Season 2 of ‘Shooter’ Is a Thrilling, Action-Packed Ride

USA Network’s conspiracy thriller “Shooter” just kicked off its pulse-pounding second season. The show follows the pilgrimage of a tenacious veteran (Ryan Phillippe). The network picked up the pilot in 2015 and ordered the first season in February 2016. The hour long drama stars Phillippe as Bob Lee Swagger, a Marine sniper that finds himself back in uncharted waters when he’s tasked with preventing the assassination of the president. The tables turn on him when he is framed for the attempted murder, forcing him to embark on a journey to uncover the true malefactors.

“Shooter” originates from Antoine Fuqua’s film of the same name that was released in 2007. The film features Mark Wahlberg, who has had a successful run in high impact thrillers. By contrast, the film is based on author Stephen Hunter’s novel, “Point of Impact.” This character is loosely based upon the real Vietnam War sniper and U.S. Marine Corps legend Carlos Hathcock.

Right off the bat, season two begins with a bang. In the previous season of the series, Bob Lee Swagger exposes a conspiracy that frames him for the assassination of the president. Now, he is living peacefully with his small family in a rural town in Texas. Another element that is troubling the lead character is his flawed relationship with his wife Julie (Shantel VanSanten). Swagger travels to Germany, where he is met with another obstacle, and takes a huge risk by leaving the country.

The audience will find that the start of the second season sees a lot more action than the first, as this season spends less time on fleshing out the series’ exposition. This time around, action is close to continuous and at a steady quip. Phillippe’s character is much more credible as a rifle swinging vigilante. His character, also known as the “Nailer,” is exposed to a lot more elements that threaten the safety of both himself and those around him. To make things even more suspenseful, a new conspiracy is unearthed which will keep viewers on their toes.

Phillippe is no stranger to the television realm and dark thrillers. ABC’s gripping “Secrets and Lies” featured a similar storyline. Phillippe’s character finds himself in a predicament and embarks on a journey to find out the truth of his own life. Interestingly enough, the series did encounter low ratings but was renewed for another season.

The second season of “Shooter” will be shortened from 10 episodes to eight. Phillippe suffered a broken leg while vacationing with his family and required surgery. Viewers can expect the show’s second season to unfold organically and build to a dramatic final crescendo.

Attached to the series is Wahlberg, who is serving as the Executive Producer. Stephen Levinson, Lorenzo di Bonaventura and John Hlavin also serve as Producers. In an interview with USANetwork.com, show runner Hlavin hinted that the second season would spend a little more time in Europe and on world politics.

Shooter” season 2 premiered July 16 on USA and airs Tuesday nights at 10 p.m. ET.