What Is the Story About?
The series adapts the story of young Alina Starkov, an orphan and cartographer of the Ravka nation’s First Army. She discovers she is a Grisha, particularly the sun summoner and the one long awaited to address a dire need in the universe. The second season picks up from The first’s epilogue, where the Kirigan is still alive with his newly created shadow monsters. Alina should grab the remaining amplifiers to destroy the fold and unite Ravka. The second season much like the first mixes Siege and Storm (2013) and Ruin and Rising (2014), along with elements of Crooked Kingdom (2016) in the Crows’ storyline.
Performances?
Jessie Mei Li is the MVP of the season two as well. Incredibly charming, vulnerable and strong, she carries the season alongside other vividly charming and talented supporting cast.
Ben Barnes as Kirigan brings the effortlessly hot-antagonist era back. His confrontational scenes with Alina are one for the history books. Archie Renaux gets more screen-time in the second season and does his job really well.
Analysis
Shadow and Bone developed by Eric Heisserer for Netflix is an American Fantasy action adventure based on two series of books in the Grishaverse by Leigh Bardugo, the Shadow and Bone trilogy and the Six of Crows duology.
The second season picks up from The first season’s epilogue, where Kirigan- the shadow summoner is still alive with his newly created shadow monsters from the fold. Alina should grab the remaining amplifiers to destroy the fold and unite Ravka. The second season much like the first mixes Siege and Storm (2013) and Ruin and Rising (2014), along with elements of Crooked Kingdom (2016) in the Crows’ storyline.
The first episode of Shadow & Bone season two starts with a bang. There’s a heavy tinge of inquisitiveness and curiosity the writing cleverly inflicts on the viewers when it comes to what happened to Alina, the crows,Mal,Genya, Nina, Matthias et. al. The writing also establishes new interesting characters besides the recurring ones.
The episodes that follow quite doesn’t hit the mark as it should. Although the curiosity factor is still intact, the pace does take a hit. It’s almost as if there’s a long long road till the finale even for the audience. The crows and Alina’s story-lines intersect quite a few times, but at times the intersections are very obstructive of Alina’s journey in the series. But, exceptionally charming actors make up for it and you still remain glued to the screens.
Much like season 1, Shadow & Bone season 2 is also occasionally marred with predictable twists, but heavily salvaged by that twister of a climax. The scene where Alina gets the second amplifier is so underwhelming to begin with. The sophomore season picks it all up after the 5th episode. The same engaging narrative is continued and it gets better from thereon.
The biggest strength of Shadow & Bone Season 2 is its cast. The recurring cast as well as the fresh joinees. All of them make up for interesting case-studies and are so well written. Except that Genya deserved much better than what she was given,the writing does due justice to most of the cast.
In short the sophomore season of Shadow & Bone is a must watch for the fans. Despite dragging itself a bit too much with the duration, the show has right amount of fun and entertainment where one just needs to dig the fantasy, enjoy the unbelievable world and root for the good guy. & ofcourse an interesting climax.
Other Artists?
The supporting cast of Shadow & Bone is solid. Be it the actors who play Grishas, or the crows or the or the Fjerdans or the Ravkan King and his siblings. Apart from the major recurring cast of Season 1, Patrick Gibson as Nikolai Lantsov is a scene-stealer. Wickedly charming and sometimes endearing, he is a surprise addition to the show. Kit Young’s Jasper is also a season favourite, apart from Danielle Galligan as Nina.
Music and Other Departments?
Much like season 1, the background score is pitch perfect. With the right mix of elevatory and inquisitive moments. Barring sluggish vfx in parts, Shadow & Bone Season 2 cinematography, production values and design are really good. The writing, however takes a long and draggy note in between.
Highlights?
Core Story
Cast
Climax
Drawbacks?
Slipping Pace
Duration
Too many characters sometimes spoil the flow
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes. The fans of season 1 would definitely have a ball.
Shadow & Bone Season 2 Series Review by Binged Bureau
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