User blog comment:Thomasfan502/Season 8 Discussion Blog/@comment-31892545-20190227040626

Season 8 is supposed to be a return to the series’ early values, and by looks of the involvement of the Specialists, I’d say they’re doing just that. The early concept of Winx Club, “Winx, Just Fairies,” pitched elements for both boys and girls.

“Action sequences, attitudes and displays of power, strength and magic for boys

-Fashion, friendship and lots of music for girls”

These values carried over into the early seasons of Winx Club because the Specialists were seen almost as equally as the girls with their Wind Riders, combat training, and hoverboards (and they often went on missions with the girls), but were gradually phased out over time, reducing that traditionally "boyish" element of the series and leaning toward a more traditionally "girl-centric" show. At least from the trailer, it’s nice to even consider they might be bringing this balance back.