Review: A Very Secret Service, Season 2

Ladies and gentlemen, WE HAVE SEASON TWO. More specifically, we’ve had season two since August, but I binged the first eleven episodes in a week and then couldn’t bring myself to watch the last one. (I didn’t want it to be over!) So I procrastinated watching the season finale until the end of October. Because, let’s be real— it took three years to get season two out there; who knows how long we’ll have to wait for season three?

The show has definitely changed since the first episode, in both good ways and not-so-good. Some brief thoughts:

The “scratchy”? cinematography for the first couple (?) of episodes was distracting and didn’t lend much to the overall experience. I mostly was wondering what the heck was wrong with their camera.

I miss the simplicity of season one; this season is much darker and more intense. The simplicity was part of what made season one so light-hearted, witty, and fun. I disliked how the main plot line changed; it became too complex and soap opera-y. By the end of the season, I forgot what the point was; what were we even fighting?

Another sad change from season one to two was the character of André. In this most recent season, he has a much darker, selfish personality. I miss the old André (haircut, personality, naivety and awkwardness, etc). He was an entirely new person in season two.

To be honest, I missed the old set, with the old offices. I'm guessing that they had a bigger budget for this season, but it seems to me that they got overexcited and overcomplicated things.

No spoilers, but I missed Sophie. She does not take as large of a role in this season, in comparison to the first.

My least favorite thing by far was the change in the rating. They threw in one brief image in one scene (which was not at all necessary!) and that made the rating jump from TV-14 to TV-MA. I am so disappointed, especially because one of the reasons I liked season one so much was because it was relatively clean, in a world where most international Netflix offerings are inappropriate. WHY did they have to damage A Very Secret Service like that?!

BUT, on to the good stuff!

I love how this season showcased Marie-Jo. Her character development was so fun, and her larger role in the season really boosted the plot.

Thankfully, this season was still replete with the customary witty lines and funny, satirical side plots (the three agents as always, the Canadians!!!, etc.) I loved how the agents are even bigger sticklers about rules and stamps in season two.

Calot waking up in the morning = gold. I actually rewinded and watched that two-second clip over and over again. And in that vein, the hijinks and escapades of Moulinier and Jacquard in Moscow were great. I love that the social commentary and dry humor have prevailed.

All in all, season two was delightful, but I didn't care for André or the new level of darkness introduced into the plot, nor the mature content. I did love the side characters and the faithfulness to their season one personalities. Let's get season 3!