Previewing The Chi; Season Two

I finished the first season of The Chi with a big feeling of meh. The pacing of the show just felt off, I never really connected with the over bloated cast that did not even interact that much, and the murder mystery at the central of the season just did not seem too compelling. We never met him until he was dead and his mother ended up not even being one of the numerous cast members. I cannot even remember how that mystery played out.

But I have to say season is a vast improvement. It probably helps that I now have a sense of who is in the over bloated cast are (although they have added to that this season). Also gone is that murder mystery element which dragged down last season. Though the effects of that murder are still being felt. Ronnie ended last season in jail after confessing to the murder of the kid who thought killed the son he helped take care of but is looking for ways to get out after his grandmother gets ruthlessly attacked. While Kevin is in therapy as he and his family debate on if he should testify against Ronnie as an eye witness.

Then you have Brandon, the brother of the kid Ronnie murdered, having to deal with the potential release of his brother’s murderer while trying to get his taco truck off the ground. One of the big complaints of the first season was the lack of interactions between the four main men on the show, but Brandon actually has some screen time with Emmitt which I do not believe happened last season, these are some of the best moments of this season. Emmitt does need to interact with some new people after his mom moves into a one bedroom apartment, which means no room for him.

But the best part of The Chi remains the trials and tribulations of Kevin and Papa who is now a regular cast member this season. Really, Papa’s picture day wardrobe is just great even if everyone else has a big issue with something that happens during picture day.

The Chi airs Sundays at 9:00 on Showtime.