After a successful and beloved Season 1 that introduced the world to Alina, The Darkling (), the second season brings the whole cast back with more new faces to explore the Grishaverse.

Source: https://collider.com/shadow-and-bone-season-2-amita-suman-interview/

For one, in the book the Darkling has blinded his mother.

Source: https://collider.com/shadow-and-bone-season-2-book-changes/

From the beginning of Season 2, the Darkling has facial scars that ooze black goo, allowing one to see past his aesthetic beauty.

Source: https://www.cbr.com/shadow-and-bone-darkling-irredeemable-villain/

He's instrumental in smuggling Alina Starkov from the Little Palace and the fight for her freedom against the revenge-consumed Darkling.

Source: https://collider.com/shadow-and-bone-season-2-cast-and-character-guide/

Mal's blood on the crypt door confirms it: he's related to Morozova, and also to the Darkling (Ben Barnes) himself.

Source: https://www.slashfilm.com/1232467/shadow-and-bones-hunt-for-the-firebird-ends-with-a-twist/

Season 2 has ensured that onlookers can never make this mistake again, making the Darkling as ugly on the outside as he is on the inside.

Source: https://www.cbr.com/shadow-and-bone-darkling-irredeemable-villain/

The Darkling, who is a shadow summoner, was formerly the General of the Second Army until it was revealed that he is the creator of the Shadow Fold and the evil that lives in the fold.

Source: https://collider.com/shadow-and-bone-season-2-trailer-teaser/

While Alina is given a necklace made from the antlers of a mythical white stag in the book (which the Darkling forces her to put on), she literally absorbs the amplifier into her collarbones in the show, making for a very powerful and shocking exchange.

Source: https://collider.com/shadow-and-bone-book-show-differences/