Adults still do not see magic – review of the second season of “Locke & Key”

Magic drives history

The new episodes of Locke & Key present the adventures of three Locke siblings. This season, Tyler, Kinsey and Bode will once again tackle puberty problems, fight against demons and learn new skills. The elderly, although they may not always believe in magical artifacts, will always help the heroes. Only before all this happens will they need the keys.

The first half of the season is an antonym to the term “story unfolding”. Old threads end and new ones begin. It’s just a plain introduction that doesn’t stand out but is consistent. It won’t bore you, but neither will it be exciting. What will move the story forward is another mystery, magic and puzzles to be solved. So in a nutshell – the story about the keys.

The answers are eloquent, the questions are more interesting

This season, fans will finally get answers to some of their questions from the previous one. During the last few episodes, the creators reveal the secret and the information about the keys is no longer so hidden. How the keys were made, who discovered the portal, what Dodge’s plan was all about this season. The problem, however, is that with each answer, the viewer may reflect on new hypotheses about the rules of the presented world. Even spoilers here won’t do anything, the story, although it has been touched on, only comics can complete it. No wonder the shooting for Season 3 is now over; everything is going according to the plan of the creators.

Scott-worthy editing

Let’s move away from the plot for a moment to analyze another problem: video and audio editing. How the music and sounds are well matched (song Youthfrom Daughter who shows up at one point took me back to better teenage times) yes the cuts are just terrible! So many times I have noticed unevenness in the scene before and after the cut, it is a pity to write about it. An example would be the scene that I remember the most. In order not to spoil too much, let me say that person X cuts the wall with a fire key. Progress at the intersection changed with every other dialogue point. A terrifying sight. I also have a problem with positioning heroes after cuts; I don’t know who planned it there, but if I see heads during conversations looking in different directions between cuts, then I grab my own. CGI effects, however, are most appropriate, they do not exceed Netflix’s capabilities, but also do not scare you with laziness.

The power of discovery

What do people like best, apart from the colonization of less developed cultures? Of course discovering a stranger. And that’s what drives this series! If all the elements were removed fantastically, not counting the fact that the story would not completely adhere to order and composition, it would also not be puzzling. And this mystery sticks its claws into the viewer and tells him to play another episode. The number of cliffhangers is not that large, but the desire to discover secrets built by the narrative breaks through to the viewer with each episode. What’s behind the portal? Will this character come back? Where did the mysterious historian come from? The questions grow with every minute. The directors must have been aware of this, and as soon as something calms down, we suddenly get a new key or a new plot. History, although calm at first, does not stop halfway through.

Acting too high

The acting this season has been definitely good, too good even. Griffin Gluck, who plays the role of Gabe (and, as you know, from the first season – in Dodge), fares especially well. This actor played dazzling! Natural character, rapid changes in emotions, the ability to manipulate the viewer’s reactions! From the very beginning, everyone is aware that this is a negative character. However, whenever Gabe talks about Kinsey or feigns friendship with Bode, she is a completely different person. His natural reactions or transitions into the manipulator are just the icing on the cake of this character. Gabe was played brilliantly and stands out from the crowd.

Of course, the “youth” and the older actors also played positively. The characters of Bode and Abby are an amazing contrast to them. Watching, I often felt like they didn’t know how to play. It was unknown to them whether the situation was going to be terrifying or not. It is not noticeable in every scene with their participation, but there is something to it.

Lots of side threads, little time

I haven’t touched on many points yet; themes of the movie group, Nina’s problems, Erin’s treatment or Ellie’s current location return. Anyone who liked any character in Season One will also find one in Season Two. The number of threads, of course, does not exceed Netflix’s Dark series , but there are a lot of them for such a short season. And that’s good! Each thread asks more questions and viewers want to keep watching. They are curious what will happen. And those who want to know the answers can now refer to the source material.

Everyone will find something for themselves in this youth series. From mystery, through love threads, student development, ending with magic and mental problems. The developers took the concepts forward and it shows. A series about magical secrets for young people, and yet – for everyone. Perfect for those dark times we live in.