Taryn Ahern

#spoilers! #ShadowAndBone #Season2 #SeriesReview I absolutely LOVED this show, even as someone who came from reading the books! I felt so, so satisfied with everything the directors and writers did for this show and the new season 2 and the representation of the characters was AMAZING! My only bone to pick as a reader prior to show watching, is the way Alina’s narrative was depicted in the final scene of Season 2. I feel it goes entirely against her character and her entire arc as a Grisha and titled Saint to portray her with shadow summoning and have her enjoy it. Alina NEVER wanted to be like the Darkling, she never wanted to be connected to him in any way because of what he’d done, not only to her but to other people and the world around them. Alina’s arc in season 2 should have ended with her faking her death and fading into lore as a Saint of the Fold, living her life quietly alongside Mal in Keramzin, as in the novels. Giving her Shadow summoning and potentially setting her up for what looks like a villain arc completely and utterly diminishes her growth as a character and the entire purpose of the series in and of itself. Alina should only come back in during the events of King of Scars when she is needed, i feel that would be far truer to her character and the storyline instead of what the directors have done with her in the show by the end of season 2. I was so happy for everything i saw but watching the final scene, i, among other book fans, have been left reeling and disappointed for the turn out, hollow and conflicted over whether we are happy to have season two or worried for the ruin that may be coming for an integral and beloved main character. I really, really hope that the directors don’t ruin Alina’s character in the next season because i feel that would just be a point where i would only be watching the show for the Six of Crows plot and the King of Scars plot instead, due to not enjoying the twist on Alina and her story.