“Ozark 2” (Netflix)
Season two of “Ozark” is now available for streaming on Netflix. This is the series about crime and corruption that features Jason Bateman and Laura Linney as Marty and Wendy Byrde, an average looking couple who fall into bed with the “cartel” and a drug producing couple. This season they sink even deeper into that morass.
Last season was pretty dark and this season is even darker. Marty and Wendy realize their lifestyles can and do put their teenage children in danger. Charlotte and Jonas (Sofia Hublitz and Skyler Gaertner) know a little of what their parents are involved with but this season they learn even more. Marty and Wendy love their kids but they are careless in their protection of them.
Last season I was in awe of the acting talent of Julia Garner and Jordana Spiro. Garner plays Ruth Langmore, Marty’s foul-mouthed, ready to fight protegee’. Spiro is Rachel, the manager of one of Marty’s businesses who stole money and left at the end of last season. This season she is back for more involvement. They are both great in this new season with Garner being even more amazing than last year.
Still my focus this year was watching the performances of Bateman and Linney. Bateman is the perfect good guy. He exudes likability. As Marty, Bateman manages to always make audiences give him the benefit of the doubt. So he kills some people, he didn’t want to do it. So he is involved with the cartel, he doesn’t want to be. You always think that in the end he will side with what is right. It is fascinating to watch.
Then there is Linney’s Wendy. She is Lady Macbeth and the power behind the throne. Wendy is the planner, the spoiler, the huntress. She is also a master manipulator. Just when Marty thinks he has it all under control he is undermined by Wendy who has another plan. Linney makes Wendy so enjoyable in her evilness, so smug in her confidence. It is a performance like no other she has ever done, and she has given tons of great performances. Of everybody in this superb cast, Linney is the star.
Giving Linney a run for her money this year are Janet McTeer and Lisa Emery. McTeer plays Helen, the cartel lawyer. Just looking at McTeer and feeling her vibe makes you fear what Helen is going to do next. She is a cold hearted killer who considers that to be just part of her job. Emery plays Darlene, one half of the couple supplying the drugs to the cartel. Darlene has been in control of her life and her land for a long time and she is determined to do whatever it takes to keep that control.
“Ozark” is a series that keeps viewers constantly in the dark as to what the next twist or turn will be. Are there surprises? Oh yes, a lot of them. This is a show with terrific writing, solid directing and an amazing cast of actors. You will be enthralled by it all.
“Ozark” is available on Netflix now.
Jackie K Cooper
www.jackiekcooper.com
