Thomas Storai 
“American Rust: Broken Justice is a riveting crime drama but the story suffers from following too many characters at the same time.”
Three years after its first season, American Rust returns for a second season called Broken Justice. This one is composed of ten episodes and premieres on March 28 on Prime Video.
THE PREMISE
This second season takes place four months after the shout-out in West Virginia. Del Harris (Jeff Daniels) has returned to the Pittsburgh P.D. and finds himself back in the folds of The Brotherhood that he is now secretly trying to take down with the help of the FBI. He also continues his relationship with Grace Poe (Maura Tierney) back in Buell. While her son Billy (Alex Neustaedter) accepts a settlement for his injuries during his time in prison. He tries to figure out his relationship with Lee English (Julia Mayorga), her brother Isaac (David Alvarez) is now working for Landwill Energy. In the meantime, Steve Park (Rob Yang) has taken over as chief of Police in Buell. Park is determined to take Harris down for what happened.
A CROWDED PLACE
American Rust has a lot of different storylines, maybe even too much. Indeed, there are a lot of characters and they all have their own storyline that we follow in each episode. It’s all connected and it all comes together later in the season. However, the main plot is diluted by having too much at the same time. That’s the real problem here. The story follows too many characters, which means sometimes it forgets what it wants to tell. It can’t follow the main plot and all the secondary storylines at the same time. So, that is a real shame, because at its best this series is a riveting crime drama. There is no denying that this is also a pretty good drama. Billy’s trauma is explored in a touching way.
But, trying to do too many things at the same time never ends up with the expected results. I think this is something the series hasn’t learned from the first season. Staying focused on one thing is better than going in every direction.
A RIVETING CRIME DRAMA
When it really focuses on the crime drama part, American Rust is as good as a season of True Detective. I say this as a high praise. Actually, it’s similar in terms of tone, its exploration of characters and its setting. An investigation to take down dirty cops, a shady company, an investigation on a man who has been blown up, it’s all compelling threads. These investigations are gripping, it keeps you entertained. It’s some fine writing there.
Moreover, Detective Angela Burgos (Luna Lauren Velez) is one of the new additions to the team. She is a good cop while Del is someone with a troubling past who is trying to do the right thing. This creates an interesting dynamic. It is something that plays an important part into what is going on this season. Obviously, this influences where the investigations are going.
When everything comes together in the final three episodes, this really goes big with the thrills. Because everything comes together, the story is less diluted, which results in better episodes. A lot is resolved but there is a lot that has yet to happen. A third season is definitely needed. But, it would be best if it learned from its past mistakes.
CAST
Overall, this is a great ensemble cast. Jeff Daniels delivers a memorable performance as this troubled detective. On top of that, Maura Tierney continues play brilliantly this strong rural American woman. But the real standout for me is Luna Lauren Velez. She delivers a serious performance as Detective Burgos. Through her performance, she shows the determination of her character.
VERDICT
American Rust: Broken Justice is a riveting crime drama but the story suffers from following too many characters at the same time, sometimes forgetting what it’s trying to tell.
American Rust: Broken Justice premieres today on Prime Video.
Collectables Editor at Future Of The Force.
Star Wars and Marvel specialist, anime expert
