Shadow and Bone

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Apr 23, 2021
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 84 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 58 out of 84
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 84
  3. Negative: 16 out of 84
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User Reviews

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  1. r0mer0
    Apr 25, 2021
    3
    Nice costumes and overall pleasing art direction, predictable story, unconvincing characters and character motivation. Horrible sound balancing, be prepared to adjust the volume a lot. The two rivaling forces of magic in this show are Grisha-magic and plot armor, and plot armor always wins.
  2. CyclicRhetoric
    Apr 24, 2021
    1
    Garbage screen writing and direction, not helped by the offensive amount of exposition.
  3. Kubishime
    Apr 25, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A great cast with great acting spoiled by piss poor writing, inexplicable character choices, and an offensive reliance on exposition. Most of the characters are written to have a troubled past but come across as whiny, insufferable wimps who make idiotic decisions. There is more justified decision making and reasoning in low-budget horror movie characters. Every action is winged, but has an outcome as if it were meticulously planned, like every single character expects a Deus Ex Machina.

    Alina does nothing but whine and pine for Mal for the first 7 episodes. Her character is so enveloped with feelings for him, she's portrayed as empty and shallow without them. We know literally nothing about her other than she was an orphan, they grew up and went through hardships (some bullying, and -very- vague racism). That's it. That's the entire composition of the main character. When she obtains her powers, she doesn't care at all about using them to destroy the rift. The presumably hundreds of thousands of soldiers and people in the country who died because of the wars aren't incentive enough - all she cares about is Mal. There is nothing else to her character. She's 'The One' but a sulking, woman-child who seems not to have been toughened at all by her upbringing. She's a porcelain shell of a character.

    Inej carries 30 knives but inexplicably seems never to have killed anyone before, judging by her reaction to killing a single Grisha to defend her friend. Why would a thief and implied assassin have never killed anyone and have such a bitter reaction? This is made even more confusing when two episodes later, she knows exactly how to bleed a Grisha to death without batting an eyelash.

    The Grisha are supposed to be worth 10-50 regular soldiers (depending on who you ask) but are instantaneously overwhelmed and slaughtered - every - single - time - they get into combat. Doubly so when they encounter the trio of miscreants (with plot armour) who we're barely told anything about - the speed that they're to dispatch the Grisha at is laughable. What's the point in being trained as what is essentially a battle mage from puberty to adulthood when all it takes is a handful conveniently placed barbarians to render you entirely impotent.

    Then there's the blatant shoehorning in of current year social commentary. It's apparently easier to get laid in Ravka as a gay man than a straight one, you can just pick a random stable boy you like the look of, and voila - luckily he's gay and eager. This could have been used to flesh out Jesper's character instead of "hurr durr, he gay, gay people get insta-sex". I'm almost angry that writers are so utterly incapable of making a fleshed out gay character.

    Ravka, a nation that's been isolated through hundreds of years of wars and infighting, has more diversity than London, but people are still apparently racist. The reliance of generations of being bred to defend the nation has done literally nothing for comradery, apparently.

    Then there's obviously the misogynistic Fjerdians who must be chastised verbally for 3 straight minutes because they aren't lewd or let their women fight in the war. I mean, it's basically barbaric how they treat their women so it must be worth mentioning, right, current year audience?

    With the budget this series had, it could have been a better Game of Thrones. It's not. The story as written in the books is rich and beautiful but the writers chose instead to do away with all of that in order to make sure 'current year' hot topics are smattered about, be inexplicably vague about every single characters' backstory when they have such rich ones.

