ThisVoltron Legendary Defenderreview contains spoilers.
While the forced reintroduction of Shiro caused the series to stumble it seemed everything was right.
This change is indicative of a season wide problem.
On paper this is not a horrible idea.
I can only wonder ifShiro returning so soonforced theVoltronproducers to move up some of their stories.
Theyve clearly had a very tight plan since the start of the show and this unraveled it all.
After a full season of Keith struggling to lead Voltron, Shiro returns.
Keith sees a way out and takes it.
It could have totally worked.
While it is hilariously touched on in The Voltron Show!
(more of that in a bit) it didnt feel like its formation was properly explored.
Pretty much every race the team interacted with signed up without pushback.
Maybe some races dont want to sign up.
They like living under Zarkon!
It had been mentioned that Hunk would start gaining some confidence and works towards becoming a diplomat.
Lets see that happen!
Lets spend some time with Lotors generals and get to know them.
Lets see more of how Lotor was ruling the empire.
We dont have enough downtime and I dont mean episodes with the characters just relaxing.
I mean that the storylines are always jumping from important event to important event.
Its an amazing moment to be sure but it wasnt properly built up to.
She has this moment saying she hasnt trained and well… yeah, she hasnt.
While the comics have been great someStar Warsexpanded universe like novels would be perfect.
Come on, DreamWorks.
Now with all that out of the way, lets talk about the positives of this season.
First off, The Voltron Show!
is clearly a send up to just how over the top some anime and especially Tokusatsu is.
For those not in the know,Tokusatsu are Japanese special effects shows that usually include superheroes.
Its the perfect escalation of zany events, with Coran wanting the live shows to get bigger and bigger.
The episode serves a double purpose of depicting the team efforts to recruit races into the Voltron Coalition.
I need the full soundtrack to Voltron Live, stat.
On the serious side, episode two was far and away the best outing for the season.
Pidges desperate search for her brother was beautifully executed.
This season however it ramped up dramatically.
Episode twos score tugs at your heart strings and makes you feel every bit of Pidges anguish.
However, if you want to headcanon Pidge as trans or anything else, feel free!
I know its a driving force for her character but Id hate to see it completely dominate her arc.
While Matts reaction to meeting Allura was hilarious, I do hope this isnt a recurring joke.
Weve already got that with Lance and we dont need more.
Which just reminds me, it was nice to see Shay again for a brief moment.
What about her and Hunk?
Lets see that relationship develop!
So hey, how about that finale?
Outright murdering Narti was damn cold and proved he has no ties to anyone.
Since he briefly ventured into the alternate universe for more power, I wonder what he needs it for.
I can only wonder what the rest of his generals will do now that theyre on the run.
I cant wait to see it.
What the hell is keeping Zarkon going?
Is he just being shot up with pure Quintessence?
Whats up with Haggar and her face?
Will Keith rejoin the team?
Will those five rebel ships that ended up surviving the final battle formVehicle Voltron?
(Okay, thats just wishful thinking on my part.)
Lets just hope the fifth season gives each of these plotlines the time they deserve.
Rating:
3.5 out of 5
