Okay, let's talk Tomb Raider. I mean, really talk about it. Not just a cursory glance at the new season dropping on Netflix, but a deep dive. Because let's be honest, Lara Croft isn't just a video game character; she's a cultural icon. And the Netflix adaptation? Well, it's been a rollercoaster.
Season one had potential, a lot of it. But it also felt… safe. Too polished, maybe? What I'm really hoping for is season two to get its hands dirty, dig a little deeper (pun intended) into Lara's psyche, and throw some real curveballs our way. Give us morally grey areas, internal conflicts, stuff that makes us question whether Lara’s always doing the right thing, you know?
What We (Hope) to See in Season 2
Look, I’m not asking for a complete character assassination, but complexity is key. We need to see the toll that raiding tombs takes on a person. The ethical dilemmas, the emotional baggage. Is she driven by a thirst for knowledge, or is there something darker lurking beneath the surface? Maybe it's tied to her father's disappearance, or something even more twisted. The show needs to explore it all. And, yes, that's a lot to ask of a show based on a video game. But isn't that what makes it interesting?
And speaking of ethically dubious treasure hunting, I've been playing a little Zooseum DLC recently and it has given me a new appreciation for archaeology.
The Shadow of the Past: Lara's Backstory
The frustrating thing about adapting a character with such a rich history is that you can't please everyone. Some fans want a faithful recreation of the games, others want a fresh take. Netflix has to strike a balance. But, here’s the thing: Lara's backstory is crucial. We need to understand why she is the way she is. The death of her parents, her privileged upbringing, her relentless pursuit of adventure – it all shapes her. If the show glosses over these elements, it’s doing a disservice to the character.
But, let’s be honest, some origin stories can be a bit…dry. So, maybe it will need to be spiced up? Perhaps a different angle? Battlefield had some interesting angles.
Beyond the Tombs: Expanding the World
Look, the tombs are great. The traps, the puzzles, the ancient artifacts. But Tomb Raider is more than just elaborate escape rooms. It's about exploring forgotten civilizations, uncovering hidden truths, and battling shadowy organizations. Season two needs to expand the world beyond the tombs. Introduce new characters, new locations, new threats. I want to see Lara Croft facing challenges that push her to her limits, both physically and mentally. Imagine, for example, if they started to dabble in the genuinely weird? Like, paranormal weird?
Speaking of shadowy organisations, I'd really like to see more depth with Trinity. They can't just be generic bad guys; they need to have a compelling motive, a believable ideology. And maybe, just maybe, a few members who aren't entirely evil. Nuance, people, nuance!
Visuals and Gameplay
If season one were great, I would want more of the same, but here I am hoping for visual overhaul, with better-looking environments, and more convincing character models. Also, the combat must feel heavy, weighty, and impactful. But as a huge fan of the games I realize it’s tricky to get right on screen.
FAQ: Your Burning Tomb Raider Questions Answered
Will the new season follow any specific game storyline?
That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? While Netflix hasn't explicitly stated which game(s) will influence season two, I suspect we'll see elements from multiple entries in the franchise. The reboot trilogy (Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider) seems like a likely source of inspiration, given its darker tone and focus on Lara's origins. But don't be surprised if there are nods to classic games like Tomb Raider II or Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation as well. After all, those had awesome elements. It's all about creating a blend that appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers.
How does the Netflix series compare to the movies?
Good question! The Netflix series has the potential to be far more nuanced and character-driven than the films. Movies had a bad habit of oversimplifying Lara Croft's personality. The series format allows for a deeper exploration of her motivations, her flaws, and her relationships with other characters. Plus, it can delve into the lore and mythology of the Tomb Raider universe in a way that a two-hour movie simply can't.
Is Alicia Vikander returning as Lara Croft?
Here’s the thing: Alicia Vikander starred in the 2018 Tomb Raider film, but she's not involved in the Netflix animated series. The series features a different voice actress, Hayley Atwell, bringing her own interpretation to the iconic character. So, if you're expecting to see Vikander reprising her role, you might be disappointed.
Is there a confirmed release date for season 2?
Unfortunately, no. Netflix is keeping that information tightly under wraps for now. But keep an eye on official Netflix announcements and gaming news sites. The moment a release date is confirmed, you'll hear about it!
