Spoiler-Free Review of “You” Season 2 on Netflix: Lifetime Dexter Does It Again

**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

Obsession looks good on Joe Goldberg, played brilliantly by Penn Badgley.  After season one became a streaming sensation on Netflix, I was slightly worried that season two would not be able to deliver, but starting over in a new town gave us plenty of opportunities to witness Joe’s dark narrative come alive once again.

You (season two) began streaming new episodes on December 26th 2019 on Netflix.  Season two features ten episodes (about 50 minutes in length).  It stars Penn Badgley, Victoria Pedretti, James Scully, Ambyr Childers, Carmela Zumbado, and Jenna Ortega.

In season two, Joe moves from New York to L.A. and is determined to get a fresh start as “Will,” but things get complicated when he falls in love with his new romantic interest, Love.  He quickly becomes entangled in her family drama, which mostly involves her twin brother, Forty.  Joe tries to be a better person, but the darkness within him continues to stir, as he starts to lose self-control once again.

If you loved season one, you are probably wondering if season two lives up to it?  Let’s find out!

The Pros:

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Images courtesy of Netflix

Strong supporting characters that steal the show.

As much as I love listening to Joe’s moody narrative, it can get a bit stale if we don’t shake things up with some interesting characters.  My biggest issue with season one was that I actually really didn’t like Beck as a character.  In season two, I really thought that Love had a lot of potential, but I was also intrigued by her twin brother, Forty, who is absolutely hilarious.

Joe’s new neighbors, Delilah and Ellie, are also both fantastic.  You care about their stories and they really allowed us to see Joe/Will’s struggle to be a hero you can count on.  Being a serial killer can get in the way of this; however, but these characters spark a lot of goodness within him, which really helps him grow as a person despite all of his past inner demons.

Joe’s backstory is revealed and seamless connections to season one questions.

We get a lot of flashbacks sprinkled in during the episodes about Joe’s childhood, which help us understand him a bit more.  Even though we get a new setting and characters for season two, I thought the connections to season one worked perfectly.  They weren’t forced or excessive and they really answered a lot of questions that I had without hitting us over the head with unnecessary cameos.

Really great twists.

I did not see the ultimate twist coming and I was very impressed with it, bringing me in that much more.  This show is addicting and I tend to watch it all in one sitting because I don’t want anyone to spoil it for me.  Each reveal was well timed and I actually thought this season was even better than the first.

The Cons:

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Images courtesy of Netflix

Less kills than season one.

I mean, I guess that shows growth in Joe’s character, but I kind of missed seeing all of the Dexter-like kills from season one, but the ones we do get are rewarding enough.  That being said, it’s hard to continue listening to Joe’s conflicted narrative when we don’t get some surprising kills thrown into the mix to balance that out.

Can’t escape that Lifetime feel.

The show actually did originally air on Lifetime and Netflix ended up picking it up, but there are a lot of scenes that just scream Lifetime with so many over dramatic moments.  But to be honest, that’s why we are watching this.  I can’t say that this surprised me and we witness so many real and honest performances to balance this out, but there were some scenes that were just a little bit too outrageous.

So am I in or out?

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Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in 100 percent!  I really enjoyed season one of the show, but I loved season two even more. “I wolf you season two!”

This show is beyond addicting.  It’s dark and obsessive, but it also has so many genuine moments of compassion and humor. 

Stand out character:  Forty, who basically stole the show for me. 

Season two was also not afraid to make fun of itself, even having one of the characters comparing Joe’s actions to Dexter, which I appreciated.

The twists were so great and the pacing worked so well, making this show the perfect one to binge-watch.  I hope that we get a season three because this show is fantastic!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on You in the comments section below.  Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

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**Do you love television shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Once Upon a Time, Lost, Charmed, The Vampire Diaries, and Supernatural?  Do you enjoy dark fantasy, fairy-tale retellings, paranormal romance, horror, and mystery?  Then you may like my book series, Dreaming of Wonderland…available on Amazon!  Thank you for taking the time to check it out and I appreciate any feedback as well.  I really hope you enjoy!

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Ranking the top 5 moments from “The 100” season 6 episode 4: “Now This I Can Work With”

Happy Wednesday TV fans!  After watching the CW’s The 100 season 6 episode 4, Diyoza reminded us that one must learn to “improvise, adapt, and overcome” in order to survive, but I’m not sure our characters are truly prepared for the secrets of Sanctum.  Let’s just hope they figure it out before it’s too late.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s episode, “The Face Behind the Glass,” it’s Naming Day at Sanctum, which we learn is a day of recognizing past sins and also celebrating, but the Primes certainly have a lot more in store.  Meanwhile, Diyoza and Octavia try to help Rose, as the Children of Gabriel continue to be a possible threat, but there are two sides to every story.  My top 5 moments from The 100 season 6 episode 4 are:

5

“Don’t let me be a face behind the glass.”

