Published by Mason Oldridge, 30 January 2023
CONTAINS SPOILERS!
The complex mother-daughter relationship takes a darker turn in the second season of the Netflix drama.
Following on from the Season 1 finale in which Ginny discovered her mother poisoned Kenny, she and Austin are living with Zion. Consequently, this takes a toll on Ginny’s mental health too as she continues to self-harm and suffers a panic attack. There’s a glimpse of hope as she enters therapy but upon forgiving her mother after learning it was to protect her, her stress turns to guilt as she feels responsible. Ginny is noticeably far more distressed in this season and, along with the deeper exploration into Marcus’ depression and the couple’s subsequent breakup, the tone shift creates a much darker atmosphere, which could go unappreciated due to some difficult to watch scenes.
However, the coming-of-age element with the teens continues to provide some much needed comic relief. Despite taking several episodes for MANG to make up, there are many enjoyable scenes, particularly revolving around the Wellington play in which Max and Silver grow close, as do the leads Bracia and Bryon. There are also touching scenes as Max’s father builds her confidence regarding her role as the witch and Max supports a struggling Marcus.
The race subplot feels somewhat shoehorned as it is kept minimal and driven by insensitivity rather than outright racism and Ginny’s impulsive rebellion seems an inequivalent response. The show delicately handles its subject matter on mental health, leaving the race element appearing to be an unnecessary additional burden on Ginny in an attempt for the show to earn more brownie points for being woke.
Nevertheless, the season steps up in terms of drama; Austin shoots Gil to save Georgia and, in the finale, at her wedding to Paul, Georgia is arrested for the murder of Cynthia’s husband. Ultimately, the season fully delivers on a thrilling and suspenseful continuation of the overarching story.
7/10