MONARCH: LEGACY OF MONSTERS Review - Godzilla's Flawed Prestige TV Series

[@MattDraper]

What would you want to see in Monarch season 2?

[@arvinbuenaagua5161]

a riff on jet jaguar

[@owensreviews625]

While I liked Godzilla having a prominent presence throughout the season, I’m hoping we get more of Kong and the creatures of Skull Island in the next one. Especially with how the finale ended.

[@ginofrancejr555]

Kong Rodan and mothra

[@FOXZILLA5734]

Im interested if they tackle a post KOTM world because I want to see the what has happened after Ghidorah's invasion and feel they can pull so much from it, personally I didn't like how glossed over it was in GvK.

[@BriarShinn]

I think because season 1 had the looming presence of Godzilla all throughout it season 2 will be more focused on Kong/Skull island

[@chris.shamblin]

I love that there is something for literally every type of Godzilla fan right now. It's a golden era for the big guy.

[@GoldenProxyy]

Can’t wait for you to do a Godzilla Minus One review, Matt!

[@ohdannyboy4727]

Seconded

[@MattDraper]

I’m excited to cover it!

[@Christfollower220]

Same here

[@Jllyrol311]

It was not unexpected, but seeing Dr. Keiko Miura-Randa show up at the end was triumphant. Mari Yamamoto was incredible in this!

[@pious83]

I'm now guessing the reason why GXK has a _another_ ape as the antagonist is due to Toho's strict guidelines? I'd love to see a Monsterverse Destoroyah or Biollanté, for example. With a show like this setting up the groundwork for them.

[@DavidRYates-tk2tq]

I definitely agree that I would love to see Biollante in this universe!

[@mr.milkman3893]

I heavily doubt that’s the reason. Toho isn’t strict to the point where they won’t allow the MV to have classic Toho monsters since we literally got 4 of them in KOTM. More realistically, Legendary prob didn’t want to buy the rights for another Toho monster and instead Wingard made new, original monsters. Also Destroyah is WAY too soon especially for the 5th film lol.

[@YodaOnABender]

@@mr.milkman3893I still think Ghidorah was way too early. Dude was way too OP and just makes all the new villains look less threatening

[@GengarFan1997]

@@YodaOnABender You can say that.. at least, until they eventually add Destroyah *(If Legendary really wanted to go that route)*

[@Windwalker88]

​@@YodaOnABender dude, Ghidorah got stomped on every movie he turned up in

[@lorensims4846]

I did hear someone mention Dr. Serazawa in the San Francisco scenes, but nothing ever came of it. I grew up with these movies, and I really appreciate that they're still as popular as ever. The whole time travel angle is an interesting twist, even if it's only in the one direction.

[@DavidRYates-tk2tq]

Can I just say that one subtle thing I love about these videos is what you're doing with the Godzilla roar and Toho logos at the beginning? It gets me hyped to see the whole video.

[@gustavohernandeza.890]

MATT: Mentions list of TV adaptations of Godzilla HANNA-BARBERA GODZILLA CARTOON FROM THE LATE 70S: HELLO?

[@trey39]

Thought the same thing! Now I can’t get Godzooky out of my mind 🦖

[@enishi4ty5]

i thought i was getting that mandela effect situation like it never existed

[@denniskristos3800]

FYI: Lee Shaw was actually introduced in the then canon 2014 prequel graphic novel to Gareth Edwards' "Godzilla" - "Godzilla: Awakening", written by Max Borenstein, the primary screenwriter of that movie and "Kong: Skull Island". Shaw meets Dr. Ishiro Serizawa during a 50s Monarch naval mission tracking Godzilla where a battle between Goji and the amorphous and formidable Titan (it resembles a gigantic nudibranch armed with multiple claw-like appendiges) codenamed 'Shinomura', breaks out. In that story, the inference is that Shinomura (not the Ion Dragon of "Monarch: LOM"), attacked USS Lawton during WW II.

[@homerthompson6481]

With Godzilla in the background, it's amazing how Minus One made us feel for all its characters in 2hrs much better than this with 8hrs.

[@jonathanmulondo9206]

This really is a great time to be a Godzilla fan.

[@blisswonder]

Stopping at the spoiler warning for now. I am personally really loving the show so far. Out of the 5 episodes I have watched only the second episode was rocky for me. Everything else has been pretty enjoyable. It is honestly a breath of fresh air to the US monster verse. If they could build off these characters for the movies I feel like they would have something a lot more substantial for the human element in their movies.

[@boobootittleman7299]

Didn’t think I’d notice the Shinske Nakamura theme in the background, did you? Respect.

[@owensreviews625]

Just finished watching the video and, as always, great work Matt. While I did really enjoy the first season of Monarch, I do feel like there is room for improvement. Points which you expertly explained in your video. Plus with the show debuting before the American release of Godzilla: Minus One and the finale airing before the release of The New Empire, I do share your worry about how this series might be forgotten when talking about recent Godzilla or MonsterVerse projects. Still, I do hope we get a second season. Especially with how this season ended.

