Nairobi, May 6 -- About 12 weeks ago, after watching the first two episodes of Shuga Mashariki Season 2, I promised to follow up with a complete review. This is a show, the first season, that I still consider to be one of the best young adult dramas in Africa.

Yet those early episodes of Season 2 left me uneasy. Some decisions felt shaky, even illogical. Now, having seen all eight episodes, I can finally weigh in on what worked, what confirmed my fears, and why this season feels so different from the first.

Season 1 was almost perfect in balancing purpose and entertainment. It carried the weight of social and sexual health themes while still being engaging enough to binge in one sitting.

Season 2 slows everything down. It's built on th...