It’s Naming Day on Sanctum and everyone seems to be in high spirits, as Clarke and the others witness and participate in the rituals, which include placing past sins in floating lanterns, reciting the four pillars of Sanctum:  Repent, Renew, Rejoice, Rebirth, and celebrating with a rave…because that makes sense.  It seems like things are a little too good to be true here and my instincts were right.

Jordan seals the deal with Delilah and opens up to her about what he went through growing up and how it felt like he became a face behind the glass when he entered into Cryosleep.  Right before Delilah goes to accept her fate for Naming Day, she runs back to Jordan and begs him not to let her become a face behind the glass, revealing that something big is about to happen here.  When Delilah emerges, she no longer recognizes Jordan and she is now referred to as “Priya.”

4

“Your problem isn’t making amends…”

Clarke seems to really pay attention when Naming Day talks about the importance of making amends.  Clarke certainly has a lot to make up for and she tries to start with Raven…only Raven doesn’t want to hear it.  Clarke brings up Shaw and Raven tells her, “Keep him out of it,” as she is still clearly heartbroken over his death and rightfully so.  Raven compares Clarke to Octavia and tells her, “The only difference between you and her is Octavia doesn’t pretend to be sorry about it.”  Raven clearly feels betrayed and hurt by Clarke, but she does make a valid point here.  Is it too late for amends or will Clarke be able to finally make things right?  It looks like she may not get that chance now, however.

3

“The devils of earth become the heroes of sanctum…”

After Diyoza is essentially banished from Sanctum, Rose’s bodyguard approaches her and tells her that if she can retrieve Rose, her baby will be able to live in Sanctum.  Diyoza puts the needs of her child first and accepts, even though she would not be able to stay with her child.  Meanwhile, Octavia is being held captive by the Children of Gabriel with Rose and tries to help her too.  Unfortunately Rose is killed in the crossfire, as Diyoza and Octavia now cross paths.

Rose’s bodyguard is beyond heartbroken by the unnecessary death of a child and she tells Diyoza that if she is able to take down Gabriel, the deal will still be honored.  It looks like this is the start of a “beautiful friendship,” as Octavia agrees to partner up with Diyoza.  I have to say that I absolutely love this partnership, as these are two bad-ass women you do not want to mess with.  But are they really choosing the right side?  Either way, I can’t wait to see what they do next together.

2

“You are my family too.”

Bellarke fans get another big moment between Clarke and Bellamy, as Clarke decides to see if Bellamy is more receptive to her apology than Raven.  Clarke is genuine in her apology and Bellamy understands, knowing what it’s like to do anything to protect one person who is your family.  Clarke reminds Bellamy that he is her family too and she promises that she will never forget it again.  I thought there might be a chance here for a potential spark especially when Bellamy and Echo clash, but Echo opens up about having to fight for survival for all her life and Becho is still going strong…for now.  Either way, I thought this was an important moment for Bellarke and if anyone can bring Clarke back, it’s Bellamy or Madi.

1

“You’re giving us such a gift, Clarke.”

After Clarke has a passionate moment with Cillian, this moment is put on hold, as he reveals that he is a spy for the Children of Gabriel.  He uses the paralytic dart on Clarke so he can get her out of there, trying to tell her that she is in more danger where she is because of her Nightblood, or “black blood,” as they refer to it here on Sanctum.  The guards detect what is going on and Cillian slits his own throat to avoid being taken, which seems extreme, but clearly there is a lot of history here.  Clarke is brought before the Lightbournes and Russell realizes that they have the chance to bring their daughter, Josephine back now, realizing that there may be no other option since Rose is gone, who was another Nightblood.

Russell promises Clarke that there will be no pain and that she is essentially sacrificing her body so someone else can live.  The essence of Josephine is placed behind Clarke’s head and when she wakes up, Clarke appears to be gone and only Josephine remains, who seems happy with her new reflection and host.  It seems like the Primes are obsessed with maintaining immortality, which means that Madi is also in danger.  However, is Clarke now gone forever or is there a way to free her?  Let’s hope so because I can’t process a world without Clarke Griffin.  Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own theories and thoughts on The 100 in the comments section below.  Thanks for reading and happy viewing!

Do you love television shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Once Upon a Time, Lost, Charmed, The Vampire Diaries, and Supernatural?  Do you enjoy dark fantasy, fairy-tale retellings, paranormal romance, horror, and mystery?  Then you may like my book series, Dreaming of Wonderland…available on Amazon!  Thank you for taking the time to check it out and I appreciate any feedback as well.  I really hope you enjoy!