[@Awoosa]

I love this show, despite its quieter mood compared to the movies. I appreciate the exploration of the human world coping after G-Day, even though the Randas' family drama could've been more polished. The Monarch OG Trio flashbacks have always been my favorite part of the show.

[@princeblackelf4265]

Up top, I really liked the series, and Fraction did a great job of fleshing the world out. I had very tempered expectations personally, unlike a lot of fellow fans that seemingly expected just constant monster action despite it having a tv budget. I largely agreed with your points , although I think i'm more forgiving of the more flaed aspects. I think the series really is about Cate, and I felt that she did grow over the course of the series and that she actually has a lot of potential if there is a second series. The stuff set in the past is definitely more interesting than the modern-day stuff, but I think some tweaks could fix that

[@DrMadd]

After Minus One I've been marathoning all the Godzilla movies the past two months and I the one thing I've found consistently true is that the human stories in Godzilla become way more engaging the more involvement they have in the actual central monster conflict. Some of the worst human stories in Godzilla movies are stuff like the Princess plot in "Ghidorah, The Three-Headed Monster" where it's so loosely connected to all the monster battling that it just becomes annoying whenever they cut away to it. I think that's why to me I found May and Kentaro to be the weak links of the series. Kentaro is an artist and May is a programmer. Neither has really anything to do with Godzilla or the Kaiju in their world. Cate and Lee are so much more connected to past events surrounding Godzilla that their journeys are ones I want to see and I was happy when the finale focused on them. I'll be honest the show kinda lost me near the end but those last two episodes really jolted me back to attention when I realized where they were going with the time-dilation plot thread. Loved the final moments of Lee and Keiko. A really tragic case of two people who clearly care a lot for each other but destiny seems determined to keep apart. If they do add in more Toho monsters in the next season I really hope they can add in some of the more obscure ones that would never make it into an actual Monsterverse movie like Ebirah, Baragon, or hell even Zilla would be a fun addition.

[@kamikazelemming1552]

I know exactly what you mean. One of the reasons the Anime trilogy are my favorite Godzilla films is because every character is somehow connected to one of the four monsters that appear throughout the films, and it does a lot to shape their motivations. -Haruo wants to take revenge on control for murdering his parents and forcing humanity to leave the planet. -The Twins and the Hotua Tribe worship Mothra, and live alongside nature, instead of forcing it to bow to their will. -Galu-gu wants to use Mechagodzilla to techno-form the planet into a living weapon. Metphies and the Exif believe that all life is doomed to suffer the inevitability of death, and indoctrinate other races into their cult before offering themselves up as a sacrifice to Ghidorah.

[@arvinbuenaagua5161]

your videos got me into the monsterverse. thank you.

[@johnpittsii7524]

Thanks for the analysis Matt. Big monsterverse fan ❤

[@jacksontaylor75]

Hey man I've started a Godzilla project. It was huge I wrote countless reviews and essays on the big guy. I actually have a big speech about Godzilla tomorrow, and I wanted to thank you for your original videos on each era. They captivated me and made me the G-Fan I am!

[@Comicbroe405]

Gonna check this out after binging the show but really good to see this review! Can never have too much kaiju content.

[@dodgerthedudeoriginal]

Nearly watching your channel for 7 years. Damn

[@MattDraper]

Damn!

[@Grimzilla32]

The dysfunctional Family Dynamic was obviously written by someone from modern day California

[@kacornish1]

???

[@TheHypersonic55]

I was looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this show and it didn't disappoint. You gave a fair and insightful review of it. I thought Monarch was a decent show with some big highs and frustrating lows. I knew from the outset that the titan appearances would be minimal due to the budget, but when they appeared they looked incredible. I was surprised by the level of detail and cinematic quality of the titans and the action sequences in general which were top-notch. I also loved Kurt and Wyatt Russell, they played Lee Shaw very well and it also helped that he was the most compelling character. Beyond that, I was very intrigued by the show for the first 4-5 episodes especially with the human story (mostly in the past). But then the plot, mysteries and family/friendship drama just started to get tedious and drawn out. It wasn't until the last couple of episodes that the show recovered. There are a lot of cool and interesting ideas especially when it comes to the formation of Monarch and how titans get around and establish rules about the Hollow Earth (which was more interesting here than in Godzilla vs Kong). And when this show is firing on all cylinders it's fun, exciting and had moments of heart that were earned. Unfortunately, the show takes a little too long to reveal its secrets, some questions aren't properly answered and certain characters and their dynamics are annoying to watch. Sorry for the chunky comment. 😅

[@chancecole437]

As it stands I feel like monarch is like an 7-8, if it were an episode or two shorter, cutting out some of the middling plotting and slow moments, it would be a 9. The last episode though is like a 10 for me though with the best action, writing, and acting of the whole thing.

