselves trapped inside a giant tree with an anxious colony of Woodchipper dragons. |
| 7 | 3 | Thunder must wrangle and lead the Hero Dragons in a desperate attempt to save Tom and the riders from a dangerous new dragon, The Glass Caster. |
| 7 | 4 | When Jun does a Tarot reading for the team, she interprets its meaning to be that the riders will disband! In an effort to defy this fate, Jun forces the group to stick together as they search for a dragon that has breached the Rakke Town eel barrier. |
| 7 | 5 | With the dragon riders disbanded, Eugene attempts to start his own Dragon Club. |
| 7 | 6 | When Thunder accidentally fries Alex’s tablet, Alex goes off on her own and is captured by Buzzsaw. |
| 7 | 7 | Tom and the riders must finally overcome their differences and come together as a team to survive the Dark Realm. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 1 | Tom attempts to defeat the World Serpent by emulating Hiccup. |
| 8 | 2 | Tom and the dragon riders foster displaced Hidden Realm dragons in Rakke Town but things get complicated when Mr. Rakke makes a surprise visit. |
| 8 | 3 | The Dragon riders enlist the aid of Carla and Hazel and their scientific knowledge to help them prepare for a mission to neutralize Jörmungandr so they can return him to his chamber and seal him back inside. |
| 8 | 4 | Tom and the riders must rescue Plowhorn from Sledkin when the villain abducts the dragon to help her find the Gods Realm and the Dragonsite jewel. |
| 8 | 5 | Tom’s overconfidence turns to frustration then despair as he struggles to procure the ingredients for Gronckle Iron in hopes of building a trap to stop the World Serpent. |
| 8 | 6 | After a major miscalculation by Tom in 225 leaves the fate of the Realms in jeopardy, Jun and the riders rally behind Tom and Thunder to face off against the World Serpent. |
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