A review on a New TV series, Shadow and Bone recently released on Netflix
“Shadow and Bone” is a new TV show on Netflix. It's set in a world where there are regular humans, and then, people who are called “Grisha.” The Grisha have special abilities or magic abilities if you will.
The show features main characters, including Alina Starkov (played by actor Jessie Mei Li), a lovable girl trying to find her place in society despite her blood status; Malyen Oretsev (Archie Renaux), who is trying his best to return to a friend he was separated from; and the ever-aloof General Kirigan (Ben Barnes).
Three thieves find themselves chasing an impossible heist. Kaz Brekkar(Freddy Carter) is the no-nonsense kind of boss and brains of the operations. Inej Ghafa (Amita Suman) somehow always arrives unnoticed. Finally, last but not least, Jesper Fahey(Kit Young) cannot ever help himself to avoid gambling, along with a plethora of other oddball characters picked up along the way.
Some people within this fantasy world hate the Grisha, while others grudgingly seek help and align with them to fight against the dark forces. Turmoil runs rampant everywhere to all the ends of the Earth.
Different lands run by different rulers are separated by the Dark Fold. Each place in this magic world has struggled for years to figure out a way to destroy it. Even to simply pass through the Dark Fold.
Throughout the first season of “Shadow and Bone,” you get an idea of what the Dark Fold is and somewhat how it came to be. Yet it still remains this looming shadow, full of mystery and terror.
This new TV series takes you in by surprise. The storyline is constantly unveiling, but only just enough to keep you wanting more. There is always something happening … and it sucks you into this fantasy world.
As one of the top critics on Rotten Tomatoes Roxana Hadid said, “[‘Shadow and Bone’] transcends familiarity thanks to the commitment of a pitch-perfect cast, well-stylized fight sequences, and intentional character development that makes these relationships feel nuanced and history-laden.”
Turmoil, unrequited love, and necessary hints of humor appear throughout the first season. I don't like intense TV shows without something there that makes me laugh. It takes a bit of the edge off.
This TV show does a wonderful job tying everything together to the main focus of the show. Which is for the destructive Dark Fold to be destroyed and to seek ways to find freedom from the tiring life of serving someone else.
Overall, I would highly recommend this show to anyone who enjoys a good escape from our world and dive into this fantasy world. It keeps you on the edge of your wits throughout every episode, yet also giving you just enough humor to relax, smile even.
If you are looking for something more on the lines of a relaxing or a mostly laughter-filled show, this is not for you.
We shall find out what happens as the creators of “Shadow and Bone” plan the next season.
At a Glance:
Shadow and Bone
Starring: Jessie Mei Li, Ben Barnes, Archie Renaux
Summary: An unexpected hero is born to save the world.
Rated: TV-14+ for language, violence, and nudity.
Showing at: Netflix
Distributor: Netflix
Rating: *****