Have you heard of the sophomore slump? Although season one of The Rain was a really compelling debut, I’m sad to report that the show’s second season is an unfortunate disappointment.
The main problem with this season is that it’s so poorly-paced and lacking in thematic focus, making the six-episode season feel like a total drag that just never ends. Sure there are some thrilling moments interspersed throughout, but as a whole, the show ditches the addictive survival mystery of its debut season for corny teenage angst and a shift to super-powered storytelling that feels wholly out of place. Yes we get it, Rasmus is a walking virus, but does he have to become a Lost smoke-monster ripoff? Groan.
Performance-wise, the cast continues to do a fine job, although I’m starting to find Simone to be a really irritating protagonist. Alba August does what she can with the role, but there’s only so many times the show can have her scream out “Rasmus” without it turning into a whiny and grating occurrence. The show tries to inject new blood into the narrative with a sickly love-interest for Rasmus called Sarah, but she’s a dreadfully dull character trapped in a torturous teenage love story.
Maybe the show’s third and final season will salvage the show? Fingers crossed, but it’s hard to remain optimistic. Oh, and the show’s infamous “rain”? Strangely absent from the season. Talk about lazy!
SPOILER SECTION: SKIP IF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED THE FINALE.
The show goes to some semi-intriguing places in its final moments with Simone shooting Rasmus and stopping him from killing her love Martin. Obviously Rasmus survives and joins the dark side which could set up some interesting developments for next year. There’s also potential in Sarah rising from the dead with the virus coursing in her veins. Hmm…
SPOILER SECTION: SKIP IF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED THE FINALE.
Conclusion
An unfocused arc and bizarre storytelling choices make for a seriously slow season. After an amazing first year, this is very disappointing.