Netflix has made it an emphasis to invest in their animated projects for nearly a decade heavily. The enormous ratings on their animated line-up has proven that these stories are worth the investment with dozens of shows receiving critical and commercial success. One of the projects that stood strong amongst the crowd with stylized animation paired with a classic story was Blood of Zeus.
This series had a clever way of introducing Greek mythology to a new audience. The animated medium was the perfect canvas for learning about the adventures of Zeus and his reign over Mount Olympus. Now, the series returns with a second season that is sure to get the Greek mythology nerds their much needed fix. Blood of Zeus season two elevates its themes, storytelling methods, and character motivations.
The first season of Blood of Zeus delivered an exciting adventure of self-discovery, overcoming enormous odds, and the price of revenge. The story of Heron embodied the classic hero’s journey we’ve seen before but, this time, inside the eclectic world of Greek mythology. Greek mythos has long been considered one of the most influential forms of stories in history; therefore, connecting the pieces of what our modern stories have taken from these timeless tropes was a joy within itself. The more Heron discovers about the world of the gods, the more the audience does. It was an exciting first season that set up the potential for fantastic tales.
What Blood of Zeus season two does is astounding. The first episode appears to set up a potential action-packed civil war amongst the gods, but the following episodes change course to a more slow-paced, character-driven season where Hades, Seraphim, and Heron must all self-reflect. This deliberate slowdown worked immensely, with genuine empathy built for Hades, the apparent villain for season two, as well as Seraphim.
The character work throughout the season is phenomenal. Seraphim, especially, stands out. His character had burned a lot of bridges in the first season, so having him come to terms with his decisions brought a lot more understanding to his motivations. Seraphim has to not only confront his past but also decide what his future will hold. It’s a great testament to the writing to have a character that appeared to have his journey end go on to develop and grow even in death.
Heron also grows tremendously in season two. What was a typical lead in the first season develops into a more balanced protagonist. Throughout the season, Heron is confronted with his own rage and lack of control over his new powers. He both fears his powers but also, at times, relishes in them. He can finally get revenge on everyone who wronged him and his mother. The dark path seems likely for Heron, but the guidance of Alexia and the realization that there are many more victims, like his mother, suffering in this chaotic world leads to composure within himself.
Heron’s journey is much more focused. What comes after power and expectations? He must weed through a more complex world without Zeus in it, and it proves to be a challenge that dramatically elevates his character.
One of the biggest highlights of season two is Hades. Since he is one of the most recognizable gods in Greek mythology, it may be challenging to offer a version of Hades that is compelling and distinct enough for audiences to buy in. However, this version of Hades is definitely worth remembering. His patience in trying to convince Seraphim to join him showed a god that wasn’t quick to exert its enormous power on a mortal.
He believes that telling his story is enough to persuade Seraphim to join his cause. Hades feels betrayed by his position in the underworld; his only wish is to raise his family in peace in a land that isn’t surrounded by horrors. His love of Persephone grounds his character into being the most human of the gods. Hades holds inside of him- resentment, passion, ambition, and more. He is an incredibly captivating character that uplifts the entire season.
Blood of Zeus season two blew me away. It stepped up their game in a manner which I didn’t expect. The emphasis on character growth and storytelling elevated the series. From the story of Hades and Persephone to the motivations behind Gaia, the Greek mythology in the show is handled with care and genuine passion.
The effort to focus more on the story and characters is a bold move, considering the common misunderstanding that the animated medium should mainly be used to deliver extravagant action sequences. Instead, what the team at Powerhouse Animation does is construct a more detailed approach to not only the animation but also the performances behind the characters. There are some remarkable performances in the season that are just as effective as any action scene.
The season is a testament to writing and character work. Seeing the growth out the character’s we already know while being captivated by new ones is an absolute joy. Season two of Blood of Zeus is an engrossing elevation of material that is sure to keep audiences invested.