Ep 1. It's All in the Execution

As the second season of "Prodigal Son" kicks off, audiences are reintroduced to the Whitly family, and it's clear that things are still as dysfunctional as ever. The premiere episode, titled "It's All in the Execution," continues to explore the twisted relationship between Malcolm Bright (played by Tom Payne) and his serial killer father Martin Whitly (Michael Sheen).

The episode wastes no time in diving right in, as Malcolm is summoned back to work with the NYPD after a vacation spent trying to clear his head. However, it's not long before he's asked to return to the case that's been haunting him for months, the brutal murder of Nicholas Endicott.

After a tense trial, Endicott was found not guilty of a number of horrific crimes, including murder, and was free to continue his life of privilege. However, as viewers of the show know all too well, justice is not always served easily. Malcolm had gotten close to Endicott in order to get closer to answers about his own father, but when Endicott was murdered, all eyes (including those of Malcolm's coworkers) turned suspiciously towards the young profiler.

As Malcolm begins his investigation into the Endicott murder once more, he has to balance working with his father to get closer to the victim's family, while also staying one step ahead of the NYPD's suspicions - and his own conscience. This tug-of-war between his loyalty to his father and his duty to the law has always been a key part of Malcolm's character, and it's evident that this season will continue to put him in impossible position after impossible position.

Meanwhile, Malcolm's sister Ainsley (Halston Sage) is making waves of her own. After a troubling incident at the end of last season, Ainsley's life has taken a dramatic turn. Despite her brother's protests, she's determined to get back to work at her job as a television reporter. However, in order to prove herself, she takes on a dangerous assignment that leads her down a path she's not prepared for.

As always, the performances in "Prodigal Son" are top-notch. Sheen continues to be a standout as the charismatic and manipulative Martin. Payne's Malcolm is just as tortured as ever, and it's clear that the events of last season have taken a heavy toll on him. Sage's Ainsley provides an interesting new perspective to the show, and it's exciting to see where her story will lead this season.

Of course, the supporting cast is also excellent. Lou Diamond Phillips returns as Gil Arroyo, Malcolm's boss at the NYPD, and his relationship with Malcolm continues to be an interesting one to watch. Frank Harts is back as JT Tarmel, Malcolm's partner, and his character brings some much-needed levity to the show.

In terms of style, "It's All in the Execution" doesn't disappoint. The show has always had a distinctive visual language, with a focus on bold colors and close-ups on the characters' faces. Director Greg Beeman does an excellent job of continuing that look and feel while also building plenty of tension and suspense.

Overall, the season two premiere of "Prodigal Son" sets the stage for what promises to be another gripping, character-driven season. The writing is sharp, the performances are strong, and the suspense is palpable. For fans of the show, this episode is sure to be a satisfying start to what will undoubtedly be a wild ride. And for those who haven't yet discovered "Prodigal Son," now's the time to catch up - this show is sure to be one of the highlights of the television season.