The first season of the Apple TV series paired its kaijū (monster) action with deft character work, making its globe-spanning mystery feel grounded and emotionally engaging. Season Two, which aired its finale on May 1, picks up directly after the first season’s cliffhanger ending, but much of that balance is lost beneath the weight of a sprawling story and the introduction of more characters from the Monsterverse — a franchise that now encompasses six films and two other spinoff series, all based on Toho Studios’ Godzilla IP.
As the world of “Monarch” expands, the series becomes increasingly bogged down by explanations. Two years after the first season premiered, exposition that was once neatly folded into believable dialogue has been replaced with clunky reminders of previous plot points and characters.
I didn't read past this point for fear of spoilers, as I haven't watched S2 yet... but the review isn't off to a good start, is it?
Thanks for elaborating. I did not consider the change in creative staff post Skull island. That's an interesting element to the way the Monsterverse has developed, particularly on the big screen.
I don't think the recent Godzilla (and Kong) cycle has been as terrible as the 1998 movie, but IMO they're gradually getting worse for each sequel... Whereas Skull island was messy, but at least interestingly so.