Note: This review is spoiler-free. Any bits hinted at were introduced at the tail-end of Season 1, or teased in the trailer for Season 2.
The first season of Raising Dion focused on the relationship between Nicole and Dion, and the struggles both characters endured due to Dion’s unexpected abilities. It was a deep dive into the mystery surrounding her husband’s death, and how the events leading to his death ultimately led to Dion’s powers. At the heart, though, it was very much a family drama full of self-discovery, humor and loss. The second season takes the series in a brand new direction, though.
A two-year time jump allows the series to move forward, while also allowing for leading actor, Ja’Siah Young, to grow into the role. This time around, he’s in control of his powers and trying to use them to do some good around his neighborhood. Along with Esperanza and Jonathan, the former bully of Season 1, the trio form the Triangle of Justice. Rather than focus on the pain of growing up and being accepted by their peers, we get to see the students grow into their characters this go-round. They’re more confident, a heck of a lot more daring and all the more compelling. Seeing them work against the new big-bad? It’s exciting because there’s such a huge change in these characters we met in 2019.
Season 2 picks up two years after the events on the school football field, where the battle between Dion and the Crooked Man took place. The world has, for the most part, moved on from the event, however, it soon becomes clear wherever the Crooked Man appeared, the land was impacted — left to decay, rot away without answer. Rather than being an imposing threat this season, BIONA is quickly proven to be the safety net for Dion and others like him. However, just as things seem to be going well, an old friend returns to upheave everything.
There’s very little to complain about when it comes to Season 2 of Raising Dion. It’s a more cohesive storyline that allows its characters to thrive; it’s action-packed, having already established this unique spin on our world, and there are plenty of thrills to keep viewers guessing. One of the downfalls, though, is the decision to bring in Griffin Robert Faulkner‘s Brayden full-time this season. While Brayden does capture the creepiness aspect that Season 1 teases at the end, he often comes across as cruel more so than terrifying. This isn’t at the fault of the young actor, of course, but rather the way the character was handled. It’s all the more evident at the end when everything erupts into chaos.
One thing Raising Dion does perfectly is build upon what it has already established. The series doesn’t dwell on what’s done. Season 1 was focused on the Iceland Event, the mystery surrounding Mark’s death and the Crooked Man. All were vital to Dion’s story, however, the second season moves beyond the Iceland Event and Mark’s death. The writers know viewers are not looking to rehash the same plotlines. Yes, they may be occasionally mentioned, but this is something entirely new. It’s an exciting story that is easy to binge in a single setting.
While a third season has yet to be officially announced, fans will quickly find themselves awaiting said announcement. The ending of Raising Dion Season 2 will surely leave fans with more questions than answers and, in this instance, that’s far from a bad thing. It just proves there’s plenty of power left in this series, and if you haven’t already, it’s time to familiarize yourself with Mind Mover because Dion is the type of superhero we need on our screens.
