Graceland Season Premiere: “The Line” (Season 2, Episode 1)

In the season two premiere, Graceland had the challenge of bringing Mike (Aaron Tveit) back to California on a full-time basis without looking like they were forcing the issue. After completing his assignment last year, Mike headed back to D.C. to take up a comfy desk job with a direct line to the Director of the FBI position he so highly covets, but after living the undercover lifestyle, when the call came to head back to Graceland, he hopped on the first plane. Simple enough it seems, but the real challenge was finding a reason for him to stay that made sense for the story.

Lindsay Sperling

Published: Jun 12, 2014 09:46 am

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Graceland

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This unorthodox arrangement relies on someone taking point, but not someone taking over. Even Briggs, who tends to take on the leadership role, understands that. Mike pulled rank and although some of the housemates will probably brush it off, others will replay those words in their heads for a while before they let them go as simply a slip of the tongue.

This new hierarchy also plays into Mike’s persona as someone who is less for the people, and more for the promotion. If he can crack this case, Mike will be in a prime spot to move up the corporate ladder. As much as that is ultimately what Mike wants, he clearly struggles with the idea of giving up on field work. Deep down, he relates to the residents of Graceland and has always subtly attempted to gain more than just their approval, but their friendship.

Going forward in the new season, Mike is going to have to take a step back and rebuild the relationships that his news, and recent absence, may have stretched thin. He’s also going to need to find a better way to be the boss without coming across as an ass. If season one proved anything to fans, its that you’re never the new guy forever – so stop acting like it, Mike.

All things considered, this isn’t a bad way to start of the new season. Graceland is clearly introducing new conflicts which will carry through all season and they’ve already established a vague new enemy (because nothing brings people together like a common enemy).

Graceland has laid the groundwork for an explosive season, and now all we can do is sit back and see if it delivers.

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Author

Lindsay Sperling

Lindsay Sperling has A.D.D. and her tastes reflect it. Her movie collection boasts everything from Casablanca to John Tucker Must Die to every season of Sons of Anarchy to-date. She adamantly supported a Veronica Mars Movie (yes, she did make a donation to see it happen..and also possibly for the t-shirt), hopes that the Fast & Furious franchise continues far into the future, and has read every popular YA book series turned film in recent years (except Harry Potter..). When she's not on an indie film set or educating the youth of America, she uses her time arguably productive as a freelance writer.