    Genuinely struggled to sit through all 8 episodes.    … Expand
  4. Akk3d1s
    Apr 26, 2021
    3
    Another crappy show where soft skinned kids fill the roles of what should be hardened and knowledgeable characters in an obvious challenging environment. Terrible dialogue supplemented with music to make it seem more important just added to my annoyance. I wasnt able to finish 1 episode as its just not immersive. At this point magic is more believable than these characters. The irony isAnother crappy show where soft skinned kids fill the roles of what should be hardened and knowledgeable characters in an obvious challenging environment. Terrible dialogue supplemented with music to make it seem more important just added to my annoyance. I wasnt able to finish 1 episode as its just not immersive. At this point magic is more believable than these characters. The irony is that this show has a rating of 16 but might be more appealing to people below that age. Hard pass!… Expand
  5. SofiaaC
    Apr 23, 2021
    10
    Such a good show with a really new and intriged universe, amazing cast, especially the crows. I'm in love with Inej and Jesper.
  6. leaveit
    Apr 28, 2021
    0
    Every 1 in 100 Netflix originals, you get something truly special. This is the other 99 in 100.
  7. BallatalkII
    Apr 23, 2021
    6
    I mean it’s not a bad fantasy world you get thrusted in, but the story arch really copies numerous things that’s been done before The Matrix, Harry Potter, The Hunger Games. The out of no where savior the prophecy for told and the journey they have to go through for final victory. Which they all got it from the biblical story of Jesus
  8. viroodiem
    Apr 25, 2021
    8
    First and foremost this is a good show. That said it comes off as a great show. Not because it is great, but because it comes in the middle of a TV drought in the month of April 2021. If you stack this against other months where there are 2-5 good shows running, it illustrates is a good show and might even be at the head of its respective pack. But definitely not something above a goodFirst and foremost this is a good show. That said it comes off as a great show. Not because it is great, but because it comes in the middle of a TV drought in the month of April 2021. If you stack this against other months where there are 2-5 good shows running, it illustrates is a good show and might even be at the head of its respective pack. But definitely not something above a good show.

    The show feels like the illegitimate love child between Anna Karenina and Final Fantasy or The Last Airbender or something of a similar vein with an emphasis on elemental style magic, A looming evil, Huge monsters and a battle between light and dark magic. All done with a well made steampunk aesthetic that is not too overwhelming that it becomes tedious.

    The writing is much wht you would expect for a YA translation. It does a good job of crafting likable heroes and even anti-heroes. It is however fairly predictable and does get pretty tropey at times.Even cringy how close they follow TVTropes templates for some characters. The world building here is a major strong suit. You really want to see more of this world and its fall.

    The actors, although mostly fresh faces, churn in good work that elevates that writing, for the most part. The lead actress being a definite step down in quality, but it not being so glaring it hurts the production. There are a few other weak actors but again, nothing so glaring as to cause much concern after you are an episode in and can suspend disbelief.

    Arguably the biggest strong suit is the visuals. Between the set pieces and costuming you can tell a LOT of budget went into it and they definitely got their moneys worth. This is one of the best looking fantasy series since Game of Thrones.

    The season ended well with a satisfying conclusion and setting up a whole new season for us to anticipate. Only complaint is it being netflix and netflix style of dumping everything for it to be binged which can be great, but at the same time the audience does not get to adequately digest episodes which makes a series more memorable. With as big of a production this has to be we are likely looking at a year if not upwards of two for a second season. Shows like Altered Carbon illustrate what happens when you go too long between seasons after a season was just binged. People forget and dont care the same way when a new season returns. So hopefully netflix knew how big this was going to be and had production set up well in advance to make a second season turn around low. We shall see.

