Is XO, Kitty Season 2 Good? Review

Breaking News today

You need 4 min read

·

Post on Jan 20, 2025

35 visitor like this post

Share

Is XO, Kitty Season 2 Good? A Thorough Review

Netflix's XO, Kitty, the spin-off of the beloved To All the Boys film trilogy, returned for a second season, leaving fans both delighted and frustrated. While the first season charmed audiences with its lighthearted romance and vibrant Korean setting, season two took a bolder, more complex approach, resulting in a mixed bag of opinions. So, is XO, Kitty season 2 good? The answer, like Kitty Song Covey herself, is complicated.

A Deeper Dive into Kitty's Korean Adventure

Season two picks up where season one left off, with Kitty navigating the complexities of her long-distance relationship with Dae, her budding friendship with Yuri, and the ever-present drama of her life at KISS (Korean Independent School of Seoul). This season delves deeper into the characters' backstories, exploring their motivations and vulnerabilities in a way that wasn't as prevalent in the first season. We see Kitty grapple with insecurities, mistakes, and the challenges of growing up far from home, making her more relatable and human.

The Good: Character Development and Exploration

Stronger Character Arcs: One of the biggest improvements in season two is the significant development of the supporting characters. Min Ho's journey of self-discovery and his exploration of his sexuality is handled with sensitivity and nuance, adding a layer of depth to his character beyond the initial charming exterior. Similarly, Yuri's struggles with family expectations and her own identity are explored with compelling honesty, providing a more nuanced and sympathetic portrayal than the initial "villain" archetype suggested. Even secondary characters like Q and Alex get moments to shine, expanding the universe beyond Kitty's immediate circle.

Complex Relationships: The show doesn't shy away from portraying complex and messy relationships. Kitty's relationship with Dae is far from perfect, highlighting the challenges of long-distance romance and communication breakdowns. The show realistically portrays the ups and downs, the misunderstandings, and the heartache that comes with young love, making it feel authentic and relatable to viewers who've experienced similar situations. The evolving dynamic between Kitty and Yuri, initially framed as a rivalry, becomes a much more nuanced and multifaceted friendship, showing the power of understanding and forgiveness.

Improved Visuals and Setting: KISS remains a visually stunning setting, and season two utilizes its backdrop even more effectively than its predecessor. The vibrant colors, the beautiful architecture, and the depiction of Korean culture are all visually appealing and contribute to the show's overall charm. The cinematography is polished and enhances the emotional impact of various scenes, particularly the more heartfelt moments.

The Not-So-Good: Pacing and Plot Holes

Pacing Issues: Despite its strengths, season two suffers from pacing issues. Certain plot points feel rushed, while others drag on unnecessarily. The constant shifting between multiple storylines can feel jarring at times, leaving the viewer slightly disoriented. The show tries to juggle too many romantic entanglements simultaneously, sometimes to the detriment of the overall narrative.

Unresolved Plotlines: Several plotlines are left unresolved by the season's end, leading to a somewhat unsatisfying conclusion. While cliffhangers are common in television, the way some threads are abruptly cut off leaves the audience feeling frustrated rather than intrigued. This creates a sense of incompleteness and diminishes the impact of some character arcs.

Repetitive Tropes: Despite the attempts at character development, some familiar rom-com tropes are overused. The constant misunderstandings and miscommunications between characters, while contributing to conflict, become predictable and tiresome. The show could benefit from a more creative approach to conflict resolution.

The Verdict: A Mixed Bag with Potential

Ultimately, XO, Kitty season two is a mixed bag. While it showcases significant improvements in character development, exploration of complex themes, and visual presentation, it also suffers from pacing issues, unresolved plotlines, and the overreliance on familiar tropes. The season ends on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers yearning for answers, but also questioning if the journey was worth the wait.

The show's attempt to tackle more mature themes and delve deeper into the emotional lives of its characters is commendable, but the execution is uneven. If you enjoyed the lighthearted charm of season one, you might find season two a slightly jarring shift in tone and pace. However, those who appreciate more complex character arcs and nuanced relationships will likely find much to enjoy.

Who should watch it? Fans of the To All the Boys franchise and those who enjoy lighthearted rom-coms with a touch of drama will likely find something to appreciate. Viewers looking for a tightly paced, flawlessly executed narrative might be disappointed.

Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. While season two of XO, Kitty displays significant improvement in character depth and thematic exploration, its pacing issues and unresolved plotlines prevent it from reaching its full potential. The cliffhanger ending, however, leaves the door open for a more satisfying conclusion in a potential season three. Whether or not that conclusion delivers remains to be seen.