Season 1 |
Season 2 |
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Episode Guide
Episode 1 – | Review Score – 4/5
Episode 2 – | Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 3 – | Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 4 – | Review Score – 3/5
Episode 5 – | Review Score – 3/5
Episode 6 – | Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 7 – | Review Score – 3/5
Episode 8 – | Review Score – 4/5
Episode 9 – | Review Score – 4/5
Episode 10 – | Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 11 – | Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 12 – | Review Score – 3/5
When Arthdal Chronicles dropped back in 2019, it brought with it the promise of being the Korean version of Game of Thrones. Back at its heyday, GOT was a behemoth of a fantasy series, and so this production already had a mountain to climb.
The first season, split across 18 episodes and broken up into different “parts”, took place in the fictional land of Arthdal during ancient times. Eunseom is born with the prophetic promise of helping the capital of Arthdal, which is run by the war-mongering and dangerous Tagon. Mixing things up was Tanya, a woman born within the Wahan Tribe and eventually ending up within the religious field as a respectable priest within Arthdal.
Season 2 then is set 8 years after the first season. This time around, things are a lot more urgent as the fate of Arthdal is hanging in the balance. Eunseom has been busy rallying all the neighbouring tribes together under his leadership, ready to liberate and destroy the threats in the capital.
This threat comes in the form of Tagon, who continues to rule Arthdal with an iron vice-like grip. He’s dangerous and unpredictable, and that’s rife for the Queen, Taealha, to try and take advantage of through sabotage and scheming. With Tanya now head of the Great Shrine, and the unpredictable Saya in charge of the Arthdal armies, everything is poised for an action-packed series to ensue. And this one does not disappoint.
While the first season lay the groundwork and added in pockets of action around slower segments, season 2 by comparison throws in a lot more fighting and a pacier feel overall. The show is streamlined so much better than it was before, and the condensed 12 episode run actually helps this one out a lot.
The story is structured pretty well and while there are still complicated subplots, namely that involving the history of the Neanthals, the Bureaucrats and their hierarchy on both sides of the conflict, Arthdal Chronicles does well to keep things exciting all the same.
The action is well-shot and the choreography is pretty good this time around too. However, that’s not to say the series doesn’t have its issues. Parts of this drama does rely on plot contrivances and characters acting irrationally, while the ending in particular is disappointing, given it baits for a third season that may or may not happen. Furthermore, the resolution for some plot points are either rushed or outright brushed over.
That aside though, Arthdal Chronicles season 2 is arguably better than the first in some respects, especially given the action and urgency on display. However, the story this time around isn’t quite as strong as the first, given the underdog tale woven through its narrative.
Either way though, fans should be pleased with this offering, and Arthdal Chronicles season 2 is an enjoyable romp, all things considered.
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Verdict - 8/10
8/10