6 Reasons You Should Be Watching the Just-Renewed 'Animal Kingdom'

Dysfunctional Families Rule: To say the Cody family is dysfunctional is an understatement but once J (Finn Cole, left), Pope (Shawn Hatosy, center) and Craig (Ben Robson) come together – as they did when they recently for a job – there is a team element that works…until it doesn’t!

A Mother to be Feared: In last week’s episode, Craig asked his imprisoned mother, Smurf (Ellen Barkin) why she put J in charge of the family business. Her smile when she says “Who says J is in charge” is exactly why we love this lioness, who would eat her young if necessary. And, be warned, Smurf may not be in jail forever so all the Codys (and everyone else for that matter) better watch their backs!

Father & Son Drama: Jake Weary’s Deran has been trying to get his life together by owning his own bar and enjoying a new, hot and heavy fling with ER Nurse/former motorcross rider Clark (Damon Williams). But will the sudden reappearance of his father, Billy (Denis Leary) shake things up even more? Or will Deran find a connection with his messed up Daddy?

The Ticking Time Bomb: With the unpredictable Pope (Shawn Hatosy), he can show his soft side with his niece Lena (Aamya Deva Keroles) – whose mother Pope actually killed, remember? – but with anything else, there’s a fire brewing beneath the surface that could explode at any time. With more people staying at the house, he’s unnerved but also helpless, which is never a good spot for Pope to be in.

Brilliant Casting: Some shows bring in guest stars that don’t really fit but Denis Leary, who we’ve seen play dysfunctional characters his entire career, joining this season as Deran’s father Billy has been genius. But once Smurf is out of jail, watch out for the two to clash in a big way!

Young and Hungry: As J (Finn Cole) has gotten more power this season while Smurf is in jail, we’re seeing more and more that he’s a Cody through and through. Lost in the shuffle has been his relationship with Nicky (Molly Gordon), who is lost in her own way and looking for something to save her.