Deron Generally
Deron GenerallyShadow and Bone
Netflix
Season 1 Episode 2
We’re All Someone’s Monster
Alina’s actions against the Volcra bring her to the attention of General Kirigan. Kaz runs into trouble while looking for safe passage across the Fold.
More of Alina and Mal’s past in the orphanage is revealed when it becomes time for the children to be tested to determine where they will train. In the aftermath of the trek across the Fold, Mal is taken and Alina is summoned to the tent of General Kirigan where her secret is revealed. Mal awakens just in time to witness that power and it changes the dynamic between the two in an instant. It’s a great scene that highlights the class system of this world as well as continuing to fan the potential romantic fires between these two characters.
Kirigan is revealed finally and Ben Barnes lays on the smoldering menace in the role. He reveals her secret to a room full of people and in that moment, her life changes.
Inej confronts Kaz about his lack of a plan to cross the Fold and retrieve Alina. Their dynamic is interesting as well and the complications of their relationship leads to some interesting developments as both plot and scheme to free Inej from her debt to allow her to travel. Pekka Rollins returns and there is obviously a history between he and Kaz. Something Jesper touches on in the aftermath of their meeting.
In the aftermath of Alina’s revelation, she is rushed off to the palace for her protection. She learns from her companions about the history of being Grisha and they are attacked by enemies in the hills. The scene is filled with great action and effects. Barnes does an excellent job of being both ruthless and charming in the scene as Mal contemplates going after her.
The series does a great job of switching between Alina’s story and Kaz’s without confusing the audience. Both stories are compelling with their different tones and the episode is both engaging and entertaining in both the world its building and the characters that inhabit it.
Shadow and Bone S01XE02
