Six episodes into S2, through "Crimson," this show is really a pros and cons case. There are some great new things, and some not-so- great. Malese Jow is terrific as Mareth, I still think that Austin Butler, Ivana Baquero and Manu Bennett are aces as Wil/Eretria/Allanon and some of the scenes looking into the Ohmsfords' past have been really poignant. Even Bandon, S1's seemingly random guy with a haircut, has turned into a decent character. He got the better of the new haircuts, sorry Wil.
But S2 feels a lot more like a run-of-the-mill cycle of clichés without the Ellcrys quest to hold it together and few of the new character are making the show better. I've defended The Shannara Chronicles' acting which I found solid during the first season, but things have taken a turn for the worse. The dialogue isn't helping but many of the actors, particularly the new ones, seem to be rushing through their lines without taking the time to develop the rhythm and accent in a convincing way. Maybe they're being hurried but it has often been really, really cringeworthy by any show's standards.
I also think that the show is trying to set up a bit too much in the way of possible story concerns, particularly as regards Eretria. It's very busy but not in a distinctive or particularly compelling way on the whole. Certain things work, such as the chemistry between Wil and Mareth, but the palace scenes, this time in Leah instead of Arborlon, are once again the dullest part of the show.
There's still potential for this season to go someplace interesting and if it lasts beyond S2, maybe even to find its footing as something bigger than just a projection of the Elfstones book. But it's not there yet. Too many subplots, too much bad acting and not a distinctive enough narrative voice. Right now, it's still fun to watch but deserves the criticism it receives more than ever. Mixed bag.
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