Animal Kingdom Season 2 Finale Recap: Backstab to the Future 

Warning: The following contains spoilers for the Season 2 finale of

Savvy viewers didn’t need the promo for the Season 2 finale of

to hint at a death, all they had to do was watch the dozen episodes that led up to it. Hell, even just the

before! In it, Baz, having learned that Smurf had been screwing over her family, had gotten her locked up; she’d had the foresight to undermine his coup by giving her power of attorney to J; Lucy had been revealed to be far more cunning than Baz (or we) would have suspected; and Pope… poor, messed-up Pope had filled Lena’s trust fund in preparation for his suicide. So, who was on the wrong end of the gunshots heard in the teaser? And what did you think of “Betrayal”? Read on. We’ll cover the hour’s big twists, then you can assign a letter grade and discuss.

‘I WANT WHAT’S MINE’ | As the episode began, Baz suggested to Lucy that they go to Tijuana and start looking for a place to settle down. In response, she went a step further, saying they shouldn’t bother coming back afterwards. But no, Baz wasn’t ready, and he wouldn’t be till he got back “everything that bitch took” from him — including the properties J now controlled. Meanwhile, in the big house, Smurf found herself surrounded by the protection her grandson had bought her (via that envelope she had him deliver). At Casa Cody, Pope was busy warning J about Baz when he realized it was the teen’s graduation the next day. For her part, Nicky was unsure whether she’d pass — or stab her visiting father. But that didn’t stop her from planning an after-party. At Deran’s bar, he calculated that he could launder three grand a week without raising any red flags. Natch, he and Craig remained hopeful that J would continue paying their “property manager” salaries.

Later, Pope was playing father figure to Lena when Smurf phoned J and assured him he needn’t worry about Baz yet. “He’s not as smart as he thinks he is,” she cracked. The one J should keep an eye on is Pope, she added, since sometimes he can’t help but hurt people. When Baz took J to Smurf’s lawyer to “fix” the power-of-attorney sitch, the lawyer was a no-show, tipped off by her client (who’d been tipped off by her grandson). Furious, Baz told a horrific story about J’s mother having been raped — and Smurf’s cold reaction to it (she was angry that her daughter had blown a deal) — to illustrate how little he could count on Grandma to protect him. (And suggested that the rapist was J’s father.) Back behind bars, Smurf was disturbed to learn that she’d be an inmate for at least six months or a year — maybe 20 to life. But the lead detective was willing to cut her a deal if she sold out her boys, especially Pope, since he hit six banks in one day.

RELATEDCable/Streaming Scorecard: What’s Renewed? What’s Cancelled?

‘NEVER TRUST AN OUTSIDER TO DO THE RIGHT THING’ | To Nicky’s surprise, she learned that she was going to graduate after all. From school, she and J headed to a family meeting so tense that everybody should have been frisked beforehand. Right off the bat, Baz made the mistake of saying he hadn’t let Craig and Deran in on his plan to take down Smurf, because hello — who would, given that their mommy issues are so severe, they could keep a team of shrinks working overtime for decades? Things only got worse when he asked J what he intended to do with the assets, and J, in turn, questioned what had been in the other vaults of his grandma’s that they’d emptied. And where

that stuff, anyway? In no time, fingers were pointed; blame, placed; and punches, thrown… just in time for Lena to walk in. (If that kid isn’t already scarred for life… !)

The following day, Pope told Baz how troubled and scared Lena was. True to form, Baz just asked his brother to look after the kid while he was in Tijuana and angrily ordered him to be more supportive of him in front of the other Codys. Visiting Smurf in the pen, J asked if she knew who his father was. She insisted that Baz was just trying to mess with his head and instructed him to have Baz come by, as she was preparing to strike a deal… and not with him. When Baz did show up, she suggested that he ask Pope about Catherine, that maybe Pope never got over Cath choosing Baz over him, that Pope would always love his mother more than he does Baz.

RELATEDFall TV 2017: Your Handy Calendar of 100+ Season and Series Premiere Dates

‘NOT ONE OF YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT ME!’ | Speaking of Pope, he was at that moment in a fetal position in the shower. Already stretched close to the point of snapping, he answered the phone to hear his mother warn him that Baz knew about Catherine and “would be coming for you.” Holy crap — she was flippin’ setting up Pope to take out Baz for her!!! Arming himself, Pope ran to Deran and Craig, and asked them to take care of Lena if anything happened to him. (Has Baz ever done or said anything that parental?) While this dire s— was going down, Nicky broke into a classmate’s house to steal back a jacket, and in a rage, demolished a bulletin board full of the girl’s achievements. (And she was just getting warmed up.)

