A major talking point was a sequence where Detective JT Tarmel is assaulted by fellow officers in an act of systemic racism. While some viewers found it a "troubling" and necessary reflection of real-world events, others felt it was "forced" or lacked subtlety compared to previous writing. Critical & Audience Reception TVLine Readers: Gave the premiere an average grade of "A-" . Rotten Tomatoes : Audience scores reached 88% .
“Prodigal Son is back and returned just as strong if not stronger than Prodigal Son Season 1, reminding viewers why it earned its title of number one new series.” TV Fanatic · 5 years ago Prodigal Son Season 2 - Episode 1
“Michael Sheen's performance on this [premiere] is fantastically unhinged. He creates an entire arc for Martin in a single episode.” Rotten Tomatoes A major talking point was a sequence where
Critics and fans alike praised Michael Sheen's "fantastically unhinged" performance as Martin Whitly. The episode shifts the dynamic between father and son, with Martin gleefully pointing out that Malcolm might actually have enjoyed the "thrill" of covering up a murder. Rotten Tomatoes : Audience scores reached 88%