Ep 1. New Kid Syndrome

Blood & Water Season 2 Episode 1 "New Kid Syndrome" takes us back to Cape Town, where the events from the first season left us wanting to know more. We catch up with the Parkhurst family who are still reeling from the reveal of Puleng's true identity. Puleng's sister, Phumelele, has started at Parkhurst College, and we get a glimpse into the world of the elite school.

The episode begins with a sense of excitement for the new school year as students walk onto campus, greeting each other and catching up after the summer break. The Parkhurst family arrives, and Puleng is nervous about her sister starting at the school. Puleng feels responsible for her sister since their parents passed away and she wants to make sure Phumelele is safe and happy.

Phumelele, on the other hand, is excited and ready for a fresh start. She's open to making new friends, but quickly realizes that fitting in at Parkhurst is not easy. Everyone seems to know each other, and it's a challenge to break into their insular world. Phumelele is immediately singled out as the "new kid" and struggles to navigate the social hierarchy of the school.

Meanwhile, Puleng's friend, Wade, is determined to uncover the truth about his family and the secret his mother is keeping from him. It's clear that Wade is carrying a heavy burden and is determined to get to the bottom of things. Puleng is supportive but cautious, as she knows Wade's search for the truth could put them all in danger.

As the episode progresses, we see the return of Fiks, the mysterious hacker who helped Puleng in the first season. It's clear that Fiks has some unfinished business and we can't help but wonder what he has planned for Puleng. We also see the arrival of two new students, Chris and Reece, who quickly make an impression on the Parkhurst students, particularly KB.

Throughout the episode, we see the familiar themes of secrets, lies, and betrayal that made the first season so captivating. We're introduced to new characters and given a glimpse into the inner workings of the elite school. The episode sets up several intriguing storylines for the rest of the season, leaving us eager for more.

"New Kid Syndrome" does an excellent job of re-introducing us to the world of Blood & Water. It's clear that the show is building on the success of the first season, and the production values are as high as ever. The acting is superb, and the direction is well-paced, keeping us engaged from start to finish.

Overall, Blood & Water Season 2 Episode 1 "New Kid Syndrome" is a strong start to the new season. It sets up several intriguing storylines and leaves us wanting more. The show has a unique perspective on the lives of young people in South Africa and tackles important issues such as class, race, and identity. If you were a fan of the first season, then the second season is a must-watch.