Monarch Legacy episode 7 review: Will the Real May Please Stand Up?

It's Friday - which means a brand new episode of the still-incredible AppleTV show Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. As we enter the last few episodes of the first season, this one isn't just a chapter in the story - it's a bombshell of reveals that'll have you rewatching earlier episodes to catch all the Easter eggs. I know I did.

SPOILER WARNING TO THOSE WHO DARE VENTURE PAST THIS POINT - I will be talking about the episode in its entirety!

The episode kicks off with Monarch displaying its latest tech wizardry - a Titan alert system. Imagine getting a text that Godzilla's strolling down your street. The 2015 test run in NYC was chaos incarnate, a perfect mix of futuristic tech and good old-fashioned monster mayhem. Post-Godzilla's Earth-shattering re-awakening, we see Tim's escape from a helicopter crash caused by the titan himself. It's chaos and awe wrapped in one, setting a tone that's both exciting and ominous. In a badass and jaw-dropping moment, Monarch goes public on live TV, apologizing for the false kaiju alarm and acknowledging the constant threat of giant monsters. This is a significant shift that promises to change the Monsterverse as we know it.

Meanwhile, Cate and Kentaro are in Tindouf, Algeria, unraveling their father's mysterious mission. The plot thickens with May's mysterious behavior, and Cate's guilt-filled search for her after a heated exchange, you know, their first lover's quarrel. This international chase adds layers of excitement and cultural depth to the series, and it's always fun wondering where on Earth they're going next.

As one may guess, this episode goes deep into May's past. It turns out she's not really May, but Korra, and her past with Applied Experimental Technologies (AET) is a Pandora's box of kaiju secrets. The revelation of her identity adds a twist to the character, enriching her arc with complexity and suspense.

Our new favorite dysfunctional trio made up of Cate, Kentaro, and Tim goes to visit Korra's family home in Seattle, which adds a personal touch to the story as it combines humor and tension perfectly. The bit about Shoujo anime had me rolling and only made me love Tim more, as he obviously has great taste in entertainment. The scene with Korra's mother and a very suspicious baby sister is a brilliant mix of light-hearted moments and plot-driving dialogue.

Back at Monarch, Lee Shaw and Duvall throw a curveball by taking over an outpost. It's a bold move that kind of starts a Monarch civil war, raising stakes and creating an unpredictable power dynamic within the organization. Tim, caught between his loyalty to Monarch and his bond with Hiroshi's kids, drops a bombshell about May using a fake passport and her real name. His conflicted character adds a relatable human element to the titan-centric drama as Joe Tippett displays his incredible acting skills.

The AET emerges as a menacing player with their cybernetic lifeform projects aimed at tackling kaiju threats. The revelation about their work and Korra's involvement sets up a high-stakes scenario, blending corporate espionage with monster lore.

In another intriguing twist, we find out that APEX actually knew about Titans since 2012 and was knee-deep in shady research, which is a twist that adds layers of intrigue and suspense, connecting back to the larger narrative in a way that's both surprising and brilliantly executed.

But Cam, who's APEX?

APEX Cybernetics is a key player in the Monsterverse. It emerges as a shadowy, technologically advanced organization with deep roots in the world of Titans. Their introduction in the 2021 movie Godzilla vs. Kong marks them as a pivotal force, characterized by their cutting-edge technological edge and a mysterious agenda. At the heart of APEX's operations is their interest in Titans, the colossal creatures that roam the Earth. Their activities extend beyond just observation - APEX is deeply involved in shady research, including the controversial and often unethical experimentation on these behemoths. This organization, led by ambitious CEO Walter Simmons, symbolizes the human desire to manipulate and control nature's strongest forces. APEX's ultimate creation, the Mechagodzilla, shows its technological ambition and willingness to push ethical boundaries.

May's past and her ties to APEX and the Godzilla vs. Kong saga are dissected, offering a satisfying combination of character development and plot advancement. It's like piecing together a complex puzzle where each piece is more fascinating than the last.

APEX's fascination with the Titans, particularly their nervous systems, is not only creepy but also a narrative goldmine. It's a subplot that enriches the Monsterverse and teases future developments. It's like APEX is the mad scientist of the series, and we're all eagerly waiting to see what they concoct next.

In a move that no one saw coming, Monarch and APEX teamed up. It's a twist that feels like a crossover episode where two unlikely characters join forces, adding a new layer of complexity to the story. And the cherry on top: we get the revelation that Hollow Earth rifts can be destroyed. This could be a complete game-changer in the ongoing battle against Titans. It's like the humans finally found the cheat code in a game of cosmic proportions, and it's not just left-right-left-right-A-B-A-B.

Episode 7 of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters is yet another exciting and compelling piece of storytelling within this amazing and established universe. It's an episode that not only advances the plot but enriches the Monsterverse as a whole.

Every twist feels earned, every revelation impactful. It's a must-watch for fans and a delightful surprise for newcomers. Tune in on Fridays on Apple TV+ and get ready for a monster of a show!