A reunion with an old prison acquaintance pulls R.J. into a string of daring bank heists as the fallout from Victor Ochoa's death deepens.
After two months, no one has any leads in Victor Ochoa's murder. Emi's kept in the loop by the local District Attorney. That hasn't amounted to much. Moreover, she's paralyzed by those who seek answers from her. She doesn't know what to do. She asked R.J. for space. Cat understood that Emi needs friends right now. That means she is more welcomed into the group than before. It's obvious Victor's murder will become a major mystery for the season. That was teased with the final shot of him in the first season finale. He was floating in the pool. It immediately indicated murder despite everything else happening. R.J. and Emi got the better of him. And then, this twist occurred. It's a little surprising how little that mystery is mentioned during this premiere. In fact, it largely revolves around the latest case R.J. is working with the local police. Emi is off doing her own thing. Cat has the thought to check on her. All of this amounts to R.J. and Emi being friends. That's all they are capable of offering right now. It's important they function that way. It will allow Emi to return to her life with people who actually support her. Her father's death changed everything. However, the narrative still largely functions the same way as before.
The show offers familiar crimes from police procedurals but with a fun, Florida twist. It never wants to be boring. When it denies what it is, the storytelling falters. The show needs the confidence to delight in its weird oddities. And so, the second season opens with a flash mob performing to "Backstreet's Back" by the Backstreet Boys. Wish and Cat kickstart it. It's later explained that R.J. is investigating the coordinator of the event who's accused of stealing from people who are distracted during the performance. It's also more of a promotion for the show itself than anything within the universe. It's important to begin in this unique way while also showcasing the hidden purpose R.J. pursues. It's a relatively easy case for him to close. All the legwork happened beforehand. He just had to make his presence known. The pickpocket was obvious to anyone who observed closely. That's how R.J. operates in this world. He's dealt with his fair share of struggles. And yet, he always finds a way to rise above it all. That's unique to him in a world determined to crush him down.
Prison wasn't so kind to Stevie. R.J. helped him out while they were inside together. Stevie was stabbed multiple times protecting R.J. Other inmates didn't like that R.J. would look out for anyone regardless of who they were. He didn't fit in with the prison hierarchy. He strived for more. He offered protection and salvation. Stevie needs that once more. He's involved with bank robbers who commit their crimes without wearing pants. It's completely absurd but incredibly effective. It means their legs stand out more than any other identifiable features. That makes the case more difficult for the police. Mel fears the FBI is wielding its power because things didn't go well the last time she worked with Agent Winwood. They hooked up during the course of the investigation. It wasn't good and Mel ghosted her. The truth hits much deeper than that. That's appreciated too. The distinctive view the show delivers runs the risk of being terribly one note. It needs more dimension for the show to thrive. That's offered with Mel and Winwood talking about the need to prove themselves when they weren't in the right head spaces before. They disagreed over who was worse in bed. With the job, they make an effective team even though they aren't the ones to catch Winwood's crooked partner as the mastermind behind it all.
A local ex-militia member believes in multiple conspiracy theories about government overreach. He's not entirely wrong about individuals exploiting their power to hurt and suppress others. Agent Clark worked at the ATF before the FBI. He stole automatic weapons during a raid. He gave them to the Bottomless Bandits to rob banks. He profited from the crime without having to do much of the work. He was caught because of his addiction to vaping. That was the sole comment everyone made about him. He didn't really exist as a character beyond that. He needed to be easily known so everyone would have the same thought upon this reveal. R.J. just happened to be the lucky guy on the receiving end of this intel. Mel and Winwood's lives are in danger for a bit. It helps that they were at a place with a landline phone. To thrive in this world, one has to be a part of it. That means understanding the way people behave. It doesn't always make sense. However, it's an expression of what matters to them. That's clear in the character work no matter how brief certain people's appearances are. The series regulars are allowed more nuance. However, the show just wants to have a fun time. It has delivered on that so far. It's an extension of R.J.'s empathy. He cares for people and needs them to be well. That means getting Stevie into rehab after ensuring no federal charges are brought against him for being part of this crew.
