IR TV Review: MONARCH - LEGACY OF MONSTERS - EPISODE 2 (“Resonance”) [Apple TV-S2]

After the reset of sorts with Episode 1 of "Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters" in Season 2, the second episode "Resonance" speaks more about repercussions. With Lee Shaw back on board...and one of the commanders of Monarch on the ship gone, it becomes about damage control. A titan escaped and is heading towards a nearby coast with this mostly black op operation being off the books but they are ordered to help contain it. The only one left in charge is a would-be pencil pusher who is more scientist than leader but the chain of command falls to him. Shaw finds the balance but in all reality this is the kind of scenario where any Kurt Russell character would take charge and kick ass. The basis though is that he needs to play by the book until he can't which is ultimately what happens. The effects of the monster are quite effective but in a way it does feels like the first "Meg". This is a monster driven by instinct. It isn't thinking of strategy. It is responding to stimuli.

In the comparative timeline, the younger Shaw is pursuing a similar creature but many years ago with Keiko. We see where the disconnect happen but also where superstition kicks in. The parallels are there on purpose. Wyatt Russell seems to have a lot of fun with this character since he is literally emulating his dad in a way. There is a stowaway of sorts in both timelines but again the older Shaw looks towards sacrifice. The only problem is that we don't truly get a sense of why he is risking his life for a place that has betrayed him. The motivation lacks a little bit of overall intent. The situation has been contained for the moment but as the story moves backwards there seems to be more in store. The mythology is alright but a little too reflexive making the stakes evident but almost a little transparent. B-

By Tim Wassberg