[@Day_Chap]

-Constant flash backs and flash forwards -Lame cast -Almost no Godzilla Such a great Japanese franchise that Hollywood can't do right.

[@ArtMaster09]

Still better than new empire

[@Tones-he3cj]

Great review Matt. I really liked Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and agree the episodes around the 50's were the best and more enjoyable. Some of the 2015 episodes were confusing and out of synch with the rest of the show. I also enjoyed Godzilla's brief appreances because each of them was significant and not just put there to appease fans. Some of the writing and storylines could have been better but at the end of the day we have a show with Godzilla in it so it's hard to complain with that in my opinion..😍

[@MarcMcKenzie-qb6or]

Well said. I thought it was pretty cool to see Lee return in 1982....you know, the same year THE THING with Kurt Russell came out. Or maybe I'm just reaching a bit here!

[@jordanromesburg6819]

This series, despite some hiccups along the way, made me feel for the humans in the MinsterVsrse much more than most of the movies. It also made a nice companion piece to Minus One, even if they aren't in the same universe.

[@star0nyx]

May did not take up too much time in my opinion. She had 1 episode to sort of explain why she ended up how she did. Ultimately the writers could have made the siblings get along more quickly. Kentaro seems to be written as just this angry guy and it was alittle annoying in the beginning. Cate is more thoughtful but also was written to be the opposite too. I think it made them very human but I really wanted to see more Monarch science stuff happen. I hope we get some of that in season 2. Idk how at this point but Im gonna be delusional about it lol

[@canis2020]

Outside of the character Cate, this was a really well done show. Yeah there were some spots here or there but it really tied things together and i feel it primed us for whats to come.

[@filmkid8221]

Cate is a weird way to spell May

[@DjunisBRE]

both of them are bad and the show would be much better without them@@filmkid8221

[@darthvaderdylan]

i had a problem with a few of the characters because their drama wasn't directly influenced by the monsters. which is to say Godzilla felt like he could've been replaced by any ordinary terrorist attack and the drama could fit the same. Cate seemed to be the only one with direct impact from these creatures showing up and not much is done with it.

[@brandonevans3267]

Honestly all the characters in the present bar Kurt Russle were annoying af

[@EndPoliticalCorruption]

Fifteen minutes in, and nothing of consequence has been revealed. Is this show really devoid of Monarch history?

[@kyphasdip9907]

One thing that bothers me is; Why would they send school buses full of KIDS over a bridge when they KNOW a kaiju is coming

[@Garfieldloveslasagna420]

I think you answered your own question, they knew Godzilla was coming to San Francisco along with the Mutos so they wanted to take the kids as far away from San Francisco as possible, but they partially failed because the military provoked Godzilla when they shouldn’t have

[@FOXZILLA5734]

Overall I think the series is "good enough" but isn't one of my favorite installments in the MV. The best part of it was the 50s aspect, the characters were great and actually was glued to the screen whenever an episode has them and imo it lives up to the title of the show as it was telling monarch's beginnings and how it sets the stage for the already established films. The 2015 aspect unfortunately is not as good because I never was as interested in those characters as I was for the ones from the 50s except for kurt Russell and had problems with how with it handles its plot threads and while some of its world building is good there are others that just don't add up to me. I like the new kaiju in it and when godzilla finally shows up I always get excited and he looks great. Overall I like it but I dont love it.

[@hawk7780]

The family drama, love drama sucked, but the Russells made the show.

[@MarcMcKenzie-qb6or]

It is funny to see Anna Sawai (Cate) and Takehiro Hira (Hiroshi) play daughter and father here and play enemies in SHOGUN.

[@lostlegend2197]

Hope you get to cover Godzilla: Minus One in the future

[@werecam56]

It baffles me more people aren't subscribed to your channel. All your videos are extremely well made and entertaining, you deserve at least a couple hundred thousand more subs 😂

[@Hahlen]

I think this first season of this show has a lot in common with the first seasons of some great shows. Good concept, production value, and acting, and some rough patches that should be able to be smoothed out in a second season. I’m pretty confident that with Apple’s budget this will get a second season.

[@Mario_Angel_Medina]

I didn't expect _Monarch: Legacy of Monsters_ to have as much Godzilla as it had. I didn't thought they would had the budget to show Godzilla in almost every episode (admitely, they where brief but well done appearences). I also found interesting that a criticism of the Monsterverse I saw back in 2018 or so was that the Monarch organization didn't seem to *do* anything, that it was a clunky attempt to create something to connect films with different casts and on different time periods but ended up feeling like an organizations that just observes the kaijus and does nothing; so I was very surprised when that exactly was a criticism Shaw had about the organization and his goal was to change that; it was cool to see Monarch start evolving from just monitoring like they did in _Godzilla 2014_ to the organization from the later movies that puts Kong in a giant dome and has a plane that can stand its own against Rodan... the human stories were fine, the one in the 50s is the most interesting but the kids in 2015 weren't bad, specially Cate because she realized very early that her family was trapped in cycle of obsession and trauma that could only be broken by cloussure

[@theglobalchampionshipwrestling]

A Godzilla video to Shinsuke Nakamura’s theme, I love to see it!

