Carl Roberts 
The Titans return for a second season of monster mayhem in Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters. Can Kurt Russell and his co-stars make the new season a monster success?
Are you ready to experience more monster mayhem with Apple TV’s Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters? You certainly need to be. The new season of the show premieres on the 27th of February. Once again it features a cast led by Anna Sawai, Kiersey Clemons, Ren Watabe, Mari Yamamoto, Anders Holm, Joe Tippett, Wyatt Russell and Kurt Russell. The new season explodes out of the gate. Although there are some disappointing aspects of the season, it returns us to islands and locations that fans of the Monsterverse will recognise straight away.
With the season focusing mainly on Titan X, you’d be mistaken for thinking that our two main monsters wouldn’t get a look in. In that respect, you are almost right. After Kong’s cameo at the end of season one, he takes centre stage here. He becomes the titan we follow that we know the best. Godzilla does make an appearance but he is…well, you’ll have to watch and find out!
SEASON TWO PREMISE
Season two will pick up with the fate of Monarch — and the world — hanging in the balance. The dramatic saga reveals buried secrets that reunite our heroes (and villains) on Kong’s Skull Island, and a new, mysterious village where a mythical Titan rises from the sea. The ripple effects of the past make waves in the present day, blurring the bonds between family, friend and foe — all with the threat of a titan event on the horizon.
THOUGHTS
While I’ve seen the entire season, the episode embargoes prevent me from giving you my full thoughts. However, I can reveal that after the climax of season one, season two picks up mere minutes afterwards. Kong makes his presence felt from the very start of the premiere episode. And fans will be ecstatic. This is the Kong we love, this is the Kong we expect. And this is the Kong we watched in awe of in Kong: Skull Island. Fans will be happy to know that we follow Kong in the opening episode before the emergence of Titan X. Exactly how and why Titan X makes an appearance must remain a secret until after the episode premieres. But it is an enjoyable and welcome way to introduce the character.
The secret of his existence and his history, once again, is rooted in the past. Again, Wyatt Russell portrays the younger incarnation of Lee Shaw. Mari Yamamoto as Keiko Miura and Anders Holm as Bill Randa return for the past segments. These parts of the season are as enjoyable as they were in the first season. The mystery is slowly and lovingly revealed, with plenty of emotion, action, and some scares along the way. It is terrific to discover and further explore the relationship between the three. This is something that will affect the future. We already know Randa will die on Skull Island in the 1970s, as seen in Kong: Skull Island. But it is his journey towards his eventual fate that hooks us. We also get a more in-depth look at the relationship between Shaw and Keiko in the past.
THE PRESENT
However, the majority of the season takes place in the present. It isn’t a spoiler to reveal that Kurt Russell’s older Lee Shaw escapes from his stranding in Axis Mundi to return to the fray. Again, he is joined by Mari Yamamoto as Keiko, Anna Sawai as Cate Randa, Ren Watabe as Kentaro Randa, Takehiro Hira as Hiroshi Randa, Kiersey Clemons as May, and Joe Tippett as Tim. Together, they bring the scripts they have been given to life brilliantly. Kurt Russell reminds us exactly why he is so beloved (especially by me, I admit it!) as an actor, bringing the older version of Shaw to life in such an enjoyable way. Whenever he is on screen, we can’t tear our eyes from him.
The same can be said for the rest of the cast in the present settings, with Mari Yamamoto becoming the MVP of the series, playing both past and present incarnations of Keiko. Anna Sawai has her own story as Cate, one that has a huge bearing on the proceedings, and something I can’t reveal. Ren Watabe and Kiersey Clemons also make themselves stand out as the former lovers who, despite their denials, still have a connection, one that is tested to the limit. Takehiro Hira delivers an emotional performance as Hiroshi, focusing on his relationship with his returned mother, Keiko, and the struggles he faces adapting to her return, while also striving in the search and battle against Titan X. While Joe Tippett brings the laughs as well as a stonger backboned Tim to the fore.
THE TITANS
But, of course, we are here for the Titans. And, for the most part, they don’t disappoint. Titan X is the monster we focus on and follow for virtually the whole series. A sea creature, it has some rather nasty bug-like creatures attached to it and protecting it. At some junctures, it reminds us of the Kraken from Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. But it has more character and scariness to it than that creature. We are on the edge of our seats throughout as everyone races to stop it from attacking and killing innocent (and not so innocent) humans along the way. The creature’s beauty and truth are revealed later in the series. All I shall say is, not everything is as it seems.
Fans will be chomping at the bit for news about Kong and Godzilla. Here, they may feel short-changed. Like the first season, both Titans are used sparingly. Of course, this isn’t the Kong and Godzilla show, but we find ourselves itching to see them on screen. By the time we reach the climax, we do get some good old-fashioned monster mayhem, but again, it’s not all as it seems. Kong shows his true nature, making him the most beloved of all the Titans. When the inevitable third season rolls around, we may get to see him in action once again. However, it isn’t a given.
VERDICT
Fans of the characters and the Monsterverse in general, as well as fans of the first season, will find much to love and enjoy here. The special effects are top-notch, the entire cast plays the characters brilliantly, and there are a few shocks and surprises along the way. By the time we reach the climax, everything appears to be as it needs to be. Or is it? Of course, they can’t end the season without teasing the next, and there’s no exception here. The scripts keep things tense, challenging, tragic and exciting, with no end to what is possible.
However, with the announcement of a spin-off series featuring Wyatt Russell’s younger Lee Shaw, this could be the last we see of him in this context. He could still feature in a third season, but it may be lined up that he departs here to take the roll to his own series. If this is the case, I shall miss him. But with his final appearance in this season being an emotional and seemingly final one, we wait with bated breath to see where the younger Shaw will go in his own show. Kong and Godzilla won’t feature in that one, I guess.
THE MONSTERVERSE ROARS BACK!
By the time we reach the climax, we know exactly where we are in the Monsterverse timeline. This is accomplished by…well, watch it and find out! All I will say is that, as a fan of the creatures, mythology, and Monsterverse in general, I went away a very happy bunny. As will you. Sit back, relax as best you can, as the Monsterverse roars back with a vengeance. It isn’t all plain sailing (literally), but it is one of the best and most enjoyable shows out there. Marvel at the monsters, cheer for the heroes, boo the villains, and get ready for a monstrous good time.
Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters season two premieres on Apple TV on February 27th. Watch for our episodic reviews weekly!
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
