Miraculous Ladybug Review Part 1: My Opinion on Season 2

My Opinion on Miraculous Ladybug episodes

Season 2

            I love Miraculous Ladybug, but as the series continues I noticed that the show really has a lot of flaws that has caused the show to become more of a mess. In Season 2, I thought it was getting better as it gave us a better insight into hawkmoth’s motives, the lore of the miraculous, new heroes, and more. However, when compared to other popular shows like Avatar or Steven Universe, I feel that it’s more like the latter than the former. I make this comparison because Avatar is a classic that is top quality, and while Steven Universe was still good, there were numerous issues with the show’s writing and the airing of episodes.

            Season 3 especially was so disjointed in the releasing of episodes that it drove me crazy when watching it. Like the show goes out of its way to put the characters in situations that would destroy the narrative and then make them stupid so it doesn’t and I hate that. So I decided to go over my opinions on each episode in season 2 and 3 to see what I think of them to determine their quality. The episodes are also arranged in an order that I think would be the best to view them in and has been influenced by how I watched them. For now this review will only cover what I think of Season 2 as I will save season 3 for part 2.

1.       The Collector:

Rating: Good

This episode is a fantastic way to start the season as it finally gives us more backstory into where the miraculous came from and why Hawkmoth wants them so badly. Finally confirming the season 1 theory that he’s Gabriel Agreste makes Hawkmoth a hundred times better than he was in season 1. Not to mention how he evades the heroes’ suspicion my akumatizing himself makes him seem much smarter than he did last season. Hawkmoth is always trying to come up with different schemes to achieve his goal and when it subverts the regular formula they can actually be pretty clever.

I also like the way Master Fu is introduced to Marinette, explaining why she and cat noir were given a miraculous and how he lost the butterfly and peacock miraculous. Its good exposition and I thought it was handled well. Looking back its possible the writers could have added more, but overall I think its fine as it is.

2.       Despair Bear:

Rating: Good

This episode starts with Chloe doing another terrible thing that causes her entire class to suffer while she manages to avoid punishment from the school, but there are still consequences this time. Adrien gives her an ultimatum that starts her on a redemption arc for the season, by basically saying she needs to be nicer or they can’t be friends. I really enjoyed seeing Chloe honestly try to improve herself and be a better person even if she’s doing it for someone else, or with help from others. To me that’s what friendship is all about.

The one thing I don’t like is about this episode though is how forced the titular villain feels. Like the butler was doing a good job at staying out of sight so not to embarrass Chloe, so when he shoves her teddy bear in her face just kind of comes out of left field. Either way this episode was pretty good and would have a lasting impact on the season overall.

3.      Prime Queen:

Rating: Decent

I don’t know how to feel about this episode. It doesn’t seem to do anything outside the regular formula of the show, and while I found it disappointing that doesn’t make it bad. This is just a pretty decent episode. It’s not bad, but when compared to other episodes about shipping between the main characters it’s much better.

That gets me into the premise. Ladybug has an interview with Nadja Chamack who wants confirmation of her relationship with Cat Noir, but when she rejects this hawkmoth targets her into becoming a villain that can attack through screens. This actually leads to a really intense fight between her and our heroes. The writing is really clever in this in how Prime Queen keeps putting people in danger and how ladybug has to outsmart her. I think that’s what keeps this from being a bad episode, but it’s reliance on the formula of the show doesn’t really do it any favors.

4.      Befana:

Rating: Alright

This is another decent episode. We get introduced to Marinette’s grandma and see how her relationship with her is like. I’m always up to learning more about a characters extended family and what they’re like. This episode has some cute moments in it, like Tikki’s present or the charm bracelets. The action was also kind of cool. I like Befana’s power to either petrify her victims to coal statues or turn them into her angelic minions. Still there are things about this episodes that ruin it’s re-watch ability.

One particular thing I don’t like about the episode is the conflict. This is another case where communication kills as if Marinette took the time to explain how much she’s grown to her Grandma and let her get to know her more maybe they could’ve avoided the titular villain. Overall the episode is alright despite its flaws and doesn’t really do much harm.

