DISENCHANTMENT Part 2: Honest, Vibrant & Seriously Brave

Elves, demons, literal descents into the flaming underworld, and just about any element of fantastical iconography this team can successfully transfer to the world of episodic animation, Disenchantment Part 2 is vibrant, honest, and every ounce as charming as its predecessor.

With its first installment hitting screens in the summer of 2018, Disenchantment showcased Matt Groening’s (of The Simpsons and Futurama fame) ability to adapt his creations to the world of fantasy, trading the realms of suburbia for the muddy paths of a distant kingdom, the shiny exterior of a far off spaceport for the grimy dwellings of peasants and royalty alike.

Much like the subjects of the before mentioned previous projects, Disenchantment tends to focus on a cast of core characters, this time around highlighting the mishaps of a rebellious princess, her loyal elf companion, and an all too witty demon turned bartender, now let’s talk story.

Picking Up Where We Left Off

Drifting slightly wide of the Groening model that fans are used to (potentially due to the episodic nature of its Netflix HQ), Disenchantment picks up from the loose ends of part 1, forwarding a story that more than warrants this chapter’s existence.

As a welcome host of elf ridden adventures find their way onto this season’s roster, the latest journey into the lives of Dreamland’s most hearty inhabitant features some of the show’s most enjoyable episodes, from a 20 or so minute long elven tax heist, to a glimpse into the world of a neighbouring steam punk metropolis, no two episodes feel alike, delivering a real win in this current state of serialised television. Special shout-out to “In Her Own Write”, an episode which spent its run time commenting on the life of a tortured writer, hitting all too close to home in the most glorious way possible.

Whilst part 2 certainly boats its fair share of stand alone episodes, the season is at its best when propelling through an intertwined arc, allowing moments of suggested plot to twinkle amongst a barrage of wonderfully quaint production design and disconnected tales of fantasy. It’s within these moments of haunting story beats that Disenchantment really finds its footing, giving characters a unique dimension that can often feel alien in a world of episodic animation.

As foreboding music boxes and persistent antagonists are used to drive home a sense of overarching mortality, part 2 progresses at a satisfying pace, allowing ample time for moments of one off background charm to sit comfortably alongside purposeful stretches of story. Now, did someone say Elfo?

A Cast Of Pure Fantasy

Mirroring their outings in part 1, rebellious Princess Bean and harmless companion Elfo live out the entirety of Disenchantment‘s latest chapter in classic fantasy style, dodging every scrape in their way whilst subjecting themselves to any adventure possible, all in the name of entertainment, what a partnership.

It’s this partnering dynamic that launches Disenchantment so willingly through its episodes, not once falling into a dull slumber, instead ensuring that whenever the show takes a deserved break from its wit, the gap is instantly filled with characters (main and secondary cast alike) fully prepared to take a lead in the matter of amusement and genuine heart.

With part 1 favourite Luci taking a somewhat more muted position in the latter half of the proceedings (well, as muted as a demonic entity can be), more minor characters are given their well earned moments of glory, characters such as Odval and jolly Prince Merkimer in particular serving some of the collection’s most memorable minutes.

If it can be said that modern episodic animation exists through its cast, no saying rings truer for Disenchantment Part 2. With a cast so hellbent on stealing the limelight at any given moment, so many of the episodes on offer here are littered with scene stealing dialogue and wonderfully original voice work that truly deserves praise, something that seriously aids Disenchantment’s most unique component, it’s humour.

Medieval Humour, Who Would Have Guessed it?

The humour so lovingly littered throughout Disenchantment is what makes the miniature epic feel so rare, a real writing credit for the show and its behind the scenes creators, and when paired with some inspired voice acting and visuals to boot, the episodic fantasy has no real trouble finding a unique voice in amongst a growing ocean of competitors.

When it comes to the punchlines of Disenchantment a real tip of the hat feels necessary, consistently feeling fresh, mature, and fitting of its environment, a completely new take on the familiar voice of Groening and the team at hand, and a very welcome one at that.

Delivering delightfully mature (and rather brave) takes on a writers’ psyche, the mischievous happenings of a fictitious underworld, and the ever funny understandings of future technology, Disenchantment part 2 owns some of the most unique animated comedy of 2019, and needs to be praised for such achievements desperately.

Part 3 Anyone?

As these latest episodes draw to a close, the series can’t help but feel too short, and just like its earlier installment, only finding time to focus on its main story in the closing moments of the season. That being said, the reason for this late sprint towards the narrative finish line exists within its wonderfully unique stand alone episodes, the episodes that don’t tend to progress any real story but instead focus on telling smaller scale tales of fantastical proportions, a willing sacrifice when the overall quality is this high.

Disenchantment Part 2 feels new, current, has an understanding of what makes it wonderful, a cast of familiar and charming characters mixed in with quaint visuals, fantastic voice work, and some serious talent in the writers room. Chapter 3 not only feels necessary, but desperately asked for. A third instalment can’t come soon enough, just name your price, and your name whilst you’re at it, right guys?

With a story yet to conclude, which roads would you like to see our gang of medieval mishaps venture down in Part 3? Let us know!

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