Second Chance

Second Chance is a science fiction crime drama series which aired on Fox in 2016. Created by Rand Ravich and produced by Howard Gordon, the series threads an intriguing narrative that seamlessly integrates elements of the supernatural, crime-solving, and soul-searching.

The basic premise of Second Chance revolves around the protagonist, a 75-year-old disgraced and morally corrupt ex-sheriff named Jimmy Pritchard. The show begins with an unexpected turn of events leading to Pritchard's untimely death, but the intriguing bit – and hence the title – is that he is then bestowed with a rare opportunity to start anew. A pair of tech-savvy and genius billionaire siblings, Otto and Mary Goodwin, manage to resurrect Pritchard using their cutting-edge technological advancements in bioengineering. Nevertheless, this process does not just revive him. It gives him superior physical abilities, enhancing his strength, speed, and healing powers – an unexpected reinvention of his former self that he is to navigate.

Otto Goodwin, the socially awkward genius striving for acceptance, designs the groundbreaking technology for altruistic reasons: to potentially cure his sister, Mary, who is suffering from terminal cancer. Mary, the CEO of the tech corporation, also sees an opportunity to use Jimmy's revamped DNA to further her medical research. This unique premise raises profound questions about morality, human identity, and the ethical implications of medical and scientific progress.

The initial transformation leaves Pritchard perplexed and at odds with his newfound abilities. He must reconcile his old-school ways of crime-solving with his refreshed perspective and physical prowess. It's an intriguing blend of past meeting future, and it adds another layer to the crime dramas Pritchard gets involved in.

As Pritchard's second life unfolds, he struggles with the opportunity to rectify his past mistakes, the complexities of his relationship with his estranged son, FBI Agent Duval Pritchard, and his own personal redemption while living in a world he barely recognizes.

In his newly rejuvenated form, Pritchard is played by Robert Kazinsky, famous for his roles in "True Blood" and "Pacific Rim," and Kazinsky breathes life into the complex character with grit, wit, and a touch of vulnerability. Pritchard is sharply contrasted to the other main characters, particularly the Goodwin siblings, with Adhir Kalyan brilliantly capturing Otto's eccentric genius and Dilshad Vadsaria playing the pragmatic and composed Mary excellently.

Tim DeKay as Duval Pritchard, the cleanliness-loving, upstanding FBI agent, adds a compelling dynamic to the narrative. Duval, unlike his father, believes in the letter of the law and strictly adheres to the rule of law. The highly charged relationship between DeKay and Kazinsky is one of the show’s highlights.

Additionally, it is not just about crime-fighting, scientific exploration, and newfound abilities, but at its core, Second Chance emphasizes the power of familial ties and the struggle for redemption. It cleverly weaves in touching themes of fatherhood, brotherhood, and the lengths one goes to protect and care for their loved ones.

Despite being short-lived with only one season, Second Chance draws viewers in from the get-go with its blend of crime, family drama, and science fiction. The show effortlessly combines these genres into an enthralling narrative with intelligent storytelling and well-crafted characters. It addresses philosophical ideas about mortality, ethics, second chances, and the essence of human existence through the lens of a revitalized ex-sheriff and a tech-giant siblings pairing.

With the backdrop of crime solving, yet deeply rooted in character development, the show delves into the intertwined human nature of deception, redemption, and the desperate desire for a metaphoric, and in this case literal, second chance. The elements of mind-boggling technology merged with the excellent cast's emotive performances, especially Robert Kazinsky's portrayal of a mannishly restored Pritchard, make Second Chance an intriguing series that pulls on the heartstrings while simultaneously provoking thought and delivering suspense.

Second Chance may have aired only for one season, but its themes of redemption, family, and the clash between old ways and new tech, wrapped up in elements of crime and science fiction, make it unique and worth a watch.