I think that the Python course completely lost itself at the OO section

Let's break down the super() usage.

• When one class extends (or sub-classes) another class, all of the parents methods are automatically available in the new subclass.
• The subclass may override a parent class method by simply defining a new method of the same name. Note that the parent class method is still exists, but only appears hidden by the new subclass method.
• If the subclass wants to extend the parent class method, then a mechanism is needed to refer to the parent class method separately from the subclass version of the method.
• The super() function says skip the subclass namespace and look directly to the parent class namespace for a specific method. Think of it as a way to jump up the inheritance hierarchy looking for code.

Sometimes we want to run the parent class method, then do more work:

class SomeClass(ParentClass):
    def __init__(self):
        # run the parent class __init__ first
        super().__init__()
        # then do more stuff
        self.new_attribute = "I'm a subclass"

Sometimes we want to prep data before calling the parent class method. This is likely when the parent class method takes an argument we want to adjust:

class SomeClass(ParentClass):
    def __init__(self):
        # then do prep stuff
        die = D6
        # run the parent class __init__ last
        super().__init__(die_class=die)

These are very simplistic examples, but give the general idea. Post back if you have more questions!!