On the last episode of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, we dove deeper into May’s backstory including why she was hiding out in Japan, and who she worked for. More importantly, she made amends with Kentaro and Cate for her deception. With the group back on the same page, they set out to find Shaw, who has gone rogue.
The past timeline of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters develops a cute love story between Bill and Keiko. It’s a romance that develops organically between the two filled with a chivalrous gesture and deep personal moments. There is an intimate connection and trust between them as Bill learns his colleague’s secret. The chemistry is enhanced by their passion for science and finding the titans around the world. Their relationship contrasts that of Keiko and Shaw’s in “Terrifying Miracles,” which seemed more physical and one-sided.
We already knew of the Randa’s coupling at the start of the season, but we didn’t see how heartbreaking it would be for Shaw. Wyatt Russell conveys the pain of watching the person you love fall for someone else. Eavesdropping in the shadows. Longingly admiring from a distance. It adds interesting meaning when Shaw describes his motivations in the present.
When he says he lost her, not only did he lose Keiko when she was dragged down by giant insects in the premiere, but also when she ended up with Bill. It’s nice that this triangle isn’t played up for soapy drama between the three, and they still work together for the greater good. Yet, you can’t feel a little sympathy towards Shaw. The past timeline might feel a little slow, but there is significant emotional impact.
During the present, things become full circle with Kentaro, Cate, and May visiting the Kazakhstan plant where Keiko disappeared back in 1959. Continuing that theme, the trio are now the hunters instead of the hunted as they search for Shaw. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters knows how to turn the tables within its narrative to help accentuate the game changing developments in the end. Another Randa falls into the great unknown leaving a tantalizing conclusion. Though the series helps foreshadow things to come drawing upon theories from the films in the MonsterVerse.
“Birthright” is a slower paced episode containing emotional scenes of love and loss while ending with an intriguing cliffhanger.
New episodes of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters are released Fridays on Apple TV+.
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