Episode Guide
Episode 1 -| Review Score – 3.5/5 Episode 2 -| Review Score – 4/5 Episode 3 -| Review Score – 4/5 Episode 4 -| Review Score – 4/5 Episode 5 -| Review Score – 4.5/5 Episode 6 -| Review Score – 4/5 Episode 7 -| Review Score – 4/5 Episode 8 -| Review Score – 3/5 The trajectory of the story in The Flight Attendant’s season two is quite deceiving. We are led to believe that the exciting build-up will lead to an ending that will blow our minds. Its central mystery of the blonde double, and more importantly, why she was doing what she was gave us high hopes. And it has to be said, for most parts, the episodes keep you hooked. But the final episode is a huge disappointment. Much of that is down to the less than impressive conclusion to the individual storylines, and the confluence of them at once place, which is relatively more fun to watch. As an avid fan of the first season, I was greatly looking forward to seeing Cassie in action at her adorable best. What made the first instalment so fun was seeing this completely incompetent, innocent, next-door girl competing – and beating – skilled and deadly assassins. In fact, these kinds of stories are the most endearing to watch. They are mostly harmless and seldom take themselves too seriously. Season two of ‘The Flight Attendant’ marks noticeable changes to these two prime qualities. There is a closer and somber look at Cassie’s identity crisis and her inability to rid her life of destructive habits. For the initial few episodes, the garb is intact. We applaud her for the remarkable changes she has been able to make by moving to Los Angeles, being sober, continuing a healthy relationship, and most importantly, keeping out of trouble. Even her CIA journey is going well. But when the illusion breaks and the smoke settles, we see Cassie at her truest, and perhaps, ugliest. Her lack of acceptance and realization of who she really is has forced her to suppress the authenticity of real life. This is why we continually see the collection of different Cassies, so to speak, in that little mind palace. Cassie keeps wondering why it happens, only to realize in the end that all the versions are of herself. And that, she has not been able to let go of this repulsive view of herself. Then there are the unburied and restless notions from her childhood, especially with her mother, that have to be taken care of. This season tries its best to make us see who Cassie really is, behind all the adventurous zeal she shows to first get herself in trouble, and then barely get out of them. Secondly, Cassie is now not the only one chasing clues left, center, and right. She has Max and Annie help her out and only in some cases does she realistically figure out the catch herself. Most of the stuff here is confined to chase sequences, unlike the first season where we saw the full works. I realize it might be a bit unfair to compare the two seasons side by side. But at the same time, it also must be noted that the expectations that one might instantly want to be catered to come from that place of comparison. There were a couple of episodes in between, where we saw the old traditions restored. And it did indicate that things will change – that is until the final episode aired. The editing was one of the highlights of this season. Many sequences were cut to perfection in order to maintain the flow of the storytelling. Some beautiful locations were also captured for those still waiting to book their vacations. Kaley Cuoco does an extraordinary job here and successfully shows her diverse range. Her sincere and honest performance is built on creating this persona that is in some ways an amalgamation of what she has already done, and, what more is to come from her. As I said, her apology letter to her father at his grave remains the best scene of the entire season. Cuoco creates the perfect emotional fabric that is as volatile and relatable as the reality of the show’s universe ludicrous. So finally: can the finale really be such a huge dampener on the great work on the previous episodes? Not entirely. Credit has to be given where due to the team for such a valiant effort to move out of its comfort zone, while at the same time, maintaining the charm of the murder/comedy genre. While I cannot say that season two is as irresistible as its glorious predecessor, it has its moments. For first-time viewers, ‘The Flight Attendant’s season two will be a good starting point to move to season one. That way, you can avoid the slight disappointment those faced who went the opposite way.
