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Knowing 'Joy': Season 2 of 'Killjoys' answers lingering questions

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Author: 
Kyla Brewer / TV Media
Aaron Ashmore, Hannah John-Kamen and Luke Macfarlane star in "Killjoys"

Aaron Ashmore, Hannah John-Kamen and Luke Macfarlane star in "Killjoys"

In 1966, NBC took a chance on a television series about the crew of a starship when it premiered "Star Trek." Since then, dozens of space-themed shows have graced the airwaves, fascinating and inspiring viewers the world over. One of the latest intergalactic programs to take prime time by storm is Syfy's "Killjoys," a new episode of which airs Friday, July 8. 

Filmed in Toronto, the Canada-U.S. production follows a trio of bounty hunters who pursue dangerous criminals throughout the Quad, an area of space on the verge of a multi-planetary class war. Dutch (Hannah John-Kamen, "Game of Thrones"), Johnny (Aaron Ashmore, "Smallville") and D'avin (Luke Macfarlane, "Brothers & Sisters") vowed to remain neutral in the conflict, but they have recently learned they're not immune to the troubling political landscape.

Season 1 of the series received primarily favorable reviews from critics and decent ratings on both sides of the border, and by September 2015, Syfy announced it had ordered another season of the space adventure, with filming in full swing by December. The news was likely a relief for those who'd become hooked on "Killjoys'" mix of action and quippy characters, especially since the show ended with a major cliffhanger: D'avin had fallen into the hands of Red 17, a top secret program designed to produce black ops agents through gene splicing, reanimation and intense training.

When questioned about the sophomore season at Toronto ComiCon in March, "Killjoys" creator Michelle Lovretta ("Lost Girl") was careful not to reveal any spoilers to last season's cliffhanger finale, but did promise fans would get some much-anticipated answers.

"It is all answered fairly quickly," she assured the audience. "There are some new characters that we introduce and, throughout the season, all the riddles and mysteries and sexiness that we're chasing at the end of that finale guide us through this entire second season."

"Killjoys" faced some criticism for its light approach to the science fiction genre, but it isn't all fluff. In fact, while it may not be groundbreaking on screen, the production is taking advantage of an opportunity to help women gain ground in the entertainment industry. Aware of the challenges women in the film and television industries face, TriBro Studios president Peter Apostolopoulos offered any production with a female director or showrunner a 50 percent discount at the 70,000-square-foot facility in Toronto. Lovretta happily took advantage of the offer.

As a result, viewers will notice a number of changes to the look of the series in season 2. In the wake of the finale's bombing, the area outside the Royale tavern looks completely different as the crew moved the entire set to a new studio between seasons. The new season brings viewers on board Khlyen's (Rob Stewart, "Nikita") ship, which is clean, shiny and monochromatic. Fans who look closely may recognize the monastery on Lethe, which was used a prison as a Westerly prison in season 1.

Hannah John-Kamen as seen in "Killjoys"

Hannah John-Kamen as seen in "Killjoys"

Now that television audiences have been introduced to the places and people of the Quad, they'll delve deeper into the characters' lives. Dutch knows her old mentor, Khlyen, has D'arin, and with Johnny she's determined to find him -- which is their first real mission in season 2. As the story unfolds, viewers learn more about Khlyen and his complicated relationship with Dutch. They'll also learn more about the relationship between brothers Johnny and D'avin as their backstory is explored.

As far as the plot goes, despite their desire to remain neutral, the bounty hunters soon realize their biggest threat doesn't come from the criminals they apprehend, but from the Reclamation Apprehension Coalition (RAC), the agency that sends them on their missions. The revelation leads them to question their loyalties. According to Lovretta, Old Town was walled off after it was bombed in the finale, and now residents are plotting a rebellion against the Company in season 2.

In other season 2 news, a few characters are slated to get additional airtime. Expect to see more of Royale bartender Pree (Thom Allison, "I Me Wed," 2007) and monk Alvis (Morgan Kelly, "Falcon Beach"). Rumor has it there may be a growing bond between Johnny and Pawter Simms (Sarah Power, "Good Witch") as fans learn more about the disgraced medic's history.

The space western features Tamsen McDonough ("The Incredible Hulk," 2008) as the voice of Lucy, Dutch's artificially intelligent starship. The cast also includes Mayko Nguyen ("ReGenesis") as "scheming aristocrat" Delle Seyah Kendry, Nora McLellan ("Tart," 2001) as Dutch's friend Bellus, and Sean Baek ("The Veteran," 2006) as rival bounty hunter Fancy Lee.

Fans who were hooked on the action-packed plot and quirky characters are in for another thrill ride in season 2, which boasts the tagline "Kill or be killed." A new episode of "Killjoys" airs Friday, July 8, on Syfy.