Heads up: s2 focuses on trauma Wanted to give a heads up for those like me who may want to know that season 2 focuses a lot on trauma. The entire season has a spotlight on the characters past trauma's and we watch as many characters endure new traumas. I struggled reading the books due to this, and had to skip some of these scenes in the show. If there are any casual fans of the show who try to avoid depictions of trauma like I do, just be aware. Proceed with caution. There are plenty of flashbacks, dreams and nightmares, discussion around violation, past and new trauma depictions, some violence against women discussed, ptsd and its symptoms depicted, breakdowns, triggers related to trauma that cause breakdowns, the list goes on. But this certainly is a focus for season 2, and it was not for season 1, and I wanted to put that out there for anyone who is trying to careful and wants to know. I was able to fast forward through a bit, but if this came out three years ago I wouldn't have been able to watch at all.
Season 2 shifts in tone and gets much darker. It is far more graphic with its violence. There is more torture, suffering, people are cruel to each other, and the depiction of both genuine fear and horror are seen often.
With those things aside, it's a really well-made series. The 2nd season is incredibly fun and entertaining to watch. Yes, it's not perfect, there are plot holes and gaps since it diverts from the books in areas particularly the end, but it was still fun and entertaining. I loved seeing the Asian representation in season 2, particularly now having three actors and three characters who are half Asian. That is relatable and I am glad to be seeing it. The acting, the cast, the effects and the landscape, the costumes, everything was so well done. But the soundtrack- Joseph Trapanese knows how to do a soundtrack that sets the atmosphere perfectly. It will be on repeat for the next month now. Amazing show, so well done, such a fan. I'm eagerly waiting for more seasons and I heard Netflix is considering a spinoff series- YES please. I'm on board!