Dead To Me Season 2 Review: A Hell Of An Emotional Rollercoaster

Just a quick recap of where we are in the story. Judy (Linda Cartellini) accidentally runs over Jen's husband Ted while he's out jogging. Throughout season 1, Judy tries to simultaneous help Jen (Christina Applegate) and hide that she was the driver. Her abusive ex Steve (James Marsden) is in cahoots with the Greek mafia. We're not sure exactly what he's up to but it's something shady.

Season 2 of "Dead To Me' picks up right where we left off. A dead Steve is floating in Jen's pool. Jen calls Judy to help dispose of the body (thus thwarting Judy's suicide attempt). We know Jen killed Steve but we dont learn the specifics until later.

Jen and Judy deepen their codependent relationship. Are they the best thing to ever happen to each other-- or the worst. Who knows for sure. But that push and pull is what makes the show so watchable.

Season 2 has Detective Perez (Diana Maria Riva) returning as well as Judy's short term boyfriend cop Nick (Brandon Scott). They end up working together. We also have new addition Michelle (played by Natalie Morales). There's also Jen's two kids, her mother in law and some wacky neighbors to content with. We also meet Steve's family.

On the surface, "Death To Me" is a murder mystery. But in reality, it's about grief and anger. First we explore Jen's grief over her husband's betrayal and death. Next it's about Judy's mixed feelings about Steve's death. These build upon past traumas-- Jen's mother's death from cancer when she was 19, Judy's separation from her mother (played by the always great Katey Sagal) when she went to prison. How do we continue on in the world each day with all this trauma on our backs?

Grade: 4 1/2 Monsters (out of 5). Not quite as good as season 1 but still a great time. "Dead To Me" delivers enough twists and turns to keep me coming back. And with only 10 30 minute episodes (each ending with a cliffhanger) it's a compelling watch.

The lead actresses deliver what might be some of their career best work. Christiana Applegate (nominated in season 1 for an Emmy, SAG, and Golden Globe) continues to shine as Jen tries to balance the grief she has experienced. Her codependent relationship with Judy (Linda Cartellini) is what keeps me coming back. The scene where they both have a meltdown in the car is definitely prize worthy.

Season 3 will be the show's last so hopefully we'll get a fitting sendoff fo Jen and Judy.