8 Things We Want From ‘For The People’ Season 2

Earlier this year, ABC introduced viewers to the Mother Court and the characters of For The People.

The action was centered on the young prosecutors and public defenders who were learning how to navigate their new jobs with help from the seasoned professionals around them while going head-to-head on a weekly basis.

While many may have been surprised the freshman drama was renewed (because it honestly fell under the radar), those who watched know the series was fascinating. Having the two sides clash created great drama, but it all centered around the work.

There wasn’t a lot of messy dating drama – there was some, of course – and the series dove deep into the interesting cases and subject matter. For The People had young people putting away criminals and fighting for causes.

We know a new season is coming, so here are 8 things we’d love to see in the second season:

1. Add an investigator

For The People has lawyers, judges, and clerks to showcase various areas of the legal process, so adding an investigator would enrich what the series is already doing.

The collection of lawyers all have a similar professional vibe under their distinct personalities, but those who watched The Good Wife know just how much a dynamic investigator can bring to the party.

Someone with an energy that would shake up the dynamics set up in Season 1 that will also keep the antics in the office.

2. More Jay Simmons

While there are six young lawyers on For The People, it seemedJay Simmons was the one viewers got to see the least. And, that should absolutely change in Season 2.

The young public defender has a compelling underdog story, but at times it felt like the show forgot he was around. Jay deserves more than a string of very touching scenes and he should get that in the second season.

3. Give Sandra A Consistent Rival

Sandra Bell gained a great rival in prosecutor Leonard Knox during the pilot, which could have been the start of a fascinating professional rival. Instead, the series made Leonard’s co-worker Kate another rival of Sandra’s, making her story one of that pesky young lawyer.

That is just far less interesting. Those who saw the final know Leonard may be on his way out of New York, so the show could introduce one great rival for Sandra.

Someone she can compete with regularly, a sparring problem. It would be great if it were Leonard, but it should be someone.

4. Take a Note From Grey’s On Bringing Life Into The Workplace

For The People is a series that lives in the workplace and it should take a note from original Shondaland drama Grey’s Anatomy on how to do just that.

Whether it’s relationship troubles leading to arguing over a course of treatment or two friends talking out a problem in the OR, Grey’s knows how to use the workplace to explore personal relationships.

For The People could use more moments set in the workplace that aren’t solely about the cases of the week. There are some, but they could take a few tips from Meredith and her coworkers on how to strike a better balance.

5. Add An Agent Of Chaos To Team Public Defender

After creating a harmonious work-family created by Jill Carlan, Sandra, and the rest of the public defenders, they could use a little chaos.

Professional complications seem like a better fit for For The People than relationship drama, so adding someone who doesn’t get along with Sandra or Allison Adams could be compelling. After all, we don’t always get along with our co-workers.

6. Galvanize The Prosecutors

While the public defenders are like family, the prosecutors don’t really seem like they want to be around one another. Except for Kate and Leonard. What they need is an experience that galvanizes them as a team.

These are not people who need to be great friends, but they could become great colleagues. Having a difficult, complex case or a traumatic event bind them together would make for compelling television and also add to the viewing experience of a team.

7. Give The Court Officers Some Love

Jill’s public defenders and Roger Gunn’s prosecutors go head-to-head on a weekly basis, but they aren’t the only characters on For The People.

Talented, veteran actors Vondie Curtis-Hall and Anna Deavere Smith play Chief Judge Nicholas Byrne and clerk Rina Krissman, but don’t get much to do.

For The People should put them both in the game when the series returns. Leaning on their personal relationships in the Mother Court or a recurring arc are two of the ways the legal drama could do just that.

8. Use Jill and Roger’s Past

Speaking of personal relationships, the show could use Roger and Jill’s past even more. Instead of the odd baseball games, their past could be used to complicate their personal lives. Especially after their season finale hook-up.

Maybe an ex-girlfriend of Roger’s ends up opposite Jill in court or Roger takes on a case against someone who knows Jill. The young lawyers are building relationships and professional rivalries, so in the meantime For The People should use the existing relationships to its advantage.

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What do you want to see during For The People Season 2? Let us know in the comments.

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