Touted as “gripping” by The Associated Press, “The Red Road” doesn’t miss a beat of the action for its sophomore season. The hard-hitting thriller from acclaimed writer Aaron Guzikowski (Contraband, Prisoners) and veteran producer Sarah Condon (“Looking,” “Bored to Death”) takes viewers on an unexpected journey to a deep, dark world where a local murder is just the tip of the iceberg. It sets off a ripple effect that forces everyone in town to question their values, allegiances and allies.
The season two opener jumps directly into the fallout from the adrenaline-filled shootout involving local cop Harold Jensen (Martin Henderson) and Philip Kopus (Jason Momoa), a dangerous member of a local Native American tribe. As Harold’s wife Jean (Julianne Nicholson) continues to put her life back together in the aftermath of season one’s events, rumors begin to swirl that the tribe’s newfound federal recognition will lead to the building of a casino up on the mountain. With tensions mounting, and Kopus’ mother Marie (Tamara Tunie) arguing vehemently against it, the stage is set for a shocking discovery. By the end of the opening episode an unexpected murder has taken place that hints at the ripped-from-the-headlines topics ahead, including toxic dumping which raises the stakes for all the characters.
In season two every character faces an ordeal: Jean learns of dark family secrets; Kopus battles his conscience; and, Harold must decide where his morals lie. Can they all find a path to redemption?
“After a thrilling inaugural journey down ‘The Red Road’, we are eager to continue this wild ride with fans into a new season,” said Sarah Barnett, President, SundanceTV. “Season two will continue to explore two opposing worlds, represented by our exceptional leading men Jason Momoa and Martin Henderson and the complex web of lies, compromises and shared history that seeps into their daily lives.”
Jason Momoa (“Game of Thrones,” Road to Paloma), Martin Henderson (Devil’s Knot, The Ring), Julianne Nicholson (“Masters of Sex,” August: Osage County), Tamara Tunie (“Law and Order: Special Victim’s Unit,” “The Good Wife”), Lisa Bonet (High Fidelity, “The Cosby Show”), Allie Gonino (“The Lying Game,” Hidden Away), Kiowa Gordon (The Twilight Saga, Wind Walkers) and Golden Globe® nominee Tom Sizemore (Saving Private Ryan, Black Hawk Down, Pearl Harbor, Heat) return to the series in season two, while Native American actor Wes Studi (Road to Paloma, “Hell on Wheels”) joins the cast as tribal chief Levi.
Thursday preview:
Harold and Kopus find Junior alive in the woods. Kopus distracts Levi’s men while Harold and Junior make their way to the road and flag down a car. Kopus barely escapes gunshots in the woods. In New Jersey, Jean spirals further out of control. She confronts her father about his actions against her brother. Her father reluctantly admits the abuse but maintains it was for Brian’s own good. Jean lashes out and seeks vengeance for her brother. Harold later goes to Marie to make peace and to give her the information about the dumping and Jack’s connection to it. Reluctantly, Marie visits Jack in prison, who gives her back the photograph of Kopus as a child, which contains proof of the city’s culpability. That night, Levi and his men attack the Lenape. Kopus defends the tribe but may find his efforts are not enough to save those closest to him.
