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Warning: The following contains spoilers for the Season 2 finale of Animal Kingdom.
Savvy viewers didn’t need the promo for the Season 2 finale of Animal Kingdom to hint at a death, all they had to do was watch the dozen episodes that led up to it. Hell, even just the one before! In it, Baz, having learned that Smurf had been screwing over her family, had gotten her locked up; she’d had the foresight to undermine his coup by giving her power of attorney to J; Lucy had been revealed to be far more cunning than Baz (or we) would have suspected; and Pope… poor, messed-up Pope had filled Lena’s trust fund in preparation for his suicide. So, who was on the wrong end of the gunshots heard in the teaser? And what did you think of “Betrayal”? Read on. We’ll cover the hour’s big twists, then you can assign a letter grade and discuss.
‘I WANT WHAT’S MINE’ | As the episode began, Baz suggested to Lucy that they go to Tijuana and start looking for a place to settle down. In response, she went a step further, saying they shouldn’t bother coming back afterwards. But no, Baz wasn’t ready, and he wouldn’t be till he got back “everything that bitch took” from him — including the properties J now controlled. Meanwhile, in the big house, Smurf found herself surrounded by the protection her grandson had bought her (via that envelope she had him deliver). At Casa Cody, Pope was busy warning J about Baz when he realized it was the teen’s graduation the next day. For her part, Nicky was unsure whether she’d pass — or stab her visiting father. But that didn’t stop her from planning an after-party. At Deran’s bar, he calculated that he could launder three grand a week without raising any red flags. Natch, he and Craig remained hopeful that J would continue paying their “property manager” salaries.
Later, Pope was playing father figure to Lena when Smurf phoned J and assured him he needn’t worry about Baz yet. “He’s not as smart as he thinks he is,” she cracked. The one J should keep an eye on is Pope, she added, since sometimes he can’t help but hurt people. When Baz took J to Smurf’s lawyer to “fix” the power-of-attorney sitch, the lawyer was a no-show, tipped off by her client (who’d been tipped off by her grandson). Furious, Baz told a horrific story about J’s mother having been raped — and Smurf’s cold reaction to it (she was angry that her daughter had blown a deal) — to illustrate how little he could count on Grandma to protect him. (And suggested that the rapist was J’s father.) Back behind bars, Smurf was disturbed to learn that she’d be an inmate for at least six months or a year — maybe 20 to life. But the lead detective was willing to cut her a deal if she sold out her boys, especially Pope, since he hit six banks in one day.
‘NEVER TRUST AN OUTSIDER TO DO THE RIGHT THING’ | To Nicky’s surprise, she learned that she was going to graduate after all. From school, she and J headed to a family meeting so tense that everybody should have been frisked beforehand. Right off the bat, Baz made the mistake of saying he hadn’t let Craig and Deran in on his plan to take down Smurf, because hello — who would, given that their mommy issues are so severe, they could keep a team of shrinks working overtime for decades? Things only got worse when he asked J what he intended to do with the assets, and J, in turn, questioned what had been in the other vaults of his grandma’s that they’d emptied. And where was that stuff, anyway? In no time, fingers were pointed; blame, placed; and punches, thrown… just in time for Lena to walk in. (If that kid isn’t already scarred for life… !)
The following day, Pope told Baz how troubled and scared Lena was. True to form, Baz just asked his brother to look after the kid while he was in Tijuana and angrily ordered him to be more supportive of him in front of the other Codys. Visiting Smurf in the pen, J asked if she knew who his father was. She insisted that Baz was just trying to mess with his head and instructed him to have Baz come by, as she was preparing to strike a deal… and not with him. When Baz did show up, she suggested that he ask Pope about Catherine, that maybe Pope never got over Cath choosing Baz over him, that Pope would always love his mother more than he does Baz.
