Ep 1. Kings of NY

In season 2 episode 1 of NY Ink, titled "Kings of NY," viewers are reintroduced to the team at the Wooster Street Social Club. This episode features the introduction of new tattoo artists, as well as some drama surrounding the departure of a fan-favorite employee.

The episode opens with series regular Ami James discussing the latest goings-on at the shop. We learn that the Wooster Street Social Club has recently expanded to include a new location in Miami, Florida, and a third shop is currently in the works. Ami expresses excitement over the growth of the business, but also acknowledges that he needs to hire more artists to keep up with the demand.

Enter Jessica Gahring, a talented tattoo artist with over 12 years of experience in the industry. She brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to the team, but her brash personality quickly rubs some of her coworkers the wrong way. This causes tension between Jessica and the rest of the team, particularly her fellow female artist, Megan Massacre.

Meanwhile, another artist, Lee Rodriguez, is having trouble adjusting to life at the Wooster Street Social Club. Despite being a highly skilled tattooist, Lee has trouble adapting to the laid-back culture of the shop. He clashes with his coworkers over work ethic and priorities, and it quickly becomes clear that he may not be a good fit for the team.

As the episode progresses, viewers get glimpses into the personal lives of the tattoo artists. We see Ami spending time with his young son, as well as Megan and her boyfriend, who are adjusting to living together for the first time. One of the most touching moments of the episode comes when Mike Rubendall, a fan-favorite tattoo artist from season 1, returns to the shop to get a tattoo in memory of his late father. The emotion and vulnerability on display during this scene are a testament to the strong relationships that are forged within the tattoo community.

Despite the personal moments scattered throughout the episode, there is still plenty of tattooing action to be had. Viewers get to see Jessica complete an intricate portrait of rapper Nas on a client's leg, as well as watch Megan create a stunning angelic figure on a client's forearm. The detail and precision that goes into each piece of art is truly awe-inspiring, and it's clear that the artists take great pride in their work.

Overall, "Kings of NY" is a strong start to season 2 of NY Ink. It introduces viewers to exciting new characters, while also revisiting old favorites from season 1. The drama and tension that arise between the Wooster Street Social Club employees keep the episode engaging, but it's the emotional moments and stunning tattoo art that really make this show stand out. Fans of the first season won't be disappointed, and newcomers will quickly find themselves hooked on the world of NY Ink.