The thrust of the second season finds Max fighting for the rights of genetically altered humans in Seattle. In true sci-fi fashion, it’s a completely allegorical storyline, and it’s a good way for the show to break out of the typical small world viewpoint. In fact, the whole season is focused on Max leading the charge of the “transgens” who want nothing more than to live in peace. She fights her way through the crazed mobs and secret government agencies that are trying to keep the animal-people down.

In another much needed twist, Max starts to learn through the course of the season that she’s some kind of messiah – a sexy, coifed messiah with a feline-esque body and curves that are so kicking Sir Mix-A-Lot might have a heart attack. Yeah, that kind of savior. But really, it doesn't matter, as the show was abruptly cancelled after the season finale.

I think one of the reasons Dark Angel suffered was because it doesn’t do as much for the small budget as some of the other shows on TV (Buffy for example) And it’s not even the writing and acting that’s a question. The production of each show is probably its weakest point, with some flat directing, strange music choices and cheapo sound effects. It’s all stuff that seems pretty small on paper, but really, it all adds up to making a show that never could reach its full potential. It’s funny to see what a little experience at the helm can do. The season finale directed by James Cameron shows just what the show should have been.

With a lizard-cockroach man that sounds a lot like Hunter S. Thompson and a brillianty conceived way to keep the two leads from intimate contact with each other, the second season of Dark Angel managed to improve on the first. What else could you want if you like your messiahs sexy? Oh, I know what else...a conclusion.

TV Grade: B-

Video: 4 out of 5
TV on DVD. Par for the course, and no complaints from me.
Full Screen 1.33:1