Ep 1. Episode 1

Tony Johnson, the protagonist of After Life, is back in the new season. The show explores the life of Tony who is trying to cope up with the recent death of his wife, Lisa. Tony is a writer in a local newspaper and his cynical attitude towards life is evident in his work and personal life.

In the first episode of season 2, we move ahead from the events of the previous season. Tony is still struggling to get over the passing of his wife and contemplating suicide. There is a sense of despair and sadness in his character. However, he decides not to take his life and tries to find meaning in his life, albeit reluctantly.

Tony considers the possibility of going on a drug-fueled trip to find a sense of purpose in life. However, his therapist suggests that he should work at a local hospice to deal with his grief and find a deeper understanding of death. Tony reluctantly agrees to the idea and starts his job at the hospice.

At first, Tony is not comfortable around the patients in the hospice. He is too blunt and insensitive towards the patients and their families which leads to conflicts. However, as he spends more time at the hospice, he starts to understand the pain and struggles of the patients and their families. He starts to empathize with them and learns that every person's life has a story to tell.

Moreover, Tony also meets new characters in the hospice, including Lenny (Tony Way) and June (Jo Hartley). They are both terminally ill patients who are struggling with their final days. Tony is initially reluctant to interact with them, but eventually, he forms a bond with them. The interactions between Tony and these characters give a depth to the story of the show and explores the conversations around life and death.

Apart from the hospice storyline, the first episode of season 2 also explores the personal life of Tony. He is still visiting his father who is suffering from dementia. Tony's relationship with his father is strained, and he holds a grudge against him for not being there for him and his mother. However, his father's deteriorating health makes him reconsider his resentful stance towards his dad. This relationship with his father is an essential part of Tony's character arc, and it highlights the complexity of relationships.

The first episode of season 2 takes its slow pace, but it is necessary to establish the emotional journey of Tony. The humor and wit of the show are still present, albeit in a subdued tone. The show's strength lies in its ability to balance the emotional and comedic aspects of the story, and the first episode establishes this balance.

In conclusion, the first episode of season 2 of After Life is a poignant and emotional journey for Tony and the audience. It explores themes of grief, loss, and acceptance in a nuanced manner. The slow pace may not be for everyone, but it is necessary to establish the emotional depth of the story. The humor and wit of the show are still intact, and the new characters add more layers to the story. It is a promising start to the new season, and it leaves the audience wanting more.