[@sebastienvondoom8615]

I'm gonna spoil myself and watch this. Matt! I can't afford to be a patron anymore but because of you I call myself and others "dang ass freaks." and I'll always thank you for that.

[@dalefowler2540]

This series was AWESOME! I really hope they do another season.

[@chancecole437]

Loved the Nakamura wrestling music in there!! Oh yeah and awesome video too ;)

[@harsyakiarraathallah2222]

This Series has to Learn from the Ultra Q and Ultraman Series! Also Next Godzilla: Minus One and the Ultraman Franchise Please!!!

[@NeoInsomniac]

I refuse to believe the Ion dragon isn't just a Gaos, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed Gamera can make the jump to the monster-verse

[@NeoInsomniac]

@@Briarpatchlogic 100% Same

[@kade-qt1zu]

@@Briarpatchlogic I feel like it would be a bit harder for Gamera to be implemented since he seems more fantastical and magical in nature compared to Godzilla.

[@NeoInsomniac]

​@@kade-qt1zu He's not much more fantastical than Mothra giving Godzilla a power boost. Or even Ghidora's brain taking over Mecha-Godzilla through will power. The Hollow earth is also just pure fantasy on the level of Tolkien honestly. A super Turtle from Atlantis I don't feel is too far fetched imo. Edit: I realize this could be read as aggressive, but I'm just interested in the discussion. This isn't intended to be a serious debate challenge or anything.

[@kade-qt1zu]

@@NeoInsomniac That's a good point.

[@NeoInsomniac]

​@@LouiszBr6522 He really wouldn't be hard to make work at all. Nothing Gamera is would contradict anything we've seen in the MV. Giant Turtle? - There are all sorts of giant monsters, we're already suspending a lot of disbelief here. Was a weapon made by an ancient civilization (In some continuities)? - Easy to explain especially with the hollow earth Friend to children? - Kong is as well in this canon now. I'd also be fine with his own American movies, but we can't pretend that he's incompatible with the monser-verse. It's as easy as 2+2=4

[@brandonevans3267]

Ngl, everyone but Kurt Russle was annoying af. I mean the cast in the past was dope and I really enjoyed there story but when you cut to the present, it always made me feel “Oh these mf’s again.” I dunno, I didn’t feel like the characters were likable, which is a shame cause Kate and her brother have interesting back stories. Also would have liked to see a bit more monarch science shit and Kaiju’s.

[@mandalorianhunter1]

I just don't want to get Apple TV, I just unsubscribed from Disney + for not using it as much. I want more and more Godzilla. MORE GODZILLA MATT

[@kyle666man]

I hadn’t even intended on watching this show. The only reason I did was because I could do it on a free trial of Apple. Good god, am I glad I DID watch. Such a great show. It really added to my enjoyment of the MV as a whole… which I didn’t think would be possible without constant Titan brawls. I just really hope that they don’t make a sequel for the sake of having one. I hope it’s just as good as S1.

[@Dec4AllTimeAlways]

