Thoughts on Season 2 of "Bloodline" (A Netflix Original Series)

In my previous analysis of season one of the Netflix series, "Bloodline", I argued that the show could be seen as an example of neo-noir.  With its delving into the depths of the dark side of human nature, its dealing with emotional turbulence, often dimly-lit exterior and interiors, and general feeling of despair and conflict, the series, in its new season, continues to exemplify its strong noirish tendencies.


The death of Danny Rayburn (Ben Mendelsohn) near the end of the first season signaled a profound shift in the trajectory of the show's characters, mainly his surviving family members.  Brother John Rayburn (Kyle Chandler), sister Meg (Linda Cardellini), and brother Kevin (Norbert Leo Butz) find themselves in increasingly deeper trouble and conflict.  The arrival of Danny's estranged son Nolan (Owen Teague) throws a monkey-wrench into the situation as those dealing with Danny's death have to accept him into the fold.  With Nolan comes his mother Evangeline (Andrea Riseborough) and other associates of Danny including new character Ozzy (John Leguizamo).

The Florida heat is palpable as the sweat drips off the characters' brows and there is an impending sense of doom that is telegraphed from the first moments.  John is running for Sheriff and his and his siblings' responsibility in Danny's death comes to the fore and is constantly threatening to undermine their chances at peace, life and family well-being. 

The second season is gripping and suspenseful at times.  It surpasses the first season in quality and interest and is one of Netlix's finest dramas.  Danny's influence continues to pervade the family and seeps into the consciousness of each individual.  Danny was a festering cancer who's treachery is felt long after his death, but the second season does his character justice by developing his charisma and emotional identification through a series of flashbacks that allude to his previous life before the events of season one.  He is not totally evil, as any human being alive isn't completely, but possesses admirable qualities such as his ambition to become a successful restaurateur and chef.

The amount of trouble that the Rayburn siblings find themselves in seems insurmountable and impossible.  They constantly are digging themselves into deeper holes and problems.  The show is clever in how some of these crises are evaded or suppressed temporarily, while others are required to be faced head on.  By the end of season two, new problems present themselves, others are slightly answered perhaps, but the sense of doom prevails always.  This is noir after all, where answers to the pro-filmic world and its character's problems are never clear-cut, easily-digested or pleasant.