Httyd analysis
You know what I love the most about Crushing it ? It's how much of a reverse parallel to How to pick your dragon it is.
First there is Stoick overall attitude towards flying a dragon.
In How to pick your dragon he is very much against it instead being dead set in traditions and the Viking way. He ignores every suggestion from Hiccup about the advantages it would give him and the village unless it is parroted back by Gobber.
In Crushing it, it is shown Stoick very much missed flying as he had made sure Thornado's saddle stayed shiny despite his friend being gone for three whole years.
He even said so when him and Hiccup were looking for the Rumblehorn: "Ah, it's good to be back up in the air again."
Then, once Hiccup did get on a dragon, Stoick basically took over Hiccup, riding Toothless in his place and cutting off his son when he tries to give direction to his friends leading to one of Hiccup's famous quip : "Can anybody even see me back here ?!"
In Crushing it, the opposite happens.
When Hiccup and Stoick arrived back on the Edge and are apprised of the current situation, Stoick, being Chief, immediately try to take charge. Except, this time, Hiccup is the one who cut him off and gives instructions to his friends while his father is caught by surprise.
Finally there is the way he behaves towards the dragon threat in each episode.
In How to pick your dragon, Stoick is so sure as to why the Thunderdrum is attacking their fishing ships while Hiccup thinks there maybe another reason and it's only when they discovered Thornado's injured friend they realised Hiccup had been the one who was right.
In Crushing it, it is Hiccup who is so sure of what the behaviour of the Rumblehorn means and that, he maybe forced to deal with him the old fashioned away while Stoick is the one who realised something doesn't add up and turns out to be proven right.
And, in the end he bonds with his two dragon friends because they all shared the same desire to protect what they hold dear at all cost.