For an intense moment, it appeared that Pope had returned to his own place intending to kill Baz. But then he threw away his bullets — guilt eating away at him, he still wanted to die, even if it meant leaving Lena. When Baz found him, Pope admitted to killing Catherine and reminded him that he’d stolen her away only to punish Smurf for not letting him be with Lucy. Baz had never thought about what it would do to Pope — no one ever thought about him. Miraculously, instead of pull the trigger, Baz told Pope he loved him and promised to take care of him always. At the same time, Nicky and J’s robbery went up in smoke when an old man (grandpa?) happened upon them and, even after being pushed down the stairs, managed to give Nicky a flesh wound.

Off the insanity going on with his family, Craig bailed. Deran wouldn’t, though; he’d promised to stay behind and look after Lena. (Good on him.) Lucy convinced Baz to go, too, but just as they were about to drive off into the night, someone emerged from the darkness and shot him! After Lucy snuck off, telling her fading-fast lover she couldn’t stay as the cops arrived, we flashed to her and Marco retrieving from Baz’s “bank” all the leftover loot from Smurf’s vaults! Da-amn!

So, what did you think of “Betrayal”? Hoping Baz will pull through? Grade the episode in the poll below, then hit the comments.

If you like TVLine, you\'ll LOVE our weekly newsletter. Click here to subscribe.

I’m thinking (and really really really hoping) he will pull through! I love Scott speed man and baz has always been my favorite! I believe that him getting shot will serve as the trigger for the events of the next season, and the codys will go to war with Lucy and Marco. However, that won’t be possible if baz does not tell his bros where the money is because they will have no way of realising that it is gone, and that Lucy and Marco took it. Now there is the possibility that he could just tell one of them on his deathbed, but that would be some pretty bad writing in my opinion. I will still love this show even if baz dies, but I feel like it will be a serious blow to the quality of the show if he dies(that’s just my opinion). All in all, good episode!

The one thing, I know they implied J was the shooter, but I hope they remember we remember that a black hoodie is a regular part of J’s wardrobe. As Lucy is scarier than we knew, I more suspect it was Marco. Plus, Smurf only had J on early lessons of using a gun, she had been shifting to the get other people to do your dirty work lesson. Plus, where was Lena? J wouldn’t risk that.

makes sense it was the girl he was with to me……also how much did he get from the storage unit cash????was it ever clarified

I think Lucy set it up. Baz and Lucy had already made plans to go to Mexico so she had time to set up the murder. I watched this episode twice in a row and I realized how persistent Lucy was to still leave for Mexico that night. She was looking all around and handed Baz the keys (maybe a signal), then she gives the hit man time to run up on Baz as she grabs Baz’ chin and makes him look at her for several seconds!

Baz is my favorite..please don’t have him die and write him off..lethim come back for real revenge

I didn’t see Baz getting shot.I hope he lives & he can and the other brothers get her!! She set him up!! If Baz dies they blame on Pope. No good!

I loved the animal kingdom season 2 finale. Bazz has went off his rocker and watching J stand up for his self was great but Smurf needs to be out to deal with baz and get her life back…her with the boys males the show even more intense in kinda like she’s the mommy that loves too much in an odd way,a little to close for comfort but it’s what keeps their connection on the show.

I hope Baz survives and the Cody crew wreaks havoc on Lucy and her whole family. Betrayal is unforgiveable!! Burndown the whole family tree!!

Lucy didn’t set up Baz. But she wasn’t about to leave all those suitcase$ unattended. If Baz survives, she’ll have taken good care of it. If he does, it’s still hers.

I really really hope baz is not dead Lena needs a father. Hope pope comes and fines him and gets him help. I hope the Cody boys nail Lucy and Marco to the wall. Low down snakes in my opinion. J needs to grow up and get his thinking straight he acts like a robot to smurf and well she deserves everything she gets for screwing over them. Bad is in my opinion the true leader here and without him the rest is just lost.

you’re right; lena does need a father. thankfully, pope is that father. baz is trash.

jay is a child. he’ll grow up eventually. but i think for an 18 year old to be dropped into this mess of a family, he’s doing beautifully.

