After Jackie Howard’s secretive move to New York, <em>My Life With the Walter Boys</em> season 2 begins with a largely fresh start – both positively and negatively. Based on Ali Novak’s novel, My Life With the Walter Boys season 2 transports viewers back to the expansive landscapes of Colorado, where Jackie strives to regain her footing within the Walter family.

While the love triangle involving Jackie (Nikki Rodriguez), Alex (Ashby Gentry), and Cole (Noah LaLonde) remains a key element of the series, Walter Boys season 2 seeks to utilize its ensemble cast more effectively, giving other characters greater narrative depth.

This approach has led to some characters thriving while others struggle, both in storytelling and screen presence. Characters like Katherine Walter (Sarah Rafferty) and Alex’s friend Kiley (Mya Lowe) are given lives and relationships beyond their connections to the Walter boys. Katherine’s bond with Jackie is crucial in this season, as the matriarch serves as an emotional anchor for the series.

Conversely, characters such as Parker (Alix West Lefler) and guidance counselor Tara Jacobs (Ashley Holliday Tavares) barely register, while eldest brother Will (Johnny Link) continues his search for purpose, dominating a significant portion of the season. Some storylines feel somewhat disconnected from the show’s true central character: Jackie.

Overall, My Life With the Walter Boys season 2 grapples with achieving the right balance among various plotlines, but considering the size of the Walter family, this is an understandable challenge. There is much to manage.

History Repeats Itself In My Life With The Walter Boys Season 2

The YA romance drama genre often thrives on love triangles, particularly those involving two brothers. To complicate matters for Jackie, she must coexist with her love interests under one roof, resulting in a tangled web of secret rendezvous, heated disputes, and awkward kitchen encounters.

Upon returning to the Walter family ranch, the triangle resets to its previous state. Jackie remains attracted to Alex, but Cole lingers in her thoughts, making it difficult for her to choose between them. For now, she opts for neither.

While much of Jackie, Alex, and Cole’s intertwined story feels reminiscent of their dynamic in Walter Boys season 1, I appreciated that the series took its time reintroducing their conflicts. Due to Alex’s understandable frustration and Jackie’s resolve to avoid Cole, she has an opportunity to develop her life in Silver Falls without being sidetracked by a will-they-won’t-they romance.

The three main young actors are given more substantial roles beyond just romance, and it’s evident they have grown more at ease in their performances. However, within a love triangle context, audiences typically favor one character over another, and My Life With the Walter Boys is no different. I find it hard to believe in the chemistry between Jackie and Alex compared to Jackie’s connection with Cole.

The lack of chemistry between Jackie and Alex becomes even clearer with the introduction of new character Blake (Natalie Sharp), who shares a similar thrill-seeking nature with Alex. Additionally, there’s Kiley, Alex’s best friend. Their potential relationship has been an intriguing aspect since season one, and Kiley’s surprising new love interest hasn’t altered that dynamic.

Both young women seem like better matches for Alex, effectively diminishing the tension at the heart of the show’s central love triangle. In fact, when compared to a new secondary love triangle involving Nathan (Corey Fogelmanis), the drama surrounding Alex, Cole, and Jackie feels somewhat lackluster.

And The Award For Best Character Development Goes To…

I was unexpectedly touched by how the new season of My Life With the Walter Boys portrayed Cole Walter’s growth. While I was initially concerned that they would revert Cole back to his old ways following Jackie’s sudden exit, it is evident that he has genuinely transformed through his experiences with Jackie.

Among all the young characters, I found his storyline most engaging. His approach towards his future, newfound responsibilities at school, and even his twin brother’s relationship with his ex (one of the most satisfying developments from season one) feels relatable yet uplifting. A personal decision he makes towards the end of the season truly highlights his progress.

This emphasis on Cole also reveals another issue within the show’s main romance. Striking a balance in a love triangle can be notoriously difficult. If one romantic option is clearly superior, why should we invest in what happens on the other side? Given Jackie and Cole’s immediate chemistry along with her influence on him, this competition lacks competitiveness.

Jackie’s Grief Is A Moving Throughline In Walter Boys Season 2

Whereas Jackie’s grief over her family’s tragic loss dominated her storyline last season, this time it is beautifully woven throughout all aspects of her life. Her relationship with her mother significantly shapes who Jackie is today and is reflected in her quieter moments of sorrow.

This season allows Jackie’s grief to be entirely hers. The romantic drama does not overshadow it this time around as she reconnects with her mother’s art and honors her family’s legacy alongside her uncle. The writing effectively portrays Jackie’s ongoing struggle—though somewhat predictably—as she moves forward while acknowledging that grief will always be part of her journey.

Similar to season one, My Life with the Walter Boys season two does not break new ground. It remains an enjoyable escape with interesting character development and a few overly dramatic yet captivating twists. Most importantly,My Life with the Walter Boys season two lays groundwork for plenty of drama in its already confirmed third season.

My Life With the Walter Boys season two premieres on Netflix on August 28.