The main strength of Season 1 ironically serves as Season 2's biggest weakness; Schwartz and Savage did such a good job fleshing out the parents, their interplay has become just as compelling as the Runaways' dynamic (and is arguably better developed this season). While we often see the Pride together - either plotting against Jonah, their kids, or each other - it feels like the Runaways are constantly being separated, both by their own side missions or issues, and the villains' various attempts to capture them.
And while the Pride's motivations are constantly in conflict - they all undeniably care about their own kids, but aren't so bothered about everyone else's - the writers seem to feel the need to create just as much tension amongst the Runaways themselves, resulting in numerous contrived secrets being kept and backroom deals being made, preventing the team from ever being able to find equilibrium or operate as a true unit. It's telling that one of the most effective and moving episodes comes later in the season when the Runaways all decide to come together towards a shared (and heartwarmingly normal) goal, giving us a sense of how effective these kids could be if they were actually honest with each other and behaved like the family they're supposed to be.Unfortunately, the writers seem so obsessed with the parents (who, don't get me wrong, are often a joy to watch), it sometimes feels like they're bending over backward to give them reasons to remain in the story, even when some have clearly served their purpose. A few even seem to be on redemptive paths, which often undermines the seriousness of their past crimes and any future villainy they might commit. Still, the backstabbing between the Pride members also provides some of the season's most delicious moments; the Yorkes (Brigid Brannagh and Kevin Weisman) and Tina Minoru (Brittany Ishibashi) in particular get to uncover fascinating new layers of their characters while adding a much-needed dose of levity to the proceedings.
As for the Runaways themselves, the season belongs to Nico (Lyrica Okano) and Alex (Rhenzy Feliz), who both come into their own as leaders after being forced to make some impossible choices - although an early subplot takes Alex away from the group for large chunks of the season, further contributing to the fractured feeling within the team, even if it gives Feliz a chance to shine as a performer. Gert (Ariela Barer) is given the least to do, and it's a shame to see such an outspoken character become so reactive - many things happen to her, but she has very little agency in any of it. On the plus side, we get to see a lot more of Old Lace this year, and she's as weirdly adorable (and useful) as ever. And poor Karolina (Virginia Gardner) is saddled with the two clunkiest story arcs, between her alien heritage and her parents' entanglement in the Church of Gibborim - the latter of which never fails to bring the plot to a screeching halt every time it detours in that direction.
The season does excel at adding context and depth to the Runaways' personal lives as they finally establish who they are away from their parents - from Nico and Karolina's burgeoning relationship to Alex's attempts to navigate being young and black without the buffer of his Brentwood wealth, it feels as if every character gains nuance and relatability the longer we spend with them. It's just a shame they can't spend more time with each other.
Ultimately, Marvel Television once again falls into the same traps that have hamstrung the rapidly dwindling Marvel-Netflix shows; there's not enough plot to fill 13 episodes, resulting in repetitive conflicts that could easily be trimmed down. And unlike the Netflix model of a cliffhanger at the end of every episode to promote binging, Season 2 of Runaways never quite captures that feeling of urgency. When we get to spend time with the team as a whole, the show comes alive with energy and charisma, but there's so much angst, lust, and mistrust (typical teenagers), it takes a while before they're allowed to gel - which sometimes leaves Runaways feeling like Defenders 2.0.