“Shadow and Bone” Season 2 expands an already complex universe by taking on more source material from Leigh Bardugo’s books, countries in the Grishaverse and four completely new characters.
Ben Barnes’ General Kirigan returns as the central antagonist, a looming presence not always onscreen but more psychologically. Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li) and Mal Oretsev (Archie Renaux) also drive the plot in their search for two more magical creatures to amplify Alina’s powers so that she can tear down the fold once and for all. The two Keramzin orphans ultimately accomplish these goals, but not without some unexpected sacrifices and revelations.