Review: 'Stuck: The Webseries' (Season 2)
The surrounding atmosphere when watching the show with an actual audience or with friends was simply magnetic. I found myself smiling widely almost constantly, even in situations when I shouldn't have been. While the last two episodes felt like the first
+ Recommended - NR, Drama, Comedy
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After the screening of the second half of Stuck (season 2) at the Alamo Drafthouse, showrunner Faustus McGreeves explained this: The first season was all about the characters' realization of how stuck (in life) they truly are. Season 2, therefore, contains the story of those characters clamoring for a way out of their respective situations; a perfect summary of the plot this season.
The main cast is back this season for more exciting adventures. Including: Chelsea Wagoner (Lisa), Faustus McGreeves (Rob), Andrea Erickson (Ariel), and Walter Shatley (Liam). We are introduced to a few newcomers along the way, including Billy St. John (Howard), Eric Lawson (Simon), and Jeff Hoover (Finn). Each new cast member seamlessly blends with the original cast and bring their own flare to the story. Adding additional cast members can be a risk, especially if shows add too many, but that isn't the case with Stuck. In some cases, you'll find yourself caring just as much for the new characters as the old ones. I would argue that the character's story-lines this season excel the last ten-fold.In the first season we followed Rob on his journey.
This season, the focus shifts towards Lisa. How have the events of the first season changed her? During the first season Lisa was undoubtedly the stand-out character. In part, that's what makes season two so refreshing. It was a bold move and for that you really have to give props to showrunner Faustus McGreeves for recognizing the audience's love for the character of Lisa and shifting the focus to her in the second season. Thinking of other shows similar to Stuck, I can't think of one that has executed the transition from main characters so effectively. What's even more impressive is the fact that it will only benefit the character development should they make a third season.Production level on the show has increased tremendously as well, coupled with the quality. That includes writing, direction, set locations, and camera work. In this season the momentum felt just right and the show found its footing, especially in the middle episodes of the season.
The surrounding atmosphere when watching the show with an actual audience or with friends was simply magnetic. I found myself smiling widely almost constantly, even in situations when I shouldn't have been. While the last two episodes felt like the first season in terms of writing, it was done tastefully and was still wrapped well. Stuck has tons of heart and determination to be the very best. The whole creative team behind the show truly love the work and that carries over into each performance, both behind and in front of the camera. A true Nebraska gem that I'm glad to have witnessed and supported. It's a show that deserves to be recognized for its achievements in the local community and goes to show that any filmmaker or actor can make their dreams come true, even in a state like Nebraska, with some dedication.
If you haven't yet, check out the first season and the first half of the second season here. The second half of season 2 will premiere on the Stuck website (click on the "here" above) on the 7th of February. You won't be disappointed.