5.      Riposte:

Rating: Alright

This episode introduces us to Kagami and it does a good job at giving the audience some insight into who she is and what she’s like. Kagami values honor and doesn’t hold back in any situation, but as Riposte, she’s portrayed as a relentless warrior who’s determined to win no matter what. The episode has tons of action but not much else to it. It doesn’t help that once again Marinette can’t help but be awkward when it comes to being around Adrien, but I did feel that Adrien himself was much better at communicating with Kagami towards the end.

6.      Robostus:

Rating: Very Good

This episode is fantastic as it present a rare scenario of the titular villain of the week going rogue and escaping Hawkmoth’s control. I love how when Markov is akumatized, he asks Hawkmoth why he wants the heroes miraculous and what can they do. This later leads to his betrayal and following defeat, but Fu still explains to Marinette the real power that the Ladybug and Cat Miraculous have together. Overall, I found this episode to be very enjoyable and one I wouldn’t mind watching again.

7.      Dark Owl:

Rating: Alright

Dark Owl is actually one of the better villains on the show, as he’s able to use his knowledge of Superheroes to outsmart them. He’s also smart enough not to keep his akumatized object on him during a fight making it all more difficult to defeat him. There is tons of action and intense battles in this episode and I enjoyed how close they were to being defeated. At times the show can be really repetitive by how easily the Heroes win all the time so making the results narrower keeps me invested.

8.      Gigantitan:

Rating: Awful

He’s literally a giant baby. That’s our villain, a giant baby. Not to mention that the main plot follows Marinette roping her friends into another one of her wacky schemes to date Adrien. This episode really felt like the first in a long line of episodes where Marinette’s obsession really begins to consumes her more likable qualities. This is what frustrates me the most about the show, but it was still nice to see Marinette’s other friends (besides Ayla) just do something for once without the episode having to revolving around them individually.

9.      Glaciator:

Rating: Good

Glaciator does a fantastic job at conveying the romance between the main characters without it being awkward or obsessive. Marinette and Cat Noir both made plans with their crush, but because of that neither shows up to the other’s event and both of their nights are ruined. However, when these two come together as Marinette and Cat Noir their able to cheer the other up and convey their feelings in a very effective way.

I love how this episode have Marinette and Cat Noir able to be real with each other and help one another deal with their feelings of heartbreak. Considering how next season constantly plays with the characters romantic feelings, this episode does a great job at making them compliment each other. The villain’s motivations just adds to it as Ladybug has to acknowledge Cat Noirs feelings and rely on their feelings to beat him. It’s actually a really good way to make an episode about the romance in the show and should be used to set the standard of other similar episodes.

10.  Sapotis:

Rating: Very Good/Great

This is one of my favorite episodes this season, because it builds on my favorite character on the show. I loved seeing Ayla become Rena Rogue, and the first of the new heroes to join Ladybug. Honestly nobody deserved it more than her, as Ayla is a great friend to Marinette and a devoted fan of Ladybug. She’s really has a strong dedication to superhero values and truth which makes her a perfect fit for the fox miraculous. Overall this episode is a much watch and a great Ayla episode.

11.  Gorizilla:

Rating: Bad

While not as bad as Gigantitan, this episode still isn’t that good. The premise is that Adrien’s father is suspicious that Adrien is Cat Noir and akumatizes his bodyguard to put him in danger to prove it. Meanwhile, Adrien wants to see a movie starring his mom and just so happens to run into Marinette who’s in her pajamas.

This plot is just these two running around being awkward while trying to avoid Adrien’s crazed fans and later the titular villain. There’s not much real substance here to interest me. The concept of Gabriel finding out Adrien’s secret identity is interesting, but the shows devotion to the status quo really makes episodes like this pointless and wasteful.

