I really enjoyed the first season of this Amazon Prime show, so the second season had a lot to prove. Greg Daniels has created countless incredible projects, so it’s not a surprise that this new venture is doing well. Upload’s first season has an 88% Critics Rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 87% Audience score. Although the second season has significantly fewer reviews, the approval rating is going in the same direction.
I think I’m in the same boat with these reviewers.
The second season picks up right where the first season left us, but then we get a three-week time jump. I have conflicted feelings about this. On one hand, I see how this takes us back to the main storyline quicker. On the other hand, I’m intrigued to know more about this technology-less encampment and wish we had spent more time there dissecting its politics. Maybe in the third season, there will be more room to explore this part of the show’s sight for the future – I’m hoping so. I think the idea of a religious cult with a leader that has anarchist ideologies towards technology leaves a lot to be explored and endless means for writers to make current cultural criticisms.
I appreciate that Aleesha has been given a little more screen time and crusts of a storyline compared to the crumbs of last season. However, I still think that this show is greatly underusing Zainab Johnson. She’s a comedic and dramatic wizard who steals every scene she’s in. I want more!
They’ve somehow made Ingrid [Allegra Edwards] more annoying than she was last season. I know that’s the point of her character; she’s out of touch with reality, and her wealth gives her the power to control her ex-boyfriend’s life. Upload does a great job of making the viewer hate the rich. And I know this is a half-hour show; I know what that means in terms of limited space for nuance. However, I still feel that Ingrid, and the majority of the other representations of the ultra-rich, are portrayed as cartoonishly evil and unhinged. I think this representation does the message of the show a disservice. Even the ultra-rich have their moments of humanity – that’s what keeps them on top – kindness at the right moment. I think this show could use a smidgen of more humanity coming from its villains and performances that actually garner sympathy. Adding that kind of nuance will hit the message a homerun.
Nora’s [Andy Allo] story takes an interesting turn when she hooks up with Matteo [Paulo Costanzo]. I liked that Nora was taking on more rebellion, but I was sad when she was sucked back into the corporate system. It felt like Nora’s character evolved and then regressed. Matteo’s arc felt too sharp, as well. Their story together is why I wish we had more time in the three-week time jump.
Nathan [Robbie Amell] maintains being simultaneous: smart and a dumbass. I admire the loyalty to the character’s roots, but I wish he had more moments of “Eureka!”. He is supposed to be a brilliant coder, but the most we see him code is with the glitches and tools Nora gave him.
All criticisms aside, I enjoy this show: I like its concept and direction, I think the performers are great, the writers are doing a great job. I think this season’s cliffhangers are setting up a promising season three.
Side note: I think it is bonkers how many Amazon Prime Originals are about inhumane crimes committed by the ultra-rich when considering who owns the entire company.
You know what, Bezos, keep your enemies close, right?
