TV Review: Animal Kingdom Ups The Drama While Dividing Its Family

Watching Animal Kingdom for the past two seasons, there were SEVERAL times when I said, “Alright, you people horrible and you need to separate.” The Codys are the most charming, unredeemable people on television, in part, because. they always choose each other over choosing right. Yet, when the family begins to separate, redemption, revenge, and riches become redefined for the TNT familia.

Baz dies. Played by Scott Speedman I WAS SHOCKED that they let go of this Cody, but it brings a whole other level to the drama. Suddenly, nobody feels safe, and you start to wonder, if you had to choose, which Cody would you like to ride off into a peaceful sunset? Yet, as the season progresses, that possibility become less. With Smurf gone, The Codys penchant for self-destruction fully forms, which make their enemies rise and you wonder how much you can love them through their unlikeable choices.

Let’s Review Each Cody shall we:

Ellen Barkin Is Smurf: Hell hath nor fury than a Smurf locked up. Barkin is so coolly wicked as Smurf, but this season she turns it up. If there is one thing a woman of such power DETESTS is being held down, and Baz’s death seems to amplify Smurf’s need to breakout of prison…… at all costs. Yet, it does give Ellen Barkin more opportunities to deliciously smirk at how she disrupts anyone’s underestimation of Smurf. #thiswomaniscrazy

Shawn Hatosey Is Pope: Pope playing dad to Lena is so cute and alarming. On one hand, when you know all the mental abuse this man has been through, seeing him connect spiritually to someone feels sweet. Yet, you cannot help but feel THAT something is going to go wrong. As the season progresses, money becomes tight as Pope’s desires to give Lena the world become greater, and we all know a desperate Pope is a scary Pope.

Finn Cole Is J: I have only seen the first few episodes, and I can say J gets serious. His character does not seem young at all, and, with the family owing dangerous people money they no longer have, you start to wonder, “When does this kid go to school?” Cole gives J a maturity this season that strips away his “youthfulness” to show he could be as “dangerous” as Smurf.

Jake Weary Is Deran: I love Deran, especially this season. Weary gives Deran an eagerness to be good and redeemed that makes you protective of him, especially because his family is sinking while he is stabilizing. Moreover, love interests are abound for Deran as he further owns his sexuality and desire to live an honest, secure life. #getit.

Ben Robson Is Craig: I love Craig, but this season you might start yelling at the screen, “GET YOUR LIFE TOGETHER!” It is a testament to Robson, as an actor, that he can make Craig incredibly charismatic, and one you wish would choose to be better despite always choosing wrong. This season, Craig is a sinking ship, and one that does not mind letting others drown before him.

I have to say, more than other seasons, I am worried about The Cody family. New enemies are rising, and their family unit is anything but unified. Yet, creator Jonathan Lisco pushes you to question whether you want the Codys to get away with everything. This season forces them further down moral brinks, while making them confront others that are way pass the edge. Animal Kingdom plays Tuesdays At 9 On TNT.