In Shadow and Bone season 1, we were introduced to the concept of amplifiers, powerful creatures whose bones Grisha wore to enhance their powers. By the end of season 1, our protagonist and Sun Summoner Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li) had gained possession of the amplifier known as Morozova’s Stag, and harnessed that power to escape the Shadow Fold (a dangerous swath of darkness swarming with monsters that splits the country of Ravka in two). Given discussions about amplifiers in season 1, it should come as no surprise that they are set to play an important role in season 2. A big one.
On February 16, Netflix released a new promotional poster for Shadow and Bone season 2 featuring three of the central characters: Alina Starkov, Mal Oretsev (Archie Renaux) and the Darkling (Ben Barnes). But what was even more interesting about this poster was what surrounded those characters: the antlers of a stag, the scaly body of a reptilian creature, and the open wings of a giant bird.
Book fans already knew what this poster is hinting at. And with the release of the season 2 trailer, show-only fans are also in the know. These creatures represent Morozova’s amplifiers, the driving force behind author Leigh Bargudo’s Grisha trilogy of books.
Decoding the poster and trailer for Shadow and Bone season 2
When Alina was being trained in her Grisha powers in season 1, there was a brief scene where she looked at a book about amplifiers. In that book were drawings of a stag, a sea whip, and a firebird. In the season 2 trailer, Alina asks new character Sturmhond (Paddy Gibson) for his help. “You couldn’t do it with one amplifier,” he answers. We then get a flashback to that moment with the book from Season 1, with Alina speaking over it: “I need the power of all three.”
And thus the core plot of season 2 is set in motion. Alina’s goal of ridding Ravka of the Fold can only be achieved by seeking out this trio of powerful, ancient amplifiers.
Another moment in the season 2 trailer sees Alina reunite with Baghra (Zoe Wanamaker), who tells Alina, “You must find the Firebird. And the Sea Whip. Take their power. Finish what you started.” Shadow and Bone becomes quest-like as Alina and her allies set out to track down these mythical creatures so she can use their amplifying powers to destroy the Fold.
But we must also heed the warning stated in clear letters on the poster: “Every power has a price.” While it’s joyous to see Alina’s power grow, at the heart of Shadow and Bone is a concern over the corrupting influence of power. Baghra reminds us of this again in the trailer, saying, “It is magic. You will not know what price it demands… until it is too late.”
And the Darkling himself says towards the end of the trailer, “Are you willing to sacrifice that which is most precious to you?” Book fans will be on the edge of their seats, understanding the hidden implications to this statement. But show-only fans must also take heed of these words. The amplifiers will be the main driver of Shadow and Bone season 2, but in seeking them out, Alina will be putting much at stake.
Shadow and Bone Season 2 premieres on Netflix on March 16.
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