Ep 1. Back S2:E1

Back season 2 episode 1, titled "Back S2:E1," follows the return of Stephen and Andrew to the John Barleycorn pub, two years after the events of the first season. Stephen is now the owner of the pub, but he still harbors suspicions about Andrew's true intentions, given their fraught history.

The episode opens with Stephen preparing to open the pub for the day, accompanied by his trusty dog, Ken. He is soon surprised by the arrival of his father, Laurie, who has come to check up on him and offer some unwanted advice. As Stephen begrudgingly takes his father's counsel, Andrew suddenly appears at the door, much to Stephen's surprise. Andrew claims he has returned to help Stephen run the pub, but Stephen remains skeptical of his motives.

The rest of the episode focuses on the uneasy dynamic between Stephen and Andrew, as they attempt to work together despite their unresolved issues. Meanwhile, a group of old regulars return to the pub, including the eccentric local artist, Cass, and the bubbly barmaid, Jan. Stephen struggles to maintain control of the pub, as Andrew repeatedly undermines his authority and tries to take over. The tension ultimately comes to a head during a heated argument between the two of them, with Stephen threatening to kick Andrew out and Andrew refusing to leave.

As the episode comes to a close, it becomes clear that tensions are still running high between Stephen and Andrew, with their relationship seemingly no more stable than before. The arrival of an unexpected guest further complicates matters, leaving the future of the John Barleycorn pub uncertain.

Overall, "Back S2:E1" offers a promising start to the second season of this dark comedy series. While it may take some time to fully delve into the backstory and character dynamics established in the first season, this episode sets the stage for some intriguing developments to come. Fans of the show will undoubtedly be eager to see where the story goes from here.