Often, when our favorite books are brought to life, there is both an outcry and praise for the changes made to effectively adapt to the screen. For Shadow and Bone, Season 1 diverted from the text, ending in the same fashion yet navigating its own unique path to get there. The series was met with praise for its changes, Netflix’s adapted series giving more strength to both the story and its lead protagonist, Sun Summer Alina. And while Season 2 continues on the same path of adaptation, it struggles at times with honoring both the source material and its fans.
Season 2 picks up shortly after the final events of last season. The Darkling (Ben Barnes) and Alina (Jessie Mei Li) have both survived the events from within The Fold, both emerging on opposite sides of it. Our final shots of the season show the light and the dark one last time, Alina on her way to discover the means to save Ravka, while The Darkling reemerges with the ominous command of “follow”, something stepping out of the shadows behind him. It was a powerful ending, bringing to a close a fairly powerful season. There was excitement in the air as it concluded, an anticipation brewing for what was next to come. With a vast array of source material to follow the conclusion of writer Leigh Bardugo‘s Shadow and Bone, all eyes turned to Siege and Storm and season two for what could possibly come next.
A lot of Material to Get Through
As “No Shelter But Me” opens, it is quickly established that season two would be following suit, merging everything Bardugo‘s world has to offer. Mal (Archie Renaux) and Alina have reached their destination, disembarking from the ship alone. It’s a bit jarring as it begins, the pair working through customs and eventually through the town of Cofton. There is an immediate feeling as though an episode might have been missed. This feeling is reinforced as viewers are reintroduced to The Crows, Kaz Brekker (Freddy Carter), Jasper (Kit Young), and Inej (Amita Suman), now back in Ketterdam – Kaz filled with a growing rage for revenge. For both parties, there is little introduction, just an immediate lunge into action and narrative.
As both narratives play out, Bardugo‘s work constantly lingers, yet the series begins to truly take on a shape of its own. And as viewers familiar with the books may initially struggle to adjust to the new direction, this is further complicated as “No Shelter But Me” constantly feels rushed to reintroduce its characters and move the story along. The first episode consists of harsh editing and a neck-breaking pace that will struggle to connect with its audience.
Thankfully, as the series moves into its second episode, “Rusalye”, it stops to take a breath. As it pulls back on its pacing and editing, it begins to finally feel more cohesive with season one. Yet, even with its restraint on pacing and editing, it still finds both struggles and successes as it moves through to its halfway point in episode four’s “Every Monstrous Thing”. Much of this up-and-down rollercoaster ride will fall to the wayside however as viewer and storytelling grow in confidence with the narrative direction taking form. Bardugo‘s world is still ever present, yet there is an excitement that brews as one lets go of the original tale and embraces this new adaptation. Once you settle in, it is one hell of a ride.
A Loose Adaption
At this point, I think it is safe today that Shadow and Bone have become a loose adaption of the works of Bardugo, crafting an identity all its own. The inspiration constantly weaves in and out, from dialogue to action, yet the world of Ravka and the journey of the Sun Summoner has become a new tale all its own. Many will love the direction the series has taken their beloved characters, others will find critiques in the moments missing. And this is where the series threatens its disconnect with its audience.
For many expecting Siege and Storm, Shadow and Bone season two leans heavily into the legacy of The Crows, all while combining the events of both Siege and Storm and Ruin and Rising. It is hard at times to adjust to the new direction yet at others an ease to slip into. Yet, as jarring as it might be, especially for those familiar with the books, the series finds its legs and confidence, becoming stronger and more engaging with every episode.
And it’s hard to say whether this feeling is more prominent as a reader or not. Having read the original trilogy, it took a few episodes to let go of the story I had known so well to embrace the new one unfolding before me. Much of that difficulty comes from the desire to see specific scenes, or even sections of the books, play out that were either altered or omitted altogether. Yet, as someone who has also not read The Six of Crows Duology, even their initial reintroduction felt as though something was missing.
Yet, with each episode that passes, the new direction of season two becomes increasingly captivating. Where I had my concerns, especially with episodes one through three, they were quickly forgotten as we moved through the season’s second half. No matter the changes or omissions, Shadow and Bone not only claims its own identity, much like its own protagonist, but it also solidifies your return for a potential season three. And I hope Netflix delivers.
Shining Stars
Adaptations and pacing aside, Shadow and Bone find its greatest strength in its characters. Alina continues to find strength in the acceptance of her own true identity and path to save Ravka. Jessie Mei Li harnesses this growing strength and sacrifice of power, leaving a breadth of possibilities in her Alina. Mal continues to be by her side, a constant guardian and love interest. And while his insecurity and jealousy of Nikolai is more retrained here than in the books, Archie Renauxia is able to keep its presence on screen through looks and body language, keeping the Mal of the page alive in the direction of the Mal on screen. Patrick Gibson gracefully corners an edge in the love triangle, giving his Nikolai a more subdued and loving role in his interactions with Mal and Alina. But make no mistake, this is the Nikolai from the book, even if some of the best parts of his initial inclusion are not all there. And Gibson harnesses it to perfection making him one of the favorite newcomers in season two.
The Crows expand as well, not only on the island of Ketterdam but within their crew. The Crows were one of the best additions to the adaptation in season one, and while initially struggles in season two, once again proves their inclusion is vital to the adaptation as a whole. Freddy Carter is given the opportunity to expand on his Kaz Brekker, an opportunity he does not hesitate on. While his character’s directions feel jarring and coming out of left field initially, Carter works to harness the direction given to him, his commanding performance giving to a clever vulnerability that gives Brekker even more room to grow.
Anna Long Brophy as Tamar and Lewis Tan as Tolya are going to be exactly what readers were hoping for. They are witty, brutal and devoutly loyal. Brophy and Tan fully encompass their characters, understanding the assignment and executing with perfection. The success of this cast rests on both its returning menagerie in Kit Young, Amita Suman, Ben Barnes, Danielle Galligan, Jack Wolfie, and Sujaya Dasgupta, but also within the additions that are interwoven to make the series a true shining success.
Conclusion:
Shadow and Bone loses some of the crispness it had in the first season, feeling at times more like it is chugging through the source material to hit key points than a cohesive adventure. And while most of this is felt in the first few episodes, it does linger until the film’s final moments. The first season, even with its changes, felt like an empowering epic, drawing inspiration from series like Game of Thrones. Season two takes on a stricter young adult feeling, and would fit well in the company of Shadowhunters – a fun young adult series that had its ups and downs through seasons and adaptation of the source as well.
Though critiques aside, Shadow and Bone‘s second season is not without its successes, capturing the spirit of the beloved series, while also laying the groundwork to further expand the world of Ravka. It may struggle, especially early on, but by the season’s end, you will find you can’t wait to return.
Shadow and Bone premieres on Netflix on March 16, 2023!
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