When Monsters Miss the Mark: 'Monarch' Season 2 and the Art of Squandered Potential
Let’s start with a bold statement: Monarch: Legacy of Monsters had the makings of something truly special this season. Personally, I think the show’s premise—a deep dive into the human stories behind the MonsterVerse—is one of the most intriguing concepts to come out of the franchise in years. But here’s the kicker: Season 2, Episode 2, titled Resonance, feels like a masterclass in missed opportunities. And trust me, as someone who’s spent far too many hours dissecting monster movies, this one stings.
The Setup: A Recipe for Brilliance
Picture this: a research vessel in the middle of the ocean, a team of brilliant scientists, and a tiny, deadly Scarab Titan stowing away on board. One thing that immediately stands out is how perfectly this scenario mirrors the claustrophobic tension of Alien. If you take a step back and think about it, this could’ve been the show’s Alien moment—a contained, heart-pounding thriller that leverages the MonsterVerse’s scale while focusing on intimate, human stakes. Instead, what we get is a half-baked attempt that feels more like a detour than a destination.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how close Monarch gets to nailing it. The early scenes build tension beautifully: a scientist alone in a lab, the Scarab skittering in the shadows. It’s the kind of setup that screams, “We’re about to deliver something unforgettable.” But then, just as the episode teeters on the edge of greatness, it pulls back. Why? In my opinion, it’s because the showrunners seem more concerned with advancing the overarching plot than with having fun. And that, my friends, is a cardinal sin in monster storytelling.
Plot vs. Fun: A False Dichotomy
Here’s where I’ll get a little controversial: I don’t buy the argument that Monarch can’t balance its larger narrative with standalone thrills. What many people don’t realize is that the best monster stories—think Alien, The Thing, or even Jurassic Park—are as much about character and atmosphere as they are about the creature. Monarch has the characters. It has the atmosphere. What it lacks is the courage to let go of its plot for a moment and embrace the chaos.
From my perspective, this episode could’ve been a game-changer. Imagine Anna Sawai’s Cate Randa transforming into a final girl, battling the Scarab in a life-or-death struggle. It’s not just a missed opportunity—it’s a missed identity. Monarch has the potential to be more than just a bridge between MonsterVerse movies. It could be a character-driven thriller that redefines what a monster show can be. But by playing it safe, it risks becoming just another entry in the franchise.
The Human Factor: A Cast Too Good to Waste
One detail that I find especially interesting is how Monarch’s ensemble cast is consistently overshadowed by its own narrative choices. Cate’s guilt, Keiko’s displacement, Lee Shaw’s dual timelines—these are rich, compelling storylines. Yet, they often feel like afterthoughts in a show that’s more interested in moving its plot forward than exploring its characters.
What this really suggests is that Monarch is struggling to find its voice. Is it a character study? A monster-of-the-week show? A serialized drama? Personally, I think it’s trying to be all three, and that’s where it falls short. If the show leaned into its human stories—really leaned into them—it could elevate itself above the typical monster fare. Instead, we’re left with a show that feels like it’s constantly chasing its own tail.
Looking Ahead: Can Monarch Course-Correct?
Here’s the good news: it’s not too late. Monarch still has time to embrace its potential. What I’d love to see is the show taking more risks—whether it’s a full-on Alien-inspired bottle episode or a deeper exploration of its characters’ psychological struggles. If you ask me, the MonsterVerse is at its best when it’s not just about the monsters but about the people who face them.
This raises a deeper question: What does Monarch want to be? A plot-driven franchise extender or a bold, character-focused experiment? Personally, I’m rooting for the latter. Because if there’s one thing the MonsterVerse doesn’t need, it’s another safe bet.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on Resonance, I can’t help but feel a mix of frustration and hope. Frustration because Monarch had everything it needed to deliver something extraordinary. Hope because the show’s potential is still there, waiting to be unleashed. If the creative team can step back, take a breath, and trust their characters, Monarch could yet become the standout series it was always meant to be. Until then, I’ll be here, eagerly—and critically—watching every episode, hoping for that spark of brilliance to ignite.
New episodes of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters stream on Apple TV every Friday. Let’s hope the next one takes the leap it’s been afraid to make.
