Season 2
The season starting off with the typical Netflix recap of season 1 was done more cleverly than in any other series. Julia Garner's character Ruth is visiting her father in prison and explaining everything this she knows to him but is really explaining everything to the audience. Leading to Marty Byrde picking up where he left off with Jacob and his wife in order to figure out a way to smooth everything over with the cartel after what happened in the last season. Overall this season tops the last with twist in the each characters overall moral compass. Acting wise, there's nothing wrong with the entire cast. Each actor gives an Emmy Award quality delivery and gives themselves completely to the tone and atmosphere around them. The weight of the cartel is always glooming over every one; really you don't see them. Only their representatives, such as the lawyer played by Janet McTeer. Without firing a shot, with only her words, you feel the weight of the world looming over everything. As if a demons had making its way closer to the throat of the Byrds. |
| julia garner as Ruth recapping season one |
Ruth
Julia doesn't miss a beat with her emotionally disassociated character who seems to really have a deep connection to her father. She is pretty passionate about being more involved with what Marty does. The more I see her request things from Marty and talk so softly towards him the more it confuses me. Does she long for a healthy father figure relationship, is she attracted to him, both? These are the questions that I have as the relationship between her and her father blossoms. Her fathers comment on blonds was very interesting. She such a fake real tough girl. Going back and forward with the guilt of what she did to her uncle, Wyatt's father, is making her rotten from the inside.
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| Jason Bateman as Marty Byrde |
Marty Byrde
Returns back to work to find his money is missing. The fact that has to come face to face with the fact that all of the women in his life eventually betray him is a huge stepping stone to him hardening. Rachel and Marty finally exploring their relationship under duress is so weird and romantic at the same time. Its an affair on so many levels.
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| Laura Linney as Wendy Byrde |
Wendy Byrde
Seems to have adjusted in her role as partner/wife very well. After the reality of last season it seems that getting back into politics is a huge turn on for her and for there marriage. Seems to be going full Heisenberg from Breaking Bad. She's better at being a gangster than Marty. All while the Politician propositions her. The ruthlessness of her inner self is coming out more as she gains the confidence of the cartels lawyer.
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| Skylar Gaertner (left) and Sofia Hublitz (right) |
Charlotte Byrde & Jonah Byrde
His honest questioning of his parents isa comic relief aspect. Charlotte finding out that her mother cheated is only an added wedge. Charlotte moving forward is slowly spiralling down more as her brother seems to be a natural. Jonah wants to be like his father and mother, he's a perfect reflection of their overall potential and Charlotte is a reflection of their regret and slow declines in life.
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| Lisa Emery (left) & Peter Mullan (right) |
Jacob & Darlene Snell
Seems that their only answer to a murder is more murder. The only code they respect or follow is the ones that benefits them. Darlene's just more of a liability. The code they seem to follow seems to have more meaning to Jacob or if you think of it to Darlene to a fault. Which is what lead to the end they deserved and when it came still felt bad. Wow, its like God really wants these people to live. "I met with them alone because the last time you under minded me and almost got me killed" I feel those were final words. Then he said it "Don't push me Darlene". This woman is crazy. She will not be told what to do. I use to be married to a woman who knew better than everyone and would not take advice or follow the lead of a man that she claimed was a leader. Even when that man treated her like an equal and valued her leadership as well. Both of the Byrds and the Snells have issues with undermining. Even Jacobs final moments were undermined by his wife. Its amazing. The saying "The CIA don't have shit on a woman with a plan" rings more true with Darlene.
