Kate

Even though I was not as disappointed in season 2 as many people were, I do understand the complaints, since not one aspect of the production was improved, while some actually declined in delivery. Still, was it fun? Hell yeah.

The plot just continues from season one - Jian and Jinman forced to be against Babylon. Same good team, new villains, no nuance. While some plotlines and characters had good potential, it was never used. Schemes on top of schemes, twists on top of twists - don’t try to figure it out, just enjoy the ride. The plot and motivations of the characters are not deep enough to use any brain power on them.

What can I say about the “good” guys… decent guys? Gray characters? Still love Jian and Jinman. I love when the focus relationship that drives the whole show is not a romantic one. It always feels more refreshing, no matter what. I found Jian’s arc to be rather well paced and presented. Her resistance to accept the fact she is part of that dangerous world and there is no turning back anymore was decently developed and the turning point for her acceptance also made sense.

Jinman for sure is one of the best written and consistent characters in both seasons. Every decision he makes makes sense, his objectives have clear purpose - there is no guessing game why he does what he does, it’s clear from day one. Protecting Jian is his life mission, but I like how it’s not a stagnant arc. He goes from trying to protect her by hiding things from her, to accepting the fact the best way to protect her is supporting her own choices. It’s also wise to remember how hot Lee Dong Wook is in this role.

While I enjoyed good-ish guys a lot, I cannot say the same for the antagonists. I cannot comprehend who thought it was a good idea to write off all the most distinctive fun and entertaining ones, to leave us with the psycho who is nothing, but the empty shell with no substance. That’s what the second season lacks the most - good villains with well developed motivations. Kusanagi Jin gave me nothing writing wise. I am sorry, but making your bad guys act completely psychopathic is not enough anymore, the audience wants more.

Luckily, the acting was as strong as we would hope it would be. This is an action packed drama, so I need to appreciate the hard work that was put into delivering well choreographed fighting scenes. The dominant emotion that was presented on the screen was desperation, and it did translate in any and all aspects of the performances. The deliveries that stood out for me were: obviously the man Lee Dong Wook - he needs to stick to these darker and more serious roles, this what suits him the best. I’m gonna speak from my heart - he is just so hot when he is all fighting with blood on his face. It is what it is.

Kim Hye Jun also made sure her performance was on the same level as her co-stars. Jung Yun Ha saved Kusanagi Jin with her acting, because the writing was not it. And we have to talk about Okada Masaki as J - I wish for a prequel focused just on J and Q. What an entertaining ride that would be.

As for directing - still fun. I don’t think anything truly stood out. The storytelling was far more linear, there were less unique ways to present the plot and the twists. The story just sailed smoothly from point A to point B with little disturbance. Which is a little bit disappointing.

What I liked about season one was how they delivered non-linear storytelling. Cutting the scenes and moving between the timelines at just the right moments to create the suspense - this is what this season lacked for sure. They went for typical plot twists that at some point were painfully easy to predict. While season two kept the entertainment aspect high, it lacked the tension.

As I already said - the fighting scenes were still amazing. Well choreographed and well acted - you can see they did put some effort into practice to make them seem realistic and dynamic. What I did not like were the Terminator-esque robots showing up a few times - they looked extremely fake and took me out of the show every time. Except for them, all the other CGI and special effects were good.

Similarly, the set design was fine. Nothing truly stood out either in a positive nor negative manner. Sadly, while I love the soundtrack, I think they did not utilize it to its full potential. These songs hit hard when you listen to them outside of the show, but when you watch the scenes they are used in, they do not have the same impact.

Overall, it was not as good as season one, but I also think it was not as bad as people claim it to be. The biggest mistake the show made was writing off all the best antagonists, leaving the viewers with mediocrity in the second half.