Coming after one of the best debut seasons ever, there was a lot for Season 2 to live up to, and it didn't really succeed. The pacing is wonky and weird, but the hypnotizing imagery, intriguing mysteries, and strong character focus still leaves it enjoyable.
To explain the plot of Season 2 would take way too long, as it kind of feels like a lot is and isn't happening both at the same time. Elliot spends most of the season in prison, but he refuses to tell us he's in prison out of spite. The Dark Army is planning its Stage 2, while fsociety falls apart after the hack. The season introduces Dom, an FBI agent who struggles to investigate the Dark Army. I like Dom, and think she's a great addition to the cast. There's also Angela adjusting to her job, and Joanna Wellick trying to find her husband.
Season 2 can be frustrating with its slow pace and lack of answering some of the most burning questions. We don't find Tyrell or learn what Stage 2 is until the end of the season, and even that doesn't answer everything. The entire first half is spent in prison, but since we don't know that, the season just feels off while you're watching it. The prison twist itself is actually really cool, but I think it was dragged out way too long. That's probably my biggest problem with the season, the events of the season would be great if it was five or six episodes, but at twelve episodes, it all just feels too long and drawn out. And by the end of the season, the story gets way too convoluted.
Despite my complaints, Season 2 is as well-written, acted, and filmed as the first, and there are still tons of strong and memorable episodes:
eps2.3_logic-b0mb.hc: The final shootout at the end of the episode was amazing. It's a terrifying one-shot that completely blew me away upon seeing it for the first time, and it's probably the scene that really made me warm up to Dom.
eps2.4_m4ster-s1ave.aes: That sitcom sequence was so good that it single-handedly elevated an otherwise uneventful episode. It was a unique gimmick that focused on the Elliot's dysfunctional family dynamics while making it entertaining and unique. I don't think I've seen anything quite like this on TV.
eps2.5_h4ndshake.sme: As mentioned before, the reveal that Elliot has been in prison the whole time is really cool and it makes a lot of sense. While it doesn't save the relatively boring first third, the moment of realization is still mind-blowing.
eps2.9_pyth0n.p7z: This finale was a bit odd, as it feels like for every question it answered, an entirely new mystery was introduced. While taken in a vacuum, the plot directions were great, between Elliot getting shot, Tyrell's return, Angela's interrogation, the FBI's Dark Army board, the reveal of Stage 2, and the stinger. However, I think the length of this episode made it drag a bit, and the way in which these plot decisions were executed made the episode feel even more convoluted in the end.
Overall, Season 2 is a beautifully filmed, well-acted mess. Its refusal to resolve mysteries makes the storyline convoluted as more and more questions are asked, yet it also feels like nothing has happened. It's still enjoyable to watch, but it can feel really frustrating when you don't know how everything is going to be resolved in Season 3.
3.5/5 Stars
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