Russian Dollis a series centered around a woman learning how to respond to unusual circumstances occurring in her life. In season one, that involved being stuck in a time loop, dying and returning to the same party over and over again. The pandemic added an unexpected layer of time to this perpetual loop by extending the period between the first season and the second season that is yet to come.
Having been released byNetflixthree years ago now, many fans of the show have, themselves, felt stuck in time as they wait for season two.This period of timespent waiting has given viewers plenty of time to consider what might, or should, happen in the new season. As a result, now that the second season finally has a release date, fans are eagerly anticipating to see if their theories are correct.
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The Concept & Story of Russian Doll
Many have describedRussian Dollas theGroundhog Dayof our time: both stories surround characters caught in time loops trying to figure their way out.Russian Dollexamines the structure of time and how altering that can create unanticipated opportunities for the character, while also applying the mindset and voice of a woman that counteracts the patriarchal view of what women should be. As a result, the series hasappealed to a broad audienceof both sci-fi lovers and those seeking out shows with more diverse perspectives.
Along with the unique and interesting storyline, the acting style of Natasha Lyonne, who plays the main character, Nadia, really ties the tone of the series together. These elements combined made the show considerably successful among viewers, even with currently only one season out. Having waited long enough, fans are ready for the next chapter in the story and are now wondering if the years that have passed since season one will affect the direction creators take with the coming season.
So far,writers have expressed that, since pitching the story to Netflix, they had a clear vision of what the story would follow. Lyonne has also mentioned that she and the creators view Nadia’s character as the heart of the story. The creators thus intend to continue to center the plot around Nadia, to maintain a similar structure to what was seen in season one. It’s not the events that happen to Nadia that make the story great, but the ways that she responds to these events. She was the one keeping viewers engaged.
What We Know So Far
Netflix’s teaser trailer for season two can give fans someinsight into what to expectin the next season. We don’t see a lot of detail as it moves in flashes, probably to illustrate jumping around in time. We do, however, see bits that show Nadia in a subway train and in a graveyard, and we see Alan, but the time-loop doesn’t appear to be part of the story.
Some recent articles have revealed that the subway train will function as a sort of time machine, and instead of being stuck in a time loop, Nadia may be stuck in a time machine. Lyonne has also suggested in interviews that theremay be multiple versionsof characters existing in the world, which certainly seems to connect to the name of the series as well as the themes of non-linear timelines. Regardless of what is in store, it’s a guarantee that she will have to use the opportunity to examine the deepest parts of herself to find an escape, just like she did in the first season.
No matter what direction the story in the second season takes, fans are hoping to see popular elements from season one woven into it. This includes several recurring jokes, and common statements and personality traits of the characters. Some fans are even wondering if Amy Poehler, being a producer, will make an appearance.
Evolving Nadia’s Character
Lyonne hasmade it clear thatRussian Dollis a rather personal piece, as the concept came about naturally in conversation with co-creator Amy Poehler; she has even described the series as autobiographical. Because of that, audiences can assume that this season, like the first one, will examine some harsh and raw realities of the human struggle. Fortunately, as Nadia is the bold kind of character that pushes boundaries, fans can expect to learn more about her through witnessing these trials. Perhaps they can learn something about themselves in the process.
The main appeal of this show,especially for female audience, is its focus on a broken character who, quite literally, cannot escape her problems. This resonated with audiences, particularly during the pandemic, because people in general tend to feel this way in our fast-paced capitalist society. The theme of this character having to reflect on herself to fix her problems likely spoke to a lot of people watching season one, and inspired them to do some self-reflecting of their own. Though lots of characters in film and television grow or evolve throughout their story, Nadia’s evolution is not perfect, whichmakes her more relatablein many ways. More than anything, fans are hoping that the creators maintain this element of the show.
Even with the many hints and interviews that have been done over the topic, the only way to really know what the second season will include is to watch it. There are a multitude of directions the show could take, and for all the audience knows, it could take them all. Lyonne has suggested that the show will likely span at least three seasons, giving the writers plenty of time to explore the possibilities and bring anentertaining and reflective storyto life. As long as viewers keep coming back, the relationship between time and self in this show is sure to find new and creative ways to please viewers.
Season Two ofRussian Dollwill premiere on Netflix on Wednesday, April 20.
