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Mian character Alina wears a soldier\'s uniform and looks to antagonist the Darkling
Mian character Alina wears a soldier\'s uniform and looks to antagonist the Darkling
Netflix
Culture > Entertainment

The Countdown to Season 2 of “Shadow and Bone”

Alyssa Migenes
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at FSU chapter.

Popular Netflix series Shadow and Bone returns for a second season later this month, and fans can hardly wait. The show originally debuted in April 2021 and since its release, fans have been eager for the announcement of another season. Netflix granted their request last year with a release date, and now we are less than two weeks away from seeing Alina and the Crows on the big screen again.

The Netflix series Shadow and Bone is a TV adaptation of the young adult fantasy trilogy of the same name. Filled with a magical adventure, author Leigh Bardugo worked with directors and producers of the show to ensure the show’s accuracy. In the story, Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li) discovers she has a magical ability that none other can harness. She may be the key to reuniting their divided country if she can survive her battles with the Darkling (Ben Barnes), a being capable of dark magic unlike any other. Her best friend and love interest Mal (Archie Renaux) must find common ground between the humans and Grisha so that they may fight the evil that seeks to destroy everything they love. 

The Netflix series follows the story of the first book, while also integrating parts of Bardugo’s duology, Six of Crows. The Crows are a group of teenagers who attempt to survive in a place where stealing is the best mode of survival. The universe Bardugo’s created in which Six of Crows and Shadow and Bone coexist is called the Grishaverse, and the TV adaptation seamlessly connects both of their stories in a way that left fans begging for more.

The dramatic trailer for season two is nearly three minutes long but is filled with magic, angst, mystery and adventure.

Season two is set to release on March 16, and Netflix has teased fans with clips of new characters anticipated to make an appearance. Expected to follow the storyline of the second book in the series, fans have spent months debating over who should play the charming yet calculated Prince Nikolai. In a recently released clip, Patrick Gibson, who plays as Nikolai, is seen discussing plans to tear down the Fold with Alina and find the other two Morozova amplifiers. 

As more characters are added this upcoming season, there are more opportunities for tension and the Crow’s mischief. In season one, the Crows attempted to kidnap Alina for money to support their club. The last scene of the Crows together is with Kaz Brekker (Freddy Carter), Inej Ghafta (Amita Suman) and Jesper Fahey (Kit Young) on a boat back to their homeland, knowing they are to face consequences when they return without Alina. Nina Zenik (Danielle Galligan) is also on the boat when one of the Crows mentions how they will need a Heartrender when they return, not knowing Nina is within earshot. Anticipating the first scene of all six Crows together, fans are excited for this upcoming season where they will inevitably unite.

Executive producers and directors of Shadow and Bone have teased new characters and plot points for months. Executive producer Eric Heisserer commented in an interview with Netflix staff that characters will “have to face the consequences for their actions, and then they get to meet new people along the way.” He also says that “the Grishaverse also expands in this season, both in mythology and in characters.”

Bardugo also teases fans with the reveal of new characters traveling to different places. “We’re going to see characters interacting with each other, questing with each other, fighting and laughing with each other, who we never got to see together in the books — and I think that’s a unique thing about this show.” 

Season two is set to pick up exactly where season one left off, with the Darkling as powerful as ever and Alina and Mal on the run. For a full breakdown of what to expect on March 16 when it’s released and a recap of what you may have missed in season one, read People Magazine’s article on Shadow and Bone. 

Fans will be more than ready for the release day when it comes, and we’ll be impatient until our favorite characters are back on the screen.

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Hello there! I am a current student at Florida State University looking to expand on my writing capabilities. I enjoy reading, listening to music, spending time outside, and dancing.