12.  Captain Hardrock:

Rating: Okay

I was more invested in the titular villain of the episode than in the character that it introduced. I do like them adding Luka into the show as it adds something new into the mix, but his personality isn’t very interesting. His mom is a loud, boisterous, former Rock Star, and his sister is a shy girl with an amazing style. Compared to his family, Luka is just a dull, cool guy.

Overall as a villain of the week episode it’s not bad, but I just think when introducing a character as important as a new love interest for the main character, it should make them feel more fleshed out. Luka isn’t that and his role in the series is just an additional frustration to me. Still there is a lot to like about this episode as well, like the action, music, or pretty much everything besides Luka, but he’s role is such needlessly big one that it’s hard to look pass it.

13.  Syren:

Rating: Decent

This episode is the first with the elemental power boosts and while it is decent and fun, it’s also kind of one note. This girl we never met before has a crush on Kim, but he’s too thickheaded to realize her feelings and so Hawkmoth turns her into the titular villain and she floods Paris. This is because she’s a swimmer, and they need to give Ladybug and Cat Noir underwater power-ups.

Ondine isn’t interesting and has only appeared in 3 episodes so far. Her role is to be a love interest to Kim but besides that you’d probably forget she exists. The power-ups are cool in theory and liked how Master Fu and Marinette needed to work together to make them. However, the only other thing I liked was Adrien finally meeting Master Fu and the two beginning to open to one another.

Still the concept of power-ups we haven’t seen is intriguing and it would be fun to see more of them. I had an idea for flight power-up for ladybug where her costume could get some cute ladybug wings to it.

14.  Frightingale:

Rating: Awful

I remember this was marketed as part of a bunch with special guest stars this season, but Laura Marano only really does Clara’s singing voice so that was a letdown. This episode is just painfully awful. The basic premise is that the famous popstar Clara Nightingale wants to make a music video for Ladybug using real Paris citizens as performers.

If that idea wasn’t bad enough in general, of course the plot eventually forces Marinette and Adrien into the roles of Ladybug and Cat Noir, nearly exposing their identities to all of Paris. They’re only saved by their own awkward performances and Chloe shutting the show down for rejecting her. Whenever an episode revolves around nearly exposing the hero’s identities you know just know it’s going to be bad because there’s NO way they’re breaking the status quo this early and have it stick. All this accomplishes is putting the characters into awkward scenarios where they can’t really be themselves.

Clara is particularly annoying because she’s basically Wheelie from Generation 1 of Transformers. She has a physical need to rhyme and dance all the time, and when she’s akumatized her power basically forces her victims to do the same or they’ll become glitter statues. This doesn’t even mention how she’s another villain Chloe created. Like they do a lot to develop her this season, but in this episode she manage well be her season 1 self still. At least she’s better in the next episode.

15.  Zombiezou:

Rating: Good

This episode was a fun spin on the Zombie-style genre. Instead of the regular super power fight, Zombiezou subverts the formula by having Ladybug and Cat Noir have to fight to reach her, all the while trying to protect their friends along the way. The fun comes from seeing more characters involved in the plot for once and Chloe takes another step at improving herself when she apologizes for all the trouble she caused.  Overall, it’s another major step forward for her this season and the show’s quality.

16.  Troublemaker:

Rating: Alright

This was fairly good episode, but overall was pretty average. I didn’t really enjoy how the episode humiliates Marinette by nearly exposing her crush and then just kind of sweeps it under the rug, (which will unfortunately become a trend in season 3) but other than it’s fine. I enjoy the chemistry between Jagged Stone and Penny and how threatening the titular villain is. It’s also nice to see just Marinette appreciated for all the good work she does as well.

17.  Reverser:

Rating: Good

I was actually excited going into this episode, as a villain who inverts people’s personalities seems like a really creative idea. Plus, this episode also introduces the first real LGBT representation in the form of Marc so that’s another positive about it. The one negative about it is that once again the villain is created through a misunderstanding created by Marinette, but at least this time her heart was in the right place.

Still I really liked seeing the fight in this episode, especially when Ladybug and Cat Noir are so afflicted by Reverser’s curse that Nate and Alex have to help them in the final battle. It also has some good humor in it. I like seeing Marinette helping a classmate with their crush who’s almost just as awkward as she is.

