What I’m Watching: Counterpart (Season Premiere)

Counterpart: Season 2, Episode 1 “Inside Out” (B+)

I’m so thrilled that this show is back, premiering at a time that most others are going on hiatus. I’ve been predicting it to be honored the way it should from the Emmys and then the Golden Globes only to see it repeatedly ignored, and I’m at least happy that it’s back for more content. This premiere didn’t disappoint, introducing a brand-new character brought in specifically to serve as an outside source to investigate and draw out the mole. I didn’t recognize actress Betty Gabriel from her creepy role in “Get Out,” but she seems like a perfect fit to play Naya, the Muslim agent who we saw watching the video that explained the existence of the other world. We’ll have to wait until next week to see our Howard, but theirs played a relatively minor role in this hour, meeting clandestinely with Peter to make sure all bases are covered and coaching Emily back to some form of normalcy as her meets seems to have been deeply affected. Clare is taking on increased prominence, working with Peter to ensure their mutual survival but getting him angry when she tried to seduce him to pretend that they could be something like what they once were. I was surprised that Howard didn’t explode at her for coming over to talk to Emily, but he’s playing the part and making sure that he doesn’t get detected by anyone, even more so because he knows that his home is being watched. This show really is something special, and I’m very ready to experience this season.