TV Review: Animal Kingdom Season 4 Has The Codys More Divided

Season 3 rocked Animal Kingdom fans because it saw the death of Baz Cody. For all that the Codys lived life on the edge, the idea of their end felt foreign. They were untouchable, and, even if mad at each other, unbreakable. Yet, if last season made you question the loyalties and intentions of each Cody, this season makes you question their complete future. 

From a sick Smurf (Ellen Barkin) to a conniving J (Finn Cole), my fascination with Season 4 of Animal Kingdom is that it is making its power players even weaker, particularly, because The Codys are not united like before. While I have always wondered what life would have been, especially for J, if this family put down the masks and lived a steady life, this show WILL NEVER give them such an option. Thus, instead, Season 4 is about the bitterness and fear that settles in when you realize you might actually need the same person that left you in need. What is the Cody family without Smurf? We might know very soon. 

It may not matter, as much, that J and Smurf are smart and manipulative because, this season, they are very unlucky. The arrival of a gang of bank robbers, which I love, along with The Codys increasing exhaustion with each other, promises to lead to a fatal end for the thieving family. Whether or not that is literally or figuratively will be seen, but, if this show follows its Aussie originator, The Codys will be a smaller brood. Moreover, the new characters are bringing a new life to the show and expanding the danger, risk, and criminality Animal Kingdom has ingrained to its core. Yet, this show is about family, and this season is about whether you can ever trust anyone more than your blood, which Jake Weary’s Deran and Spencer Treat Clark’s Aidan’s growing love makes me wonder. 

Since Season 1, Deran and Aidan have shipped hard by fans. Of all the Codys, Dean felt like the most likely to walk away and live a happier life. Aidan, as well, felt stabilizing and willing to build a home with him. This season, from drugs to the DEA, their romance blossoms with so many threats that you will question whether it could be loyal. Moreover, no one picks up a potential snitch better than Smurf, which is why Aidan better sure smarter waters. In addition, Shawn Hatosy’s beloved, but deranged Pope seems to be spiraling into madness until Emily Deschanel’s Angela arrives. 

Angela promises to bring tension to Pope’s link with Smurf, which I want. I always felt Pope got the short-end of Smurf’s cruelty.  If there is one thing that Smurf has always creepily done, it is taunt, tease, and tempt her children in a non-motherly way. Whether Angela intends to be a genuine positive, clearing force for Pope remains to be seen, as I trust no one in this show, but Smurf has more women to be worried about. From Sohvi Rodrgiuez’s Mia Trujillo and her growing hold over J to Dichen Lachman’s charming, duplicitous Frankie, and her sexual connection with Craig, everyone is making a play for Smurf’s hold over her Codys. Watch Animal Kingdom on TNT Tuesdays at 9.