Part of the reason I hope baz survives is that it could bring him closer to Lena in the next season, I think that would be some beautiful writing! Maybe they could say the only reason he was able to hold on was because of her or something! I dunno, I think that it would be a good direction!

J has played it right all this time — watching, learning the ropes, keeping his own counsel. Now he is ready to take over. Baz is done. If he isn’t dead he’ll be on the run until he is. J is the new King.

I didn’t understand who the shooter was///Also this is a show more suited for Amazon or Netflix. I hate waiting each week, I loved the 1st season because I watched it all at once. This is not a “weekly” show. This is a show that is so much better binged watched…If they could do that, curse more, make it more UNRATED it would be up for all types of awards.

I think it wasn’t Marco and his sister that set baz up but rather smurf somehow figured out a way to hire someone to do it from inside jail and Lucy assuming smurf sent the killer called Marco after baz got shot and told him to come help move the money so they could protect it from smurfs next move which would obviously be to take the money back my only solid evidence is how emotional Lucy was when baz got shot and how she kissed him over and over almost risking getting seen by the police

Now ask yourself what I just typed,does that make logical sense? You must haven’t been paying attention to that ruthless conniving snake Lucy. It was her set up, look pass the fake kisses and tears. Look closely .she called Marco? Really or was Marco already in town because it was Lucy’s plan. Why move the money and jewelry only her and baz knew where it was. Man you better think it over again because you’re way off. And it’s pretty obvious you’re not Street smart let alone a critical thinker.

It’s almost like dude was watching a totally different show. I think he’s got some past situations giving him some weird emotional connection to the characters that’s blinding him to the “reality” of what’s happening on the show. Such a strange interpretation… Haha

Man you need to reread your post… Maybe watch the episode again because your interpretation falls apart once logic or common sense is applied to it. I don’t mean to seem rude but it’s almost like you were watching an entirely different show. It’s possible something or some situations in your past are causing you to go the direction you believe. Maybe rewatch with a clear head and see if you come to the same conclusion man

Wow!!! Love Scott Speedman so Baz better live!!

Plsss don’t kill off Baz he has become a fan favorite. I love the Cody’s and Animal Kingdom. My opinion it would be a big huge mistake if they decide to really kill off Baz. It would be devastating to all the fans that watch Animal Kingdom even if Baz isn’t they’re favorite character. He’s a very important part of the Cody brothers. I seriously think if Baz dies the ratings will drop and will cause the cancellation of this amazing show I love watching!!! Plsss don’t Kill Baz

J and Nicky are still little kids on the inside( just rewatch that whole house scene and you’ll know what I mean), if he is the new king, they’re all gonna die, but if baz pulls through, the show will probably have a fantastic third season

If baz was so wise (king) he wouldn’t have two holes in him. Everyone thinks baz is this so amazing great character but it’s his know it all arrogance that’s his weakness and he couldn’t see his girlfriend for who and what she is.so now it’s his fault for bringing in an outsider. Who was better off with all of the money Smurf or this Lucy?

Baz is one of those over confident dudes who thinks he knows all the moves, it’s like he’s ready to say “King me” and doesn’t even realize he’s in a chess match, not checkers.

I expected more. They should make the season finale (and season openers) 2 hours.

baz is such a piece of crap for how he treats his daughter that i simply can’t care whether he lives or dies. one touching moment with pope-the-killer-rapist doesn’t make me give any more of a crap about baz.

and when will jay’s crappy girlfriend overdose already? honestly, at this point, i only care about deran. the rest of them can die.

I love this show and already can’t wait for the next season. I think it was Marco who shot Baz but Pope will probably get blamed for it. I hope Baz doesn’t die but he sure deserved to get shot.

I love this show! The cast is fantastic. I’m ready for more.

I love Scott Speedman but really dislike his character Baz and who he has turned out to become. He needs to step up and be Lena’s father. I hope he recovers for sure, I also hope he realizes what damage he’s causing his innocent daughter.

I want Baz out. He’s a waste of time now. J is going to take over — he was sitting on his “throne” at the end. J is the new King. Love live J!

