Netflix’s dysfunctional band of super-powered siblings have returned for another season and again, the apocalypse is afoot. Since their failed attempt to stop Vanya at the end of the previous season, Five has sent the crew back to 1960s Dallas and, rather unfortunately, the apocalypse has followed them.
On paper these story beats seem to be a rehashing of the first season, yet in Season 2 the show has realised its strengths. Instead of focusing on the mystery surrounding the end of the world (arguably the worst part of the first season), it hones in on the squabbles and familial kinship of the siblings. It’s within these interactions where the show shines, the dry wit and sly digs amongst the characters is all too relatable to anyone with a sibling, and provides the backbone of the shows humour.
The environmental reset also allows the siblings – who get split up over the space of a year – to become engrossed in the societal tensions of 60s America. Emmy Raver-Lampman’s Allison becomes an activist against the Jim-Crow laws, Ellen Page’s Vanya (having lost her memory in the time jump) gets entwined in the Red Scare anxiety of Cold War, and, in his typical hilarious fashion, Robert Sheehans Klaus has become the Leader of a religious hippie cult. It provides a nice grounding in reality to the absurdity the show thrives off of and allows an exploration of sensitive themes absent from the first season. But, its the incredible Aidan Gallagher and his grouchy old man trapped in a child body character Five steals every scene he’s in yet again, can’t wait for more from him.
Nevertheless, it’s not perfect, many of the new characters are quite hit or miss, Rita Aryas Lila, whilst good, is one dimensional and is mainly there as a way of exploring David Castañeda’s Diego more. Also, the three swedes are no replacement for Hazel and Cha-Cha, but are used in a quite comically terminator-esque way that does save them from becoming boring. Furthermore, the show could benefit from slowing down a little from time to time as, although incredibly choreographed, some of the action sequences can become tedious.
That being said, Season 2 does live up to the hype, its absurd sensibility, incredible soundtrack (that uses the needle drop better than any show I can think of), mesmeric action set pieces and familial heart beat make it more than worth your time.
4/5
