Ep 2. Payment Deferred

The second episode of Altered Carbon season 2 is called "Payment Deferred". In this episode, we see the continuation of our protagonist Takeshi Kovacs' journey as he navigates the complicated world of Bay City, now 30 years after the events of season one.

Kovacs is faced with a new challenge as he is tasked with investigating the mysterious death of the head of an influential family, the Carreras. This puts him in the crosshairs of the Carrera matriarch, who has a long-standing grudge against Kovacs and will stop at nothing to see him fail in his investigation.

Meanwhile, we also see the return of fan-favorite character, Poe, the AI in charge of the hotel where Kovacs is staying. Poe is struggling with his own problems - his code is deteriorating, and he is facing the possibility of being shut down permanently if he doesn't find a solution. This subplot provides a poignant and emotional touch to the episode, as we see Poe struggling to maintain his sense of self as he faces the possibility of erasure.

As Kovacs delves deeper into the Carrera family's secrets, he discovers that there is more than meets the eye. His investigation leads him to a strange and dangerous cult that holds the key to the family's past, as well as the reason for the patriarch's untimely death.

In the midst of all this, Kovacs also has to come to terms with his own demons. His past continues to haunt him, especially when it comes to his complicated relationship with his sister, Rei. We see glimpses of their past through flashbacks, which adds depth and complexity to Kovacs' character.

Overall, "Payment Deferred" is a thrilling and thought-provoking episode that sets up the rest of the season nicely. The dynamic between Kovacs and the Carrera family is intriguing, and the addition of the cult adds a new layer of mystique to the story. Additionally, the emotional weight of Poe's subplot adds a touch of humanity to the otherwise dark and gritty world of Altered Carbon. Fans of the first season will not be disappointed, and new viewers will be intrigued by the complex and intriguing world that Altered Carbon has built.