DEFIANCE Season 2 Premiere – ‘The Opposite of Hallelujah’

It’s nine months later in Defiance and we discover the more things change, the more they stay the same.
Datak’s (Tony Curran) current incarceration sharpens his flaws as opposed to providing any meaningful reform. Captivity does not suit this Castithan and when Sthama (Jamie Murray) arrives to report on business, things quickly turn to satisfying baser needs. Thankfully, a shout of “No Touching!” interrupted the pair just in time. I’m already scarred for life after that little interaction, more would have been WAY too much! Whew!

Sthama seems to have filled Datak’s place quite smoothly. However, there was one area of lack she shares with her captive husband. Her means of fulfillment was much more creative. She gets caught enjoying the Family Bath a little too much and is busted by her son. Sadly this was his only triumphant moment as he is failing miserably in running Daddy’s drug business. Alak looses face with his underlings which Mommy Dearest quickly rectifies. We cannot have our paper tiger looking frail can we? When Datak exits his imprisonment he’s gonna be in for one heck of a surprise.

Newly installed Mayor Pottinger  blathers on just like any good politician and likes the sound of his own voice. He seemed sincere enough in his delusions to be believable up until we are shown his peeping-tom spy cam and his true hearts desire was revealed. Amanda (Julie Benz)  accepted the position offered by the Mayor, but I wonder if she is up to the task at hand, now that her sister’s absence is clearly distressing and she succumbs to a chemical escape. Pottinger may be daft, but Amanda’s going to need her wits about her if she plans on capturing that slippery sucker.

We find Nolan (Grant Bowler) searching frantically for Irisa (Stephanie Leonidas) while allowing us to see more of the dystopian world they inhabit. Although their reunion was a happy one, but short-lived as they turn around and head right back to Defiance.

Was it just me, or did you guys expect….more? I expected more pain and desperation from our characters especially given the bleak status of the finale. I realize it has been nine months, but no one seems terribly upset about the E-Rep usurpers. When I honestly think about it, the key players have been scattered to the four corners and have more personal immediate needs which require their attention which makes the situation more understandable.

• Nolan searches for his daughter.

• Irisa is trying control her hallucinations while tamping down her newly discovered murderous streak.
• Datak is extremely sexually frustrated and is trying to avoid something far nearer to his heart – financial ruin.

• Sthama is thriving in all the chaos and for the first time gets to stretch her own wings independent of a husband.

• Alak’s attempt and a gangster lifestyle falls short as he clearly does not have the cold character required.

• Amanda is adrift without her job and Kenya to keep her grounded leaving the door open to addiction.

All in all, there are a lot of moving parts this episode and the groundwork has been laid.
Season two is off to an interesting start.