OZARK Season 2: An Explosive Sophomore Season That Lives Up To Expectations

Sophomore seasons are hard, the expectations to live up to a successful debut season a daunting task. Many flounder under the pressure, whether it be due to poorly developed story arcs or a loss of the passion that drove the richness behind the original season and its characters. Many just find the pressure too great. We as viewers play into this, our attachment to the characters and the direction we think the show should continue in, making it at times difficult for those behind the scenes to live up to OUR expectations.

Ozark, however, has managed to avoid the potential pitfalls of a sophomore season, maintaining the vibe and intensity of its first run, masterfully growing and enriching its intricate storyline and developing the show’s complex web of characters and relationships. While there is still at times a Breaking Bad feel to the show, it continues to display its inspiration while maintaining its own identity and credibility. With the Emmy’s right around the corner – the show vying for two awards for actor Jason Bateman, as well as his directing – this sophomore season lives up to both critic and viewer expectations.

Fast Track Recap

Season one was a high intensity, addictive binge of intricacy. Much of the tension the show built was not through gunfire and murder, but through the interactions between each of the characters, and the fallout of each decision. As the season progressed, it crescendoed into an unpredictable display of human fault and demand, many times the values we place the highest reigning supreme over the ones that should truly matter the most. Out of every season premiere last year, Ozark made one of the deepest impressions.

Season one of Ozark followed Marty Byrd (Jason Bateman) and his family as they are relocated to The Ozark in an attempt of snatching up local businesses for the purpose of laundering money for the cartel. While originally handling their finances through his own financial institution, a mishap by his partner placed Marty on thin ice, with an almost near impossible task to accomplish.

Yet, as the season progressed, the cartel was not the only threat looming, waiting to strike at any moment. As Marty and his wife (Laura Linney) begin to make their financial moves, they find the Ozark to have already been claimed. The Snell Family (Peter Mullan and Lisa Emery), through an on-the-water distribution system, was the leading supplier of heroine in the area, and the Byrd family’s slow start to claim businesses throughout the town was a threat and a show of disrespect to the family. Through this territorial dispute, compounded by local threats and undercover FBI agents, lives are put on the line and irrevocable consequences resonate until the final moments of the season finale.

Returning to the Ozark

What made the first season of Ozark so successful was its ability to take an overarching storyline that spreads the entirety of the season, yet utilize subplots to further this main one. What was so impactful was how quickly each subplot was introduced and resolved. If a subplot was drawn out, it needed to be. If not, it was resolved quickly, efficiently, and effectively. Nothing is inserted for effect. This carries through with season two, loose ends from the first season resolved, answered and integrated appropriately and swiftly. For example, the situation with Dell’s murder by the Snell family for his blatant disrespect is swiftly determined and laid to rest in the season’s first episode “Reparation” – directed by Jason Bateman.

Continuing to open each episode with its four symbolic clues, Ozark returns and progresses as a slow burner, taking the time to appropriately introduce characters, yet by the time you reach the end of episode 2 titled “The Precious Blood of Jesus”, you know the pace the show has set for itself. There are slow moments throughout, pieces intricately placed as though on a chess board, yet when the strike is made, you won’t believe it came as quickly as it did. Episode one “Reparations” is seemingly the slowest of the 10 episode arc as it needs to spend time reintroducing viewers to characters, as well as drawback to season one. Looking back on the season overall, honestly, it is shocking the amount of information, plot development, and character growth the creators were able to skillfully craft into only 10 episodes.

Every installment and subplot works to aid or hinder the success of launching a casino on the Snell property in order to launder cartel money – an agreement that was drawn up during season one’s finale “When the Bell Tolls”. The introduction of the Kansas City Mafia, the senate and behind the scenes political players and dangerous employees of the cartel build on season one, contributing to the intricacy in storytelling and culminating in an unbelievable turn of events in season 2’s finale episode “The Gold Coast”.