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Ranking the top 5 moments from “The 100” season 6 episode 3: “Have you ever known peace?”

Happy Wednesday TV fans!  After watching the CW’s The 100 season 6 episode 3, I realized that many of us want that second chance…an opportunity to start over.  But this is not always possible when it comes to a jaded past.  Can one really be redeemed or will past sins consume you until there is nothing left?  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s episode, “The Children of Gabriel,” Clarke and the others meet the leader of Sanctum, Russell Lightbourne, but is he a friend or foe?  Meanwhile, Madi, Diyoza, and Gaia face a threat on the ship and Octavia is ready for action.  My top 5 moments from The 100 season 6 episode 3 are:

5

“I’m pretty sure I’m going to hell.”

In the beginning of the episode, Murphy’s life is in great danger, as Abby cannot figure out what is happening to him.  The leader of Sanctum, Russell Lightbourne, approaches and reveals that he can save Murphy life…only “he’s already dead,” but apparently this is not the end.  Murphy was exposed to something toxic in the seaweed and Lightbourne uses the venom from a live snake to suck out the poison.  Luckily Murphy is all right, but this near death experience has definitely rattled him.

Murphy explains that he thought he saw something and he states that he’s pretty sure he is going to hell.  So what exactly did Murphy see and will this be explored further?  We know that Murphy died on this mysterious moon for a few moments, so is it possible that he came back wrong?  We’ll have to wait and see, but I am absolutely concerned about Murphy.

4

“You need to work on your game, kid…”

This is the first time that Jordan has really interacted with anyone other than his parents, Monty and Harper, but he doesn’t waste any time, as he immediately connects with a girl on Sanctum named Delilah.  Jordan thinks that she looks like a princess and he even gets to experience his first kiss, but his innocence and naivete get in the way, as Jordan reveals a little bit too much to Delilah about Clarke’s past.  Maybe Murphy should have a talk with him after all…

3

“My sister died a long time ago.”

Meanwhile, we learn that there is another group residing on Sanctum named the Children of Gabriel and they are very dangerous according to the Primes.  They use some kind of paralytic darts on Madi, Diyoza, and Gaia on the ship and keep yelling out “Death to Primes!”  It’s clear that there is some kind of feud going on here, but who are the good guys?  It may be a while until we find out, but this is a threat that should not be taken lightly. 

Bellamy, Echo, and Octavia watch from afar, but Octavia refuses to listen to reason and decides to just start attacking…you know, because that’s what Blodreina does best.  Later on, Bellamy decides to leave Octavia behind and tells her that his sister died a long time ago.  At the end of the episode, the Children of Gabriel capture Octavia and plan to take her with them.  Does this mean that Octavia has just found a new group of people to lead or is she in serious danger here?

2

“I will not apologize for saving the people that I love.”

Russell Lightbourne seems to connect most with Clarke and she takes on the leadership role once again.  Clarke surprises everyone when she emerges in a gorgeous dress, revealing that perhaps she has the potential to be a princess as well.  Clarke is nervous about her dinner with Russell and his wife, as she recognizes that he holds the key to their survival.  Abby tells her to just be herself, but Clarke has a very dangerous past.

As Clarke sits down for dinner, Russell’s wife asks her, “How many people have you killed?” and further asks if they should really call her, “Wanheda?”  Clarke learns that Jordan spilled the beans and she just asks for a second chance.  Russell believes that she wants to change, but he doesn’t think this is possible and tells her that they need to leave.  It looks like Russell has been burned before and perhaps we will explore this more later in the season.

1

“You changed your mind…”

After Clarke helps save Delilah from being captured by the Children of Gabriel, Russell agrees to let her stay, but only after he sees Clarke’s nightblood.  It’s clear that having nightblood is very important to the Primes, but is Clarke now in danger as a result?  Clarke is afraid of them finding out about Madi, as she will do anything to protect her daughter.  Everyone can stay for now…except Diyoza, whose reputation precedes her.  How do the Primes know so much about Diyoza?  It seems like we have a lot to explore here, but I’m interested to find out more and let’s hope that our girl, Clarke isn’t in great danger. Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own theories and thoughts on The 100 in the comments section below.  Thanks for reading and happy viewing!

**I am so excited to announce that my book, The Search for Alice, is now available!  If you enjoy dark fantasy, fairy-tale retellings, paranormal romance, horror, and mystery, then this might be the book for you or someone you know!  Thank you for taking the time to check it out and I appreciate any feedback as well.  I hope you enjoy!

**Book Two of the Dreaming of Wonderland series, Embracing the Looking-Glass, is scheduled to be released June 5th 2019!!!!

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