HBO's Mare of Easttown is a thought-provoking series. After its explosive and twist-filled ending, the show ended on a high note, delivering on the pledge made in the first episode. Audiences clearly loved the show and were sorry to see it go, so talks of a second season are already happening.
Kate Winslet went on record to say she wants to play the character again. And HBO executive Casey Bloys recently declared that if creator Brad Ingelsby "felt like he had a story," then "everyone would be open to it." A second season could explore many of the stories set up by the first one, to the delight of audiences everywhere.
7 A Resounding Success
Mare of Easttown's final hour crashed the HBO Max's servers on the night of its premiere. It went on to become the streamer's most-watched episode during the 24 hours of its premiere. Previously, the title belonged to The Undoing and The Flight Attendant, which aired their respective finales last year.
The show is also a hit with critics, currently holding a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of 8.02. The numbers don't lie, and with undeniable victories with critics and audiences, it would be surprising if HBO doesn't greenlight a sequel sooner rather than later.
6 Mare & Richard's Romance
The ever-underrated Guy Pearce played Mare's love interest, Richard. At first, the actor's casting seemed to be a fun throwback to their first limited series together, 2011's Mildred Pierce. But, as the show progressed, many began to consider Richard a suspect, only to realize he was just the unproblematic and intelligent teacher he always said he was.
Winslet and Pierce share obvious chemistry, so it was sad, albeit realistic, to see the romance end. The show also avoided unnecessary romantic drama and had Richard simply be a support figure for Mare. A potential second season would be the perfect way to explore the romance, and it would be nice to see Mare lowering her defenses a bit.
5 Julianne Nicholson
And speaking of underrated actors, Julianne Nicholson fits the bill to a tee. The talented actress, who wowed audiences with turns in movies like August: Osage County and shows like HBO's own The Outsider, delivered on Mare big-time.
As Mare's best friend, who ends up hiding some major secrets, Nicholson sinks her teeth in one of the best parts of her career. She delivers a bravado performance in the show's final episode, seemingly pulling the audience away before bringing them back in in a matter of minutes. The part is likely to earn Nicholson an Emmy nomination and perhaps even a win. She has some formidable competition, though, including one from inside the house.
4 Jean Smart
The competition in question is the scene-stealing, Fruit-Ninja playing Helen Fahey. Played with unrestrained gusto by HBO staple and consummate performer Jean Smart, Helen quickly became a fan-favorite thanks to her unique combination of hilarious one-liners mixed with raw and sympathetic sadness. A second season could go deeper exploring Mare and Helen's dynamic, and it could even make time for Helen's love life, which provided one of the season's funniest moments.
Smart, who in recent years delivered unforgettable performances in projects like FX's Fargo and HBO's Watchmen, will most likely receive her tenth Emmy nomination for her work on Mare. She is currently enjoying success with another HBO series, the comedy Hacks, which could earn her an eleventh Emmy nod. She will return for Hacks' second season, but it would be amazing to get her back for Mare season 2.
3 Closure For Mare's Grief
Throughout season 1, Mare struggles with her son's death. She's unable to go to the attic - the place where she discovered his body - and has difficulty coming to terms with her feelings about the ordeal. Through her meetings with a therapist, audiences learn that Mare's relationship with her son was very complicated.
Season 1 does a brilliant job exploring Mare's guilt and her feelings of inadequacy. However, a potential second season could go even further, addressing her lingering regret and the fears she has about her grandson, Drew. It would also be the ideal opportunity to showcase Kate Winslet's considerable talents.
2 Kate Winslet
And speaking of Kate Winslet's considerable talents, Mare of Easttown belongs to her. The actress delivers a career-best performance in her best role since 2015's Steve Jobs. As Mare, Winslet is heartbreaking and raw, struggling to keep up a facade for the sake of everyone else.
It's a complex and layered character that, in the hands of a less capable actress, would probably come across as annoying or entitled. Yet, Winslet embodies Mare and finds the humanity in her, creating a profoundly sympathetic woman who instantly won the audience's heart. It was an utter delight to see Winslet in fine form, delivering a tour-de-force performance that challenged her in every way. She would only get better in a second season now that she has more understanding of the character.
1 It Has Many Stories Left To Tell
One of the main delights of the show was the intricate stories from Easttown inhabitants. The show mainly focused on a select few, but it still found time to showcase other stories. Dawn's fight with cancer and her struggle to find her daughter, Katie, were one of the season's most heartbreaking parts. And the complicated relationship between Beth and her brother, Freddie, also provided another thoughtful and layered plot.
After her son's arrest and with her husband presumably still in jail, Lori's story seems like it's just beginning. Adding that to Helen and Mare's stories, plus a new crime to haunt the small town, and Mare of Easttown season 2 is too good an idea to pass.
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