Mr. Mercedes – Season 2 (2018)
Season two picks up a year after the mass murder attempt, with Brady Hartsfield now in a coma. Detective Bill Hodges attempts to move on but remains fixated on his nemesis. When a reckless experimental drug causes strange neurological activity, Brady gains a horrifying new power: the ability to infiltrate and control minds from his hospital bed. Hodges must fight a killer who is literally inside the heads of others.
Length: 0h54m
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Mystery
This Title is: A psychological cat-and-mouse game concerning mental warfare and the nature of pure evil.
Cast
Brendan Gleeson, Harry Treadaway, Justine Lupe, Jack Huston, Tessa Ferrer
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: TV-MA – Strong violence, psychological threat, and persistent strong language.
FAQ
- Is Mr. Mercedes – Season 2 (2018) Based on a True Story?: No, it is based on the second and third novels of the Bill Hodges trilogy by author Stephen King.
- Where was Mr. Mercedes – Season 2 (2018) filmed?: Charleston, South Carolina, which stands in for the fictional setting of Bridgton, Ohio.
- Who Wrote the Soundtrack?: Tricia Halloran served as the Music Supervisor, curating the score and integrating blues and rock tracks; the season’s opening theme is “I Shall Not Be Moved” by Mississippi John Hurt.
Filmmaker Profile
David E. Kelley adapted the novel for television, bringing his signature talent for character-driven drama to the horror genre. Known for *The Practice* and *Big Little Lies*, his legal background is evident in the season’s focus on medical ethics and the court system.
Why It’s Worth Watching
The shift from a gritty crime story to a supernatural thriller provides high-stakes escalation. The production features a moody aesthetic and taut, claustrophobic direction. The series successfully translates Stephen King’s blend of grounded reality and terrifying psychic intrusion into a binge-worthy experience, making it highly addictive viewing.
Main Character Deep Dive
Retired Detective Bill Hodges is a deeply flawed man whose sense of self is tied to his job. His emotional journey sees him attempting to live without his obsession, only to be forced back into the mental conflict. Brendan Gleeson delivers a masterclass in weary nobility, portraying a man continually fighting the darkness both within himself and outside it, granting the protagonist genuine emotional weight.
Unforgettable Quote
“Everything is six degrees from fucking Brady.”
Trivia
- The second season is primarily based on the third book of the trilogy, *End of Watch*, by utilizing the supernatural mind control elements earlier than in the source material.
- The character Ida Silver, Bill Hodges’ sharp-tongued neighbor and moral anchor, was created exclusively for the TV series and does not appear in the source novels.
- The production crew filmed all three seasons of the show in Charleston, South Carolina, despite the story being set in the fictional city of Bridgton, Ohio.
Trailer
Stream Mr. Mercedes – Season 2 (2018) on:
Our Review
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I found the sophomore season to be a thrilling success, successfully managing a drastic tonal shift without losing the emotional grounding of the central characters. Brendan Gleeson’s performance as Bill Hodges continues to anchor the entire production with his gruff, yet vulnerable, humanity. Harry Treadaway is excellent in a challenging role, showcasing the killer’s descent into mental chaos through non-verbal acting and haunting voiceover. The move into the supernatural domain, which sees a villain using his mind as a weapon, feels earned rather than gimmicky, elevating the tension significantly. I particularly appreciated the expanded role for Holly Gibney, whose evolution from a hesitant young woman to a confident partner is one of the show’s greatest strengths. The atmosphere is consistently moody and perfectly executed, making every episode a tense and gripping experience that I looked forward to watching.
Who Should Watch This?
Stream it if you enjoy Stephen King adaptations that blend grounded police procedure with high-stakes supernatural horror, driven by top-tier acting talent and a dark, escalating story.
