Released: 27th February 2020
Created by: Laeta Kalogridis
Certificate: 18
Number of Episodes: 8
Where to Watch: Netflix
Altered Carbon, seemingly an underdog in Netflix’s catalogue of shows, arrived in 2018 to a competent if not wholly engaging level. For the follow-up, the series has taken a strong step up in just about every way possible.
Taking place thirty years after the original season, mercenary and former rebel Takeshi Kovacs, placed into a new sleeve (Anthony Mackie) has been searching the cosmos for his long-lost partner Quellcrist Falconer (Renee Elise Goldsberry). On the planet Harlan, Kovacs appears to be onto something, but when he is framed for the murder of a high ranking official, he once again finds himself in a race for his life. With his trusty AI companion Poe (again played by Chris Conner) and the skilled bounty hunter Trepp (Simone Missick) assisting, Takeshi aims to complete his personal mission with much of the planet seemingly against him. With its world and themes established, Altered Carbon is far better paced than the first season; from the get-go we’re given a succinct summary of the action to come and the characters caught up in it. It relies less on adult content and focuses more on letting its individuals drive the story. On top of this, season two feels far more personal with a greater dose of emotion pumped into the story; Takeshi and Quellcrist’s bond is the glue that holds it all together and there’s plenty of time dedicated to fleshing out the characters and what they stand for. The story’s only slow moment came with Takeshi having to escape from an execution arena, which treads a bit too closely to the hospital sequence in the first season.
In a welcome difference from its first act, the characters in Altered Carbon are far better developed this time around. Anthony Mackie effortlessly fills the shoes of Takeshi, but this time the anti-hero persona previously portrayed by Joel Kinnamen gives way into a more emotive performance that pulls us into his character. Quellcrist Falconer takes a more commanding role in this season and Renee Goldsberry is once again great in her portrayal. Chris Connor continues his smooth and suave delivery and Simone Missick’s Trepp is a great addition to the cast. On the other side of the narrative, things remain strong. The planet’s governor Danica Harlen (Lela Loran) is just as vain and power hungry as the elites in the previous season, but this time there’s a dynamic in play; Harlan trades wits and authority with the returning Colonel Jaegar (This time played by Torben Liebrecht) who lends an element of political tension to the season. Seeing these two characters conflict not only brings more depth to the series, but also adds more intrigue to the various factions in this cyberpunk universe. The only gaps in the characterisation shows in the side characters most notably Trepp’s family, who don’t receive as much development to make the audience care. Be that as it may, the main cast are far more engaging than they were in the property’s original effort.
While the dingy atmosphere and neon lights of the big city have passed on, Altered Carbon’s second season still has its share of dazzling sights. Matching its more personal theme and tone, we have a more naturalistic setting on the new planet Harlan. From the moment we arrive on this new world, its geography is well mapped with a central city at its centre surrounded by greenery and smaller settlements. Overall, it’s a solid expansion to the future world introduced in the first season that isn’t content to sit on samey environments. With greater emotional heft, the music by Jeff Russo rises to the occasion with slower beats that complement the traditional sci-fi synths. The action in all its bloody carnage remains impressive and the fight scenes are shot in a capably effective manner. With these improvements, Altered Carbon season 2 generates a more wholesome and committed future that successfully complements its narrative.
Altered Carbon’s return has made a great improvement; the plot is more immediate with the characters brought closer together against a more well realised backdrop. Not every plot beat and character engages but there’s no doubt that this science fiction entry is on its way to greener pastures.
Rating: 4/5 Stars (Great)