Paramount+ is set to unleash another season of intrigue, dark humor, and, of course, murder with the highly anticipated Why Women Kill Season 2. From the mind of Desperate Housewives creator Marc Cherry, this season promises a fresh, twisted narrative with a brand-new ensemble cast and a chillingly captivating storyline. Stepping away from the multiple timelines of the first season, season 2 plunges viewers into the opulent yet stifling world of 1940s suburbia, exploring themes of beauty, belonging, and the deadly lengths some will go to achieve them.
A New Era, A New Kind of Killer
While season 1 captivated audiences with its interwoven tales across different decades, Marc Cherry reveals that the concept for season 2 has been brewing since the show’s inception. Inspired by the under-explored perspective of a serial killer’s wife, Cherry crafted a narrative centered around a woman yearning for significance and acceptance within her community. This desire becomes the driving force behind Alma, portrayed by Allison Tolman, a seemingly ordinary housewife who discovers a hidden capacity for ruthlessness.
Cherry explains, “I had two different ideas when I first pitched the show. I had season 2 in my back pocket… I started coming up with this idea of a woman who feels powerless and unseen in the world and very much wants to sit at the cool kids’ table. As luck would have it, she finds out that for all her feeling powerless in the world, she has a very powerful tool at her disposal.” This sets the stage for a season where appearances are deceiving, and the quest for social status takes a deadly turn.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/WWK_202_NW_3188_RT-789088fe179c45c980c1c476abd97160.jpg)
1940s Glamour and Deadly Ambition
Season 2 transports viewers to the visually stunning backdrop of 1940s America, a period ripe with societal expectations and shifting roles for women. Alma’s aspiration to join an exclusive garden club becomes the catalyst for the season’s dark events. This setting allows Cherry to delve into the era’s complex dynamics, where women, having contributed significantly to the workforce during wartime, were now expected to return to domesticity. The allure of the garden club represents more than just social standing; it symbolizes beauty, style, and a sense of belonging that Alma desperately craves.
“The whole series starts with a woman whose biggest dream is to be a part of an exclusive garden club filled with all these beautiful stylish women in her community,” Cherry elaborates. “I thought that dream would seem real and important for a certain kind of woman. I chose postwar America because of where women were at that time… And also, I love the clothes of the period. The themes of my characters have to do with beauty and how they feel about themselves. If you think you have beauty, how do you behave?” This exploration of beauty standards and self-perception within the confines of 1940s society forms a crucial layer of the season’s narrative.
Rita and Alma: Friends Turned Foes?
At the heart of the garden club drama lies Rita, played by Lana Parrilla, who emerges as a central figure and potential antagonist to Alma. Initially, the dynamic between Rita and Alma hints at a possible friendship, but as Cherry teases, a significant spoiler (intentionally withheld) transforms their relationship into one of bitter rivalry. Rita, seemingly unaware of Alma’s darker capabilities, underestimates the lengths to which Alma will go to achieve her desires.
Cherry reveals, “Rita and Alma have moments where you think they’re going to be friends, but then [SPOILER ALERT! We won’t reveal what happens], so she becomes her sworn enemy… Rita, who takes a swipe at Alma, doesn’t understand that Alma has a horrible tool at her disposal. The interesting trajectory of the series is how Alma gains power and confidence and starts to become more and more beautiful and stylish.” This evolving dynamic between Alma and Rita promises to be a central source of conflict and intrigue throughout the season, showcasing Parrilla’s talent for portraying complex, powerful women.
Desperate Housewives Reunion and Increased Suspense
Adding a touch of familiarity for fans of Marc Cherry’s previous work, Lana Parrilla’s casting has a Desperate Housewives connection. Cherry initially envisioned Eva Longoria for the role of Rita, but scheduling conflicts led to Longoria suggesting Parrilla. This connection adds an extra layer of excitement for viewers familiar with Cherry’s signature blend of dark comedy and dramatic storytelling.
Furthermore, Cherry hints at a heightened level of suspense and mortality in season 2. “There’s a little bit more murder throughout,” he teases, suggesting a season with even more twists and potentially more victims than the first. This promise of increased stakes ensures that Why Women Kill Season 2 will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, guessing who might be next.
Premiere Date and Streaming Details
Fans eager to delve into the new season of Why Women Kill can mark their calendars for the premiere on Thursday, June 3rd, on Paramount+. The season will launch with two episodes, followed by weekly releases of the remaining eight episodes every Thursday. With its compelling storyline, stellar cast, and visually rich 1940s setting, Why Women Kill Season 2 is poised to be another darkly comedic and thrilling chapter in the anthology series.
