Danielle Solzman
The second season of Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous provides for thrilling and pure escapist entertainment as we return to Isla Nublar.
I’m going to be honest here. Because of everything going on, I needed to step away from the news two weeks ago on a Thursday evening. There is no better way–at least for me during the pandemic–to have escapism than return to Isla Nublar. It took almost three decades to get an animated Jurassic franchise but I’m glad it’s here. In all honesty, this is an exciting edition to the franchise and I’m thankful for it.
“Oooh, ahhh, that’s how it always starts. Then later, there’s running and um, screaming” — Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum), The Lost World: Jurassic Park.
All alone on an Isla Nublar. The boats are gone. No adult supervision. Dinosaurs on the run. Is a rescue going to happen? Nobody seems to know. What else is there to do but run and scream? Say what you will but Dr. Malcolm is right. And yet, it is all so beautiful. Okay, so maybe this is some exaggeration. However, I need the escapism. I cannot say this enough! When one does not have a chance to visit Isla Nublar in all of its wondrous beauty, you live vicariously through everyone else. This series is no exception.
Because of how last season happened before, during, and after Jurassic World took place, it meant not including fan favorites. In some instances, it also means having to choose which dinosaurs are available. Rexy (or Roberta as nicknamed in Phil Tippett’s storyboard designs) is limited to the opening titles in the first season. But what happens now that the park is closed and the dinosaurs are free? This is the beauty of a second season. You have to wonder what might have happened had Claire Dearing not opened the gates. But enough about philosophical questions! Season 2 gives us a lot more of everybody’s favorite dinosaur to run away from. She’s essentially takes over Main Street. You know what this means? Our cast is given no choice but to run further away into the jungle for survival.
This season allows us to explore other areas on the island because of where season 1 ended. There are sights that did not get explored during the first season let alone the Jurassic World films. In going away from main street, the campers discover one site we have not really seen since 1993: the Watering Hole. I won’t really say anything else other than it’s a welcome site to see after almost three decades.
The eight episodes run at a quick pace and are over before you know it. Because of how things play out, I will not be discussing the ins and what happens. I’ll leave it to you to discover things on your own. Sit down, press play, and enjoy the ride for all eight episodes! What I will tell you is that this Jurassic Park fan highly approves of Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS/SHOWRUNNERS: Scott Kreamer, Aaron Hammersley
EXCUTIVE PRODUCERS: Steven Spielberg, Colin Trevorrow, Frank Marshall
CONSULTING PRODUCER/DEVELOPED BY: Zack Stentz
CAST: Paul-Mikél Williams, Jenna Ortega, Ryan Potter, Raini Rodriguez, Sean Giambrone, Kausar Mohammed
Voice Actors: Paul-Mikél Williams as Darius, Jenna Ortega as Brooklynn, Ryan Potter as Kenji, Raini Rodriguez as Sammy, Sean Giambrone as Ben, Kausar Mohammed as Yaz
