Graves Season 2 Episode 1 Half a World Gone Mad

Graves season 2 episode 1, titled "Half a World Gone Mad," follows the former President Richard Graves as he embarks on a journey to reconcile his past actions, both good and bad, while navigating the challenges of his rapidly-evolving life.

As the episode begins, Graves (played by Nick Nolte) is living a quiet life in Santa Fe, New Mexico, spending his days fishing and painting. But when he learns that his longtime friend, former Secretary of State Margaret Graves (Sela Ward), is facing a crisis in her personal life, he decides to travel to Washington D.C. to offer his assistance.

In D.C., Graves soon finds himself drawn back into the cutthroat world of politics, as he becomes embroiled in a conflict between Margaret and the current President, Isaac Nivens (Joel Johnstone). Nivens is a brash and arrogant young leader who is determined to undo all of Graves' legacy, leading Graves to feel a sense of responsibility to fight back against him.

Throughout the episode, the tension between Graves and Nivens continues to escalate, with Graves struggling to come to terms with the idea that his own legacy may be at risk. At the same time, he is also grappling with his relationship with his estranged daughter, Olivia (Heléne Yorke), who is now living in New York City and pursuing her own career in politics.

As Graves navigates these complicated personal and political challenges, he also begins to confront the ways in which his actions as President may have contributed to the current state of the world. He meets with a young activist who is working to combat climate change, and begins to recognize that his own policies may have contributed to the crisis facing the planet.

Ultimately, "Half a World Gone Mad" sets up a season that promises to be full of drama, as Graves faces his own past mistakes and grapples with the chaotic world around him. With top-notch performances from the cast and a sharp, poignant script, this episode is a strong start to the second season of this acclaimed series.