A Review of Season 2 of ‘Curses!’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Sky (voiced by Lyric Lewis), Alex (voiced by Reid Scott), Russ (voiced by Andre Robinson) and Pandora (voiced by Gabrielle Nevaeh) in "CURSES!," now streaming on Apple TV+.

There was a time in family entertainment, where the old saying; ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ ruled the day. Because once a production company found a formula that kids enjoyed, and parents were comfortable with it… they just stuck with that formula and well, everyone was happy. Because the kids were entertained, and the parentals felt good about their kids watching something wholesome and worthwhile, and for a very, very long time… that was indeed the standard because why deviate from something that satisfied all?
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But somewhere along the line, it became clear, that a great disservice was taking place by sticking to familiar territory and just offering up the same old, same old. In that, there were some family stories that were powerful in nature that were not reaching their potential. For had these stories tried to branch out, do something new, they could have been legendary in nature and that… has allowed for family entertainment to begin to grow in the past decade or so and explore new concepts and really take children and their parents on an enriching ride, and one particular show that is leading the charge in this as of late, is Curses! on Apple TV+.

For this particular series just dropped its second season on the network, and it truly is a masterclass on how family entertainment can be so much more. On how it can tell compelling and powerful tales that harbor growth and deep-rooted lessons, and it can explore so much without ever leaving behind what made it great. Which is precisely what season two accomplishes, since the plot remains familiar, with the Vanderhouven family still on their mission to return cursed artifacts to free the family from more trouble, with Alex now at their side. Giving rise to what we love, and that of course leaves us comfortable and feeling safe and that’s when the show drops some wondrous surprises upon us.

Because in-between that comfort… are moments that grow this series and move it in a bold new direction. For season two is epic in nature, and even more frightening than season one, thanks to moments that ramp up the scares just a little bit. Not to terrorize mind you, but to just up the ante and really take everyone on an emotional ride. Plus, there’s great depth to be found here as well. Since this is a series that points out correctly, that life doesn’t go back to normal after life changing events. There is an adjustment period, a time to heal, and that’s a wonderful lesson to find here, one that can and will inspire conversations in the home about healing, about trauma and that really does make this quite the special season of storytelling.

Of course, it also doesn’t hurt, that horror legend Robert Englund is part of this now as well. Since he plays an important role in season two and is as amazing as ever and he truly compliments the already amazing cast that we’ve grown to care for, and all of these elements, bring forth an amazing season of storytelling and are proof positive… that family entertainment should never stay stagnant. It should challenge itself; it should try new things because this is what you get when you do. A story that is deep, intelligent and ups the ante in so many ways, and it is just wonderful to see this series back on the air and enjoy its eerie vibes once more, and you don’t have to wait a second longer to enjoy its majesty. For season two of Curses! is on Apple TV+ right now, and we here at NTG hope you give it a look and enjoy everything it has to offer.

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