IR TV Review: MONARCH - LEGACY OF MONSTERS - EPISODE 1 (“Aftermath”) [Apple TV+]
The context of the "Godzilla" universe is an interesting quandary at times. Does one make a story as bombastic as a summer blockbuster or as something that becomes more existential...and is there a balance? The TV landscape and the ability to do large scale in a longer format has changed and perhaps evolved the almost novelistic approach of a series like this. In the Gareth Edwards film, the existential tendency was the proponent but as the franchise evolved (even to "Kong: Skull Island"), it had to take on a bit of cheese in a way. By the time, "King Of The Monsters" came along, despite its best intentions, there was a lack of balance. That is why it is interesting that this series starts with a flashback and an interesting cameo which places certain elements in motion. What this series as it starts with its first episode "Aftermath" (which is being shown at New York Comic Con) shows is the essence of impact in a more personal way. It might make its initial intent a little slower (but the monsters will always be there). The series, even from the get go, jumps around to a couple different time frames and expects the audience to follow (it does really help if one is aware of the mythos of the past say two films -- not counting the one Edwards made).
The beginning story follows Anna Swai as Cate Randa as she tries to go back to Tokyo (which is still under possible Godzilla attack/evacuation) trying to figure out what happened to her father who went missing after a Godzilla attack in San Francisco 8 years prior. The parallels should work but there does need to be some holes filled in. Consequently we see in the 50s, Lee Shaw (Wyatt Russell) pursuing a lead with two colleagues to a location that seems to have abnormal levels of natural radiation. This obviously has alot to integrate with Monarch as we do see flashbacks of Godzilla's attack on San Francisco and agents doing clean-up. The connection to "Skull Island" makes sense and sets a certain story in motion. The cadence though with the flash forwards and context requires the audience to try to understand the characters motivations which actually does help when you do a little bit of research post viewing. Certain motivations click into place. The first episode is meant only to whet the whistle (much like the first episode of "Lost" --- and Monarch seems to have more than a passing resemblance to Dharma) but it depends the endgame to which the series intends to move. B+
By Tim Wassberg