I received my Hiya GvK Exquisite Basic V2 Godzilla toy the other day and I love it! Took three weeks to arrive. I got it a day after I received my Team Godzilla and Team Kong hats from Redbubble. I'm not that type of fan who goes: F Kong. Godzilla rules! Or.. Godzilla is lame. Kong rocks! I generally like both of them and I'm also a fan of Mechagodzilla. I'll probably end up being a fan of Skar King and Shimo as well when I see GxK. I had an issue with my Hiya KOTM Exquisite Basic Godzilla. I did get it used from OfferUp for $35. There was a tiny gap on the right side if you twisted his head while looking straight at it. It would get bigger if you twisted the head enough. I'm not as OCD as I used to be but that tiny flaw bothered me enough and I sold it a month later for the same price at $35 on OfferUp before ordering Hiya's G21 updated one. And the head and neck area on my new G21 is absolutely perfect. Prior to getting my Hiya G21, I ordered an Art Spirits G89 which stands at half the size of the Hiya. I was lucky enough to get it off eBay for only $38 as the shipping fee was free as it wasn't like that before. I believe it was $10 before I ordered it. This 3.5" BioGoji is also absolutely perfect. No loose tail piece. It's not up to scale as my DougheGoji but Godzilla 1989/1991 might be my favorite Godzilla suits ever. That's how I picture G in my mind. Heisei Era. I like the feline appearance. G89/91 and G19/21 are my favorite Godzilla designs ever. I was going to get an S.H. MonsterArts G91 but decided not to since it practically looks the same as my AS G89 but with thicker thighs, it costs more than double than my G89, the tail breaks off easily without much force, and some of the paint apps can be off. I don't have much space for it either. I ordered an Art Spirits Hyper Solid Series Kong for $125 on eBay which arrives by Thursday, so I won't have space for a 6.3" G91 in this small section on top of a shelf where I place my G89, G21, and K21. Right now, I might get another Godzilla figure or maybe one for Mechagodzilla, but I prefer a smaller one similar to the size of my AS G89. I wanted the 1962 Gashapon but he's green and G62 was never green except in the movie posters. My favorite Showa design is from 1964, but Godzilla was kinda weak in it. He was getting beaten up by a giant female moth! Toho did confirm Kong did come out victorious against Godzilla in 1962 as Godzilla was still a heel in his films from 1954 through 1964. I need to see Godzilla Minus One again. I'm still not sure if I truly love it or G23's design. I think Minus One is the best Godzilla movie ever made but I didn't have the urge to rewatch it right after. Perhaps because it was kinda depressing while GvK is fun and silly. And I grew to like the design less as time went on. I still wouldn't mind getting a Gashapon G23 but the one I see on eBay lacks articulation compared to my AS G89. I hope Art Spirits make one of G23 but at 3" to 3.5". Honestly, I don't really love many Godzilla or Kong movies. Kaiju movies aren't my thing. If I had to pick between kaiju movies or Jackie Chan movies from the 70s through 90s, I would easily pick JC. There's about 20+ JC movies I truly enjoyed while I probably enjoyed about a half dozen Godzilla movies. They're both for niche audiences but Jackie Chan movies are highly replayable thanks to the stunts, slapstick comedy, and faster pacing. I admire more of the characters of Godzilla and Kong than I do for their films. Legendary/MonsterVerse has become my favorite Godzilla of all-time. It slowly became my favorite as I initially didn't like his thick neck and thighs with his small head when I first watched G14. I wasn't a fan of Kong's designs either from 2017 and 2021 but I eventually came around to them. While G14 is better proportioned, I prefer the larger dorsal plates on G19/21 and bringing back the 1962 Showa roar back. MV Godzilla moves like an actual creature. I would rather watch CGI kaijus throwing it down than guys in rubber suits doing sumo wrestling. While Godzilla Minus One is the best Godzilla film I've ever seen followed by 1954's Gojira, my favorite Godzilla movie of all-time remains GvK even though it's really a Kong movie and I don't consider Godzilla vs. Kong to be a well made movie in general. To see the 1962 movie get rebooted and modernized was a dream come true for me as the 1962 film (technically, the 1963 American dub) is what got me into loving Godzilla and Kong in the first place. Godzilla fighting Kong in the ocean and in Hong Kong is instant "legendary" from Legendary. Best Godzilla movie: Godzilla Minus One (2023) Best Godzilla design: Heisei Era (1989/1991) Favorite Godzilla movie: Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) Favorite Godzilla design: MonsterVerse (2019/2021) Best Kong movie: King Kong (2005) Best Kong design: Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) Favorite Kong movie: Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) Favorite Kong design: MonsterVerse (2021/2023) Favorite MonsterVerse Projects 1. Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) 2. Godzilla (2014) 3. Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019) 4. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (2023) 5. Kong: Skull Island (2017) Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024) will likely make my top 2 as the 2014 and 2019 films were way too dark to see any cool action.

[@lorensims4846]

I didn't know what to expect from this show but I've really been enjoying it! Yeah, it might have been nice to see more kaiju, but it was fun to see the aftermath, and you never know when one of those things just might show up. It probably helped that I bunged the whole season in an afternoon, except for the last episode that hadn't been released yet. I didn't realize that last episode was actually the last show of the season. I've been eagerly awaiting the next episode. I guess I'll have to cool my jets for a while and have another look at those recent kaiju movies.

[@BoyNamedSue4]

I haven’t watched it yet but I’ve heard amazing things about it. This video makes me bump it up my list. I’ll have to come back later to watch this video.

[@notmerricks]

Always early for a Matt Draper video

[@beefychief3355]

I loved the flashbacks and the performance of Wyatt Russell. The modern day just got more and more insufferable except for Kurt Russell. Who knew, I watched this show for these two great actors alongside Godzilla and neither of them got enough screen time.

[@BattleDamageProps]

Hiroshi Randa lost his mother, then his uncle Lee who was like a father 'dies, than his Dad goes nuts and abandons him trying to prove all his theories aren't insane. All this happens to Hiroshi when he's a child and growing up as a Teen. Nobody who loved him stuck around, they were all ripped suddenly away from him. That will leave a mark on any one. Despite that, he went on to try to save the world, first with monarch, then single handidly. He was willing to sacrifice all of his relationships for a cause greater than himself. He didn't involve his family(s) in his work because he never wanted to endanger his children recklessly. He is driven, he compartmentalizes, he loves deeply, he keeps people at arms length, he is flawed. 'Piece of sh!t' is so ridiculously reductive and an unfair charecter analysis. You could do a whole segment on Hiroshi and the complexities of his charecter. He may be the most interesting of the bunch. 'Is he happy' his mother aks. No, but he is burdened with glorious purpose rooted in, but greater than, his own want to control the chaos and ensure the survival of humanity. Truly, a giant piece of sh!t

[@jackelrikuroso3945]

Matt, i will love if you can cover someday Godzilla Singular Point (i love so much that anime) and Gamera Rebirth. Great review!