‘NOT ONE OF YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT ME!’ | Speaking of Pope, he was at that moment in a fetal position in the shower. Already stretched close to the point of snapping, he answered the phone to hear his mother warn him that Baz knew about Catherine and “would be coming for you.” Holy crap — she was flippin’ setting up Pope to take out Baz for her!!! Arming himself, Pope ran to Deran and Craig, and asked them to take care of Lena if anything happened to him. (Has Baz ever done or said anything that parental?) While this dire s— was going down, Nicky broke into a classmate’s house to steal back a jacket, and in a rage, demolished a bulletin board full of the girl’s achievements. (And she was just getting warmed up.)
For an intense moment, it appeared that Pope had returned to his own place intending to kill Baz. But then he threw away his bullets — guilt eating away at him, he still wanted to die, even if it meant leaving Lena. When Baz found him, Pope admitted to killing Catherine and reminded him that he’d stolen her away only to punish Smurf for not letting him be with Lucy. Baz had never thought about what it would do to Pope — no one ever thought about him. Miraculously, instead of pull the trigger, Baz told Pope he loved him and promised to take care of him always. At the same time, Nicky and J’s robbery went up in smoke when an old man (grandpa?) happened upon them and, even after being pushed down the stairs, managed to give Nicky a flesh wound.
Off the insanity going on with his family, Craig bailed. Deran wouldn’t, though; he’d promised to stay behind and look after Lena. (Good on him.) Lucy convinced Baz to go, too, but just as they were about to drive off into the night, someone emerged from the darkness and shot him! After Lucy snuck off, telling her fading-fast lover she couldn’t stay as the cops arrived, we flashed to her and Marco retrieving from Baz’s “bank” all the leftover loot from Smurf’s vaults! Da-amn!
So, what did you think of “Betrayal”? Hoping Baz will pull through? Grade the episode in the poll below, then hit the comments.
I’m thinking (and really really really hoping) he will pull through! I love Scott speed man and baz has always been my favorite! I believe that him getting shot will serve as the trigger for the events of the next season, and the codys will go to war with Lucy and Marco. However, that won’t be possible if baz does not tell his bros where the money is because they will have no way of realising that it is gone, and that Lucy and Marco took it. Now there is the possibility that he could just tell one of them on his deathbed, but that would be some pretty bad writing in my opinion. I will still love this show even if baz dies, but I feel like it will be a serious blow to the quality of the show if he dies(that’s just my opinion). All in all, good episode!
I agree
@Harry All I can say is that I agree 100%
The one thing, I know they implied J was the shooter, but I hope they remember we remember that a black hoodie is a regular part of J’s wardrobe. As Lucy is scarier than we knew, I more suspect it was Marco. Plus, Smurf only had J on early lessons of using a gun, she had been shifting to the get other people to do your dirty work lesson. Plus, where was Lena? J wouldn’t risk that.
makes sense it was the girl he was with to me……also how much did he get from the storage unit cash????was it ever clarified
It was over 4 million as I recall.
I think Lucy set it up. Baz and Lucy had already made plans to go to Mexico so she had time to set up the murder. I watched this episode twice in a row and I realized how persistent Lucy was to still leave for Mexico that night. She was looking all around and handed Baz the keys (maybe a signal), then she gives the hit man time to run up on Baz as she grabs Baz’ chin and makes him look at her for several seconds!
I agree lucy set up baz.
Baz is my favorite..please don’t have him die and write him off..lethim come back for real revenge
I didn’t see Baz getting shot.I hope he lives & he can and the other brothers get her!! She set him up!! If Baz dies they blame on Pope. No good!
I loved the animal kingdom season 2 finale. Bazz has went off his rocker and watching J stand up for his self was great but Smurf needs to be out to deal with baz and get her life back…her with the boys males the show even more intense in kinda like she’s the mommy that loves too much in an odd way,a little to close for comfort but it’s what keeps their connection on the show.
I hope Baz survives and the Cody crew wreaks havoc on Lucy and her whole family. Betrayal is unforgiveable!! Burndown the whole family tree!!
Lucy didn’t set up Baz. But she wasn’t about to leave all those suitcase$ unattended. If Baz survives, she’ll have taken good care of it. If he does, it’s still hers.
