Warning! SPOILERS for Voltron: Legendary Defender season 5 ahead!

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Voltron: Legendary Defender returns to Netflix with a brand new season that sees the Paladins of Voltron continue their fight to free the universe from Emperor Zarkon's stranglehold. Much has changed since their last battle with Zarkon: their coalition has grown as more planets are freed from the Galra Empire; Shiro is again piloting the Black Lion while Keith works with the Blades of Marmora; and Prince Lotor - Zarkon's son and Team Voltron's most recent adversary - is now their prisoner, held in a cell within the Castle of Lions.

Season 5 is a short season with only six episodes, but having fewer episodes doesn't hurt Voltron's momentum. This season continues to evolve the series in fascinating ways, providing some characters closure while teasing new arcs for others to explore. There is a lot of new information in these six episodes and the lore of Voltron is expanded on more than ever before. Voltron: Legendary Defender season 5 is a new chapter for the series with higher stakes and, in the end, even greater rewards.

Related: Voltron Legendary Defender Season 5 Trailer: Can Lotor Be Trusted?

Due to the length of this article - and to avoid spoilers for those not fully caught up - we've broken the review into three pages, with two per episode.

This Page: Voltron Season 4 Episodes 1 & 2

Episode 1 - The Prisoner

After ending season 4 with Lotor proposing an alliance with Team Voltron, season 5 finds the Paladins running missions off the intel he provides. They remain suspicious of their prisoner, and rightly so, but his help has led to many successful missions. Lotor's latest tip concerns the whereabouts of Pidge and Matt's father, Sam, sending them to a Galra prison with the hopes they'll finally reunite their family. Unfortunately, Lotor's former generals - Acza, Ezor, and Zethrid, now trying to get back in Zarkon's good graces - arrive first, and though Matt and Pidge are successful in freeing the other prisoners, their father is nowhere to be found.

Lotor as a potential ally is an idea that is explored throughout season 5, but in this first episode, it's still being met with suspicion - mostly from Allura. It's hard to fault her given the past, but Lotor is quick to call out her prejudice, asking to be "judged by my actions instead of your preconceived notions of my race." This isn't so unlike how Allura needed to be checked when she began treating Keith differently after learning he was part-Galra, and it's an interesting parallel for the show to make. This moment, along with Lotor's declaration that he is seeking a peaceful means to gather more Quintessence, makes it hard to disregard Lotor outright. It also creates a point of contention around whether Team Voltron should work with Lotor and risk being betrayed, or choose not to work with him and risk losing the war.

As a premiere, "The Prisoner" does well to establish the new status quo and lay the groundwork for the major ideas season 5 will explore. And in addition to the question of whether or not Lotor can be trusted, there's also an ongoing theme of family reunification. It's revealed in the episode's final moments that Zarkon has captured Sam and is proposing a trade for Lotor, teasing not only the family reunion Pidge and Matt so desperately want but an impending showdown between Zarkon and his son.

Episode 2 - Blood Duel

While "The Prisoner" was a fairly straightforward episode that outlined where season 5 will go, "Blood Duel" is where the action kicks into high gear. Not only that, but it's possibly the most cleverly plotted episode of Voltron to date, revealing as little as possible about what's really happening until absolutely necessary.

Related: Voltron Season 4 Changes The Team Dynamic Again

"Blood Duel" begins with the trade Zarkon put forward already in motion. Shiro, Pidge, and Matt escort Lotor to the agreed-upon meeting site, while everyone else remains behind in the castle, observing from above as Sam and Lotor slowly walk towards their waiting parties. Right from the start, the scene clues us in that something is about to happen with a few interestingly framed shots - like a dutch angle shot through Lotor's legs as he walks or a curious glance between him and Sam as they pass each other. This works really well to build up tension, as do the flashbacks which slowly explain how Team Voltron came to an agreement about how to approach this prisoner exchange.

Of course, Zarkon double-crosses them and the Sam he's trading is actually a hologram while the real Sam is still his prisoner. Pidge is furious, but before she or her brother can lash out, Lotor attacks! Everyone is caught unaware - everyone but Shiro, who along with Lotor, secretly planned for this eventuality by arming him with the black Bayard. What follows is without question one of the most thrilling and exciting fight scenes Voltron has ever produced, with Lotor and Zarkon engaging in a brutal duel while Shiro, Pidge, and Matt fight the remaining Galra. The duel between Lotor and Zarkon is intense as the two hold nothing back, letting the rage they feel towards each other power their attacks. Inside the fleeing ship where Sam is a prisoner, the fight is more chaotic and even a bit comedic; especially when the artificial gravity is switched off and characters are floating this way and that.

In the end, Sam is rescued and Zarkon is killed - at least, that's how it appears. The other Lions show up at the last minute to provide some cover fire for Lotor, and while Zarkon is distracted, he stabs his father through the chest. The final shot of the episode shows Zarkon's dead body as Lotor stands nearby, victorious in not only defeating his father but in securing the trust of his new allies. So, is Zarkon really dead? That's what "Blood Duel" wants us to believe, but then again, it could have been anyone inside that armor, so maybe it's wise to hold on to at least a little doubt.