The biggest and most important episode of season two is episode seven “One Way Out”. This is the pendulate episode of the season that not only opens the final run to the finale, but also presents a defining moment for many of the series’ characters – many are never the same again. It is the epitome of a subplot encompassing outcomes that will have lasting effects, not only up until the finale, but in seasons to follow. It is a brilliant showcase of psychology, distress, power and the fragility of the human spirit. From this moment, in the subtle recesses of psychology, the dynamic of Ozark changes – possibly forever.

As mentioned earlier, Ozark does continue to maintain a Breaking Bad feel to it, yet continues to define itself as unique and intriguing. You may notice the similarities but they are far from distracting. This year, many of the similarities and “feels” die hard fans of the Vince Gilligan series may notice is the usage of deconstructed and non-chronological introductions to each episode – a popular tool utilized in both various episodes and seasons of Breaking Bad (think back to the destroyed pink teddy bear in the pool).

Ozark enters into deconstructed time, and introductions, that the episode itself works up to. The most interesting was the brief introduction in episode 8 “The Big Sleep” that went back in time, first by seconds, then hours, and eventually days. In this brief moment, connections were made to understand the actions of the opening, yet more importantly, a deeper understanding of characters and the conflicts that were being foreshadowed. Following such a pendulate episode, “The Big Sleep” was an interesting way to keep viewers hooked and intrigued to stay invested.

Portrayal is a Revolving Door

Ozark is a series with high body counts, with season two only increasing the number from the previous season. With this body count inevitable, there is the need to introduce new blood. It was impressive to see the writers not only handle the characters from season one, even ones who we hadn’t seen in some time, but also introduce new characters. Various politicians required for the success of the casino are introduced, both momentarily and permanently, not only shaping and affecting the season’s overarching story, but the dynamics of the Byrd family as well. With the murder of Dell last season, the cartel was in need of a new liaison to communicate with the Byrd’s and ensure that everything is running according to plan. Helen (Janet McTeer), the cartel’s attorney, fills the bill, delivering a cool and confident exterior, yet with an intensity that boils just under the surface. All it would take is a snap of her fingers, or a subtle nod, and she will be obeyed.

Old characters also return, though not all at the same time and some worse for the wear. While the central and immediately vital characters are quickly reintroduced, others are slowly reintegrated into the pack. They, like the subplots of the season, have a purpose, one that is not squandered or utilized solely for effect. For those returning, there is such a growth within each of the characters, continually exhibiting flirtatious behaviors with where their characters were and where they are going. Viewers will find themselves cringing, barely able to sit and watch the decisions and behaviors they continue to engage in – Ruth Langmore fits the bill more than others, and Julia Garner‘s portrayal encompasses the psychological and internal struggles of her perfectly.

Another great element of the series is tension; not always built in the setting or the script or the storyline, but in the characters themselves. They are human and flawed, and at times lacking the strength we may believe they should have developed at this point. Cringeworthy performances – no gore involved or needed. Even when you figure out what is going to go down, or the direction the writers are taking you in, it never goes how you think it will – you still cannot see the larger picture. Much of this is due to the dynamics and humanity within each of the characters. This is a huge element in the current reinvention of horror film, the ability to create tension and confusion amongst audiences through the understanding and credible examinations of human nature and the human psyché. What is bringing success to the horror genre is finding success here in Ozark.

Ozark: The Stakes Have Never Been Higher

The finale “The Gold Coast” was a beautiful setup for season three, which will be undeniably renewed, leaving not just one big thread but several small ones, giving space and freedom for the series to introduce new storylines and continue to grow the characters currently present – while still expanding the world of Ozark. I don’t want to spoil anything, as this is a series where any spoiler could domino effect to the end, but when season three premieres, it will be interesting to explore the changed dynamics of the Ozark, the Byrd family and renewed loyalties – as well as those who have been crossed.

It was a relief that loose ends for season one will not be dragged into season three. However, as was witnessed within this season, you may have forgotten storylines, characters and important details, but the show’s writers and creators have not. The show is constantly moving forward, pushing the story ahead, refusing to stop time and drag seasons out, yet it is a series that does not forget – much like its characters on screen. A complex web of storylines and characters, Ozark continues to be the visual chess board TV has been waiting for.

Ozark Season 2 is now available on Netflix.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vHziRrCYqA