It’s been so long since The Shannara Chronicles was on, not even the little recap could help me remember everything that happened. It’s not just the plot line, it’s the characters themselves. It’s like we have to get to know them all over again. It took most of the episode but I finally felt like I was settling back in with the characters.
A lot happened in season one and it’s been over a year and a half since season one ended. That’s a long time to in between seasons. I really should have re-watched season one but here we are, episode one of season two. Overall it was good, despite the fact that I did feel a little lost. It helped that Amberle (Poppy Drayton) kept popping in here and there. She was really one of my favorite characters in season one and I’m sad that she won’t be a main fixture in this season but at least the writers are staying true to the story.
It was great to see Eretria (Ivana Baquero) fighting the trolls. She could be even tougher than last season but still, her ego can be a little high. She definitely should have made sure she had taken care of all the trolls before she reveled in her victory.
While yes, I did say Amberle was my favorite last season, I did really like Eretria too. They were very different characters and typically during an episode one would be my favorite over the other. They were great because they gave us different things but they were both very fierce.
I’m very happy that occasionally we might see Amberle but we really did need another fierce female to take her place. In walks Mareth (Malese Jow), the daughter of Allanon 
(Manu Bennett). You know she’s going to be great if she’s the daughter of Allanon. I have to admit that when she first appeared on screen I wasn’t sure if we could trust her. Technically, Wil (Austin Butler) is half in hiding, half not knowing there is a bounty on his head. He really should learn how to fight better if he’s going to have to be fighting to save his life. Allanon can’t always appear and save him. Eretria hasn’t found him yet and Amberle can’t help him either. He needs to learn to fend for himself. Of course, this time a new woman swept in to save him.
Last season Bandon (Marcus Vanco) was very sweet but struggling. This season he’s completely turned to the dark side. What happened there? I feel like I will have to go back and refresh to fully enjoy this season because it’s been so long.
It’s hard to say if The Shannara Chronicles moving to Spike has really made any difference. I think the heart of the show is all still there. I could be wrong but I think visually speaking it looks better than before. Maybe Spike is a better home than MTV. I was a little worried about the switch. I wouldn’t say this is a female show but I think it could classify as 50/50 but more importantly, they have very strong female characters. I would call Spike a male station but maybe it’s good these male viewers get to see these strong female characters. Or maybe most of the fans will be from season one. Either way, I’m glad the formula for the show hasn’t changed.