[@MrAwsomeness360]

9:56 Yes, it's too hard to rent more Toho monsters. Not only are they absurdly expensive thanks to Toho, but they actually take up a lot of budget money, hence why Legendary rather make their own creations instead, which is honestly fine by me. Outside the Big Five, Toho's A-list, the rest of their gallery are all B-list to D-list; most of them are replaceable. There's no point in having the Gargantuas now since Kong and Skar King are practically filling in their roles. Scylla and Tiamat are better replacements for D-listers Kumonga and Manda respectively. Behemoth is one of Legendary's best original monsters they've ever made for being the first ever mammoth-like kaijū-that alone tops most of Toho's kaijū roster. Besides, the MonsterVerse has the right idea on something: if you're gonna have Toho monsters involved, they have to play a bigger roles. Don't waste your money reducing them to cameos (which I reiterate is expensive) or cannon fodder, which you're better off making original monsters instead by that point.

[@Godzilla-jr5gi]

Nah legendary has billions of dollars to buy the rights to any toho kaiju, no the real reason why legendary doesn't want to buy the rights to another toho kaiju is because their scared. Kotm is the only monsterverse movie to feel like an actual adaptation of the toho movies and yet it was a disappointment at the box office because that movie had characters nobody knew and (unfortunately) did not bother searching them up in the internet. "But mechagodzilla is a toho monster and he was in gvk a successful monsterverse movie!" Here's the thing people don't know mechagodzilla is a toho kaiju they think he is an original creation from Warner Bros because of ready player one and aside from die hard godzilla fans, general audiences didn't know mechagodzilla was in The movie until the third act, so that's why legendary decided to have king louie and the light fury as the main villains in gxk not because toho kaijus are "expensive" but because legendary is scared to make a faithful toho adaptation.

[@NexusNoxCS]

Okay, I have to drop my 2 scents before I watch the video and then I'm gonna comment again with anything else after -- for that sweet, sweet engagement for the algorithm. Gotta support great creators. Now, then. Honestly, I have not enjoyed a TV show as much as I was watching Monarch since.... I'd have to say Andor. It wasn't perfect. But it had a stellar cast. The casting director was absolutely on point. I genuinely gasped when I realized that Chris Heyerdahl's character was not just there for a tiny cameo, but was going to remain pivotal. What a joy to see him in anything. And the rest of the cast is absolutely phenomenal as well. Actually finding actors who fluently speak Japanese and French like their characters are supposed to -- that was a surprise, but a very welcome one. Even that one time Keiko spoke some slightly broken Russian was well done since she was just translating and not claiming to be fluent herself. For a linguist like myself that was a joy and delight. Then the cinematography was quite good paired with actual, for real location helicopter shooting for the scenery, that's not something we often gat in this era of doing everything in GC on set or in Volume. Sure, some of the CGI was scuffed in some places, but the biggest and most important moments were great. Now, the biggest positive surprise for me was how the character drama was handled. The show raises some tough, uncomfortable issues and questions and then never goes for easy solutions. Character's flaws and mistakes are never excused, the show never does shy away from showing complex, messy, flawed relationships of just as messy and flawed humans. And another thing I really loved about the narrative style was that the show never changed facts about the characters that were presented to the audience. It only expanded on the context. And that context served to transform some characters in our eyes without changing themselves. So this way each character that their own development arc, but those were at the same time shaped by the story progression and by additional context. The story itself was pretty good too. I have binged the season over a few days and have not participated in any discussion over that time. So maybe that is why I did not see a lot of the twists coming. The twist in the last two episodes -- return of one character -- I did not predict or expect. Though, maybe I could have since there are some hints here and there in retrospect. Thing is, the show made me go and rewatch Kong Skull Island almost immediately after. And the film was in my eyes improved by knowing all of the additional context that Monarch LotM brought. Which is a win in my book. The same happened with Andor and both Rogue One and New Hope. So yeah, I would submit that sometimes TV tie in do work pretty well.

[@DoFeedThePigeons]

I don’t know who written this show, but it’s a mess zero consequences for any of the characters

[@BoyNamedSue4]

Despite its flaws I really enjoyed it. My wife, who does not like monster movies, loved it. She even wants me to introduce her to other Godzilla and King Kong films now.

[@DUARTE99]

Great review. I really enjoyed Monarch. The finale did make me mark out hard.

