My First Look at the July 14th ‘Saving Grace’ Season Two Premiere: “Have a Seat, Earl”

Holly Hunter is a Ferocious Femme in TNT’s Saving Grace

When you’re an avid TV watcher, you won’t make time for something that isn’t good. So first, let me make something clear - I am an avid TV watcher. Next, let me tell you what I just watched: Saving Grace (season two, episode one: Have a Seat, Earl). You can all watch this episode premiere on Monday July 14th, on TNT (10/9 C).

But, unless you are already a fan (and I know there are plenty of you!) maybe you’d like to know why I’d recommend watching. I mean, unless you’re here for advice on changing the oil in your car? Since my knowledge of cars extends only slightly past how to maneuver a bumper car for maximum bumping efficiency, let’s talk about the show. I’ve gotten to preview the first episode, courtesy of TNT. The pictures are also courtesy of them.

Some good shows have horrible tag lines, and ironically, some horrible shows have great tag lines. That’s just the crazy world in which we live. Well, Saving Grace manages to be a good show and have a good tag line. Here it is: You Say Hellraiser Like It’s a Bad Thing. I just love that. It sets the standard right there.

I am going to be picky with what spoilers I say. Why? Because otherwise I’d be ruining your TV watching experience! Also, I’m just very, very mean. Grrr! Beware. Now, the episode, at first, settles in and establishes a few things for us gentle viewers…but then, BANG. It’s time for action. And there’s no time for a lull or to stop for a lemonade - for the rest of the show. Which isn’t to say it’s a marathon and you can’t blink (you can blink, please - blink or your eyes will go crazy) but things just PUNCH, PUNCH, PUNCH at you until you realize that this entire season is going to be a fun ride. And hey, I’m down for that.

Holly Hunter stars in Saving Grace as Grace Handadrako (which makes me think of Donnie Darko). Holly Hunter always delivers a good performance, and not only has she won an Academy Award, but she’s been nominated as Grace Handradrako for a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Which, not too shabby, huh?

If I were Holly Hunter I’d just walk around all day and give people mysterious smiles. She has the look and attitude of someone that you go ‘I think I know her’ or ‘I don’t know her, but I really want to’. Maybe that’s called confidence, or talent, or charisma. I tend to call it being made of sheer win.

The character, Grace Hanadarko (an Oklahoma City police detective) is what pulled me into this show. She is trying to figure herself out, but being a human being - never truly can. You may have uncovered that theme in your life, as well. I found it very interesting to watch as she argues with herself internally, and discovers that she’s more complicated than she thought she was. Sometimes her ID is in charge, and she has childish instincts that she gleefully uses. At one point in this episode, someone says to her, “I don’t know whether to hug you or kick your ass.” That’s how I feel about her, too! Maybe I could work out a way to do both at the same time. Then again, I believe I’ve already mentioned my coordination skills are a bit lacking…

Of course, one strong character does not a good show make. That’s why there are others, including Rhetta Rodriguez - played by Laura San Giacomo (Just Shoot Me, Veronica Mars). Bailey Chase (who was Graham Miller on Buffy the Vampire Slayer in season four!) plays detective Butch Ada, which is not a name many men can pull off this well.

Even guest stars were out in full force. I recognized Gail Leery from Dawson’s Creek (Mary-Margaret Humes) and Graham Chase aka Angela’s dad (Tom Irwin) from My So-Called Life. Oh! -and Jessica Walter, who played Lucille Bluth on Arrested Development.

Vague spoilers that I hope make you scratch your head: The number six will play an important part in the story. I’ve never heard a mention of the game Twister sound so sinister. (I’m not talking about any sort of pun, either. The actual game! Which, admittedly was a little nerve-wracking to play at birthday parties growing up, because I was always worried I’d topple over and my not-so-stellar skills of standing awkwardly with poise would be discovered.) Also, not everyone thinks Grace is a hero.

Con: I am not a fan of the music they used in a beginning action scene. No, really. I just didn’t like it. That’s my biggest complaint.

This is a show that makes you look at the motivations of characters and the people they might represent to you. Watching Grace, I realized that when your job is that of a cop you are often trying to decide between what you have to do for your job, and by the law - vs. what you’d like to do.

Then I realized that’s how my entire life feels.

So, I’d say it’s pretty damn relatable. Watch it. This is TNT’s official episode synopsis for the season two premiere:

“Have a Seat, Earl” – Premieres Monday, July 14, at 10 p.m.

While off duty, Grace chases down a subject who turns out to be one of the FBI’s Most Wanted. Afterwards, she is hailed a hero. But nobody is aware of what she was really doing on her day off, a shocking secret involving the priest who molested her as a child.

Look for another post about this show coming up on Sofachip where I’ll talk about some spoilery info on Earl (he’s an angel, so you know he’s got a good story!) and Leon (a death row inmate).

Ready to read more? Rapid Recaps and spoilers for Saving Grace!

Saving Grace - Season 1

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