18.  Sandboy:

Rating: Very Good

This episode was already good enough by focusing on the Kwamis, but combine that with a villain that brings nightmares to life and you get fantastic episode. The plot involves Tikki and Plagg going to celebrate Nooroo’s birthday by contacting him with the other Kwamis. However this leaves Marinette and Adrien vulnerable too Hawkmoth’s latest victim who brings their worst fears to life.

I really enjoyed this episode because it showed us what the other Kwami are like and what they can do together. I also liked seeing Marinette’s and Adrien’s fears come to life and just how similar they are. They’re both are trapped in scenarios where they are powerless or have to face off against a nightmare version of the crush. This represents how the thing that scares our main characters the most is their own feelings.

19.  Anansi:

Rating: Great

Anansi is a great introduction to a new hero (as oppose to season 3’s heroes who don’t really get much focus even when introduced). Nino does a fantastic job proving that he’s worthy of a Miraculous in this episode by being willing to do whatever it takes to protect Ayla. I also like how the episode introduces the last Césaire sister and really lets the audience get to know her well. Overall, I find this episode to be really enjoyable and does an excellent job at capturing the main appeal of the show; that is having friends work together to be true heroes.

20.  Frozer:

Rating: Bad

This episode is painful to sit through, but it’s not all bad. After another rejection from Ladybug, Adrien decides to ask out Kagami, but is nervous and asks Marinette for assistance who is the absolute worse person to ask about this. To make matters even worse though Marinette is also questioning her crush on Adrien and if they’re better off as ‘just friends’. So in the end the both of them wind up on a double date with other people.

This is where it feels the show’s romantic writing begins to slip. Even the main characters are beginning to grow tired of constantly pining for their crush’s affection, but the show feels the need to constantly keep it up and refuses to let it change. The episode also feels like it repeats some things that were done better in Glaciator, such as having the heroes face a cold theme villain while dealing with emotional issues. The titular villain here feels uninspired and disconnected from the overall plot and they seem to brush off the emotions much quicker here like it’s not as important.

The episodes does have some positives as we get to know Kagami and Luka better here and how they click with our main characters. Kagami never hesitates and has confidence in her drive and skills, while Luka is much more of a go with the flow kind of guy. Overall, Kagami and Adrien seem really comfortable together, but ironically I feel that these couples work much better as just friends.

21.  Style Queen (Queen’s battle part 1):

Rating: Good

As the start of the Queen’s Trilogy, this episode does an excellent job of being something worthy to build up to as we see pieces of past episodes come together here. From Marinette’s pigeon hat being modeled by Adrien, to the introduction and akumatization of Chloe’s mom, this episode definitely had some hype to it and does an excellent job of laying the ground work for the rest of the trilogy.

22.  Queen Wasp (Queen’s battle part 2):

Rating: Good

Queen Wasp is an excellent follow up to Style Queen as Gabriel renounces his Hawkmoth persona after endangering his son only to take it up again when Chloe announces herself as Paris’ newest Miraculous holder. I love how this episode shakes up the status quo as the inciting incident that springs the heroes into action actually doesn’t have anything to do with Hawkmoth, but a child who is wielding a power that she can’t handle yet. I love seeing this vulnerable side of Chloe as instead of acting like she’s superior, she uses her new powers to try and prove she’s worthy of the admiration she craves so much.

In the end, Chloe fails at being both a hero and villain but learns to accept her mistakes and grows as person. I also like how Audrey’s abusive parenting method further explains why Chloe is the way she is. In an effort to earn the admiration of the person who see looks up to the most Chloe adopts her mother’s personality traits and emulates her cruelty onto everyone else. This episode really cuts to the core of Chloe’s humanity and shows that there’s more to her that meets the eye.

