Dysfunctional families and power struggles in Second Family S2

Television has always had its fair share of dysfunctional families, with rich people being mean to each other and trying not to kill one other with every episode, from the Roys in Succession to the Gemstones in The Righteous Gemstones to the Richardses in Riches, hell, even the Targaryens in House of the Dragon. Simply put: dysfunctional families make for good television, throw in some wealth (or status) and you have struck gold. Kenyan Showmax Original telenovela Second Family has just the right mix of ingredients.

The first season of this telenovela introduced us to the power struggles, boardroom politics, family strife and all the chaos that erupt after the untimely death of a milling empire patriarch (played by Ian Mbugua).

We saw the lives of his family, the Gatehi-Lang’ats, unravel from the secrets he left behind, from discovering that he had a second family to naming his illegitimate daughter the heir to his company to almost causing them financial ruin due to his past mismanagement.

Watch the trailer for Second Family Season 2

Season 2 is about to be an even wilder ride, according to Dora Nyaboke, who plays Evangeline. Ever so calculating, and with an evil streak that would put the devil to shame, Evangeline is out to prove that she still has more tricks up her sleeve, despite a major shake-up coming her way. For those who threaten her ambitions, “she intends to make it quick, and painful.”

“Evangeline may appear calm on the surface but she’s more calculated than usual. She’s taking no prisoners and she’s determined to triumph with every move,” Nyaboke says.

Evangeline’s ally (and occasional foe) Cyrus (Brian Ogola) starts the new season with his life hanging in a balance following the events of last season, and with more skeletons in his closet than anyone can imagine. “It’s been a tumultuous but deeply gratifying journey playing Cyrus so far,” says Ogola. “Expect him to make more questionable choices that will leave viewers even more conflicted about him.”

Nick Ndeda says we’re going to see a very different Tehi from the usual Gatehi-Lang’at bad seed. “Tehi is getting more screen time this season. And forget about the drinking and womanising rich kid from Season 1, he has morphed into a character I also didn't see coming,” Ndeda reveals. “I love that my character undergoes such a radical transformation from being this cliché spoiled brat into a crafty, cunning character. It's a lot of fun to play because of the range of emotions and physical capabilities that I get to experiment with as an actor. It gives me something to look forward to with every new script of Second Family.”

Mumbi Maina, just like Ndeda, is excited to introduce a new side of her character, Katherine. “Katherine has often been underestimated but when pushed into a corner, she will make moves that no one sees coming. You’ll get a deeper look into just how far she’s willing to go to get what she wants. But also, you’ll see a little bit more of her emotional side.”

Alongside the aforementioned cast, Vanessa Okeyo, Stephanie Muchiri, Serah Wanjiru, Lewis Leshan, Florence Nduta, Derek Bbanga, Joyce Musoke, Sheila Ndanu and Mary Mwikali also return to Second Family S2.

Second Family S2 is now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes releasing on Thursdays and Fridays.