IR TV Review: I AM GROOT - SEASON 2 [Marvel/Disney+]
The context of the animated series "I Am Groot" is to relay, in short lessons, both the innocence and falability of a young Groot in his different (mis)adventures. While effective at times, the 2nd season seems a little more truncated than last season, both in form and it seems in length. Perhaps its identity also has been a little more affected by the context of the Holiday Special and "Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3". The aspect is that, while there is a sweetness, it feels now a little more Wild E. Coyote than Bugs Bunny (if one will). There is nothing wrong with that but it is a certain tone. For example, in the previous season, there was one episode with Rocket that really upped the context (but again this was pre-Vol. 3 as well). The adventures here, told in quick 5 minute bite sizes are interesting at times but more than not derivative and not as intrinsic as to the nature of Groot.
The first episode takes this into account in that it shows Groot having a pet of sorts but not knowing how to care for it. It parallels the last episode of last season but comparatively doesn't use forced perspective which would have made more sense. Another episode more takes place in an ice bound world. Again, it uses established elements of Christmas cheer but, in context, there are almost no stakes, so life just goes on as before. Another episode involves Groot coming to terms with a sense he doesn't have. This one works the best because it has context and plays to the essence of a kid who doesn't know his consequence on the world but still enjoys the coolness and the beauty of it. The 4th episode is more of a one note joke but is one that shows the consequence of action but doesn't quite follow it through to its resolution. The final episode harks to another series (actually two) in an interesting way but just goes to further show nothing is what it seems. However that said, despite some of its ingenuity, this iteration, though fun, doesn't quite pull at the heartstrings as much. B
By Tim Wassberg
