Runaways season 1 left me a bit cold. While the season improved as it went on, it just tried to be too many different things all at once. This just led to confusion and no storyline feeling like it was getting the focus it should.
I’m thrilled to tell you that season 2 is vastly improved and it feels like a much tighter season this time around. Yes, everyone gets storylines this season, including the parents, but for the most part they all connect to the Runaways themselves in some way or trying to deal with Jonah (Julian McMahon). No more of this oddness of parents having an affair and those parents being at war with each other and so on. There are still some detours here and there, but nothing along the lines of the first season.
Season 2 sees the Runaways actually being runaways. As we saw at the end of season 1 they went on the run and that is where the season picks up. It also doesn’t take long for them to locate the abandoned mansion that becomes known as The Hostel. As for connections to the comic series that inspired the series, expect an easter egg here or there, but otherwise, nothing plays out quite as you remember it.
For those of you that were hoping for more connections to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, don’t hold your breath. There is one very brief easter egg this season that cements, without question, that this is the same universe as the films, but it is fleeting.
A few more characters cross over from the comic, but even they are changed in some significant ways. And one that appears towards the end of the season – which we won’t spoil who it is – will make you incredibly anxious for what is to come.
The Runaways series is now its own thing, and that definitely seems to be for the better.
Season 2 is better on just about every front. The acting is all much stronger amongst the core six to be sure. The special effects – with the exception of any time Karolina (Virginia Gardner) flies – are vastly improved. We still aren’t at film level, but they are better, and Old Lace, in particular, looks vastly improved this season.
The other benefit this season is Hulu has elected to drop the entire season at once as opposed to weekly. To that end we were provided with all 13 episodes for the purposes of this review, and this show definitely seems to benefit from the binge method of watching.
If you enjoyed season 1, you’re probably going to love season 2. If you were indifferent or even flat out disliked season 1, I recommend giving season 2 a try. Yes, there is still some extreme silliness, but that doesn’t come as a surprise. And you do get actual answers this season to questions such as who or what Jonah is. And while you do get answers, you also find yourself eagerly hoping for a season 3 because some massive new issues are set up as the season draws to a close.
Runaways season 2 is satisfying and a fun watch, and we highly recommend you try it out.
All 13 episodes of Runaways season 2 will debut on Hulu on Dec. 21.
Disclaimer: Hulu provided The Nerdy with all 13 episodes of season 2. We watched the entirety of the season before beginning this review.
