Ep 1. Brothers and Sisters

The show Public Enemy’s second season opens with the episode titled “Brothers and Sisters”. It begins with the release of convicted serial killer Guy Béranger from prison. Béranger's release creates a sensation as the residents of the small town of Vielsart are still grappling with the aftermath of his gruesome killing spree.

Meanwhile, federal Police Commissioner Chloé Muller heads to Vielsart to investigate a recent case of an abused woman found in the forest. The victim's injuries and trauma suggest that she has been held captive for years. Muller soon realizes that the woman's accusations about her captor’s identity might just be linked to Béranger’s past.

As Muller delves deeper into the case, the local police are already on high alert as a group of activists, who vehemently oppose Béranger's release, threatens to go to extreme lengths to get justice for his victims.

In a parallel storyline, Béranger arrives at his new halfway house to begin his new life. He struggles to fit in with his fellow residents who are fascinated and at the same time horrified by his notorious profile. Béranger finds solace in his connection with another resident, Denis, who is not perturbed by the details of his past.

As the episode progresses, it becomes apparent that the central theme of “Brothers and Sisters” is exploring the dynamics between people who are not related by blood but are linked by trauma and tragedy.

The episode offers some uncomfortable yet thought-provoking moments as we see Béranger grappling with his past and attempting to make amends for his actions. We also see the residents of Vielsart still mourning the loss of their loved ones and seeking justice for Béranger's victims. In addition, Muller too seems to have suffered from the loss of her family members, and the case of the abused woman appears to hit close to home for her.

Despite the heavy subject matters, “Brothers and Sisters” manages to maintain a steady pace throughout. The performances from the cast are particularly noteworthy. Stéphanie Blanchoud shines as Chloé Muller, as she brings out the right balance of vulnerability and strength while dealing with a case that gets increasingly complicated.

Angelo Bison as Guy Béranger is also quite convincing in his portrayal of a man haunted by his past actions. He delivers one of the episode’s most poignant moments when he attempts to reach out to the father of one of his victims. This moment highlights the episode’s theme of forgiveness and redemption.

In conclusion, “Brothers and Sisters” is a solid opener to the second season of Public Enemy. The episode sets the stage for what promises to be an intriguing season ahead. Its exploration of trauma and its consequences manages to capture the attention of the audience and creates a sense of anticipation for the upcoming episodes.