Annabel Smith

Based on the Grishaverse fantasy book, Shadow and Bone season 2 sees a visual progression into this distinct, historically-inspired world.

With dissecting storylines, an expansion of Grisha-lore and changes in the political landscape, Leigh Bardugo’s TV adaptation continues  “high emotional stakes and transformative moments” according to The Guardian.

A Darker Turn

Season 2 sees events take a darker turn from those in season 1. After escaping The Darkling’s clutches and the resultant expansion of the Fold, Alina (Jesse Mei Lei) is on the run, whilst the political stability of Ravka remains turbulent.

Off in Ketterdam, The Crows are off on more adventures – for the crown and to fill their pockets – and there is no shortage of comic relief along the way. Meanwhile, Matthias (Calahan Skogman) is imprisoned in Hellgate after a wrongful conviction and is isolated from much of the cast.

Location

Optically, Shadow and Bone gives off a traditional and bonafide look. Mostly filmed on location in Hungary, with heightened set-dressing to offer the fantasy touch, this season offers an authentic edge.

By using established buildings, like the Monostori Fort as the first army base, the Eötvös Loránd University Central Library as the Novyi Zem Library, and the Festetics Palace as the Little Palace, this season exudes a familiar yet transportable glimpse into a world that continues to grow before your eyes.

“The entire Grishaverse is evolving and establishing itself anew in the visual adaption.”

Although Bardugo had spoken of historical Russia being a ‘touchstone‘ for Ravka in the novels, the entire Grishaverse is evolving and establishing itself anew in the visual adaptation.

New Characters

Season 2 introduces new characters, including Nikolai Lanstov (Patrick Gibson) and Wylan (Jack Wolfe). With the newcomer Nikolai’s wit, dimension, and juxtaposing pirate and princely roles, this new storyline within Ravka proves a refreshing alternative to Mal (Archie Renaux) and Alina’s goings-on, even if they do overlap.

While The Crows maximise on the sarcastic and awkward moments, Wylan, Jesper (Kit Young) and Nina (Danielle Gilligan) offer the necessary comedy duelling to complement the more dangerous and serious moments in Ravka.

“Truly taking the reins of her power, Alina has some realistic character growth.”

Rest assured that the established characters aren’t swept aside as a result. Bardugo sees potential to give Mal an arc more fitting for a foot-soldier – and this certainly did not disappoint.

Renaux emulates selflessness, growing alongside Alina in a way that is missing from the book. Evolving in confidence, Alina transforms from a newly recognised Grisha into a character using her political power, taking the initiative to fight The Darkling. Truly taking the reins of her power, Alina has some realistic character growth – at least as much as characters with magical powers can.

High Stakes

“The Crows are by far the most entertaining to see on screen.”

But The Crows are by far the most entertaining to see on screen. As they execute heists throughout the ten-episode season, there are high stakes, a consistent lack of means adding to their underdog image, and a feeling of chaos every time they began a plan. Their leader Kaz Brekker (Freddy Carter) carries out the cold, layered anti-hero well.

His performance is a hit with fans as an added backstory, and his subsequent desire for revenge breathed life into the character. With Toyla (Lewis Tan) also interacting with The Crows for part of the season, alongside his twin Tamar (Anna Leong Brophy), the ensemble feels fresh and exhilarating with these different personalities merging in this fantasy story.

Underutilised Characters

However, throughout Shadow and Bone, a tendency to fast-forward character growth and plot is the norm. For example, Inej’s (Amita Suman) barely-mentioned background in the menagerie to the acceleration of her relationship with Kaz.

Ultimately, the attention to the character arcs takes a back seat compared to the series’ action. Zoya (Sujaya Dasgupta) and Genya (Daisy Head) are some examples of underutilised characters in spite of their major roles in Ravka and their connection to The Darkling and Alina.

“Their scenes feel forced amongst the dense narrative.”

Given moments of seriousness, their scenes feel forced amongst the dense narrative. All in all, the mass of characters and storylines, although entertaining, proved messy in recalling what happens and force you to draw little attachment to some of the characters.

Regardless, Nina and Matthias’ dynamic feels powerful and all the better for its slow-burn nature. Their passionate and sometimes stoic performances, as well as the geographical distance between them, give the characters room to sit with the consequences of season 1.

Their arc feels perfectly timed, and an expansion of Matthias’ background as Fjerdan and Nina’s as a Grisha outside Ravka offers an interesting perspective.

Villainy

“Despite villainous monologues and a fittingly dramatic cape, Barnes does not have a lot of room to truly showcase his villainy.”

The central villain, The Darkling, feels lacking this season. As an outlier of Ravka, The Darkling plots on the sidelines with occasional appearances alongside the cast. Despite villainous monologues and a fittingly dramatic cape, Barnes does not have a lot of room to truly showcase his villainy. Even the combat scenes fail to maximise the power he garners.

Similarly isolated yet more interesting, Matthias’ set-up in Hellgate offers another layer of world-building to the dense fantasy realm. Away from the chaos of cities like Ketterdam and the wreckage waged by Kirigan’s shadow creatures, Matthias’ perspective sees potential for a breakout which offers easy-to-follow interest. After all, Hellgate is a setting untouched by political conflict and is operating in its own kind of chaos.

 

Looking Forward

Although the performances remain memorable, the Shadow and Bone season 2 plot remains largely forgettable. Whether it be due to the sheer amount of goings-on this season, or the interweaving storylines, season 2 didn’t shine as much as its predecessor.

“Season 3 holds a lot of promise.”

But, season 3 holds a lot of promise with new characters, exciting crossovers between those in Ravka and Ketterdam, and the prospects of more heists to come. Season 3 is sure to be an action-adventure fantasy with just enough romance, friendship, and political turbulence to keep it interesting. 

Season 3 is yet to be confirmed, but you can watch seasons 1 and 2 of Shadow and Bone on Netflix now.

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Featured image courtesy of Jade87 from Pixabay. Image license found here. No changes were made to this image.

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