23.  Malediktor (Queen’s battle part 3):

Rating: Good

The finale to this amazing trilogy continues Chloe being vulnerable when she embarrasses herself by giving a presentation about how important Queen Bee is. She naturally takes her frustration out on her father demanding that he’d use his powers to get vengeance for her only to lead him to being akumatized instead. This episode seems to be the culmination of all of Chloe’s more heinous actions and is the pinnacle of her redemption arc into a hero.

Throughout the series, Chloe has been responsible for hurting many people and creating many villains, and this has made her feel worthless and unwanted. This is why she leaves Paris in such a huff, but her admiration for ladybug actually leads her to clean up her mess and team up with Ladybug to become a real hero. Malediktor is a really good villain as well with a crazy evil power and fantastic motivation.

24.  Catalyst (Heroes day part 1):

Rating: Very Good

This season finale was hyped up to be epic battle between good and evil as Hawkmoth uses the day of heroes to create his best scheme yet. Marinette has a good plot line here as well trying to do something special for her friends, but struggling to deliver due to stress and her heroic obligations. Still the highlight of this part is definitely seeing Hawkmoth’s plan unfold.

Hawkmoth brings back Volpina, knowing Lila would be eager for revenge on ladybug on a day dedicated to her and have her create an illusion of the worst case scenario to make the whole city vulnerable to his power. He, then gets a power boost so he can akumatize as many people as possible bringing back villains from the past two seasons to use as his army. In response ladybug gathers her new allies to confront Hawkmoth together as the episode ends.

I like this episode, especially how it brings back Volpina and plays up her intimidation factor. In my opinion Volpina is one of the best villains on the show, as she reflects the main protagonist with or without powers. I also find it funny how Ladybug reveals Carapace and Rena Rouge’s identities to one another despite how much the show jumps through hoops to keep other identities a secret. Overall, this was a fantastic way to start the finale.

25.  Mayura (Heroes day part 2):

Rating: Good

This episode is an awesome finale to the season, but it does have its flaws and that’s okay. Ladybug valiantly leads her team against Hawkmoth’s army of villains, but less than nine minutes in her new allies already get akumatized and turn against her. The rest of the episode though was a big time rush as both sides struggle to gain the upper hand.

I like seeing Hawkmoth grand scheme unfolds and see how many eventualities he planned for as he delivers order to his army like a general commanding his troops. I also like how ladybug counters each of his maneuvers, such as having the other citizens hold off his army so they can reach hawkmoth himself, or using the villain’s powers against one another. The climax is definitely when hawkmoth loses his army, putting him up against the wall, as we finally see the Peacock Miraculous in action for the first time.

The aftermath is nice as well. Marinette’s picnic goes off without a hitch, as Lila looks on with jealousy. Adrien gives Marinette a speech saying that compares her to ladybug in how much she cares for others and she finally works up the courage to kiss him. It’s a perfect way to end the season. They had an epic clash with both sides going at each other at full power, while embracing everything they did in the past and plan ahead to the future. It’s just a shame that future was Season 3.

Overall Thoughts on the Season:

As you can see by this graph I think the majority of Season 2 is fairly good, with only a few occasionally bad or awful episodes in it. This was the season that began to build on the characters and expand on their roles in the show. Ayla, Nino, and Chloe in particular felt much more fleshed out when they’re recruited as new heroes. I also enjoyed Kagami’s introduction and how it foreshadowed her expanded role in the next season.

            My favorite parts about this season is its overall theme of working to better yourself and others, as well as how we learn more about the lore surrounding the Miraculous, and Hawkmoth’s motivations. In the first season is hard to connect to Hawkmoth because we didn’t really know him. This season reveals his identity in the first episode and lets us see more of how he forms his plans, so the audience has more investment in his schemes.

            There are many great moments where characters to develop, and grow as individuals, while also proving themselves to be worthy heroes and all of this culminates in an amazing finale. Master Fu is also a great mentor to Ladybug this season and helps guide her in being a better hero and leader. I like their dynamic a lot and it works really well. This overall theme of doing good and helping others is what being a hero is truly about. Unfortunately, next season doesn’t really do a good on expanding the elements introduced here, but we’ll get to that next time.