    All in all I would give a 7.75 and go ahead and round up to an 8 because of it coming in the big drought and needing something good to sink teeth into.    … Expand
  9. TheCritiic
    Apr 25, 2021
    10
    This show has a level of overall polish that I haven't seen since game of thrones. The sets costumes, and artistry immersive level of detail it's fascinating to be able to delve into the ideology that there exists a fold in which one cannot enter or one should not enter and how the world always wants to go where no man should what is this fold or this crease this area that we're unable toThis show has a level of overall polish that I haven't seen since game of thrones. The sets costumes, and artistry immersive level of detail it's fascinating to be able to delve into the ideology that there exists a fold in which one cannot enter or one should not enter and how the world always wants to go where no man should what is this fold or this crease this area that we're unable to enter what is it that captivates and lures us to want to explore the fold....The show has it all, great acting, dialogue and characters, just watch, you'll thank me later… Expand
  10. Skeletor71
    Apr 23, 2021
    7
    At first I was so excited, because almost everything looked exactly like I imagined it when reading the books. But after a while it got confusing, because of all the different books happening at the same time. It even gets boring from time to time. And the pace is too fast for me. This should have been at least 12 hour long episodes.
    I'm writing this after having watched three episodes,    At first I was so excited, because almost everything looked exactly like I imagined it when reading the books. But after a while it got confusing, because of all the different books happening at the same time. It even gets boring from time to time. And the pace is too fast for me. This should have been at least 12 hour long episodes.
    I'm writing this after having watched three episodes, so I hope it gets better. The acting, scenery, production values, etc. are all really excellent though. This is by no means a horrible show. And I will definitely watch every minute of it.    … Expand
  11. Artursecond
    Apr 25, 2021
    10
    I went in without any expectation and now I'm really surprised. The first chapter is a bit "fast" (to say the least) building the world, but it all comes pretty nice!
  12. Monster507
    Apr 23, 2021
    10
    Me encanto todo, la producción, los efectos, creo que los primeros episodios llegan ha ser confusos, pero a partir del 5 se empiezan ha atar cabos.
  13. peyman_eun
    Apr 23, 2021
    10
    Probably the best fantasy series Netflix has ever made. Very well made. One of the best TV series of 2021. I really liked the series and I also like his genre. Both the costume design and the scene design as well as its special effects are at a high level. I think Alina's acting is good and lovable, and overall the performance of the actors is good. The story is complex and full ofProbably the best fantasy series Netflix has ever made. Very well made. One of the best TV series of 2021. I really liked the series and I also like his genre. Both the costume design and the scene design as well as its special effects are at a high level. I think Alina's acting is good and lovable, and overall the performance of the actors is good. The story is complex and full of margins. The series never has the weaknesses of Netflix The Witcher. The war plans and design of the dragons are well done and attractive.
    In conclusion, I can say that there is a series that is worth a bench watch!    … Expand
  14. shoulderoforion
    Apr 25, 2021
    9
    Thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. I was concerned from the trailer that it would be too much worldbuilding for me to get into it not having read the books first, but that wasn't the case at all. Great story, fantasy, acting, writing, pacing. Binged it all in a day and a half, and am eagerly looking forward to it's second season. This was a treat.
  15. AX10
    Apr 27, 2021
    10
    Neetflix al fin encontró el camino para producir una muy buena serie de fantasía. Interesante argumento, buenas actuaciones, gran calidad de vestuario, fotografía y maquilla bien las limitaciones de sus FX como para que no desentonen. Una serie totalmente recomendable para los amantes del genero. Como punto negativo, una historia basada solo en adolescentes y con demasiada carga puesta enNeetflix al fin encontró el camino para producir una muy buena serie de fantasía. Interesante argumento, buenas actuaciones, gran calidad de vestuario, fotografía y maquilla bien las limitaciones de sus FX como para que no desentonen. Una serie totalmente recomendable para los amantes del genero. Como punto negativo, una historia basada solo en adolescentes y con demasiada carga puesta en el romance para los distintos personajes.… Expand
  16. ilqar19
    Apr 28, 2021
    10
    i dont remember,when i have seen last time great fantasy tw show like this.
  17. Dee-Jay_Deli
    Apr 29, 2021
    7
    A little clichee, but well-enough produced to make it an enjoyable watch. Yes, I too rolled by eyes and groaned a little at the many obvious YA tropes in this show ("love triangle", "chosen one", "bland love interest without personality) but it's all put together well enough to retain some charm. The main actress has enough charm and charisma to keep me hooked and the world isA little clichee, but well-enough produced to make it an enjoyable watch. Yes, I too rolled by eyes and groaned a little at the many obvious YA tropes in this show ("love triangle", "chosen one", "bland love interest without personality) but it's all put together well enough to retain some charm. The main actress has enough charm and charisma to keep me hooked and the world is sufficiently unique to remain interesting. Even if you do feel like you've seen it all before.… Expand
  18. Everwhaa
    May 14, 2021
    8
    You know what? Was not expecting anything from this show.
    Ended really enjoying the story telling.
    There's a few cheesy things in there but overall... It's a good show to check out.
  19. ShaneDog
    May 24, 2021
    10
    Well done on so many levels; casting, script, graphics, location, and that’s just the tip of where they went right. Couldn’t stop binging after episode 1. Can’t wait for the the next season already!

