Deron Generally
Deron GenerallyShadow and Bone
Netflix
Season 1 Episode 4
Otkazat’sya
As Kirigan takes Alina into his confidence, Mal volunteers for a dangerous tracking mission, and the Crows plot a heist to get into the Little Palace.
The story turns back to Mal as this episode opens with the man writing a letter to Alina as he continues his efforts to contact her. His requests denied, he longs to hear from her in a moment that encapsulates his feelings even though he has yet to express them. When a mission comes up that has all the markings of a request from Alina, Mal jumps at the chance to volunteer with the reward being a trip to the Little Palace.
Alina is also desperate for contact with Mal, but the demands of her life as Sun Summoner take precendant. Unfortunately, that means being paraded around by Kirigan rather than training to bring down the Fold. Her small moments of independence are interesting, but her acclimation to the trappings of the Little Palace are disconcerting. Kirigan’s casual charm does not help matters as Ben Barnes lays on the charm with a butter knife.
The Crows have made it to East Ravka but they are no closer to their goal of kidnapping the Sun Summoner. All hope seems lost until Kaz comes up with a plan to get the plans for the palace. Unfortunately, they are locked up in the archives. With the prospect of a heist on the horizon, the Crows spirits rise and they immediately get to planning. Despite their nefarious intentions, the crew is fun to watch and it is easy for the viewer to become enamored of them because of their personalities and comradery.
As Alina and Kirigan get a better understanding of each other, Kaz and his team go after the plans for the palace. The scene that follows is both thrilling and entertaining as it hits all the heist movie tropes without feeling cliche. Mal continues on his mission with hopes of reconnecting with Alina and Nina finds herself connecting with the Druskelle who captured her.
The fourth episode of Shadow and Bone is filled with the intrigue that makes the series so engaging. The relationship complications are interesting as well and that is bolstered by the performances of the cast. I continue to be impressed with the series, its plots and its complex character relationships.
Shadow and Bone S01XE04
