A Review of Season 2 of ‘American Rust: Broken Justice’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

Key Art for ‘American Rust: Broken Justice’ Courtesy of Prime Video.

It is quite the amazing time to be a fan of crime dramas and crime stories in general. Because the days of shows that feature brilliant investigators that know all and see all, or fight crime to find peace in a gritty and grimy world are coming to an end. Replaced instead by the next generation of the crime drama. Some of which involves, cozy concepts that make murder less horrifying by focusing more on pluckier ways to solve crimes. Whereas others, are hyper realistic in nature, giving rise to a real understanding of how crime actually works and what motivates it and the strange grey area that some investigators and criminals seem to waltz through on a regular basis. In fact, it is that latter show that is of note today, because one of the best realistic crime dramas around is about to return to the airwaves. 
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For season two of the acclaimed series, American Rust, will debut on Prime Video on Thursday, and well, it goes without saying that season one, was a masterclass in grounding a crime drama in reality. Since its flawed characters truly did push forward into questionable acts in the name of their own needs and wants or bigger pictures in their mind, as so many people do. Giving rise to a refreshing first season that truly captivated and scared us a bit. Since the show was mired in cancellation until Prime Video saved it and provided it with new life and well, we’ve seen season two in advance, aptly titled American Rust: Broken Justice, and absolutely need to discuss what makes it so special and important to this next generation of the genre… in a spoiler-free manner no less.

Because exposing what lies ahead would be mean and ruin quite the viewing experience, but what we can say… is that this is that rare series that takes the time to explore what most crime dramas avoid, and people in real life too for that matter, causality. For everything we do has a reaction and fallout and that is present here in spades. Since the gunfight at the end of season one hangs heavy over season two, as do so many other decisions made by these incredible characters that we came to know and love. Giving rise to a powerful season of storytelling grounded in consequence and an understanding that we cannot escape it, and while that in and of itself carries this season, it offers so much more to the viewer.

Specifically, by way of the characters and their incredible journeys here. Because what we also sometimes forget about consequences for our actions, is that they open our eyes to where we are at in life and how perhaps we need to make some changes to our current course of action. Or we discover post-consequence that we have dreams and wants that we haven’t paid enough to attention to. Giving rise to journeys that are grounded in searching, in want, and that makes for compelling television, as do the crime elements. For this is at its core, a crime drama and there is plenty for Del to investigate now that he is back in the fold at the Pittsburgh Police Department, and the wonder of this story doesn’t end there. 

Because one thing we all loved about season one of the show, was its stellar acting, and thankfully… that’s present here too. Since the entire cast returned to follow-up on season one’s events and that leads to some amazing moments as well, the kind that truly sell us on the story and the moment and the best news of all, is that we are indeed days away from being able to experience all of those elements. For Thursday will see all ten episodes of American Rust: Broken Justice drop on Prime Video, and we cannot wait for you to see this fantastic season of storytelling, one that truly challenges the characters in a bold new manner and thrills the audience with moments that put us on the edge of our seats. 

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