Author’s Note: The following contains spoilers for Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Episode 6.
The introduction of a gamma radiation device ties everything together in the sixth episode of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. Plus, the King of the Monsters himself returns for another appearance in the sixth episode.
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Monarch: Legacy of Monsters is one of the newest series streaming on Apple TV+, based on Legendary Pictures’ MonsterVerse film franchise. The series follows Cate and Kentaro, siblings unraveling the mystery behind their father’s disappearance and his connection to Monarch, the resident giant monster-researching organization.
The MonsterVerse follows the adventures of famous giant monsters like Godzilla and King Kong. Notably, while the franchise’s movies are distributed by Warner Bros. Discovery, the series is not streaming on Max. The franchise will return to the big screen with Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, coming out on April 12th, 2024.
Younger Shaw and Keiko’s Budding Romance in The ’50s
The episode begins with a flashback depicting the younger Shaw at the American Defense Industry Federation summer ball with Keiko in 1955. As they talk with the other military personnel, it becomes apparent that Shaw and Keiko share a romantic connection with each other.
What makes this interesting is that it suggests a love triangle of sorts between Shaw, Keiko, and Bill Randa, culminating in Keiko and Randa getting married. This flashback definitely just serves to give Shaw more characterization. I have no doubt Shaw’s feelings for Keiko will inform his 2015 actions in the season’s last episodes. The series’ decision to utilize the flashbacks to build Shaw’s character also explains the series’ further usage of them, beyond ones explaining the Randa family tree.
Gamma Radiation Becomes The Key Behind The Series’ Biggest Mysteries
Some more flashbacks show younger Randa and Keiko meeting Dr. Suzuki in Japan, who is working on a gamma radiation simulator to lure giant monsters to him. Suzuki demonstrates the simulator and it works, revealing Godzilla survived the nuclear bomb explosion. Shaw appears in the nick of time to save Keiko from the wrecked simulator, looking on in surprise at Godzilla roaring.
This is one of the first instances of the episode establishing new plot points like the gamma machine to tie previous events together. Specifically, the gamma radiation machine justifies why Outpost 47 had troubling gamma radiation readings. How this episode provides connective tissue to all of the different subplots is great. It feels appropriate since the season is starting its second half when answers to the season’s questions need to appear.
Godzilla’s Appearance Heralds The Season’s Growing Stakes As It Reaches The Second Half
Right as Cate and Kentaro see their father, Hiroshi, again, older Shaw notices the upgraded gamma radiation simulator next to Hiroshi is drawing a giant monster near it. As they attempt to escape, Godzilla bursts out from under the ground. Godzilla shares poignant eye contact with Cate and leaves for parts unknown. After yet another disagreement, Cate and older Shaw split up, with Shaw headed toward somewhere using Hiroshi’s map.
I expected there to be a more emotional moment between Cate and Godzilla. The previous episodes established she has trauma from seeing him for the first time on G-Day. It would’ve made sense for her to express anxiety about seeing him again.
Overall, the moment felt anti-climatic. I do like the way the season didn’t wait until the very end to have a brief moment between Cate, Kentaro, and their father. It’s extremely likely that the last couple of episodes will depict a solemn reunion between the three.
While the ’50s flashbacks are more interesting in this episode than the 2015 plot, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ sixth episode awesomely establishes more lore-driven plot points and deserves an 8/10.
About Monarch: Legacy of Monsters
Release Date: Nov. 17, 2023
Executive Producers: Chris Black, Matt Fraction, Matt Shakman, Joby Harold, Tory Tunnell, Andy Goddard, Brad Van Arragon, Andrew Colville, Hiro Matsuoka, Takemasa Arita
Distribution: Apple TV+
Cast: Kurt Russell, Wyatt Russell, Anna Sawai, Kiersey Clemons, Ren Watabe, Mari Yamamoto, Anders Holm, Joe Tippett, Elisa Lasowski
Synopsis: Following the thunderous battle between Godzilla and the Titans that leveled San Francisco and the shocking revelation that monsters are real, “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” tracks two siblings following in their father’s footsteps to uncover their family’s connection to the secretive organization known as Monarch. Clues lead them into the world of monsters and ultimately down the rabbit hole to Army officer Lee Shaw (played by Kurt Russell and Wyatt Russell), taking place in the 1950s and half a century later when Monarch is threatened by what Shaw knows. The dramatic saga — spanning three generations — reveals buried secrets and the ways that epic, earth-shattering events can reverberate through our lives.
What are your thoughts on Monarch: Legacy of Monsters‘s sixth episode? Do you want more kaiju action in future episodes? Do you like the direction the season is heading in as the finale nears? Let us know by giving The Illuminerdi a shout-out on our social media, and make sure to follow us for more reviews like this, we’re always watching.
