'Hazbin Hotel' Season 2 Has 100% on RT, but Is It Really That Good? (Spoiler, No)
The creators of Hazbin Hotel had the opportunity to correct their mistakes in the second season, but it seems those mistakes only grew worse.
On November 19, the final episodes of the second season of Hazbin Hotel premiered.
Although the project seemed poised for development after its successful debut and was immediately renewed for a fourth season, the long-awaited second chapter turned out to be less impressive than expected.
Beneath the loud musical numbers and improved animation lies the same chaotic, exposition-heavy script that exacerbated the problems of the first season.
What Is 'Hazbin Hotel' Season 2 About?
After battling the exorcist angels, Charlie Morningstar and her friends rebuild the hotel and resume the task of rehabilitating sinners with renewed vigor. However, a powerful trio of Overlords – Vox, Valentino, and Velvette – blocks their path.
The Overlords ridicule Charlie's ideas and urge the inhabitants of Pentagram City to wage a decisive battle with Heaven. Meanwhile, Sir Pentious's ascension forces the celestials to consider redeeming sinners, though they are far from remorseful.
'Hazbin Hotel' Season 2 Is Even More Chaotic and Inconsistent Than Season 1
Having gained confidence in the project's future, the series creators haven't addressed its main flaws. Rather than focusing on its strengths – the idea of redeeming sinners and character development – they overburdened the plot.
The writers attempt to convey the ambiguity of the conflict between Heaven and Hell, where neither side is ideal, but their efforts are unconvincing.
Once again, the Hazbin Hotel team is engaged in endless world-building, devoting entire episodes to empty conversations. Meanwhile, the original concept of a hotel for atoning for sins is relegated to the background.
Notably, throughout the entire second season, not a single sinner manages to redeem themselves.
Season 2 Lacks Coherent Arc Development & the Storylines Seem Far-Fetched
Creator Vivienne Medrano was so focused on bringing her ambitious ideas to life on screen that she didn't have time to develop the characters.
Charlie has gone from being a good-natured dreamer to a passive bystander who creates conflicts with her father, love interest, and other characters. The hotel's newest resident, Baxter, is introduced as a skeptic but transforms into an ally off-screen without any development.
His romantic arc with Niffty feels forced and unnatural, like nothing more than an attempt to generate hype among fans.
Even the musical numbers, a highlight of the first season, have become less memorable and often merely reiterate what has already been said in the dialogue. The only exception is Lute's song.
What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Hazbin Hotel' Season 2?
Radio Times critic Emma Flint wrote:
“Arguably, this is what holds the series back: it's not given enough room to properly tell its story. An extra one or two episodes would have allowed the season more breathing room.”
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Hazbin Hotel Season 2 has 100% from critics and 79% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.
Where to Watch 'Hazbin Hotel' Season 2?
Hazbin Hotel Season 2 is available to stream on Prime Video.
