Shadow and Bone Season 2: a proper adaptation of character dynamics

Just like the sophomore season, the second season of Shadow and Bone combines Leigh Bardugo's novels, "Shadow and Bone" and "Six of Crows". This time, the worldbuilding and character bonding is even more intense, immersive and engrossing.

Among the season's new characters are the prince of Ravka, Nikolai, as well as the warrior twins Tolya and Tamar. Despite being a fan favorite and an integral part of the story, Nikolai hardly seems to draw attention to himself. The Darkling and Kaz are the two characters whose stories are examined in tantalizing detail. Ben Barnes lends us some epic scenes as he returns as the unhinged and menacing villain - the Darkling. His backstory explains and explores the darkness within him. He shines best when he is obsessed with revenge but one cannot forgo the moments in which he exudes humanity and softness. On the other hand, flashback sequences rationalize the pride and anguish that Kaz is often saturated with.

Once Alina learns that the Darkling has survived, she becomes determined to destroy him and this time, she will do it at any cost. Even though Alina is the main protagonist, the show is overstuffed with so many other brilliant characters who easily overshadow her. Beyond her extraordinary powers, what keeps her character intriguing is her love story with Mal and connection with the Darkling. Alina and Mal's relationship is put to test as secrets are revealed and the stakes get higher. However, portraying the burgeoning tension in their relationship while also exploring Alina's increasingly political role in Ravka gets quite messy. The Darkling wastes no time building his own army of Grisha and wielding the deadly shadow monsters he created in the Fold, called "Nichevo'ya". Meanwhile, he manipulates Alina to be on his side through their strange bond.

Our beloved Crows get quite a bit of screen time as they find themselves in a predicament as they start to lose control of the Barrel in Ketterdam while also carrying out another heist for the Sun Summoner. The original Crows - Kaz, Inej, and Jesper – are joined by Heartrender Nina and explosives specialist Wylan. The relationship between Jesper and Wylan is a satisfying slow burn and keeps things light in an otherwise dark story.

Cramming too many plotlines made it impossible for the writers to focus on few things at once. No stone is left unturned when it comes to the complicated relationship, steeped with rage and regret, between the Darkling and his mother Baghra. Moreover, Nina's undying love for Mattias leaves the audience desperate for a reunion between them. Inej fights like a champion in every action scene, especially episode 6, which blew my mind.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this season is the costume design. The 'keftas' are not only beautiful but enlightening as the embroidery is based on which magical order the character is in. Jesper's stylish coats and hats, Inej's hooded tunic in dark shades and the Darkling's elegant cloak are all well-designed. Including animated maps of Ravka, Novyi Zem, and Ketterdam is a thoughtful touch. However, the special effects and locations were not that impressive as it was obvious that most of the scenes were shot in a set made in less than a week.

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Season 2 is at its best during the small character moments.The pacing is too fast and demands you to binge watch or you will not be able to keep up. Regardless, the series gets away with it as each person and relationship is made unique and distributed across each episode in a way that highlights their skills. My most favorite romantic relationship was the one between Kaz and Inej. The palpable tension created by their chemistry is exactly how I imagined it while reading the books.

The culmination of these mash-ups is a thrilling, high-octane, and crowd-pleasing crescendo that unfolds in the season's climactic battle – occurring in episode 7, not episode 8 – and pays dividends on the new relationships built across each episode.Overall, the series jam packs many stories but still leaves many doors open for a third season. The Crow Club is also set to get their own spinoff soon.