Review: Blacktalon Season Two

Overview:

Our Take:

The returning episodes start with “Harvest,” in which Neave and her companions contemplate the price of their service to Sigmar. Hammerhal suffers in isolation, with the people starving and rioting. Neave is left questioning what to do next as imminent death looms right in front of her. Their past plan failed, Shakana is also stuck in Be’lakor’s realm, and Neave’s forces have no way of getting to her.

In a powerful scene, Rostus tries to show, if all else, he knows how to keep the peace, dramatically proclaiming his companions as Sigmar’s Will. What is set up as a powerful moment, however, takes a dark turn when Rostus sees to his horror that he pushed a little too far, leaving his hand literally drenched in blood.

It soon becomes apparent that sacrifices towards a greater goal make up the story’s theme, as Hendrik does not expect forgiveness for his past actions, saying that he was always acting out of necessity. Still, he commands his companions to offer their understanding, saying that they themselves have been in similar positions. This causes Neave to ask if she can even trust herself. Deciding what to think also becomes all the more important as the characters try to uncover a way of reaching Shakana. Ultimately, Neave’s feelings give the story much nuance, especially as she decides to put her final trust in Rostus.

Things really take a turn as things shift to Be’lakor’s realm, a world literally drawn from hell itself. In addition to being one of the most visually impressive moments, the Daemon Prince himself and Eternus show off some of the series’ better animation.

Meanwhile, the episode builds up more suspense and hope. Hendrik admits he doesn’t quite know how to get to Be’lakor’s realm, but he believes Lorai could. Meanwhile, Shakana might find an ally in a Daughter of Khaine, Valantha. Meanwhile, Hendrik tried to free Narve from her past, but she admits it still haunts her. This ties in well with her changed backstory, leaving the question of whether she was forced into becoming a Stormcast Eternal.

The penultimate episode, “Bargain,” sees Neave and the Blacktalons search for the truth seeker and a powerful talisman. Of course, Rostus, and viewers, question why no one has thought to use the talisman before. However, the stakes are high. Even if the quest goes as planned, Hammerhal is still in for potential danger. That said, dark forces, and legions of the dead, will bring the companions to doubt their quest.

Of course, drama also sparks up in Be’lakor’s realm, as dark forces also plot their way into Hammerhal. In a powerful moment, Valantha feels they are unable to save Be’lakor’s victims from the ritual, but  Shakana points out, to a character driven by vengeance, that they could still find a way to free them.

While things seem hopeful in the darkest of places, the opposite also proves true. The Blacktalons soon learn that there might be a greater threat amongst themselves. Hendrik and Lorai’s true claims are made clear, with the former saying he does not expect anyone to understand his actions. This is made all the more shocking as it was the one thing he asked of his companions just one episode ago.

The season finale is given in “Retribution,” which sees Neave and the Blacktalons come together in the hopes of saving Hammerhal. Things start out ominously enough with Neave being haunted by ghosts of her past, with a voice telling her to embrace her destiny. Soon, it becomes clear she isn’t the only one being haunted.

The solution to saving Hammerhal, and stopping the ritual, is the sacrifice of a pure soul. The episode also makes clear that when it says “pure,” it means it, taking the sacrifice to its emotional conclusion. This already assures viewers that there isn’t going to be a happy ending, but there are still more betrayals and discourse among the Blacktalons before the season comes to an end.

The short nature of the story actually lends itself well to the dramatic themes it explores. It can be tempting to think that the themes of sacrifice and a “greater good” can be handled in such a short frame, but it actually keeps things from dragging on. In the final battle, Neave’s words on what she has now come to believe about a “greater good” feel like something she came to understand alongside the viewer.

The animation is an improvement from the first season. There are times when the way the characters still move can come off as puppet-like. At times, it can even undercut the dark and dramatic story. However, the show knows when and where to make the animation stand out. While the story is already a powerful one, the action scenes really make the show. Ultimately, its story, even when twists are expected, still handles things with thought and nuance.

Overall, the second half of the second season is a powerful one. But, like all good stories, it still leaves the viewer hoping for more. In particular, they might want to see one character make it back from one sacrifice.