The Returned Season 2 Episode 1: Soon Theyll All Be Returned (Season Premiere)

If you're not watching "The Returned" (the French version, not the horrible American one) I cannot more highly recommend it. I even voted it my favorite show of 2013 (see the list at "GMonster's Top 10 Shows Of 2013"
What do I love so much about "The Returned"? It's hard to explain. All the elements fit together perfectly-- the mystery of the story, the isolation of the community, the otherworldly atmosphere, and the emotional frailty of the characters. We really root for the them to find happiness, peace and in some cases justice.

It's been two long years and the second season is finally upon us. With only eight episodes total, it will be over WAY too soon. We must remember to savor every moment.

In the small Alpine village only six months have passed. The police who were outside the "Helping Hand" during the finale are still missing. They include Adele's husband Thomas and Julie's partner Laure. A very pregnant Adele falls down the stairs. Medical personnel attempt to take her by ambulance to the next town but the road ends abruptly. There is no escaping.

After the mysterious flood, most of the townspeople fled. No, I'm not sure why some people can leave and others can not. The restaurant only has hamburgers left and all the vending machines in the hospital are empty (so I guess supplies can't get in either).

The Southern tip of the community is still underwater. However, the dam was declared structurally sound right before it burst. A stag wanders the deserted town. How is the dam related to the animals we see on occasion?

The military arrives along with a man named Berg. He says he's from somewhere nearby. Is Berg a Deadie too? He's not big on eating or rest.

Speaking of Deadies, the second wave appears to be arriving. A girl that was on the bus with Camille appears at the dam. Audrey is confused about what has happened.

Berg accidentally runs into Toni who is in the middle of the road. I thought Toni died in season 1 after being stabbed by Serge. Berg rushes Toni to the emergency room. He wakes up and calls for his brother. Lena and her father Jerome are also at the hospital. He now has a shaggy beard and everyone thinks he's cray cray. They are desperately in search of Claire and Camille.

Pierre and his followers are still hanging out at the "Helping Hand" and anticipating the end of days. I think he's up to no good.

Audrey is approached by Lucy. She ferries Audrey and several others across the lake to where the dead are staying. It's a very River Styx-ish scene. Great visual! Lucy takes Audrey to Claire and Camille's. They tell a confused Audrey to keep her voice down or "they" will come. The camera pans to the window where a bunch of Deadies have congregated outside.

Lucy and Simon discuss Adele's baby. It seems to be the key to their future. Lucy says it's "almost finished" and "soon they'll all be returned". We catch a glimpse of Serge and his mother. She is back from the dead as well.

The doctor will induce labor so Adele can give birth to her premature but surprisingly fully developed baby. Daughter Chloe is particularly worried. Adele confesses to the priest that she tried to abort the baby several times and that it is not Thomas'. Undead Simon is the father.

At the end of episode creepy Victor is drawing pictures of people. Are these more of the Returned? Victor wants Julie to promise she'll always be with him. And in the psych out of the episode, Victor's real mommy arrives. Uh oh. This is going to be uncomfortable.

Grade: 4 1/2 Monsters (out of 5). "The Returned" is off to a great start. I can't wait to see what secrets are in store for us.