Seriously? Of course she set him up. She’s pretty powerful, seems like she runs things in Mexico. Remember how she had that kid kidnapped? Did they ever say why?
Do y’all remember what she told J girl by the pool? She some what said they act like girls and wait till the time is right she gone strike. Not in those words but that’s what I got out it.
Lucy set that up!!! She knew they were leaving that night and even convinced Baz to leave! Then it’s funny she and her brother who’s usually in Mexico go right to where the monies at… How did he know to happen to be in town???
Well said
Go back and look at Lucy’s reaction when the shots rung out – she was truly terrified and shocked. She did not set Baz up – Jay did it – he is angry at Baz and Smurf egged him on as well – Pope told J to be worried about Baz. J is baby Pope because he is book smart, has become street smart, and he is cold and calculating.
Cynthia, right. Smurf gave J enough fuel to go after Baz. Talking about J being a rape baby didn’t help. Smurf was hoping Pope would kill Baz during the confrontation.
I believe that will happen Four Season three to get the clan back together and bring down Lucy organization. I also hope they bring up Smurf daughter like how was she and what happened to her & Smurf relationship
I really really hope baz is not dead Lena needs a father. Hope pope comes and fines him and gets him help. I hope the Cody boys nail Lucy and Marco to the wall. Low down snakes in my opinion. J needs to grow up and get his thinking straight he acts like a robot to smurf and well she deserves everything she gets for screwing over them. Bad is in my opinion the true leader here and without him the rest is just lost.
you’re right; lena does need a father. thankfully, pope is that father. baz is trash.
jay is a child. he’ll grow up eventually. but i think for an 18 year old to be dropped into this mess of a family, he’s doing beautifully.
Part of the reason I hope baz survives is that it could bring him closer to Lena in the next season, I think that would be some beautiful writing! Maybe they could say the only reason he was able to hold on was because of her or something! I dunno, I think that it would be a good direction!
I wouldn’t believe that kind of transformation from Baz – he only cares about himself!
I agree Oberon! Baz is the worst parent on this show and I definitely hope he dies! Lena will be WAY better off as an orphan, getting taken care of by Uncle Pope until Grandma Smurf comes home! Also I don’t see it as Smurf is getting what she deserves. They are all criminals and screwed up – but Baz is an ungrateful bastard and a snitch-bitch. It makes sense to me that Smurf would put some to the side for a “rainy day” – it surely will come and the boys are not exactly known as responsible adults.
Totally agree.
I believe he will live and they as a family will go after lucy and Marco. I believe Lucy set it up.
I agree, I hope Baz dies and the Cody family goes after Lucy to get their money back. He betrayed a family that took him and then turns on Smurf. I don’t trust him any farther than I could throw him. He was also manipulating Pope, he only loves himself, but needs an ally in the family.
Snurf has rasied them to be this way. Thats how she remains in control of them, shes a sociopath. Keeps them on a tight leash, then gives them lots of money in return. If they become independent she will loose them.
Agred Oberon. Baz doesn’t care about that child one bit and Jay coprs well with the dh#t piled on him epidode after episode. Wonder how many folks know the actor playing K is British!!??
I agree totally
J has played it right all this time — watching, learning the ropes, keeping his own counsel. Now he is ready to take over. Baz is done. If he isn’t dead he’ll be on the run until he is. J is the new King.
Nicky is his Achilles heel though. She’s a rookie and a borderline addict and sooner or later, it’s going to get him in trouble.
Agreed, a loose cannon
Let’s not forget what he’s planning. Remember that episode where he goes to his mother’s friend house to hide stuff? He’s planning something. He’s definitely not over the way the Cody’s treated his mother. He’s going out for revenge. Watch!
I didn’t understand who the shooter was///Also this is a show more suited for Amazon or Netflix. I hate waiting each week, I loved the 1st season because I watched it all at once. This is not a “weekly” show. This is a show that is so much better binged watched…If they could do that, curse more, make it more UNRATED it would be up for all types of awards.
