Preston Barta // Film Critic
One of last year’s most surprising television shows, Physical, is back for a second class of mental and emotional gymnastics – and it’s bold and exciting as ever.
In season two of the Apple TV+ series, we catch up with jaded housewife turned fitness guru Sheila Rubin (Rose Byrne) as she launches her first successful fitness video. But this newfound success comes with few hurdles – including new rivals, distracting love interests, more secrets and tested loyalties.
Created by Annie Weisman, Physical’s first season was about raising Cane and building up walls. In season two, those walls come down to allow room for growth, change and healing. The narrative shifts and character evolutions continue to be the most absorbing aspects of this show. Weisman and Co. don’t shy away from uncomfortability and human error. Each of these characters gets called out on their guff, and it’s their handling of it that’s Physical’s ultimate power move. (You’ll want to catch up before its seventh episode this season, which, in my opinion, is one of the greatest half-hours of television in some time. Awards are coming!)
To discuss some of these elements more deeply, Fresh Fiction recently had the opportunity to sit down with Weisman and actor Rory Scovel (who plays Sheila’s husband, Danny). In the below video interview, we chat about the evolution of the characters and filming techniques.
The first episode of Season 2 premieres today on Apple TV+, with new episodes of its ten-episode run releasing on Fridays.
