Animal Kingdom is a crime drama TV series that premiered in 2016. It follows the Cody family, a tight-knit but dangerous clan living in Southern California. The show is loosely based on the 2010 Australian film of the same name.
The story begins when 17-year-old Joshua “J” Cody moves in with his estranged grandmother, Janine “Smurf” Cody, after his mother dies of a heroin overdose. Smurf is the matriarch of the family and controls her adult sons with a mix of manipulation and affection. The Codys survive by pulling off high-stakes heists and criminal jobs.
J quickly gets drawn into the family’s illegal activities. He learns the ropes from his uncles: Pope, the unstable and violent eldest; Craig, the reckless thrill-seeker; and Deran, the youngest, who struggles with his identity. Smurf keeps them all under her thumb, using money and emotional leverage to maintain control.
As J becomes more involved, he starts questioning his place in the family. He navigates loyalty, betrayal, and his own ambitions while trying to survive in their dangerous world. The series explores themes of power, family bonds, and the consequences of a life of crime.
Over six seasons, the Codys face internal conflicts, rival gangs, and law enforcement. Smurf’s grip on the family weakens as tensions rise, leading to explosive betrayals and violent confrontations. The show blends intense action with deep character drama, keeping viewers hooked until its dramatic conclusion.
Animal Kingdom – TV Series – Season 2 – Summary
Season 2 of Animal Kingdom picks up after the death of Smurf’s son Baz, leaving the Cody family in turmoil. Smurf tightens her grip on the family, manipulating her grandsons—J, Craig, and Deran—to maintain control. J, still adjusting to the criminal lifestyle, becomes more involved in jobs but grows increasingly wary of Smurf’s influence.
The tension between the brothers escalates as Deran struggles with his sexuality and his relationship with Adrian. Craig battles addiction and his reckless behavior, putting the family at risk. Pope, dealing with his violent tendencies and guilt over past actions, becomes more unstable.
Smurf’s past is explored through flashbacks, revealing her early years raising Baz, Julia, and Pope. These moments shed light on her ruthless nature and the origins of the family’s dysfunction. Meanwhile, the Codys take on bigger heists, including a risky armored truck robbery, testing their loyalty to each other.
As the season progresses, J starts secretly plotting against Smurf, aligning himself with a detective to gather information. The season ends with Smurf’s arrest, leaving the family vulnerable and J poised to make his move for power. The dynamics shift, setting the stage for a fierce power struggle in Season 3.