I think it was marco
I think it wasn’t Marco and his sister that set baz up but rather smurf somehow figured out a way to hire someone to do it from inside jail and Lucy assuming smurf sent the killer called Marco after baz got shot and told him to come help move the money so they could protect it from smurfs next move which would obviously be to take the money back my only solid evidence is how emotional Lucy was when baz got shot and how she kissed him over and over almost risking getting seen by the police
Now ask yourself what I just typed,does that make logical sense? You must haven’t been paying attention to that ruthless conniving snake Lucy. It was her set up, look pass the fake kisses and tears. Look closely .she called Marco? Really or was Marco already in town because it was Lucy’s plan. Why move the money and jewelry only her and baz knew where it was. Man you better think it over again because you’re way off. And it’s pretty obvious you’re not Street smart let alone a critical thinker.
@Conchance
It’s almost like dude was watching a totally different show. I think he’s got some past situations giving him some weird emotional connection to the characters that’s blinding him to the “reality” of what’s happening on the show. Such a strange interpretation… Haha
I agree Lucy set him up, but is there a possibility Lucy is using smurf as the decoy… Smurfs protection were all Latino women, is it possible she’s paying Lucy for the protection with out knowing, and now Lucy is her only protection… I have a feeling Lucy is gonna be a huge part of the show going forward… Also am I the only one who thinks pope could be lena’s dad and baz is definately Js dad?
@Steven
Man you need to reread your post… Maybe watch the episode again because your interpretation falls apart once logic or common sense is applied to it. I don’t mean to seem rude but it’s almost like you were watching an entirely different show. It’s possible something or some situations in your past are causing you to go the direction you believe. Maybe rewatch with a clear head and see if you come to the same conclusion man
Smurf setting up to hurt/kill Baz is a logical viewpoint. So simple to think it was Lucy. And this is not to say it’s not Lucy but to call a poster out for looking at Smurf is not cool. Baz is worth more alive right to Lucy since all of Smurf’s assets/properties have not been sold, which would have given Baz even more money. The hit could have even been set up by J. or one of Javier’s family/crew — It’s TV! — Other than Baz not being dead, who knows how they will spin it.
Smurf has been a step ahead even from inside her cell. If you try to consider the most unlikely scenario, it is possible that Smurf was in on it somehow. I doubt she knows that Lucy and Marco took the cash though. I’m thinking that Lucy had her orders but would have wanted Baz to just run away with her back to Mexico and leave the quarrel behind. That’s a possibility, but the writers left so many clues that I don’t think it’s meant to be obvious, so i’m leaning towards a conclusion that is more unlikely than likely.
At the very end they showed J in a Hoodia back at the house and I thought could the shooter have been J?
I love this on basic cable! While I have Netflix, Hulu & Amazon Prime – I rarely watch any of them. I prefer tv and love that every week there’s a new episode.
I think it was J.
I totally agree!
Wow!!! Love Scott Speedman so Baz better live!!
Plsss don’t kill off Baz he has become a fan favorite. I love the Cody’s and Animal Kingdom. My opinion it would be a big huge mistake if they decide to really kill off Baz. It would be devastating to all the fans that watch Animal Kingdom even if Baz isn’t they’re favorite character. He’s a very important part of the Cody brothers. I seriously think if Baz dies the ratings will drop and will cause the cancellation of this amazing show I love watching!!! Plsss don’t Kill Baz
Baz is a piece of cr@p. J is the new Cody King. Hail J!
J and Nicky are still little kids on the inside( just rewatch that whole house scene and you’ll know what I mean), if he is the new king, they’re all gonna die, but if baz pulls through, the show will probably have a fantastic third season
If baz was so wise (king) he wouldn’t have two holes in him. Everyone thinks baz is this so amazing great character but it’s his know it all arrogance that’s his weakness and he couldn’t see his girlfriend for who and what she is.so now it’s his fault for bringing in an outsider. Who was better off with all of the money Smurf or this Lucy?
Baz is one of those over confident dudes who thinks he knows all the moves, it’s like he’s ready to say “King me” and doesn’t even realize he’s in a chess match, not checkers.
