Shahmaran Season 2 Review: Serenay Sarıkaya’s Turkish Fantasy Drama Is a Mix Bag

Shahmaran Season 2 Review | Leisurebyte

Director: Umur Turagay

Editor's Rating:
3

Netflix has finally released the highly anticipated Turkish fantasy-drama Shahmaran Season 2, which brings to life the mythical figure Shahmaran, a legendary creature in Turkish folklore that is half-woman and half-snake. This season continues from where it left off and focuses on the struggle between two sisters: one inhabiting Sahsu’s body and the other, Lilith, who has awakened from the well where she was kept captive. Lilith despises humanity and seeks to destroy it, aiming for snakes to take over the world. Meanwhile, Sahsu grapples with understanding her identity, the extent of her power, and how the ultimate battle will unfold.

The series has 6 episodes, each with a runtime of around 45 minutes.

-No Spoilers-

Shahmaran Season 2 Review

Shahmaran Season 2 begins with a bang, thrusting us into the chaotic world of Lilith, who awakens from her imprisonment with a burning desire for revenge. Trapped in a well by her sister, Lilith is furious and ready to wreak havoc on anyone who stands in her way. On the other side, Shahmaran, the legendary creature, begins to stir within Sahsu. But Sahsu must open three metaphorical doors for Shahmaran to fully take over her body that will make her powerful, setting the stage for the season’s central conflict. The stakes are high as the opening of these doors promises to bring an end to the destruction that has begun.

Within the first 20 minutes, the series delivers a flurry of intense action. Lilith, driven by her anger and a deep mistrust of love, becomes a force of nature, taking down anyone who isn’t on her side. She manipulates Cihan, exploiting his hatred for Maran, and uses him to further her own goals. Lilith’s rampage is both terrifying and captivating, but it also sets a tone that might be too intense for some viewers.

On the other hand, Maran and Sahsu are trying to figure out how to complete the necessary changes to revive Shahmaran without causing harm. This storyline offers a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness, but it also feels somewhat predictable. The series doesn’t waste much time getting into the action and unraveling the mystery, which is initially quite engaging. However, as the season progresses, the plot starts to feel repetitive and less captivating.

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Folktales are inherently unrealistic, and I’m usually okay with that when they’re adapted into series. However, Shahmaran could have benefited from a bit more creativity in how it handled its story. Some character deaths felt unsatisfying and lacked the emotional impact they should have had. It’s as if the series became too comfortable with its formula, leading to a sense of monotony that detracts from the overall experience.

One particular aspect that stood out to me was the background score. While it’s meant to heighten the tension, the constant hissing sound, especially during Lilith’s scenes, became more of an irritation than a mood enhancer. Despite this, Saadet Işıl Aksoy’s portrayal of Lilith is commendable. She embodies the role with a strong presence, making her an intriguing and vicious villain. However, the way her character arc concludes left me feeling unsatisfied, as it didn’t do justice to the intensity she brought to the screen.

Serenay Sarıkaya, who plays Sahsu, continues to be the beacon of the show. Even in the dullest moments, she manages to pull the viewer back in with her performance. Her character’s evolution is one of the few highlights of the season, and Sarıkaya’s ability to carry scenes, even when not much is happening, is a testament to her talent. Maran, on the other hand, brings back the energy that made the first season so engaging. While he remains an integral part of the series, I can’t say he’s my favourite character this time around. His storyline feels somewhat overshadowed by the overwhelming presence of Lilith and the central conflict surrounding Sahsu.

Visually, Shahmaran S2 is stunning. The settings are richer, and the overall production is more polished, making it a treat for the eyes. As the season progresses, the pace picks up, and the story starts to move in unpredictable directions, which keeps viewers on their toes. Twists and turns abound, with secrets being revealed in every episode, making it difficult to stop watching once you’ve started.

One episode that stands out is when Shahmaran finds a way to get rid of Lilith. This decision leads to explosive consequences, dramatically altering the lives of Maran and Sahsu. It’s moments like these that remind us why Shahmaran is such an engaging series—when it’s at its best, it masterfully blends character development with intense drama, leaving us eager to see what happens next. However, not all episodes hit the mark. Some feel dragged out and unnecessarily chaotic, creating a sense of confusion rather than excitement. These moments detract from the overall enjoyment of the series, making it feel like a mixed bag of highs and lows.

Final Thoughts

Season 2 of Shahmaran is a rollercoaster of emotions, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by periods of monotony. The series shines when it embraces its fantastical roots and dives deep into character development, but it stumbles when it leans too heavily on repetitive plot points and irritating background scores. While Serenay Sarıkaya and Saadet Işıl Aksoy deliver standout performances, the season as a whole feels like a mix bag of opportunity to elevate the story to new heights. If you’re a fan of Turkish fantasy dramas, this series is still worth watching, but be prepared for a journey that’s as frustrating as it is fascinating.

Shahmaran Season 2 is now streaming on Netflix.

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