Released: 25th January 2021
Number of Episodes: 10
Where to Watch: Netflix
Created by: Josh Friedman and Graeme Mansion
Starring: Jennifer Connelley, Daveed Diggs, Sean Bean, Mickey Sumner, Alison Wright, Lena Hall and Iddo Goldberg
The twilight of humanity has been explored many times in a variety of settings. One of the most underrated efforts is Bong-Joon Ho’s Snowpiercer which made a massive impact with its unique location and themes. More recently, it proceeded to a series-based format. Following a lacklustre start, Snowpiercer takes a step closer to its highly regarded source material for its second season.
Previously, the lowest class of Snowpiercer succeeded in their rebellion, only to find another vessel docking to their rear carriage. With the titular train now connected to Big Alice, the class-based structure of the source material has given way to full on anarchy. This eventually evolves into a war of wits between Andre Layton and Mr Weyland, the suited inventor hell-bent on taking full control. The new style of narrative is able to generate more twists and turns with the characters stepping into new roles. As the episodes roll onwards, plans are put into place and individuals are forced to examine their own allegiances, all the while keeping humanity’s last bastion running effectively. Branching off from this main plot is a set of side stories that vary in terms of overall quality; a lot of this comes down to how the second season organises the characters.
Arguably the biggest step forward Snowpiercer S2 makes is with its cast. Many of the characters who were unlikeable or insignificant have been shuffled off to the side, making for a more focused effort all around. Andre remains a capable leader, but Daveed Diggs’ performance is balanced out by those he holds close. Simultaneously Ruth’s (Alison Wright) upper-class status in hospitality is tested thoroughly when she realises Mr Weyland is not who she believed him to be. The new characters introduced are also strong and this starts with the man who created mankind’s survival shuttle. Sean Bean plays Mr Wilford as a sadistic egomaniac, his performance is done well, even if it is a little unremarkable. He’s flanked by the young Alex (Rowan Blanchard) who is caught up in her loyalties between the two trains. Yet for every character that develops further, there are others that remain shallow or underused. Most notably, Jennifer Connolly’s Melanie spends a lot more time outside the train and is never heard from again for the rest of the season. Having established a bond with her daughter Alex, it’s very disappointing to see a potentially compelling arc pushed away. Other side stories such as Bess Till’s (Mickey Sumner) promotion to train detective don’t really amount to much in the long run. Having to manage a large ensemble remains a thorn in Snowpiercer’s side, despite the improvements made.
Venturing further afield with its episodes, the second season of Snowpiercer also offers many new sights and sounds. For starters, we get to see more of the locomotive with Mr Weyland’s often put front and centre. His opulent cabin at the front of the train is lavishly decorated, speaking to his arrogant affluence. The series remains inconsistent when it comes to the exterior shots though. At one moment they look fantastic, especially when the train heads onto a spiral section of the track. Yet at other points, the computer-effects can still look lacklustre and unfinished. When we venture away from the tracks, the environments are suitably harsh and unforgiving, bringing on a great sense of isolation. The soundtrack continues to populate the proceedings to an acceptable standard, rising to meet the more heated moments in the ten episodes.
For its second small-screen outing, Snowpiercer marks a surprising improvement over its inferior debut. The main characters have stronger connections with each other and the two trains generate a greater sense of political tension. It’s still rather distant from its big screen counterpart however.
Rating: 3/5 Stars (Fair)
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