Approved for 12+

Mysterious Benedict Society Season 2

In season 2 of the Mysterious Benedict Society, the four children – Reynie, Sticky, Kate, and Constance – are invited back a year later for a special reunion. Mr. Benedict and Number Two are in Europe to prepare a scavenger hunt that only the four children could solve with their unique combination of gifts. Dr. Curtain, the villain of the first season and Mr. Benedict’s twin brother, has taken credit for ending the Emergency, the world domination plot that Curtain himself was responsible for. Curtain is now a popular author and worldwide influencer, helping people to learn how to be happy all the time.

However, Mr. Benedict and Number Two go missing. The children are informed that the scavenger hunt is canceled, but they realize that the scavenger hunt will lead them to Benedict’s last location. They are the only ones who can figure out the clues, so they decide to follow the clues and rescue Mr. Benedict even though the adults have forbidden it.

2
Negative Rating
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SexLanguageViolenceDrugsNudityOther
5
Positive Rating
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FaithIntegrity

Dove Review

Dr. Curtain was responsible for the Emergency, all based on a fear-inducing machine that would allow him to control the whole world. Reynie, Sticky, Kate, and Constance were recruited to help stop the Emergency with Mr. Benedict. They succeeded, and now the kids – called the Mysterious Benedict Society – have been called back for a reunion and scavenger hunt for fun together with Mr. Benedict.

Benedict and his assistant, Number Two, have been kidnapped by Dr. Curtain, who also happens to be Benedict’s twin brother. Curtain has another nefarious plan to control people through forced happiness instead of fear. Against the instructions of the adults in their life, the children come together again to follow the clues and save Mr. Benedict and Number Two.

The whole cast is back, and the characters continue to be strong and fun. They have grown and now have a friendship and past to rely upon. Their interactions provide comedy, and the clues bring mystery and puzzles that kids will find interesting. For those that enjoyed Season 1 of The Mysterious Benedict Society, Disney and the show runners have done a great job bringing us back into the world with a new story and adventure.

Like the first season, Season 2 of The Mysterious Benedict Society is clear of any major issues. There is no negative content in the major categories. A couple things might give some parents concern. First, a very minor character briefly mentions his “two moms.” Second, the children need money and gamble. They actually cheat at gambling. In the end, they realize they were wrong for cheating and give the money back.

There are positive elements. Mr. Benedict is a father figure to these kids, and Reynie speaks about having faith in Benedict’s plan and how he hears Benedict’s voice in the clues. Along with Season 1, Benedict places great importance on the Truth. Also, the kids have to be unified and learn to rely on each other’s talents to progress. Finally, Dr. Curtain is trying to control people with happiness this time instead of fear. But that happiness isn’t based on truth or what is real.

There are some great themes to use as conversation starters between parents and kids. Mr. Benedict has left the kids personal clues throughout the show to lead them to him. How does God do the same? How do we see God’s plan and hear His voice through the things He shows us (like the Bible)? The kids have to work together, much like the church is a combination of people with different spiritual gifts. How do we need the people in our church community to learn about God together? What we feel is important, but we can’t trust in our feelings for truth and what is real. How do we try and make ourselves happy in ways that could be dangerous? Entertainment, cell phones, etc.?

The Dove Take: The Mysterious Benedict Society is a fun and hilarious mystery adventure with great characters and puzzles with important themes for the whole family to consider. This has earned the Dove Seal of Approval for ages 12+.

Dove Rating Details

2
Faith

Reynie talks about how they should follow the clues because Mr. Benedict has a plan, and Reynie has faith. The reward of following the clues means that they get to be with Mr. Benedict. And later, Reynie discusses how when they find the clues, it’s like they can hear Mr. Benedict’s voice in them.

3
Integrity

Mr. Benedict is all about truth. “The truth is important!” The show reveals how a manufactured and constant happiness is a dangerous goal and will hurt us, not help us. Our emotions must be based on truth, and we can’t base truth on emotions. The kids gamble to get money, justifying it for their journey to save Mr. Benedict, but then they realize that cheating is wrong and give the money back.

0
Sex

None

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Language

None

0
Violence

None

0
Drugs

None

0
Nudity

None

2
Other

A minor character has “two moms” and the kids try gambling to make money but realize it’s wrong

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