Blog: ‘Dead to Me’ Season 2
Although the return of James Marsden meant that he would be playing his dead character’s twin brother, I’ve made peace with the matter.
Dead to Me returned for its second season on Netflix last week and I was simply pumped. The first season was a knockout and I promise you, season 2 does not disappoint. I’ll spare you the main spoilers from this season but if you don’t want to know anything at all, probably don’t read any further. Unless you’re like me and aren’t phased by such spoilers, then read on my friend. Season 2 of this dark comedy is filled with prime comedic timing and sharp humor that will have you belly laughing well before the first episode is even over.
The show picks up right where the first season left off — Judy’s ex-fiance Steve (James Marsden) is dead in the pool while Jen (Christina Applegate) and Judy (Linda Cardellini) frantically figure out what to do with the body. The main focus of this season is everyone trying to figure out where Steve disappeared to or if he’s even alive. This makes for an interesting character introduction at the end of the first episode when we’re abruptly introduced to Steve’s twin brother, Ben. My first thought was oh really? A twin brother? Real original. I suppose the writers had to create a way for James Marsden to remain prominent in the series. But I must tell you that I grew to like this Ben character and I didn’t mind having his pretty face to still look at.
What makes this series so fantastic is its opposing characters. Character opposites make for greater conflict and conflict is funny to watch. Jen is a sarcastic, uptight widow while Judy is a carefree, pot-smoking, happy-go-lucky kind of gal. Judy’s optimism is usually met with Jen’s practicality and the comedic pacing of their banter is so spot on. It’s hilarious. They’re like this codependent married couple with paranoia over their dark secrets. I’m not exactly saying that Jen is my spirit animal because she’s way too intense most of the time (and reasonably so) but her quick, snarky responses to others’ stupidity and ignorance had me yelling YES throughout the season. Then there’s Ben who is the complete opposite of his ass-of-a-brother: nerdy, down-to-earth, and a bit sensitive. He ends up working closely with Jen not only looking for a rental house to occupy, but also to solve the mystery of his missing brother. If only his sweet self knew that Jen killed him. Oops.
Throughout the season you see Judy grieve Steve’s death while Jen and her two sons, Charlie (Sam McCarthy) and Henry (Luke Roessler), continue to cope without Jen’s husband, Ted. It’s an interesting character dynamic. Notably so because Judy is responsible for Ted’s death as well as Jen is for Steve’s and the kids have no idea. Good thing they all live under the same roof. It makes for some awkward family breakfasts. Charlie is in his rebellious, teenage boy phase so it’s amusing watching Jen handle his behavior while hiding the fact that she murdered a man and his dead body is chillin’ in the freezer. Literally. Bad joke?
Dead to Me also delivers with its progressive script. There’s actor diversity, same-sex relationships, and a fierce confrontation of a man’s unwanted advances on a woman (that city council meeting in episode nine is an epic scene). I appreciate evolving shows and scripts that resonate in this day and age and empower its audience. The show is very easy to keep up with — both seasons consist of ten episodes which are about 33 minutes in length. So take the plunge y’all. I promise you that you’ll have at least a few good laughs.
Dead to Me season 2 is available to stream on Netflix.
