REVIEW: Ive read about quests, they dont traditionally get easier.

Pigsys (Josh Thomson) warning proves to be rather prophetic as the 10-part, second season of The New Legends of Monkey (3.40pm weekdays on TVNZ2 from September 21 and available on TVNZ OnDemand) unfolds.

We rejoin our heroes in the immediate aftermath of them reclaiming the sacred scroll of immortality. Having narrowly escaped yet another demon attack, the irrepressibly self-confident Monkey (Chai Hansen) declares to anyone who will listen of their intention to secure the other six fabled parchments.

As the rest of his merry misfits fear that such proclamations are unwise, demon lords gather for the first time in 500 years to debate what to do about scourge of the Monkey King. Their solution? Issue a reward to any demon, bandit or bounty hunter who can end his life.

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The New Legends of Monkeys merry misfits, from left, Josh Thomson, Chai Hansen, Luciane Buchanan and Emilie Cocquerel.

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But, with his cloud powers back, the reckless Monkey has only one thought and that is pressing on with his mission, even if it means leaving his colleagues behind.

Wait, we just let the one guy who cant read fly off to look for sacred scriptures in an inaccessible labyrinth of scrolls? laments Pigsy. It isnt long though, before Monkey is back with his tail between his legs and without his hands. I still have my wits, he protests, as the rest groan at his incompetence. Upstairs is basically for growing hair with you, Pigsy retorts.

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Josh Thomsons Pigsy is The New Legends Of Monkeys undoubted scene-stealer.

Its the injection of this kind of banter that lifts this trans-Tasman co-production. While perhaps lacking the compelling surrealness and sheer nuttiness of the late 1970s Japanese take on the 16th Century Chinese tale, theres a lightness of touch and likeable swagger that makes for fabulous family viewing.

Yes, it relies heavily on copious amounts of swordplay, scarred villains and a synth-heavy soundtrack, but the central quartet are all well-realised characters, performed with aplomb. While The Projects Thomson is the undoubted scene-stealer, look out for other great cameos from the likes of Rachel House, Joel Tobeck and Michelle Ang.

If theres a disappointment, its only that while many parts of the rest of the world have been enjoying this second series for the past six weeks on Netflix, weve had to wait for local distributors TVNZ to find a slot.

That it is a mid-afternoon series dump, rather than the first series prime-time Friday night slot is rather disappointing and troubling, sadly reminiscent of how the state broadcaster has treated many beloved family shows of the past. Not everyone wants post-dinner reality television six nights a week.

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New Legends of Monkey: Why TVNZ should let Netflix have this fab family fantasy - Stuff.co.nz