After an absolute smash of a first season, IMDB TV has welcomed back Alex Rider for a thrilling second chapter. The show based on Anthony Horowitz famed novels sees Rider return to the world of espionage following a climactic conclusion at the end of season one. The drama, though made mainly for teen audiences, is finding favor in even adult circles due to the universal accessibility offered by the writers and the production team. With this, it’s fair to say that more episode orders are likely in the works and anyone who is anyone will most likely be tuning in.
Alex Rider; Season 2 brings the audience into Alex’s world with a slightly different atmosphere than the previous. This time around Alex finds himself somewhat rogue, operating outside of the law and MI6 with neither having any plans or inclination to assist him. Beginning on a much needed vacation, Alex and his friend Tom accompanied by his guardian Jack, find themselves drawn back into action when an explosion goes off in the home of a girl Alex just met. Alex saves her father from the burning building only to realize that the ordeal was not an accident. His attempts to convince the authorities proves to be futile, hence compelling Alex to investigate the matter on his own (and with a bit of help from his friends). Soon though, Alex begins to realize that he may have stumbled onto something that could have greater implications for the stability of the world.
As was the case for the first, Alex Rider; Season 2 pulls no punches on the action scenes, special FX, or the tense moments that keep audiences guessing. Fans of the book will see the noticeable deviations, but this was also the case for season one so it’s unlikely to sway anyone too far. The series has done a sound of job of including the best parts of the novel whilst also being able to modernize the story for present day audiences. The writers also subtly broach the subject of mental health in a satisfactory approach, carefully but not over cautiously touching on PTSD and the dangers it can pose to adolescents. Then there’s leading man Otto Farrant. He’s as charismatic as ever in his second outing as Rider. His continued development of the character is slowly but surely going to turn him into a name if he continues on the track that he’s on.
No doubt a third season is in the works, allegedly beginning development back in the summer of this year. This should come as no surprise, as IMDB TV is living up to the task of getting the best out of Horowitz’s source material whilst adding their own bits and pieces to ensure Alex Rider reaches its fullest potential. At this point there are fourteen novels, each season covering one book, meaning there’s a chance they could stretch this show pretty far in the years to come. One can only hope, as Alex Rider is setting new standards for adaptations.
