SCREAM: SEASON 2 (2016) TV Review

The second season of MTV's Scream: The TV Series is less than a week from concluding where Piper's partner will reveal him/herself. I am ashamed to admit I am stumped. Season 2 has veered far from the infamous Scream formula. Unfortunately, the only time a suspect is eliminated is when he/she is literally eliminated.

The new killer could still be ANYBODY, though marketing campaigns heavily imply the killer is one of the six survivors from Season 1 aka t he Lakewood Six. The second season of MTV's Scream: The TV Series is less than a week from concluding where Piper's partner will reveal him/herself. I am ashamed to admit I am stumped. Season 2 has veered far from the infamous Scream formula. Unfortunately, the only time a suspect is eliminated is when he/she is literally eliminated.

The new killer could still be ANYBODY. It could be any of the minor characters including Emma's father, Emma's mother, or Brandon James. It could be Gustavo, the Sheriff's son who is fixated on the Piper's survivors. It could be Audrey while setting up a brilliant alibi. It's even possible that Emma's psychological break could lead to obsession or homicidal tendencies.

The season's lack of clues that would typically narrow the suspect list is proving itself to be very frustrating. This mystery is neglected to make room for a focus on the psychological effects that the first round of murders have on the Lakewood Six.

Jake is immediately murdered.

Brooke's story is rather pathetic while she primarily mopes over her missing boyfriend and daddy issues (both conveniently deceased). She is so absorbed with her own petty teenage problems to be a supportive presence to her fellow survivors. She is suspiciously absent during much of the main plot.

Brooke Maddox is my main suspect.

Kieran though still alive becomes a plot casualty. His struggles drown in the drama of his fellow survivors, including his failed relationship with Emma. After losing his father, he gets stuck with his irresponsible and opportunistic aunt, who appears more suspicious that he. However, I cannot disregard his absences as anything less that convenient for a serial killer.

Emma's PTSD drives her into a mental facility over the summer, but her PTSD remains past her return. She is so haunted by her experiences that she has reoccurring nightmares. She pulls away from her mother feeling betrayed by her secrets. There are far too many people showing interest in her, including Piper's mysterious “partner”.

Noah on the other hand takes extreme advantage of the experience by starting his own radio show he cryptically titles “The Morgue.” He obsessed over the murders, Piper, and the identity of the new killer. Even after losing a second lady near to his heart, he cannot fight the urge to continue the show and his investigation. He is truly obsessed.

Meanwhile, Audrey becomes the favorite toy of Piper's real partner. She is driven to the point of exhaustion by her own guilt as well as the killer's persistent taunts. Of everyone in the Lakewood Six, she suffers the most. She suffers from both internal and external guilt over a terrible secret. No one knows she intentionally brings Piper to town. Except Piper's partner.

Thus, she feels responsible for the murders. All of the murders. The only way she can purge the guilt is through confession. She confesses her actions but also her feelings. Only then is she free from the dark figure's hold on her, and with Emma's reluctant forgiveness, she can rebuild her relationships.

Will Audrey and Emma survive the killer in order to put an end to their animosity and repair their friendship? Will Emma find a way to recover from the trauma? Will Noah ever find a lasting love? Will Kieran be able to pursue a long-term relationship with Emma? Will Brooke overcome her bitterness?

The ultimate question remains: Which one of them (if any) is Piper's partner?