‘Animal Kingdom’ season 2, episode 1 recap: Cody family schism

Animal Kingdom Credit: TNT/ Turner Pressroom

‘Animal Kingdom’ returned for its sophomore season to find the Cody family fighting each other after a heist yielded an unexpected return.

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Animal Kingdom aired its Season 2 premiere, which saw the Cody family struggle to move forward after the Camp Pendleton heist. After the events that transpired last season, the Cody family seemed more fractured than ever as every member had his or her own vision for the future of the family operation. Additionally, the premiere provided a sense of where some characters hope to be as well as how some characters were mired in their destructive behavior. Without waiting any longer, here is the official spoiler alert for Animal Kingdom Season 2, Episode 1 “Eat What You Kill.”

The premiere started with the Cody boys engaged in a heist of Angel City Brewery (Awesome place by the way) in downtown Los Angeles. As Baz (Scott Speedman) and Pope (Shawn Hatosy) stole the safe, J (Finn Cole) on lookout noticed that an employee nearly saw the two thieves, but J started a fire in the dumpsters nearby to distract the worker. This distraction allowed Baz and Pope to extract the safe with help from Craig (Ben Robson) and Deran (Jake Weary). The boys escaped via the nonexistent Los Angeles River, where J picked them all up.

ANIMAL KINGDOM episode 201 eat what you kill dir. Christopher Chulack Animal Kingdom Credit: TNT/ Turner Pressroom

Unfortunately, Pope opened the safe only to find five hundred bucks. The boys lashed out at Smurf (Ellen Barkin) because her job yielded no return although the boys absorbed tremendous risk. She left the boys to pick up her “granddaughter.” The boys decided to demand equal representation in future jobs once Smurf left. While in the streets, Smurf asked her informant about the location’s lack of return. He answered that the safe had money on Thursdays, not Tuesdays. Smurf realized her error. Once she returned home, the boys minus Pope articulated their wishes to pick the jobs. Smurf rejected the request as she humiliated each man and told everyone how she saved their lives.

However, Baz, Craig, and Deran fought back as the small meeting concluded with the boys on their own without any help from Smurf. After the fight, Deran and Craig plotted to include J in their attempt to seize control before Baz or Pope became the new Smurf. Meanwhile, Baz and Pope planned the next heist for the Cody crew. Amid the turmoil, a man named Javier visited Smurf to compel her to visit a dying man named Manny. Smurf agreed to visit but on her own terms.

Animal Kingdom Credit: TNT/ Turner Pressroom

Next, Deran revealed to Craig a plan to buy a bar after their yacht job returned enough money to buy the place. Back at the house, J asked Smurf if he could live with her. She agreed and insinuated that J be her secret agent. The next day, the boys discussed the next job, but they did not reach an agreement. More importantly, Baz lectured J on how his quick thinking brought cops to the scene and endangered the thieves. Additionally, Deran scolded Craig about his drug use and unprofessional attitude that made the others see the younger boys as irresponsible grunts.

At the end of the premiere, Smurf cooked meatloaf for her boys. She inquired about the future plans, but no one spoke a word. She offered her help to the boys. Pope then warned J about Smurf and her manipulative personality after dinner. As the episode concluded, J needed to decide with whom he would work while the brothers struggled to lead the group.

Next: ‘Animal Kingdom’ Season 1, Episode 9 Recap: “Judas Kiss”

Other Notes

• Baz is in a downward spiral after Cat’s death. He neglects Lena at every opportunity while he also seeks a companion to fill that void. His focus on the family crown might falter this season and cause him to fall.
• The relationship between Smurf and Manny certainly raises questions. Smurf might be indebted to the dying man.
• J had the best line of the night. After Deran commented on how he did not go to school, J retorted, “I can tell.”

Overall, Animal Kingdom delivered a strong start to the season. The family dynamics carried the series last season, and they still present the most intriguing aspect of the show, especially since each character is on his or her own. The alliances and fight for power will unravel throughout the season as the Codys chart their next move.

Animal Kingdom airs on Tuesdays at 9/8c on TNT. Be sure to tune in!