After a lukewarm reception to its first season, with some critics finding it underwhelming, the second season of Sneaky Pete Series has emerged as a compelling and thoroughly enjoyable crime drama. Initially, concerns were raised about the seemingly effortless dominance of Marius (Giovanni Ribisi) in every situation, which arguably reduced the tension. There was also a sense that the show spent too much time admiring Marius’s cunning. However, season two skillfully addresses these issues, elevating the series to a new level of intrigue and excitement. The captivating heist sequences, reminiscent of Ocean’s Eleven, which were highlights of the first season, are now more frequent and integral to the narrative, occupying a significant portion of the screen time. Furthermore, the Bernhardt/Murphy family finds themselves in increasingly precarious situations, compelling even seasoned con artists like Audrey (Margo Martindale), Otto (Peter Gerety), and Carly (Libe Barer) to push their boundaries and engage in more elaborate schemes.
Season two plunges directly into the aftermath of the first season’s cliffhanger. Marius is kidnapped by the menacing duo Frank and Joe Hooper (Joseph Lyle Taylor and Desmond Harrington), who mistakenly believe he is Pete and demand the whereabouts of the elusive 11 million dollars he supposedly stole with his mother. Initially, Marius attempts to maintain his innocence, insisting he is not Pete. However, upon learning about the hidden fortune, his con artist instincts kick in, and he decides to embrace the Pete persona once again, setting his sights on acquiring the stolen money for himself. This audacious plan leads him down a rabbit hole of deception, involving breaking the real Pete Murphy out of prison, tracking Pete’s mother Maggie to the unconventional healing sanctuary of Rosedale, and constantly evading the persistent Frank, Joe, and their unsettling, acid-obsessed boss, Luka. While Marius’s storyline may follow a familiar pattern of near-escapes culminating in a high-stakes final heist, Sneaky Pete series season two confidently leans into the inherent absurdity of its premise, prioritizing entertainment and intricate plotting over deeper social commentary. This shift in focus proves to be a winning formula, transforming the series into a genuinely thrilling and addictive watch.
Giovanni Ribisi as Marius Josipovic in Sneaky Pete Season 2, a thrilling crime drama series.
Beyond Marius’s escapades, the rest of the family faces their own set of challenges, reducing their reliance on the Pete storyline and enriching the narrative with diverse perspectives and conflicts. Audrey and Taylor (Shane McRae) are still grappling with the consequences of their impulsive act from the previous season – the killing of Winslow, the corrupt police officer. Their secret is threatened by the arrival of Joyce (Jennifer Ferrin), a sharp New York City detective, who is sent to investigate Winslow’s disappearance. As Joyce delves deeper into the case, her interactions with Casey become increasingly flirtatious, adding another layer of complexity to Taylor’s already complicated life, which also includes Shannon (Justine Cotsonas), the wife of their business rival Sean (Tobias Segal). Meanwhile, Otto is forced to deal with the repercussions of his failed suicide attempt-by-hitman, as the deceased hitman’s equally skilled son, Colin (Michael Oberholtzer), enters the scene. Julia continues to be the pragmatic force holding the family business together, navigating the murky waters of money laundering for a clientele that becomes increasingly unsavory. These interwoven storylines provide a welcome contrast to Marius’s elaborate cons, preventing his plot from becoming monotonous over the course of the ten-episode season.
Peter Gerety and Michael Oberholtzer in Sneaky Pete Season 2, showcasing the family’s complex entanglements.
Around episode eight, the show’s momentum slightly wanes as Marius’s inevitable escape becomes predictable. The grand casino heist, while fulfilling the audience’s desire for elaborate trickery, stretches out for perhaps too long, becoming somewhat diluted in its impact. True to its deceptive nature, the season finale is packed with twists and turns. While some of these plot developments are genuinely surprising and satisfying, others, such as the FBI’s involvement and Maggie’s questionable decision regarding the stolen money, feel somewhat confusing and less impactful. Although the ambition to weave together multiple narrative threads is commendable, a more focused approach, prioritizing depth over breadth, might have resulted in a more consistently compelling climax.
Despite these minor pacing issues towards the end, Sneaky Pete series season two demonstrates a significant improvement over its predecessor. The initial tonal imbalance between high-stakes heist action and intense family drama has been effectively addressed. By committing more fully to the former, the series allows the latter to function as potent supporting material, enhancing the overall narrative without overshadowing the central con artist themes. This refined focus results in a tighter, more engaging drama where even brief dialogue scenes carry greater weight and contribute meaningfully to the unfolding events. While Sneaky Pete series might not have become the flagship drama Amazon initially envisioned, the marked progress from season one to season two suggests a show that is confidently evolving and delivering precisely the kind of entertainment it aims to provide.
Verdict: Recommend
