While TV ratings and word of mouth may not be enough to physically move mountains, they can definitely help to shift the TV landscape around. That’s basically what happened with Fox’s wacky mystery Wayward Pines, a project that was initially envisioned as a standalone miniseries but became popular enough to ensure its future on the network. That future is now set in stone, as Fox has ordered up what will presumably be a madness-infused Season 2 of Wayward Pines. Season 1 spoilers to follow.
The creative team behind Wayward Pines has changed up, as showrunner/creator Chad Hodge has left the series, leaving only the notorious M. Night Shyamalan as executive producer. But they undoubtedly talked about where to take this twisty tale in the event of a renewal, and even though details are scarce, we have an idea of what to expect. Season 2 will pick up right where Season 1 left off, and viewers will be introduced to a new character that arrives in the mysterious town and is immediately drawn into the central rebellion between the residents and others in a fight over the best way to keep the depleted human race surviving.
That sounds pretty interesting, and makes a good amount of sense as far as how to dive back into this story. New person learning the rules that the audience is already aware of: check. A new plot direction that probably won’t rely so much on the weirdo mysteries and could instead just be weirdo post-apocalyptic drama: check. Given we weren’t fully aware of what was going on in and around Wayward Pines for the entirety of Season 1, it’ll be interesting to get back to another Episode 1 for the show with so much more information already in our heads. And now I’m hungry for rum raisin ice cream.
We’re assuming that most of the show’s cast will be coming back to reprise their roles. At least, the ones that are still alive. There won’t be any of Matt Dillon’s Ethan, although his sacrificial death could easily be explained away by a quick line in the script. No more of Toby Jones’ Dr. Philcher, either. Will the show focus on Charlie Tahan’s Ben Burke, as the Season 1 finale’s ending made likely? Are there going to be any adults in this world taken over by the Academy’s elite? What the hell will be going on?
With the distinction of being the #1 scripted summer show in 2015 for the key 18-49 demographic, Wayward Pines is one of several successful freshman series on Fox this year. The network has already seen second seasons from 2015 midseason premieres Last Man on Earth and Empire, while new comedies like The Grinder and Grandfathered have been winning over audiences and critics.
Expect Wayward Pines Season 2 to hit Fox at some point in 2016.
