The Alienist - Season 2 (2020)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½  

In 2018 when TNT's The Alienist was first released, it was one of my favourite TV series of the year. It had star power with Daniel Bruhl, Luke Evans and Dakota Fanning in the lead, a fascinating crime story set in the late 19th century New York, and an amazing capacity on details in its sets, costumes, and design. Based on novels written by Caleb Carr, the story is made to seem like non fiction because it cleverly incorporate real historical figures as well as events as intricate parts of the plot. 

Season 2 is based on Caleb Carr's sequel to The Alienist, called Angel of Darkness which continues the adventures of our three friends in solving murderous crimes in New York. This time the antagonist is a baby kidnapper and killer. Since this is the second outing, we are no longer bogged down with introduction of the main characters. However, I have to admit that the first two episodes felt a bit sluggish and I was beginning to lose a bit of confidence on whether the new season can match its predecessor. Fortunately things pick up from episode three onwards with faith firmly restored. This time around, Daniel Bruhl's character, Dr Laszlo, the Alienist that the title refers to, have to take a back seat as Dakota Fanning's Sara Howard took on the main control most of the time in solving the mystery. Luke Evans's newspaper reporter, John Moore, provided his usual heroic presence as well as some bitter sweet romantic interludes. As with any great TV series, the show not only have compelling main characters, but also fleshy parts for its supporting characters which are well acted and have their moments. The set design of late 19th century New York is once again incredibly detailed and looked so real. I felt transported once again back to the past in all its glorious details.

If I have anything to complain about it's perhaps the well timed ways in which our main characters escaped fatale outcomes just in time during several tense moments. These seem far too convenient especially when it is used once too often. Another piece of bad news is that season 2 has only 8 episodes as compared to the 10 episodes in Season 1. Nevertheless, I am happy to report that season 2 is still an outstanding effort and I look forward to more. However, the season seem to have ended with a proper closure to the the characters' lives and future. A sort of happily ever after for everyone. Season 2 followed the plot of author Caleb Carr's second novel in the series. If this pattern were to continue, then Season 3 if there is one, should follow the third novel in the series titled "Surrender New York". However, I understand that this third novel actually takes place in the more modern time period of 2016 which means it is more a spin off than a continuation of the story of our three friends. Hopefully TNT will think of a clever way to bring us a new season which sees the continuation of the winning formula of our three main stars resuming their acting duties abate as different characters.