Ep 1. New York State of Mind

The Politician season 2 episode 1 is titled "New York State of Mind." The episode sets the tone for the second season of the show, with a plot that builds on the events of the previous season. In this episode, we see protagonist Payton Hobart as he tries to adjust to his new life as a student at New York University. He's left behind his old life in California and is now trying to make it in the big city.

The episode opens with a musical number that features Payton singing and dancing through the streets of New York City. It's an upbeat and energetic introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the episode. Soon enough, we meet up with Payton's new roommate, James, who is immediately wary of Payton's ambitious plans for his future.

Payton is excited to start his political career at NYU, but he quickly realizes that it's not going to be as easy as he thought. He meets up with an old ally, McAfee, who tries to encourage him to get involved in the campus politics scene. Payton is hesitant, feeling burned out from his previous campaign, but he eventually agrees to run for student body president.

However, Payton soon learns that he has some competition from a powerful opponent – Skye Leighton. Skye is a charismatic and charming transfer student who seems to have everything going for her. She's quickly gaining support from the student body, leaving Payton feeling frustrated and intimidated.

Meanwhile, Payton is also dealing with his personal life. He's still in a relationship with Alice, who has followed him to New York. However, their relationship is strained, and Payton is struggling to balance his political aspirations with his desire to spend time with her. He also must deal with the fallout from his father's messy divorce, which threatens to undermine his political ambitions.

The episode ends on a tense note, with Payton and Skye preparing to face off in a debate. It's clear that both of them are skilled politicians, and the competition promises to be fierce. The episode sets up the rest of the season, as Payton navigates the rough waters of student politics while also trying to find his place in the world.

In conclusion, "New York State of Mind" is a strong start to the second season of The Politician. The episode builds on the themes and characters established in the first season, while also introducing new elements and conflicts. The musical opening sets the tone for a fun and engaging show, and the drama and tension of the episode keep the viewer hooked until the end. Fans of the show are sure to be excited to see where the rest of the season takes Payton and his friends.