Episode 3 - Postmortem

With the death of Emperor Zarkon, a power vacuum consumes the Galra Empire. Lotor suggests that this is their opportunity, and in order to capitalize, they should support his claim to rule. Shiro is all for the idea and even Allura agrees that with Lotor on the throne, they have a chance to end the war. But while Team Voltron discusses their next move, one of the many other Galra generals vying to rule attacks the Olkari, forcing Voltron to intervene.

Of this short season, "Postmortem" is the most like the episodes of previous seasons: the Galra attack a planet, sending a giant monster to terrorize it, and Voltron must come to the rescue. This episode plays around with the formula a little bit, with the Galra instead sending a virus to turn the Olkari's defenses against them, but the result is ultimately the same. What makes "Postmortem" stand out is what happens while Voltron is fighting one of these infected guardians, introducing another mysterious but powerful Voltron ability.

During their battle, Voltron is trapped and unable to move or separate into the Lions, effectively rendering the robot inoperable. To free themselves, the Paladins must tap into the quantum energy that binds them to their Lions and each other - essentially, they must harness that energy and use it to supercharge Voltron. This quantum field is visualized by the Paladins entering some kind of mystical plane, mind-space where they can each see and talk to one another - all but Shiro, who appears distorted, as if his signal is weaker than everyone else. No one can see or hear him, but he somehow manages to call out to Lance and through the static say, "Listen to me..." before breaking up. It's an odd moment, and the episode quickly moves past it once the Paladins return to reality, powering up Voltron and breaking free.

After the battle, Lance asks Shiro what he was trying to tell him, but Shiro doesn't remember, admitting that for him everything just went black. This is huge hint that there's something going on with Shiro. It isn't the first clue, as he has been acting a little strange ever since he basically returned from the dead (again) in season 3, but now there is little doubt something is wrong with Shiro. Whether he's being mind-controlled or is actually a clone is unclear, but it isn't too surprising that it's Lance who notices something is off with him. All season long he's been acting more observant and has grown more confident in his abilities. Allura even comments on this when she sees his Bayard transform into an Altean broadsword, remarking that being able to summon such a weapon implies he has "greatness within." "Postmortem" doesn't do much beyond introduce these new elements, but whatever is up with Shiro and Lance's growing confidence are definitely being set up to get explored in future seasons.

Episode 4 - Kral Zera

The time has come for the Galrans to select their new Emperor (or Empress) in a ceremony called the Kral Zera. Lotor explains that there will be several Galrans fighting for the throne - including Sendak, who the Witch Haggar sent Acza, Ezor, and Zethrid to collect from his cryo-pod lost in space - and if they want to see peace restored to the universe, then they need to make sure it's Lotor who wins in the end. To do this, he wants to bring Voltron, but Allura refuses, saying it would be too dangerous. Meanwhile, Keith and the Blades of Marmora are also planning to attack the Kral Zera, but when Shiro and Lotor arrive at the ceremony with the Black Lion, things get complicated.

"Kral Zera" is an interesting episode from the standpoint of learning how the Galra Empire handles matters like succession, essentially pitting those who wish to rule against each other until someone reignites the sacred flame or Kral Zera and is declared leader. This, of course, results in a giant battle where Galrans fight Galrans, but in this instance, the ritual becomes even more chaotic thanks to both the Blades and Team Voltron getting involved. It's also worth noting that this is yet another example of Shiro acting out of the ordinary, supporting Lotor's wishes over those of his teammates. And again, while Lotor has yet to do anything that suggests he shouldn't be trusted, the fact that Shiro appears to follow him blindly could be cause for concern.

In the end, it's Lotor who is victorious thanks to his own, impressive fighting skills - seen in action during another thrilling fight scene, this time between him and Sendak - as well as the assist from Voltron, who comes to his aide once the other Paladins realize what Shiro has done. As Lotor lights the flame of the Kral Zera, Voltron looks on in what may be the most ominous ending to an episode yet. The idea here is that with Lotor leading the Galra Empire, the search for an unlimited supply of Quintessence can begin - something he believes will allow the Galra to coexist peacefully and no longer conquer in search of more energy. Only time will tell, but the speed and ease with which Lotor is achieving his goals is disconcerting, making it appear all the more likely Lotor is only using Team Voltron as means to an end.

Episode 5 - Bloodlines

After sitting out most of season 5, Keith is finally brought to the forefront when he's sent on a mission to extract an embedded Blades of Marmora operative. Meanwhile, the newly-crowned Emperor Lotor welcomes his new allies to Galra headquarters, inviting Shiro and Coran to cross-references their intel with the Galra archives and allowing Pidge, Hunk, and Lance to roam around as they see fit. As for Allura, she and Lotor search through the many artifacts in Haggar's collection, looking for something that may clue them into the secrets of Altean Alchemy and aide in their search for unlimited Quintessence.

