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Arts & Culture

MERCY STREET: Season 2

Nurse Mary Phinney (Mary Elizabeth Winstead).
Courtesy of PBS/Erik Heinila
Nurse Mary Phinney (Mary Elizabeth Winstead).

Airs Sundays, Jan. 22 - Feb. 19 & March 5, 2017 at 8 p.m. on KPBS TV

MERCY STREET, the much-acclaimed Civil War-era drama set in the occupied city of Alexandria, Virginia, will return for a second season on Jan. 22 2017. Allegiances blur, loyalties shift and the drama intensifies as the scope of the war pushes beyond Mansion House, the former hotel commandeered by northern troops to serve as a Union hospital.

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Executive produced by Ridley Scott ("The Martian," "Gladiator," "Thelma and Louise" and THE GOOD WIFE); David W. Zucker (BRAINDEAD, THE GOOD WIFE and THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE) of Scott Free Productions; Lisa Q. Wolfinger (“Desperate Crossing, The untold story of the Mayflower”) and David Zabel (ER), the series follows the doctors, nurses and soldiers, as well as free, enslaved and contraband African Americans and other residents of the war-torn city, as they navigate the new world emerging from the most cataclysmic event in our country’s history.

Season 2 picks up directly from the dramatic events at the end of the first season finale, continuing to explore life in the chaotic city of Alexandria, the complicated interpersonal dynamics of Dr. Foster, Nurse Mary and the Mansion House staff, the increasingly precarious position of the Green family and the changing world of the burgeoning black population.

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The second season will introduce a number of new elements, taking the viewer closer to the war and into the halls of Confederate power, all set against the intensifying war, starting with the Seven Days’ Battle and culminating with Antietam. The new season also delves deeper into the lives of newly freed African Americans, exploring – among other areas – life in a contraband camp, where formerly enslaved African Americans are forced to confront horrific living conditions and disease, but also get a glimpse of freedom.

EPISODE GUIDE:

Episode 1: “Balm In Gilead” airs Sunday, Jan. 22 at 8 p.m. - The staff unites to save one of their own. A former slave turned activist arrives in town, causing a rift between Foster and Mary. The Greens are in disarray; Emma and Frank’s romance ignites and Samuel plans for a reunion with Aurelia.

Charlotte Jenkins (Patina Miller), Nurse Mary Phinney (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), Samuel Diggs (McKinley Belcher III).
Courtesy of PBS/Erik Heinila
Charlotte Jenkins (Patina Miller), Nurse Mary Phinney (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), Samuel Diggs (McKinley Belcher III).

Episode 2: “The House Guest” airs Sunday, Jan. 29 at 8 p.m. - A house guest becomes the focus of Alice’s schemes. When Mary falls gravely ill, Foster’s attempts to care for her antagonize the new chief. Charlotte tries to contain the smallpox epidemic and Samuel has to make a difficult decision.

Dr. Jedediah Foster (Josh Radnor) and Dr. Byron Hale (Norbert Leo Butz).
Courtesy of PBS/Erik Heinila
Dr. Jedediah Foster (Josh Radnor) and Dr. Byron Hale (Norbert Leo Butz).

Episode 3: “One Equal Temper” airs Sunday, Feb. 5 at 8 p.m. - As Pinkerton looks at the Greens more closely, they join forces to hide an ugly secret. McBurney, hoping to distance Foster from Mary, sends him to a nearby army camp on a house call. Alice helps Frank escape and Samuel earns Charlotte’s respect.

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James Green, Sr. (Gary Cole) and James Green, Jr. (Brad Koed).
Courtesy of PBS/Erik Heinila
James Green, Sr. (Gary Cole) and James Green, Jr. (Brad Koed).

Episode 4: “Southern Mercy” airs Sunday, Feb. 12 at 8 p.m. - After the Second Battle of Bull Run, Hopkins and Emma set out to rescue a stranded group of wounded Union soldiers. Lisette, a hospital observer, discovers the truth about a young soldier, shocking Foster. Hopkins and Emma share an intimate moment.

Dr. Jedediah Foster (Josh Radnor) and Emma Green (Hannah James).
Courtesy of PBS/Erik Heinila
Dr. Jedediah Foster (Josh Radnor) and Emma Green (Hannah James).

Episode 5: “Unknown Soldier” airs Sunday, Feb. 19 at 8 p.m. - Lisette re-creates on paper the face of a disfigured, amnesiac soldier, leading to a family reunion. When Anne’s plans to be made head nurse fail,, she rejoins Hale to undermine McBurney’s authority. Pinkerton questions the Greens, causing a rift

Lisette Beaufort (Lyne Renee).
Courtesy of PBS/Erik Heinila
Lisette Beaufort (Lyne Renee).

Episode 6: “House Of Bondage” airs Sunday, March 5 at 8 p.m. - After Antietam, the Greens suffer a setback and Pinkerton’s inquiry heats up. Foster and Samuel visit Foster’s family plantation, where they intervene in a difficult labor. The hospital staff unites to oust their hated chief. In Boston, Mary’s condition worsens.

Samuel Diggs (McKinley Belcher III).
Courtesy of PBS/Erik Heinila
Samuel Diggs (McKinley Belcher III).

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WATCH ON YOUR SCHEDULE:

All six episodes of Season 1 are available to view on demand with KPBS Passport, video streaming for members ($60 yearly) using your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, AppleTV, Amazon Fire or Chromecast. Learn how to activate your benefit now.

Episodes from Season 2 will be available to view on demand for a limited time after each broadcast, then become available via KPBS Passport for an extended period.

CREDITS:

A production of Scott Free Productions and Lone Wolf Media, co-executive- produced by Clayton Krueger and producer David Rosemont. New directors for MERCY STREET’s second season include Stephen Cragg for Episodes 1 and 2; Laura Innes for Episodes 3 and 4; Alexander Zakrzewski for Episodes 5 and 6.