AGREED CONCHANCE!
They won’t lose me if he dies. I hope he dies. Like Craig said he’s not really one of them. If he dies, it’s like Omar used to say on The Wire – it’s all in the game. In real life if somebody did what he did to Smurf he would’ve been put down immediately if he were stupid enough not to leave town. He’s greedy, that’s why he was even there to get shot. Because he refused to leave until he got what was owed to him. But there is NO WAY that everything Smurf had was pilfered from the boys. She’s been on her own since she was a kid. There’s no telling what she had to do to get some of that money. Furthermore if he was that great of a person – why is he holding out on his brothers? At a minimum he is guilty of what he accuses Smurf of. But at least she’s always taken care of her family. She even bakes pies like June Cleaver! LOL Baz is broken and I’m not even sure he’s capable of love. Good riddance I say.
LMAO @ bakes pies like June Cleaver
Time for Baz to die. Not his fault , the goofy writers turned his role into a total disconnect of the whole show. Not a Cody and nothing toward development. Speedman now has to go and the writers have to refocus to where they were in the beginning of season 1.
I expected more. They should make the season finale (and season openers) 2 hours.
baz is such a piece of crap for how he treats his daughter that i simply can’t care whether he lives or dies. one touching moment with pope-the-killer-rapist doesn’t make me give any more of a crap about baz.
and when will jay’s crappy girlfriend overdose already? honestly, at this point, i only care about deran. the rest of them can die.
Bye bye Baz — J is the new King!
Nicky is soo annoying. I need her gone. I mean she’s such a druggie. If she overdosed, I’d be fine with it.
Nicky needs to go. She is going to be the ruin of J. She should have stayed with Craig because all she does is snort coke. Nicky shouldn’t be trusted either. Miss Smurf-in-training. She’ll shift loyalty if she thinks she can get rank and benefits. Nasty skank!
I get the feeling she’s going to blab. Who knows what she told Lucy.
Loose canon Nick has been bringing up her dad a lot lately and that day Javi attacked her and J her cell caller ID said “dad”. Why is smart J hanging with her. He needs a friend other than un predictable bros?
The absolute worst thing about Nicky is her voice. J def needs an upgrade.
I love this show and already can’t wait for the next season. I think it was Marco who shot Baz but Pope will probably get blamed for it. I hope Baz doesn’t die but he sure deserved to get shot.
yes he does!!
I love this show! The cast is fantastic. I’m ready for more.
I love Scott Speedman but really dislike his character Baz and who he has turned out to become. He needs to step up and be Lena’s father. I hope he recovers for sure, I also hope he realizes what damage he’s causing his innocent daughter.
I am hooked on this show :0)
I want Baz out. He’s a waste of time now. J is going to take over — he was sitting on his “throne” at the end. J is the new King. Love live J!
You’re really obsessed with J. How many times are you going to post the same nonsense? He’s an immature pathetic moron, just like his annoying junkie girlfriend. He has no selfrespect whatsoever. She left him to screw his uncle! He’s pathetic.
Well said
She didn’t leave him. She only started sleeping with Craig after J broke up with her (ostensibly to protect her but still..).
I think it wasn’t Marco and his sister that set baz up but rather smurf somehow figured out a way to hire someone to do it from inside jail and Lucy assuming smurf sent the killer called Marco after baz got shot and told him to come help move the money so they could protect it from smurfs next move which would obviously be to take the money back my only solid evidence is how emotional Lucy was when baz got shot and how she kissed him over and over almost risking getting seen by the police
I do believe Lucy set Baz up. She is a criminal in her own right. Who knows what would have happened to Baz and Lena too in Mexico! Has doesn’t know about her kidnapping and other scandalous behavior. He will find out when he recovers(?)
She smirked with her brother/cousin Marco at the end.