    Fans of Stranger Things, Hunger Games, Harry Potter, etc will love it. If you don’t then I guess it wasn’t meant for you!
  20. anonymous133
    May 2, 2021
    5
    The costumes and art design is great but the story is pretty boring. It gets better towards the end but the story just meanders and it's quite predictable. The characters are pretty flat as well. Still though it has potential. Best enjoyed drunk.
  21. Lucas565
    Sep 3, 2021
    10
    Uma das melhores séries que eu já assisti eu recomendo ela é maravilhosa mesmo muito boa
  22. geewah
    Oct 22, 2021
    6
    In what is a crowded genre, this show does nothing to push it above most.
    The bones are there for a good show, but some poor casting and ordinary writing really hold it back.
  23. ewalluis
    May 14, 2021
    8
    I have not read the books. I did enjoy the show. There isn't much of hand-holding in terms of introducing audience to the world, all the different regions, their history or politics and such. Characters do get a different treatment though.

    Some events that seem random are often too convenient for my liking but that might be because of source material or the fact that 8 episodes 45-50    I have not read the books. I did enjoy the show. There isn't much of hand-holding in terms of introducing audience to the world, all the different regions, their history or politics and such. Characters do get a different treatment though.

    Some events that seem random are often too convenient for my liking but that might be because of source material or the fact that 8 episodes 45-50 minutes each isn't a lot of time.

    Most of the cast consists of up-and-coming actors with just a few roles in their filmography and they actually do a very good job. Casting main protagonist as a mixed race character allows show to tackle racism which "fits well" with all the other problems of war torn country.

    Music is good. Costumes are even better. VFX are OK-ish and luckily not overused.

    If the show gets renewed for second season I'll most likely watch it.

    EDIT after reading the books:

    The netflix adaptation is a better version of the Shadow and Bone. I liked the books but they also made me realise how much writer Eric Heiserrer changed and/or improved. Boring stuff out. Interesting events in. This also means a lot of exposition which sometimes is too much.

    books 7/10
    netflix adaptation 8/10    … Expand
  24. LivWill90
    May 1, 2021
    10
    Unique world with compelling storylines, top-notch production and excellent performances. One of the best fantasy series in years. Kudos to Netflix!
  25. MetacriticOnur
    Jan 14, 2022
    3
    bad
    [ bad ]

    adjective, worse, worst;(Slang) bad·der, bad·dest for 36.
    not good in any manner or degree.

Awards & Rankings

23
#23 Most Discussed TV Season of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Radio Times
    Reviewed by: Huw Fullerton
    Dec 2, 2021
    60
    The action and characterisation feels less convincing than it did in the simpler, less sprawling book story, almost like the rush to expand the story left it contracted in the ways that really matter.
    Read full review
  2. Empire
    Reviewed by: Ben Travis
    Sep 20, 2021
    60
    Some elements are overly familiar and others overly confusing, but Shadow And Bone will draw you into the Fold with its absorbing world-building and engaging lead duo.
    Read full review
  3. Polygon
    Reviewed by: Petrana Radulovic
    May 8, 2021
    85
    Though it’s full of worldbuilding lore that might hinder newcomers, Shadow and Bone is the best sort of adaptation for longtime fans: one that might just possibly be better than the source material.
    Read full review
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