TV Review: Runaways Season 2 Is A Fun Binge-Watch

Premiering on December 21, Season 2 of Hulu’s Runaways is itching to be binged by you, but, of course, you need to know if it is worth such a mindful feast. Coming back from a really good Season 1, Runaways was a surprise hit, in part, because no one knew what to expect from it. Sure, it has its already set, comic fanbase, but of the many Marvel comics transitioning to screen, it felt like a random choice. Yet, Season 2 further proves it was a right one.

Hulu’s Runaways Season 2 is exciting for multiple reasons, but, primarily, because this season the kids have ACTUALLY RUNAWAY! The first half of the season focuses on their life on the streets, and the misadventures that occur when you go from being coddled by your parents to escaping their cult. Similar to Season 1, Part Deux succeeds by feeling grounded. You are genuinely watching a batch of teenagers try to figure out life and themselves after realizing the ultimate darkness is literally parental. You feel bad as Chase, Gert, Alex, Molly, Nico, and Carolina wish they could go back to their parents or, at least, having guardians.

What I love about Runaways is that, for all its supernatural, superhero elements, it really is about a group of kids being there for each other. The chemistry between the actors feels natural and unifying. You want these runaways to succeed over their parents, but completely understand their hesitance in fighting enemies that they love and know love them back. Created by Stephanie Savage and Josh Schwartz, Runaways does well in focusing on the strangeness of this point. Imagine literally having to stop, at all costs, the person that raised and loved you and still wants you back. While their parents want to be good to them, Jonah will not allow it. 

Julian McMahon is so annoyingly evil at Jonah, and that is why he is phenomenal. This character is consistently ahead of everyone, and this leads to surprising plot twists that might enrage diehards fans. If you did not like that Season 1 veered away from the original, comic book lore, you might not be too happy about Season 2. It seems Savage and Schwarts really want to highlight the tear between parent and child, which is why the parents play an even heavier role than in Season 1. This season feels equally divided in focus between the “Runaways” crew and their parents simultaneous search for them. Yet, as their problems, literally, become cosmic, once again, the Hulu series writhes on the discomfort of having your worst enemy be familial. Thus, here are some relationships I loved this season: 

Xavin And Karolina-

Yes, Xavin is in this season, and I love her. She is so perfectly aloof, kind, and eager to be with her “betrothed.” Moreover, she brings turmoil to the Nico (Lyrica Okano)/ Karolina (Virginia Gardner) pairing, and will, obviously, divide people into separate, romantic ships. While, in the first half, Nico and Karolina’s relationship grows strong, as Karolina grows closer to her dad, this pair, literally, becomes star-crossed. 

Gert And Chase-

Chase (Gregg Sulkin) and Gert (Ariela Barer) are so perfect together. They are both young and brash but also wise and compassionate. Seeing this couple grow together as each others’ solidity and stability  turns their teen romance into a mature one. Of course, there has to be woes, and while Gert can see Chase as dumb, it is her questioning off is courage that might end them. 

Victor Stein And Redemption-

James Marsters plays such a good villain because he makes you want his characters to be good. I wish I could cheer for Victor Stein, and that he, finally, became a good person to his son and wife. Yet, this season throws so many wrenches to his planned redemptions, we will, officially, never get a genuine, family hug. 

Alex VS His Parents- 

Rhenzy Feliz gives Alex Wilder an intelligence and arrogance that makes you both impressed with his wit but also shocked by how much his ego cuts it. Feliz knows how to make Alex understandable and infuriating, but that is why you love him. This season that dynamic rises as Alex becomes OBSESSED with making his parents pay for all the hurt they have caused others. Yet, Angel Parker plays Catherine Wilder as so ferociously manipulating, I would be SHOOK if he ever defeats her. Both Catherine and Brittany Ishibashi;s Tina Minoru are not women to be messed with, especially because they would actually hurt their children to get them to behave. 

From Allegra Acosta’s Molly, and her consistent strength and humor, to visually epic, fight scenes, particularly between Nico and her parents, I loved Runaways Season 2. I, actually, do not mind that they changed a lot of the comic’s storyline. If anything, pretend this is Runaways in an alternate universe and enjoy its fun, fresh  plots. Runaways Season 2 Comes Out December 21 on HULU.