What I’m Watching: People of Earth (Season Premiere)

People of Earth: Season 2, Episode 1 “New Beginnings” (B+)

I really, really like this show, and I’m so glad that it’s back. Season one was terrific, and now it’s looking like this year is going to get even better. The addition of Nasim Pedrad, already one of the best parts of “New Girl” in a major recurring role, as a disgraced FBI agent sent to Beacon for a crappy assignment that she’s determined to resolve and close quickly, is superb. We also got to see Kevin Hanchard, best known as Art from “Orphan Black,” in a minor role that may or may not become more significant over the course of the season. What’s great, and clear, about what’s going on now is that we know where everyone stands. Jeff couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with a flying box that has similar aims to what he wants to do, and I enjoyed the box’s interactions with a thrilled Gerry. Don was doing a great job keeping up the charade with Kelly, even picking out a fake mom in Iceland, but when the jig was up, it all imploded, leaving her very angry and him back on the ship and likely in trouble due to his philandering. Ozzie’s getting the group back together, which is great, and I enjoyed all the reintroductions to the characters in this episode. Things may be different, like Richard blood-testing everyone and touching their faces to make sure they’re not reptiles, but I think have no doubt that this is going to be a blast.