'XO, Kitty' S03 review: Netflix show remains charming but predictable
What's the story
Kitty Song-Covey is back! The third season of Netflix's comedy-drama series XO, Kitty was released on Thursday. A spin-off of the To All the Boys... films, it's led by Anna Cathcart, Sang Heon Lee, and Choi Min-yeong, among others. Lana Condor makes a special appearance as Lara Jean Song-Covey. The show remains binge-worthy, but like the previous seasons, it's bogged down by its predictability.
Plot
Senior year challenges Kitty in new ways
The new season, comprising eight episodes, follows Kitty as she embarks on her senior year at the Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS). She's completely swamped: she wants to confess her feelings to Min-Ho (Sang), focus on her falling grades, and send an early application to New York University. Is Min-Ho really the man of her dreams? Or is she destined for heartbreak?
#1
Cathcart carries the show and how!
Like the previous seasons, Cathcart remains an effervescent and vivacious presence, emerging as a standout performer. With each season, the actor significantly grows and develops a stronger grip on this curious, kind, and messy character. Her bubbly charm carries the entire series, and we witness Kitty's different shades (anger, excitement, confusion) as she tries to make sense of her complex life.
#2
Draws you in through its stunning locations
XO, Kitty has always thrived on its picturesque locations and sparkly, vibrant costumes. The third season continues to impress on that front as the narrative unfolds against the scenic backdrop of Seoul, South Korea. This season, fashion also takes centerstage through Yuri (Gia Kim), and the new episodes have enough juicy drama and messy plotlines to keep you hooked.
#3
But there are zero surprisesÂ
Like the previous seasons, the third season remains painfully predictable and doesn't even try to surprise you. When a "villainous" character is introduced early on, you already know they'll become Kitty's friend by the last episode. Moreover, conflicts exist only to be resolved in minutes. For instance, in one scene, Kitty's applying to NYU, and minutes later, she's already made it to the university!
#4
The series is inconsistent and overcookedÂ
XO, Kitty Season 3 also struggles to provide decent screentime to all the supporting characters. Dae (Choi-Min) is all but sidelined the entire season, while Kitty's father and Yuri's mother never make an appearance. The narrative becomes entangled and highly repetitive, and the story seems bloated and all over the place at times. It's not always sure of its own direction.
Verdict
Charming, but also riddled with flaws; 3/5 stars
The themes of love, friendship, and kindness have always been the heart of the show, and the new episodes are no different. Condor's special appearance, in particular, lights up the series and will completely satisfy To All the Boys... fans. XO, Kitty Season 3 remains charming and binge-able, but ultimately, its formulaic approach keeps it from soaring. 3/5 stars.