NEW Season 2 (DVD)

As Jarod started to feel more at ease in the world, "The Pretender" started to take more chances with the formula. Enter new baddies... primary among them Jamie Denton (Desperate Housewives) as Mr. Lyle. What he lacked in opposing thumbs, he made up for with sheer determination and deception. The enigmatic Mr. Raines had a greater presence here as well. They were soon followed by Harve Presnell as Mr. Parker, and Pamela Gidley as Brigitte.

As the second season went on, The Centre lost faith in Miss Parker's ability to bring Jarod back. She was hounded by Lyle and Brigitte. And was never really sure where her beloved Daddy stood. To make matters worse, she began running into her own health issues. And what did happen in that Centre elevator all those years ago?

The tapestry that was the central storyline for this great show, got woven a bit further. Though for every question that was answered (and there were very few), another series of questions would manifest themselves.

While Fox is still being stingy with the extras on the sets. It is nice to see that they are following up with the second season release. Season three is on the books for late February, hold your breath for season four.

1. Back from the Dead Again

Jarod impersonates a college professor to investigate the disappearance of a medical student's brother.

2. Scott Free

Jarod impersonates a safe cracker to help an ex-con being blackmailed by a thief.

3. Over the Edge

Jarod impersonates a rescue worker in hopes of uncovering the truth behind the apparent attempted suicide of another team member.

4. Exposed

Jarod poses as a fashion photographer to track down the stalker of a model.

5. Nip & Tuck

Jarod impersonates a plastic surgeon so he can probe the tragic disfigurement of a teenage girl.

6. Past Sim

Lyle utilizes one of Jarod's simulations to help a Japanese mobster kidnap a murder witness.

7. Collateral Damage

Jarod helps a soldier who has been falsely assused of treason.

8. Hazards

Jarod helps a suicidal engineer who has been made the scapegoat for a hazardous chemical spill that killed three people.

9. FX

A stunt man is seriously injured during the filming of a television commercial.

10. Indy Show

Jarod impersonates a race car driver to solve a mystery.

11. Gigolo Jarod

While impersonating a gigolo, Jarod discovers a plot concocted by a real estate developer to drive residents of a poor urban area from their neighborhood.

12. Toy Surprise

Jarod attempts to help a teenage boy whose best friend was killed in an automobile accident.

13. A Stand Up Guy

Jarod infiltrates the mob to flush out a cop killer.

14. Unforgotten

Jarod develops amnesia after he is struck on the head.

15. Bulletproof

Jarod impersonates a SWAT team member to find the killer of a father.

16. Silence

Jarod assists a mute boy who witnessed a murder.

17. Crash

Jarod investigates an airliner crash.

18. Red Rock Jarod

Jarod is lured to Arizona by a mysterious message that turns out to be from Mr. Lyle.

19. Stolen

While solving a kidnapping, Jarod recalls his own memories of being abducted by the Centre.

20. Bank

Jarod and Miss Parker are held hostage in a bank robbery.

21. Bloodlines - Part 1

Jarod realizes the Centre intends to create another Pretender.

22. Bloodlines - Part 2

Jarod attempts to prevent the Centre from turning a young boy into a new Pretender.

This was an incredible season of The Pretender. It was, in fact, the one that made me fall in love with the show. It has, in my opinion, the most consistantly good episodes in the series. Season Two also had a good balance between the Centre and Jarod's pretends, which is always a plus. The last few episode of the season are some of the best Pretender ever had.

Two seasons down, two seasons and two movies to go.