"Bloodlines" is by far most comedic episode of season 5, though it'd be unfair to classify as a purely comedic episode like season 2's "Space Mall" or season 4's "The Voltron Show!". For the most part, the laughs come from Pidge, Hunk, and Lance's hijinks with the Galra Sentry they reprogram to understand fun. This whole plot is a hoot, with the Paladins and the Fun Sentry getting into all sorts of trouble, and it's a perfect example of how Voltron will always find ways for its characters (and by default the audience) to unwind in between the heavier, more dramatic episodes.

On the other end of the spectrum, while searching Haggar's collection, Lotor reads from his mother, Honerva's research notes. Allura comments that her more recent notes read like they're written by a different person, and she seems to make the connection that Honerva is now Haggar (a fact we, the viewers know, but the characters don't appear as certain of). Lotor is quick to interject with "that witch is not my mother," which suggests he either doesn't know or refuses to believe that's who she has become. Whatever the truth may be, it's complicated, and the relationship between Haggar and Lotor is sure to play a significant role in the future. Haggar herself is even trying unravel that mystery, having only begun recalling memories of being pregnant with Lotor earlier in the season.

As for Keith, his mission is more straightforward but strikingly similar to what Lotor refuses to acknowledge about Haggar. The Blades of Marmora operative who Keith comes to extract isn't just any Galra spy - she's his mother, Krolia. "Bloodlines" leaves it at that startling revelation and doesn't dig any deeper, but Keith finally meeting his mother is a culmination to a journey he didn't even realize he was on, filling a void in his life that's been there since day one.

Episode 6 - White Lion

The season 5 finale of Voltron: Legendary Defender ends in dramatic fashion, but rather than some giant battle, "White Lion" is a deep dive into the lore of the series. Having discovered a map to Oriande - a mythical land where the early Alteans first learned the magic of alchemy - Lotor is determined to get there, no matter the cost. He believes that the secrets held there will allow him and Allura to harness an unlimited supply of Quintessence and end the universe's constant warring over the resource. It's a worthwhile cause, but Lotor's insistence is still worrisome. Allura, however, is now entirely swept up in Lotor's fascination with Oriande and she is just as determined as he is to get there.

The entrance to Oriande is a massive white hole, making it impossible to reach with the Castle of Lions. They try to pilot Voltron through the white hole, but the White Lion - a guardian keeping out those deemed unworthy - repels them. It's only then that Lotor realizes that only those who have a deep connection to Atlean magic can enter. Conveniently, it's only himself and Allura who demonstrate this deep connection, signified by their Altean marks glowing when in proximity of the white hole. Together, they enter Oriande while the rest of Team Voltron remains in the Castle - which, like their Lions, has been deactivated by the immense energy being expelled by the white hole.

Allura and Lotor's journey through Oriande involves a series of tests, all of which require Allura to guarantee them safe passage. In the end, they must both face the White Lion alone - when pressed, Lotor attacks the lion and fails, whereas Allura surrenders to it and is rewarded. It's left unclear exactly what happens, but as Allura is surrounded by a blinding white light she hears a voice that tells her the power she seeks is within her. So whatever is necessary to become an Altean alchemist, Allura has it. This is a huge development for her character, granting her a power that only her father had demonstrated in the past. Allura has already proven herself as a pilot and leader, but this is an all new calling for her to explore in coming seasons.

For his part, Lotor doesn't seem too upset that he was denied the same opportunity, and is more or less pleased that Allura has unlocked her full potential. And again, nothing in his behavior suggests that Lotor was only using Allura, manipulating her in order to achieve his own goals. But then, that is still very much a possibility. Along those same lines, Shiro asks Lance again about what happened a few episodes back, admitting that he has lately felt confused and unsure of himself. Is Shiro's growing confusion and Lotor's plan related? Season 5 doesn't offer up any firm answers, but it does have one final reveal - Haggar is spying on them through Shiro, and now that she knows they've discovered Oriande, she's coming for them.

Voltron: Legendary Defender season 5 is a short season, but one that's packed with new information and surprising developments. Confirming, finally, that Shiro is mole (even if he doesn't know it) will have huge consequences moving forward, as will Allura's new power. Lotor remains an unknown quantity, but he and Allura have grown very close through their experiences this season. This could be setting up some huge betrayal, but it also may not. With Haggar now in hot pursuit, Lotor's help could prove crucial in defeating her. As for Keith, he seems almost primed for a return, and it could be very soon that he resumes the mantle of leadership he previously didn't feel he had earned.

Update: Here's an exclusive Voltron season 5 clip featuring Lotor vs. Sendak!

More: Our Interview With Voltron's Joaquim Dos Santos & Lauren Montgomery

Voltron: Legendary Defender season 5 is now available to stream on Netflix.