Ep 1. Gator Gauntlet

In season 2 of Swamp People, the first episode called "Gator Gauntlet" takes viewers back to the swamps of southern Louisiana. This episode sets the stage for the rest of the season as viewers get to reunite with some of their favorite alligator hunters and meet some new faces eager to make a name for themselves in the swamp.

The episode kicks off with veteran alligator hunter Troy Landry and his son, Jacob, out on the water with their trusty deckhand Clint. The trio have a tough day hunting, and Troy's frustration starts to mount as they come up empty-handed time and time again. Meanwhile, another seasoned hunter, Junior Edwards, starts his day with a bang as he catches a massive alligator within the first few minutes of setting lines.

As the episode progresses, viewers get to meet some of the new hunters in the swamp, including a father-son duo from out of town who are eager to make a name for themselves. But they quickly learn that navigating the treacherous waters and outsmarting these giant reptiles is no easy feat.

One of the most intense moments of the episode comes when veteran hunter Liz Cavalier and her deckhand Kristi try to wrangle a massive alligator that's more than 12 feet long. The gator puts up a fierce fight, and Liz and Kristi must work quickly and carefully to avoid getting themselves or the animal hurt. Liz is determined to land this monster gator, but it may prove to be too much for even the most experienced hunters.

Throughout the episode, viewers also get to revisit some of the colorful characters from season 1, including the always-entertaining R.J. and Jay Paul Molinere and their colorful family members. These hunters bring a bit of humor and levity to the show, even as they're risking life and limb to catch these fearsome creatures.

In addition to the usual thrills and spills of alligator hunting, "Gator Gauntlet" also touches on the impact that the BP oil spill is having on the swamp and its inhabitants. Viewers get to see firsthand the destruction that's been caused by the spill, and how it's affecting not only the hunters but also the alligators and other wildlife that call the swamp home.

As the episode comes to a close, viewers are left hanging as to whether or not Troy and his team will be able to land a gator before the end of the day. But such is the nature of alligator hunting - it's unpredictable, dangerous, and exhilarating all at once.

Overall, "Gator Gauntlet" is a solid start to season 2 of Swamp People. It introduces viewers to new faces and rekindles their love for some familiar favorites, all while showcasing the thrill and danger of alligator hunting in Louisiana's rugged swamps.