Ep 1. The Show Must Go On, Probably?

Barry Season 2 Episode 1, titled "The Show Must Go On, Probably?" picks up right where the previous season ended, with Barry still struggling with the aftermath of viciously murdering Detective Moss. He's trying to lead a normal life as an actor, but the guilt and fear are eating away at him, and he's increasingly finding it hard to keep up appearances.

In this episode, Barry is itching to get back on stage and keep his mind off his troubles. His acting coach, Gene Cousineau, is putting together a new production of 'Macbeth,' and Barry is eager to audition for the lead role. But things are far from straightforward, as the casting gets complicated by the arrival of a new student, Janice (played by Paula Newsome), who immediately impresses Gene with her talent and experience.

Barry is instantly put on edge by Janice and feels threatened by her presence in Gene's life. As we learn, Barry's jealousy stems from his insecurities and fear of being replaced. It's a pattern of behavior that we've seen before as he becomes more and more embroiled in his double life.

Meanwhile, back in Los Angeles, Fuches is continuing to run his own game, despite being at the mercy of a group of Chechen gangsters. He's trying to get Barry's acting teacher out of the picture, as he sees him as a threat to their money-making operation. To that end, Fuches employs two hitmen to take out Cousineau. In a terrifyingly tense scene, the hitmen track Gene's whereabouts, leaving audiences on edge as we see whether they will succeed in their mission.

But as with previous episodes, the show's blend of humor and dark themes comes to the forefront as Barry finds himself in yet another hilarious predicament when he auditions for the role of Macbeth. As he rehearses his lines, we see him struggling with the weight of his dark desires while simultaneously trying to create a convincing performance.

Overall, the episode sets up the central conflicts and themes of the season while simultaneously creating suspense and humor. It's an impressive balance of tones that the show has become known for, and hints at the intense drama and comedy that will define the season's run. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the next installment.