Netflix's Locke & Key Season 3 Review

Are you saying that we’ll go back in time if we use this key?

Season 3 of Netflix’s Locke & Key was released in 2022. More events unfold from the magical keys in the Locke house. Discovering a time-traveling key, not only are revolutionary soldiers brought back to modern times, but a dark figure stalks the family once more.

Locke & Key has always had an exciting premise since it first aired. However, it didn’t evolve much over time in the series run. Season 3 of Locke and Key presents a strong finish, but lacked depth.

The series has a great cast of actors, but their abilities didn’t emulate. As the Locke family, Darby Stanchfield, Connor Jessup, Emelia Jones, and Jackson Robert Scott implemented a realistic family dynamic. They feel like a real family.

For a child actor, Scott (Bode Locke) is talented. Bode had more to do this season. He was annoying sometimes and got in the way at the wrong time. Scott had the opportunity to manifest a different being which was very impressive. He overacted in some parts, but it was still believable.

Most reactions from the actors are wooden. It’s evident that they didn’t get the best direction which is a downside because this is a good story. Stanchfield (Nina Locke) had the most unrealistic reactions, hardly responding to any situation. She has the same blank expression when she is happy, surprised, or angry.

I did like the episode that analyzed more of Nina’s past. Stanchfield’s moving connection to her character's addiction was one of the best moments of the series.

Kevin Durande (Gideon) was so over-the-top in his acting that I have no idea if it was on purpose. He had the strangest facial reactions and his line delivery was insane. Either way, he still made me laugh.

Season 3 of Locke & Key repeats most storylines that we’ve already seen. This season is stronger than season 2 which was scattered in its storylines. Some storylines finished up a little too quickly to move on to the next. The tone wasn’t sure what to do either.

My favorite aspect of Locke & Key is the interpretation of characters' minds. Post-season 1, this aspect is hardly touched on at all. This is what the show is all about! It’s a good psychological way to analyze somebody’s mind, including memories.

The writing wasn’t as strong. It was half invested in the characters, investing in what else they could do with the keys. Subplots were dropped to go onto new ones. Characters make the worst decisions. For example, one character used the time turner key to travel back to a serious moment. How did their intrusion not cause a paradox?

I’m surprised that Locke & Key isn't more invested in technical elements like you think they should. The very first scene of season 3 relies heavily on green screen effects. Props team created a lot of fascinating designs for keys.

There were too many keys. We already have several subplots so it is hard to keep track. It felt a little too convenient that there is a key for everything, like time travel and even bringing your own drawings to life.

Overall, Locke & Key has a satisfying conclusion. I wish that it didn’t have to end. I was excited to see what would happen in each episode, especially when left on cliffhangers. It’s an enjoyable series to watch.

It is totally worth it to binge Locke & Key on Netflix. Each episode has you hooked. Heat up some popcorn and watch the series.