‘Voltron: Legendary Defender’ Season Three Opens A New Path

MINOR SPOILERS FOR SEASON 2

The time has come for more Voltron: Legendary Defender. The adventure continues for the Voltron Paladins with their never ending quest to take down the Galra empire. Fans have been waiting with baited breath after the second season finale and the wait is finally over. How does this season compare with others?

Picking up some time after the battle with Zarkon, the Paladins are working towards helping take back the Universe from the Galran empire, one planet at at time. Unfortunately the are opposed by Zarkon’s son, Prince Lotor, who seems to be much more cunning and devious with his plans than his father. Throughout the season, Lotor finds ways to lure the team into traps which they barely escape and finding ways to use them for his own advantage. Will the team succeed and what of their missing leader, Shiro?

If the second season of the show made everyone think the series was on the precipice of ending, the goal of season three was to show how much more story there is to tell. The concept of their being alternative realities is introduced in a successful manner. It isn’t too outside of the ballpark of what has been shown so far, as the series has utilized the idea of space travel through wormholes and finds a way to tie it all back into the mystery and mythology surrounding Voltron. The season also features return of a character from the original show who many probably thought would never appear.

The shorter length of the season is noticeable. Yes, it was creator’s intent to have shorter seasons so content can come with a diminished wait but it does feel like half a season. To this end a lot of plot elements are introduced but not fully flushed out. The residents of the Galaxy being unable to accept the Blade of Mamora because they are Galra. The backstories behind Lotor’s Generals, other than the fact they are all female and seem formidable in battle. The development of Keith and his role as a leader is introduced but shows he has long way to go to match his original counterpart. He is still quick to anger and constantly comparing himself to Shiro. All of these elements help to showcase just how much more story is left to tell in the series.

The production behind the show hasn’t decreased a bit. The art is on point and offering some great visual moments through the season. The episode The Legend Begins is of particular note by showing the origin of Voltron and the history behind the original Paladins. The music is uplifting as always as well. A piece which really stuck out was the background sound of The Journey as it helped to convey a sense of isolation and loneliness.

Overall this is a good season with plethora of great moments and revelations are explored. It doesn’t end on a massive cliffhanger like the previous seasons have which is would have been better as the wait for new content is shorter. Still, it does show there is a lot to look forward to and isn’t without a perfect episode (The Journey). It is an entertaining season of Voltron: Legendary Defender but not the best presented so far.