Kingdom - Season 2
KINGDOM - NETFLIX
The battle for the throne gets bloodier, bigger and just as nerve-racking in Kingdom's exhilariating sophomore season. This South-Korean Netflix series continues Prince Chang's (Ju Ji-hoon) journey to the capital city of Hanyang to confront the tyranny of the Haewon Cho Clan in the midst of a deadly plague that turns everyone into cannibalistic monsters. Last year, the first season was a surprise hit on the streaming service in Asia, as it revitalizes the threadbare zombie genre with its unique period-piece concept and enthralling politics.
This follow-up expands on the foundations of what made its debut so compelling, diving deeper into the war between two opposing political parties and the supernatural threat that threatens them all. There's no question to whose side audiences will be on, as the antagonistic Haewon Cho clan is devoid of any sympathy when they're as hungry for power as the zombies are for human flesh. However, the relationships between these key players are so thrilling to unfold amid all the betrayals, corruption and challenges they face – not only against each other but also within their lot. Kingdom might initially follow traditionally simple characterization that Korean cinema is known for almost to a fault, but the second season enhances some of the characters with enough depth to make them memorable.
The series also devotes enough time to explore the background of its alternate, supernatural history with substantial effect. The mythology has been a huge strength in the series, as it differs from much of the entries of the same horror genre. While the first season merely touches upon it, this time the scope is widened, offering a thorough examination of the disease and its source with intriguing discoveries that are scattered across the season.
With only six episodes, Kingdom never once slows down. Our heroes are constantly moving, as they face one alarming obstacle after the next. It's never lacking in adrenaline-fueled action and is packed with impressively-choreographed bloodshed. The story is relentlessly engaging and it goes to unexpected places. However, it does end with another cliffhanger, along with some of the pathlogical questions still hanging. Although the little teaser does provoke interest, it feels somewhat forced and manipulative towards the audiences – especially when the series has already accomplished in wrapping up the majority of its loose ends.
At the end, Kingdom serves as a reminder that zombies still have some magic on them. It may be early to say this, but Kingdom has already crushed The Walking Dead with its epic scale, gruesome spectacle, gorgeous sets, breathtaking cinematography and inventive concept in only twelve episodes.