[@MyDriftt]

Shinsuke Nakamura Theme Song goes so hard

[@jointcerulean3350]

Also Mokele Mbembe design Was shown in a Painting in a Monarch trailer For the show Called what you Need to know Looks epic And no trunk Also gorgo hinted At in mural

[@taylorbrown7654]

I think you’ve misunderstood where exactly they were and where they fought the ion dragon. They specifically state that it’s not the hollow earth, and if you looked closely the sky doesn’t have the mountains above instead it’s just endless sky. They were in a realm beating time, part of why she didn’t age. Time works differently where she was, and as we saw in Godzilla vs Kong that there was no time distortion between the hollow earth and the surface. That place was the equivalent of monster island, it’s a word between the hollow and surface. The physical tunnels had massive gravity force but the world in those lights emits massive lights and energy of its own. Certain titans like Godzilla can prob use both sets to travel. Kong may need to use the more physical one as we saw. But that was not hollow earth my friend

[@suchotator]

I don't know much but yes It's not easy to get these classic Toho monsters to the Monsterverse. To do that you would need to negotiate with the original owners and the price for it would be expensive depending on the deal along with some agreements and conditions depending on the character of course for what it can and cannot do. So far from my point of view

[@rednuts420]

Just subscribed! This channel is great!

[@Elvisbackpack]

I loved season 1 and I want more exploration of things like Axis Mundi and just the inner workings of Monarch.

[@arturouribebertolotti1169]

Am I the only one who thought that the show was building up to the events of King of the Monsters? What comes more to mind is a line of Shaw that he wanted to prevent the equivalent to ten times G day, which Godzilla battle with Ghidorah would qualify. But they just build up to say "hollow earth is real" which is little dissapointing (althought the time displacement and Keiko's survival was cool)

[@FOXZILLA5734]

There are many aspects that do build up to KOTM, for one monarch going public for the first time which lines up in the film which the organization is now more known and how the gates of the hollow earth is appearing more all over the world that lead to the discovery of more bigger titans which they attempt to seal in many of their outposts. The explanation of there being pockets within the earth which what godzilla uses to travel far quicker causing both the military and monarch to loose track of him when they attempt to follow him like what happened when Godzilla was geading to Antarctica. would be very clever that since they said shaw's actions of sealing the portals made more appear and that would lead to the discovery of ghidorah which in cannon was found in 2016.

[@kingofpop581]

With the discovery of the hollow earth along with its energies developing Mazer Cannons are not out of the possibility now.

[@catlawyerwilldefendfortrea6038]

I feel like the show should've focused more on the 'Journey to the centre of Earth' aspect more instead of just the last two episode. But I liked it for what it is. That is the best aspect of Universal Monsterverse since they are never going to do a metaphor for nuclear war or do amazing character work. Pretty sure they are setting up Wyatt to stay there until Keiko is same age as him so they can be together,

[@TheKaijuKing54]

18:31-18:40 That was a pretty funny way to mention the Skull Island cartoon! That show is most likely not gonna get a 2nd season. I feel kinda bad for it tbh.

[@kieranwrightstone2199]

You know this is a welcome surprise, I would have expected this after Godzilla X Kong.

[@tonyb6007]

Good review I'd like to see more kaijus and titans in every episode. Otherwise Apple + can cancel MLOM because it is quite boring.

[@thedon-e6514]

Monarch Legacy is the second best Godzilla tv series after Godzilla Singular Point! This is a hill I will die on 😝

[@DrFeelGoodHelpDesk]

I really want Kurt (and Wyatt and the 1960's gang) back in season 2 and I'm somewhat hoping that he'll turn up in GxK as a payoff.

[@robertvandriest-harrington3651]

It was a great series It deserves a 2nd season, and i think we had enough monsters in the films anyway!

[@RebelCauseFilms]

Great review as always, but I think you gotta give Apple TV a bit more credit! Foundation and For All Mankind are arguably the best sci fi series on television, and Silo was another one with a great first season. Then there's Shrinking, Platonic and the first two seasons of Ted Lasso for people who want original comedies. Give 'em a shot if you're subscribed!

[@dfailsthemost]

Man, 3 or 4 episodes were pretty good.

[@kevinobill4818]

I’m looking forwards to seeing the second season and another show with only Godzilla and Kong as characters. And that show needs no dialogues.

[@jamie7722]

gotta say, i personally LOVED this show, so much so that i watched it all the way through a second time with my partner who also loved it (they have no interest in godzilla or big monsters in general)

[@prodsumo]

This show was such a pain to get though. The stuff in the past was pretty sick though, everything else was absolutely terrible like so awful

[@dogwelderyt]

the soundtrack is peak

[@MovieTvDrama]

Dr. Keiko is the standout character and acting performance of the series. The 1950's era as a whole was very well done across the board, which makes the horrible dialogue writing of all of the 2015 scenes so disappointing and perplexing. The 2015 era actors were not able to overcome it which makes it harder to watch as their story lines were already not as interesting. I hope that now Keiko is in the same time/era as her son and grand kids, the dialogue writing will be better done. I can't wait to see how she adapts after catching up with all the science that has happened since 1959.