I think it wasn’t Marco and his sister that set baz up but rather smurf somehow figured out a way to hire someone to do it from inside jail and Lucy assuming smurf sent the killer called Marco after baz got shot and told him to come help move the money so they could protect it from smurfs next move which would obviously be to take the money back my only solid evidence is how emotional Lucy was when baz got shot and how she kissed him over and over almost risking getting seen by the police

I do believe Lucy set Baz up. She is a criminal in her own right. Who knows what would have happened to Baz and Lena too in Mexico! Has doesn’t know about her kidnapping and other scandalous behavior. He will find out when he recovers(?)

That’s was an awesome season finale!!!! But I really really want Baz to live even though he’s a jerk. I do love his character at the same time!!! Please live on in season 3 Baz!!!

so many questions ! I’m excited to see season 3 they left us hanging 😶

Baz finally getting some karma. I hate him but don’t want to see him die yet since he needs to suffer more. I agree Lucy and Marco were behind the shooting. But she’ll blame Smurf.

I hope they given Deran a storyline next season and more screen time. Maybe the ex boyfriend can appear for more than five seconds? He’s the only one that doesn’t get a romantic focus.

Am I the only one who couldn’t care less about Nicky and her desire to be mini Smurf? The behind the episode had the writers saying that would be explored next season but who cares?

Yeah, I am sick and tired of Nicky and wish she would just go away!

I think the shooter is that black cop that told Baz he was gonna kill him. The cop that was friends with Cath, Lena’s mom. He warned Baz that he was gonna get him. I also think the writers want us to think Lucy set Baz up. I doubt it cuz she would have been did it. It was only her being her normal greedy and grimey self to take the loot n leave Baz for dead. Like Smurf said “Never trust an outsider to do the right thing.” That Baz fault, he shud have kept her out of the family biz!! Dummy!! (Smh) He brought this on himself n his family.. He too cocky now he has sum hot stuff n his chest. He shud have told his bros it was 4mil instead of lying n telling them it was only 1.4mil… hope he makes it tho i wanna see the aftermath… Cant wait til nxt season

I believe that little girl may be Pope’s kid and J is Baz’s son… J is not ready to take over as long as he got that druggy girlfriend talking him into doing anything. Still a kid, too reckless.

I have thought this for a while. Actually, with him bleeding out it could be a good chance to find all this out. Lena won’t be a match to Baz, but J will and will have to donate blood to save him

Think about it, why would Smurf have Baz, the guy who set her up, killed before she goes to trial?! If he’s dead, it will make getting her out so much more difficult.

I can’t imagine that Baz’s life is over.

If he dies, the Cody’s will have no idea that they’ve been ripped off by Lucy and Marco. He has to live to figure out that the money/valuables in the walls of that boarded up house are missing. Otherwise the storyline is dead.

Good finale except for Nicky — that character has to go. She is just annoying and really does not help the story.

I personally wasn’t surprised that Baz got shot and might be dead as this happened in the original Australian film. Joel Edgerton’s version was killed by the police so I can see maybe that twist being either that cop looking into Catherine’s whereabouts shot him in the show or it was Marco. But don’t know if they’ll actually kill off Baz. If it keeps going the way of the Australian film we know who’ll survive by the end, but I can see them show changing things up as they already did in season one as in the movie Pope killed Nikki instead of Catherine, and the huge trail hasn’t happened.

I don’t think Lucy,Pope,,Smurf,or J is responsible for Baz’s death,I think it will be a situation not that obvious or expected.

I will go through withdrawal for next 9 months waiting for the return of Animal Kingdom. I never trusted or liked that Lucy.

Love,love,love Animal Kingdom…but come on, any good coroner would be able to tell which bullet killed javi and it wasn’t the one administered weeks after death!!!

Grey\'s Anatomy Season 14 Poster: Mer (Literally) Has Alex on the Brain

Animal Kingdom Season 2 Finale Recap: Backstab to the Future

DWTS: Nick and Vanessa Lachey to Compete in Season 25

Suits EP Previews \'Extra Special\' 100th Episode and Louis\' \'Difficult Decision\'

The Voice Coaches Go Full-On \'70s Cop Show in Groovy New Promo — Watch

1Game of Thrones Season 7 Finale Recap: Wall-EEEEEEEEK!245

2black-ish Boss Defends Chris Brown\'s Controversial Season 3 Stint…73

3Trevor Noah On Pardoned Sheriff Joe Arpaio: \'His Full-Time Job Is…64

4Hawaii Five-0 Boss Offers a \'Taste\' of Steve and Danny\'s Season 8…49

5So You Think You Can Dance Recap: Who Was Booted From the Top 8?41