IR TV Review: MONARCH - LEGACY OF MONSTERS - EPISODE 3 (“Secrets”) [Apple TV-S2]
After the path of Episode 2 in terms of "Resonance", Ep 3 of "Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters" entitled "Secrets" reflects in just that: what do people tell themselves versus what they see of the outside world? Monarch as an entity is not immune to progressions of power especially where a Titan is concerned (or a corporate takeover per se). The whole point is trying to keep them away. A certain person is in a way responsible but no one holds her accountable except herself. But as danger grows closer what can she actually do? On the reverse, secrets can be held by certain characters by spying or being spied on without their knowledge. This episode actually takes a variety of perspectives in modern times which it hasn't really done since last season. Each action here really won't affect the bigger problem, it is just part of the flow though the journey of Kentaro (Ren Watabe) is definitely a lot more tragic as we see what deconstructed his life in a way. This is where the use of the narrative of the 1950s really works (the timeline always seems a little bit off).
Keiko and Lee of course have a history and the chemistry between Yamamoto and Wyatt Russell really plays well and provides one of the more grounded progressions in a series that sometimes swings too wide in characterizations. The past-set story is the more intriguing one compared to the modern day (though present day allows for easier shooting and more current topics). People aren't necessarily keeping secrets but they are hiding in a way from what they feel...not necessarily what they could become. Shaw isn't hiding in present time but he hid for quite a while which is part of the point. Beyond that, the mythological importance of this specific creature is not made abundantly clear even though (as we see in South America) it is key to the ecosystem and the system of living. The issue with Monarch is the connection point. Even in the bigger Kong films the best moments were connection (like with Millie Bobbie Brown and Mothra). There needs to be a bigger reason in certain ways here. The players are doing their best and have their own reasons for their curiosity, ego and exploration but it is a matter if it comes to bear in a stakes filled way (beyond a Titan destroying a city). B-
By Tim Wassberg
