Like Calls to Like

I really enjoyed season one. I'm not a book reader so this show is my introduction to the universe and it's great; incredibly diverse, beautiful cinematography, and amazing potential with the magical aspects of this world.

Season one packed all that. Sure, some moments had me "girl what is this?" but all in all I loved the big coherent plot and few subplots to fill up the holes and drive the larger storyline.

Queue my disappointment when I started season 2; the first episode, to me, was a mess (respectfully). It was hard to keep track of everything that was happening and evolving in front of me, and I literally had a headache with the constant, unnecessary jumping scenes to different subplots. Needless to say, there were way too many of the latter and keeping focus was becoming a task.

Though it was episode 1; usually first eps are a little messy (I tell myself) so I forced myself to stick through it.

So far, nothing is really changing in terms of pacing. The flow is incoherent and it's impossible to connect with characters that I loved in season 1; just when I'm about to "connect" again to a character's motives, you'll get thrown into an entirely different scene with polar opposite plots that add literally nothing to the main storyline. And it's a shame because these subplots would've been amazing as a stand alone spin off show, and give them their deserved attention.

I read somewhere from a book reader its because the writers are unnecessarily merging different timelines together and honestly? It shows. This season is all over the place.

I'll force myself through it because despite my annoyance I am committed to seeing the end, but overall, to me, this season is highly lacking that "wow" factor that it had in season 1. Which is genuinely a shame, because the cast and diversity are great.

"Shadow and Bone" Season 2, Episode 3, soars to new heights with a captivating 10/10, painting a narrative of skies fraught with betrayal, unveiled identities, and the relentless pursuit that defines the Grishaverse.

The episode unfolds with a reinvigorated Alina, embarking on a daring journey with Sturmhond and his group aboard a flying vessel into the treacherous Fold. Alina's attempt to banish the Fold showcases her formidable powers, yet even her reinvigoration proves insufficient. The crash, subsequent encounters with Volcra, and interception by First Army soldiers add layers of tension and complexity.

In a dramatic revelation, Sturmhond unveils his true identity as Nikolai Lantsov, Major of the 22nd Regiment and King Pyotr's second son. The narrative pivots as Nikolai brings Alina to the Spinning Wheel, a Grishna sanctuary, reuniting her with Nadia. His offer of protection through marriage introduces a dynamic twist, placing Alina under the royal family's shield.

Meanwhile, Jesper and Wylan's infiltration of Appelbroek as repairmen adds a touch of cunning to the narrative. Inej's revelation about Pekka murdering Kaz's brother deepens their bond, and the episode takes a thrilling turn as Inej survives an assassination attempt by Mogens.

On the darker side, General Kirigan resumes his relentless pursuit of Alina, resorting to gruesome measures, including cutting off his mother Baghra's finger for assistance. David and Genya's attempt to warn Alina meets a chilling end as Kirigan deploys his shadow creature to devour Genya.

In a parallel plot, Matthias's rejection of Nina following a cage fight sets the stage for further tension, while Pekka Rollins's offer to free Matthias in exchange for Nina capturing Kaz adds a layer of suspense.

"Skies of Betrayal" is a masterful chapter, seamlessly blending action, revelation, and the ominous pursuit that defines the Grishaverse.