Monarch: Legacy of Monsters roared onto Apple+ as the first live action series set in the MonsterVerse, beat only by a few months for the honor of first series within the universe by Netflix’s Skull Island (2023). Yet, unlike the latter which will more than likely share a tenuous connection to canon like the comic series Godzilla: Awakening and Godzilla: Aftershock, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters proves a breathtaking, character-rich entry. A show that by its exciting conclusion seemingly does the impossible – make the MonsterVerse a cohesive universe, and a world worthy of exploration.

Set after the cataclysmic events of Godzilla (2014), the series focuses on two seemingly distant perspectives.

The first is set in 2015 with Cate Randa, played by Anna Sawai, who travels to Japan to uncover the truth behind her late father’s fate, merely to find a half-brother named Kentaro, Ren Watabe. Aided by Kentaro’s friend May, played by Kiersey Clemons, the trio set out to uncover a mysterious legacy dating back to Monarch’s inception.

Speaking of, this is the other perspective featured prominently with the main cast being U.S. Army Colonel Lee Shaw, a Japanese scientist named Keiko, and cryptozoologist Bill Randa, all played by Wyatt Russell, Mari Yamamoto, and Anders Hold respectively.

They needed a bigger boat.

This dual perspective allows for Monarch: Legacy of Monsters to delve into the legacy of Monarch, the Ronda family, and the world coming to grips with a haunting truth – that humanity is not the apex species it once believed itself to be. Yet with this world-shattering revelation and equally grand plans to save the Earth, the show never shies away from pushing its themes of connection, loss, and trauma through the eyes of its human characters, echoing the stylistic flair of Garth Edwards’ Godzilla (2014).

Mirroring that film as well in regards to pace, the ten-episode series grinds to a remarkably slow lumber roughly half way through. With each episode running a full sixty minutes, you can feel the battle between the show’s monstrous runtime, and the writers attempting to stuff exciting reveals and action whenever possible. Battles are lost. Plot points stretched near breaking; however, by its conclusion, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters should leave viewers at the edge of their seats rather than checking their proverbial watches.

Now a good mystery is nothing without compelling characters and actors that can bring them to life. So far, the MonsterVerse’s track record has been… spotty, to say the least. Thankfully, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters proves a positive exception. Kurt Russel’s natural charm and charisma may steal the show whenever he’s onscreen, but Anna Sawai, Ren Watabe, Joe Tippett, and Mari Yamamoto all prove capable of elevating their scenes, making Legendary’s world of Titans and all that occurs within it, that much more believable and entertaining.

Look, I’m not evil. Just incompetent.

And without getting into spoilers; references, lore, and yes, monsters, do share the collective screentime, but for as grand a narrative as the series may be advertised as, with multiple plotlines hinting at the end of the world, in reality, the show is a small endeavor. Godzilla may loom large, an ever-present force of nature during both time periods, but do not go into this show expecting his screentime to be equally immense.

Like the varying trauma which plagues a large swath of the cast, his presence can more so be felt than seen.

We’re going to need a bigger budget.

However disappointing that may seem, it is the seamless integration of all the creatures, settings, and general digital effects that truly sets Monarch: Legacy of Monsters apart from other televised programming. From Godzilla’s arrival in San Francisco to the emergence of otherworldly Titans, the series boasts a movie-like quality to most of its production. The attention to detail is nothing short of breathtaking, and if anything, considerably raises the bar for Kaiju adaptations on the small screen going forward.

In conclusion, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters shadow casts long and far over the MonsterVerse. Cracks appear beneath its gargantuan runtime, unable to justify the screentime it devotes to all of its characters. But those who focus upon the imperfections, that scour the landscape for defections left in this monstrous triumph’s wake, will miss the stunning successes. Sown into this series hide lay a plethora of well written characters, breathtaking visuals, and a narrative that blends all four of the MonsterVerse’s separate films seamlessly into one another. If given another season, another chance to stretch its legs and continue to flesh out its world and characters, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters may prove not only a worthwhile entry, but evolve into something far, far grander.

A production able to rival cinematic Titans.