By Daniel Paiz

Marvel’s Hit-Monkey: Season 2 Recap & Season 3 Predictions digs into the newest 2024 sophomore season of the Marvel-Hulu show. Three years after the first season, the second season has new characters and new villains to worry about. The devil is in the details, and each episode brings this to light.

Season 2 Recap

This time Bryce and Monkey are in New York, as after season 1 they head to the Big Apple for a new start. For Bryce it’s a bit of a homecoming. Bryce’s daughter Iris likely lives in NYC, and so does his old agent, Eunice Jones. Eunice will end up being a new employer for Monkey, who is continuing along his path of murdering bad guys (seemingly without reason at this point). Haruka also needs a new start but is also fleeing from her entire precinct being murdered. Akiko seeks only revenge.

Bryce and Monkey are largely on different paths; Bryce is slowly continuing his redemption tour, focusing less on himself and more on Iris and his friends. Monkey is searching for purpose, and a pathway to something new. There are a few new entities who provide distraction for these two: The Aldermen and the assassin’s Co-Op. The former are in charge of the world via magical weapons forged from an ancient power; the latter is a group of assassins hurt by The Aldermen, vowing change and revenge.

The Aldermen turn out to be wielders of magical weapons who seemed to underestimate the Co-Op. Co-Op members are a mixed bag of those seeking healing and those seeking power. Boone, Slyke, Amara and Double-Tap all use the guise of “helping the world” to mask their power hunger. Dot and new member Monkey seek both to heal and to help and are duped into following Boone’s vision.

Clashes ensue between the three different groups, although the third group focus essentially shifts from the Aldermen to Akiko and Lady Bullseye as episodes unfold. The different weapons are forged back into one core totem, and a final battle ensues between Boone, Monkey, and Bryce. To share any more details would be too much spoilage, but a role reversal isn’t out of the question.

One relationship to watch purely for the side-story fun of it all is between Buddy and Iris. Buddy is Eunice’s cleaner of sorts, an expert in disposing of blood, bodies, and guts. Iris learns from Buddy and joins the cleaning business. There is a part where Buddy and Iris are essential to the plot, but besides that they are quite entertaining.

Lessons learned for the main characters

Season 2 was an interesting road of twists and turns, where Monkey was ever searching to find his place. Bryce comes to terms with his mistakes and learns he can undo relationship roadblocks with others (like his daughter, Iris). This requires him opening up, being honest, and not making a deal with the devil. Being there for people is paramount. Bryce was there for Monkey, for Iris, and for the others as well. Each of the other characters slowly recognizes this. It’s not a difficult concept to grasp, just a tough one to be consistent about when initially selfish. 

Bryce learned and grew throughout the season. Monkey’s search for purpose and place is technically ongoing. Eventually he accepts he’s stuck between two worlds and belongs wherever he chooses. Eunice recognizes what’s important. Iris gains a dad and grows, despite still processing Bryce’s initial abandonment. Buddy grows as well and becomes an important part of the team.

Haruka learns the importance of a support system as well. Her commitment to doing the right thing was right for her, despite how it ends. Akiko seemingly learns little and her quest for vengeance seals her fate. These two characters seem to be two sides of the same coin. Characters who somewhat change their outlooks more had better endings than these two.

It’s interesting how the leading women didn’t get nearly as many chances at redemption as Bryce and Monkey did. Perhaps that’s just part of storytelling in comics right now. Or, it could be a critique on what happens when one’s ideals outweigh accepting new info in their decision-making. Very true for Akiko, slightly true for Haruka; both paid dearly.

What’s next is tough to decipher. 

Season 3 Predictions

Season 3 likely has Bryce and Monkey tangling with the devil again, as he’s the real big bad at this point. His quest for souls to add to his army of the damned will create more bad guy interactions to use for his own ends. The Aldermen and the Co-Op both cease to exist at this point, so it’s unlikely either group has any play in season 3. There could be folks from the Yakuza, from the NYC crime world, and from the mega elite that have followed Byrce and Monkey. Those unnamed entities might try to recruit them or end them, depending on their agenda.

Lady Bullseye and Akiko both seem gone, so it’s hard to guess if any other Marvel characters join the lineup. Since everyone is in NYC, perhaps Bryce & Monkey run into New York’s other street level characters. Possible appearances could include those involved in mystic and/or corrupt things; Iron Fist, Kingpin, Colleen Wing, or maybe a sorcerer supreme of some type appears. There’s little info out right now, which makes this the best time to make such predictions. Whatever happens for Monkey and Bryce, it’s sure to be another thrilling ride of humor and mayhem.