[@markstirton]

Did you notice that John Goodmans Kong Skull Island character was in this show? Kinda doesn't seem like it.

[@Pzylus]

Am I the only one who had to stop what I was doing because I heard Shinsuke Nakamura’s theme song 😭😭😭

[@Dral.09]

What series like this should I watch next?

[@jacobplayer2709]

The monster at the end is Megaguirus in every way but it’s name

[@kasaibouF29]

"the mystery that motivates them is way too opaque to be exciting." Such a confusing quote. If a mystery is opaque, then it's unexplained or not shown; otherwise it'd be transparent or clear.

[@jasonsantos3037]

Episode 5 is my dislike episodes of the show I really don't care about the human character drama shit give me some fucking monsters and Kurt Russell.

[@red1dawn21]

At like 3:27 seconds is that Shinsuke Nakamura’s theme song? Or am I just hearing things 😂

[@michaelchoman1625]

You forgot the animated TV series "Godzilla" (1978-1979).

[@wisdommorm]

Kurt Russell 🐐 Crossing my fingers for second season!

[@MattDraper]

No, YOU are, Wisdom!

[@sussudioharvey9458]

Personally I could deal with lack of Godzilla as this is supposed to be about Monarch itself. My main gripe is with the time spent on the three young characters. They just grate on me and episode after episode focused on their issues. I just didn’t find them likeable . And honestly not very mature and a bit entitled. I loved the flashbacks but the writers really needed to pay attention to details. For instance the San Francisco skyline. One of the large buildings shown damaged was not built until After 2014. FEMA trailers are never beautiful double wide mobile homes.Instead they are small cheap metal boxes. If they didn’t know about Godzilla’s looks how come an image of him is painted on the bomb they used to lure him in? And that scene itself when the bomb exploded? Well let’s say in real life they being as close as they were they would have died. The last few episodes picked up the pace and were great. But unless season two maintains it my Apple TV subscription not worth keeping.

[@lukehoward8118]

After this I think it’s obvious you’re gonna do a Godzilla minus one but you might wanna go ahead and add the other TV shows and she just done monarch next you could do like singular point maybe even the skull island anime or possibly the anime trilogy I don’t know is all up to you you could possibly do is on fire although I don’t think it has a DVD.

[@Mitchob1012]

I actually really liked this show. I knew/assumed going in that Godzilla and any other kind of monster would not be the focus of the show and that they'd get minimal screentime (naturally, since I'm sure a TV budget can only do so much) I went into the show fairly blind, only watching the first trailer and only really knowing there'd be two different timelines with Wyatt/Kurt Russell, and not much more. I was pleasantly surprised at how engaged I was with the show, especially the human drama we got in the modern day storyline - I honestly don't understand a lot of the criticism people have with the modern cast personally. Yes, the 1950s plot/cast is much more interesting, but I think they work well as a vehicle for the show's main themes of generational guilt and trauma to work; without them, the show just simply wouldn't work (yes, even May). I think the character writing for Cate and Kentaro was really underrated too; I loved seeing how their relationship grew and how they ended up parallel's of each other by the final few episodes. Seeing Cate's reaction to figuring out her father had a second family was really well done as well, and I loved the nuanced writing they decided to go with here. Tim is also the best character btw, I don't make the rules

[@theglobalchampionshipwrestling]

Loved Legacy of the Monsters btw

[@JohnlivesontheIsleofMannow]

Apart from poor Cate’s PTSD causing her to be a bit erratic I’ve loved the first season, I’ve no doubt for the hardcore lore fans it misses a few things but I’ve enjoyed it.

[@kennethsatria6607]

Even without being a hardcore lore fan I feel like the show's ongoing conspiracy and mystery about what monarch exactly got wrong as shaw put it went completely unanswered, we aren't even in the hollow earth by the end its called Axis Mundi. They don't lead up to anything on what the titans are even doing that could endanger the world, all the titans are dormant and minding their own buisness, the human deaths are only cause they're going out looking for them. Also Cate's PTSD seems brushed aside after them breaking into the restricted area, there's barely a reaction when she saw Godzilla in Africa or when they discuss him and his purpose despite being destructive, that really sucked cause a properly written protagonist that has this much trauma over godzilla accidentally killing her students would've been interesting. The show's a lot of false promises

[@crownlessking6436]

When the Godzilla Minus One review?

[@kaizarcantu8240]

I felt a sudden and unexplainable urge to see Godzilla hitting a boma-ye.

[@ChimenExpress]

If Shaw was in a elderly home for 33 years, how does he know that Korean prison guard/pilot?

[@marsf6080]

Good point. I suppose they could retcon that away a number of ways (he knew the Korean pilot's dad in the 50s, they were playing it up to give confidence to Cate etc) but it does seem like just something that got missed amidst rewrites

[@griffinurbanski2192]

Love you Matt Draper🫶