Four years after its debut, the second season of “Blood of Zeus,” a Netflix original anime series, premiered on May 10. The first season, which premiered in 2020, follows Heron (Derek Phillips), a bastard mistreated by villagers and his unwed mother, Electra (Mamie Gummer). Their friend, Elias (Jason O’Mara), helps them through tough times, living in a hut miles away from the town, or “Poli.”
Demons invade the village where an Amazonian, Alexia (Jessica Henwick), captures them, revealing the threat of a demon cult. Elias explains that when the Olympian Gods defeated the Titans, their blood created a new generation of enemies, the Giants. Their souls were imprisoned by the gods, but humans who discovered and feasted on their remains became demons. Elias then reveals he is actually Zeus and instructs Heron to mine adamantine to forge a powerful sword.
Zeus’s affair with Electra, a queen married to the cruel King Tyrion, resulted in Heron’s birth. Hera’s (Claudia Christian) jealousy leads her to expose the affair, prompting Zeus to hide Electra and Heron in the cloud-shrouded town. Despite Zeus’ efforts, Hera orchestrates an attack on the town, leading to Electra’s death at the hands of Seraphim (Elias Toufexis), the demon leader.
The second season picks up right where the first left off, with new directors Jae H. Kim, Joshua Covey and Jae Woo Kim at the helm. Seraphim faces judgment for his crimes, but Hades (Fred Tatasciore) offers him freedom in exchange for cooperation. Seraphim refuses, choosing eternal torture over divine manipulation.
Meanwhile, on Olympus, more is revealed about the battle between the Giants and Gods before Zeus’ death. Zeus had entrusted his sister Hestia (Vanessa Marshall) with moving the Eleusinian Stone, a powerful artifact, to Gaia (Jean Gilpin), Mother Earth. This stone imprisons the gods’ worst enemy, and uttering his name would release him. The stone becomes a coveted object among the gods, with Hades particularly eager to change his fate as ruler of the underworld.
The narrative shifts focus from Heron to explore the backstories and motives of other gods and goddesses, as well as romantic plots and political intrigues. When the focus returns to Heron, he struggles with his newfound powers of thunder and lightning. Plagued by visions from Gaia, Heron learns of a prophecy about a demigod who will use these powers to avert a grave threat. Simultaneously, he battles with rage after discovering that his lifethread was severed not by the Fates, implying his impending death which he desperately seeks to prevent.
As the season progresses, Heron and Seraphim confront each other again in the hidden realm, where gods clash over the Eleusinian Stone. Gaia wishes for the gods to reconcile, but tensions escalate until Hades, unable to contain his anguish, stabs Heron. In her fury, Gaia releases the monstrous Typhon by speaking his name, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown.
The second season of “Blood of Zeus” brings a mix of strengths and weaknesses to the table. One of the show’s most notable achievements is its breathtaking animation. The visual style remains as captivating as in the first season, with meticulously crafted environments that evoke the grandeur and mystique of ancient Greece. The character designs are distinct and memorable, contributing to the series’ unique aesthetic.
The storytelling, however, has its ups and downs. While the series dives deeper into the lore and expands on the mythological universe, it sometimes loses focus. The shift away from Heron to explore other characters and subplots can feel disjointed, leaving the show to feel rushed to the audience viewing it. This season’s pacing issues are evident, with some episodes feeling overly packed with information while others seem to serve as filler without significant plot advancement.
The introduction of new directors Jae H. Kim, Joshua Covey and Jae Woo Kim bring in fresh perspectives but also some inconsistencies. The direction varies in quality, with certain episodes showcasing brilliant, tight storytelling and others falling flat. The directors’ handling of action sequences is generally commendable, delivering thrilling and dynamic battles that keep viewers engaged. However, the emotional beats sometimes lack the impact needed to resonate deeply with the audience.
The music continues to be a strong point, effectively enhancing the epic and dramatic moments of the series. The score complements the animation beautifully, adding layers of intensity and emotion to the unfolding drama. The sound design, paired with the orchestral soundtrack, helps to immerse viewers fully into the mythological world.
One of the critical aspects of the second season is the character development. While some characters, like Hades and Seraphim, receive substantial and intriguing backstories, others, including Heron, struggle with more repetitive arcs. Heron’s internal conflict with his powers and his impending fate is compelling but could benefit from more nuanced writing to avoid the sense of redundancy.
Verdict: “Blood of Zeus” season two builds on the strengths of its predecessor, although it sometimes struggles with pacing and focus, the season’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
