Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous season 4 has a lot of fantastic and emotional moments, however, it is not the best season for a few reasons.
Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous season 4 hits Netflix on December 3rd and while there are some really strong points to the season, there are also a lot of down falls, making it perhaps the worst season of the series. That said, it is still worth watching because of the connection to the franchise as a whole, and the fact that we know at least one more season is coming.
This season finds the campers finally off the island, for the first time, but fairly quickly they end up on yet another island. This one is very strange with biomes that are not native to the area. It is discovered early on that this is because it is a manmade island. Here is where things pull away from what fans of Camp Cretaceous know and love, and go too far down the Science Fiction road.
Dinosaurs have always been at the heart of this show, along with a great core group of characters. Unfortunately in this season it feels like the dinosaurs take a back seat to something completely unexpected — technology. Not only is this an artificial island, but it has artificial threats as well. That pulls away from our time with the dinosaurs, and they are a noticeable hole in several of the episodes.
When we do see them, however, they are absolutely stunning. Comparing the animation from Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous season 4 to season 1 really proves how far this series has come visually. Every season steps it up a notch and that is a place where this season shines.
In an effort to focus on the technological advances and Mantah Corp, too much of the story feels over the top and unrealistic — especially if you are trying to make it fit alongside the Jurassic World films.
Luckily the core characters are able to save this season by bringing a lot of heart and emotional moments. There are some heavy issues they are dealing with, like PTSD, and it should be applauded that this series is unafraid to dive right into real world issues like that — and in a way that will likely resonate with a lot of viewers.
As a fan of Haley Joel Osment, I was excited to see him join the cast as Kash, but his charter was more annoying than anything else. He has a lot of cringe-worthy dialogue as is easily the worst part of season 4.
In true Jurassic World fashion, the final episode ends with a massive cliffhanger that gives the audience a lot of hope for next season. If they can stick with this, things should be looking up for Season 5.
Overall Thoughts
While there is certainly a lot to enjoy about Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous season 4, there is a lot that takes away from it too. With the dinosaurs feeling like they are taking a backseat to over the top Science Fiction tropes and technological advances, it loses what has always made this show so special.
However, thanks to the core character arcs and emotional moments, not to mention the stunning animation, this season is still a must watch. Fingers crossed that it will find its footing again with season 5 and give fans more of what they love, and less of trying to do something new.
About Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous
Set against the timeline of the blockbuster Jurassic World films, Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous follows a group of six teenagers chosen for a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Camp Cretaceous, a new adventure camp on the opposite side of Isla Nublar who must work together to survive.
Finally escaping Isla Nublar, the campers find themselves in grave danger when shipwrecked on a mysterious island. As the group begins to uncover the strange secrets of this new land, they must hatch a plan to not only save themselves, but also protect the dinosaurs from the sinister forces at work.
The series is executive produced by Scott Kreamer and Aaron Hammersley who also serve as showrunners. Steven Spielberg, Colin Trevorrow, and Frank Marshall serve as executive producers. The series was developed by Zack Stentz, who also serves as consulting producer.
Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous features the voices of Paul-Mikel Williams as resident dino expert Darius; Jenna Ortega as social media sensation Brooklynn; Ryan Potter as Kenji; Raini Rodriguez as Sammy; Sean Giambrone as Ben; and Kausar Mohammed as Yaz. Joining this season are Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Dr. Mae Turner and Haley Joel Osment as Kash Langford.
Season 4 of Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous roars onto Netflix December 3.