Man you need to reread your post… Maybe watch the episode again because your interpretation falls apart once logic or common sense is applied to it. I don’t mean to seem rude but it’s almost like you were watching an entirely different show. It’s possible something or some situations in your past are causing you to go the direction you believe. Maybe rewatch with a clear head and see if you come to the same conclusion man
Did anyone see Lucy and Marco’s smile in the end? ?
That’s was an awesome season finale!!!! But I really really want Baz to live even though he’s a jerk. I do love his character at the same time!!! Please live on in season 3 Baz!!!
so many questions ! I’m excited to see season 3 they left us hanging 😶
Baz finally getting some karma. I hate him but don’t want to see him die yet since he needs to suffer more. I agree Lucy and Marco were behind the shooting. But she’ll blame Smurf.
I hope they given Deran a storyline next season and more screen time. Maybe the ex boyfriend can appear for more than five seconds? He’s the only one that doesn’t get a romantic focus.
Am I the only one who couldn’t care less about Nicky and her desire to be mini Smurf? The behind the episode had the writers saying that would be explored next season but who cares?
Yeah, I am sick and tired of Nicky and wish she would just go away!
I think the shooter is that black cop that told Baz he was gonna kill him. The cop that was friends with Cath, Lena’s mom. He warned Baz that he was gonna get him. I also think the writers want us to think Lucy set Baz up. I doubt it cuz she would have been did it. It was only her being her normal greedy and grimey self to take the loot n leave Baz for dead. Like Smurf said “Never trust an outsider to do the right thing.” That Baz fault, he shud have kept her out of the family biz!! Dummy!! (Smh) He brought this on himself n his family.. He too cocky now he has sum hot stuff n his chest. He shud have told his bros it was 4mil instead of lying n telling them it was only 1.4mil… hope he makes it tho i wanna see the aftermath… Cant wait til nxt season
That shooter was too small to be that black cop me thinks
I believe that little girl may be Pope’s kid and J is Baz’s son… J is not ready to take over as long as he got that druggy girlfriend talking him into doing anything. Still a kid, too reckless.
I have thought this for a while. Actually, with him bleeding out it could be a good chance to find all this out. Lena won’t be a match to Baz, but J will and will have to donate blood to save him
And what if the shooter was J, and he finds out he shot his father! ;-)
I was thinking that in season 1 they pointed towards Lena being Popes kid and Baz being J’s dad. Baz was in love with J’s mom and, if I remember correctly, Smurf didn’t want them together. Pope, I believe, did have a relationship with Kath but when J’s mom basically chose drugs over everyone else, Baz ended up taking Kath from Pope. I hope I am remembering all of that correctly. I also think Baz has turned into a greedy jerk. Smurf did keep a lot from them but she also gave them everything. None of them have ever wanted for anything.
I totally agree with you Nicky is just a repeat of his mom. J should see that he should want that as a woman…Smile
Think about it, why would Smurf have Baz, the guy who set her up, killed before she goes to trial?! If he’s dead, it will make getting her out so much more difficult.
I can’t imagine that Baz’s life is over.
If he dies, the Cody’s will have no idea that they’ve been ripped off by Lucy and Marco. He has to live to figure out that the money/valuables in the walls of that boarded up house are missing. Otherwise the storyline is dead.
This of course is all just my humble opinion!
Looking forward to Season 3!
I agree! And the writers are too good to just let Lucy and Marco get away
Good finale except for Nicky — that character has to go. She is just annoying and really does not help the story.
Is it wrong for saying I was hoping she got shot in the back when running out the house..
I personally wasn’t surprised that Baz got shot and might be dead as this happened in the original Australian film. Joel Edgerton’s version was killed by the police so I can see maybe that twist being either that cop looking into Catherine’s whereabouts shot him in the show or it was Marco. But don’t know if they’ll actually kill off Baz. If it keeps going the way of the Australian film we know who’ll survive by the end, but I can see them show changing things up as they already did in season one as in the movie Pope killed Nikki instead of Catherine, and the huge trail hasn’t happened.
I wish somebody would take out Nikki. J can’t get any other girl but something his uncle bang? Nasty. That girl is going to be the ruin of them. Nikki is a waste.