The highly anticipated premiere of Season 2 of "Not Dead Yet," titled "Not Owning It Yet," vibrantly resumes Nell Serrano's (portrayed by Gina Rodriguez) enchanting journey as an obituary writer for SoCal Independent Newspapers. Amidst the intricate tapestry of life, love, and the supernatural, this episode expertly intertwines humor, profound emotional depth, and a whisper of the paranormal, paving the way for an exhilarating season ahead.
Enter Duncan Rhodes (played by Brad Garrett), the affluent tycoon and proprietor of SoCal Independent, who also happens to be Lexi's (Lauren Ash) father. His grand entrance promptly leaves a significant imprint on Nell's life, much to Lexi's consternation. Their unexpected camaraderie sets the stage for a saga of events that will push the boundaries of Nell's personal and professional realm.
Nell's singular gift—the ability to perceive the spirits of those she pens obituaries for—adds an intriguing layer to her already multifaceted existence. In this gripping episode, she is haunted by the ghost of a realtor who once peddled luxury condos. Dubbed affectionately as "Ghost," this spectral figure serves as Nell's conscience, urging her to strive for more in life and suggesting she lobby for a promotion to escape the clutches of her mold-infested basement office.
Meanwhile, at the newspaper office, Lexi is in overdrive, ensuring a picture of meticulous efficiency and bustling activity for her father's impending visit. As Nell and Sam (Hannah Simone) engage in a thoughtful discourse about life's values, Dennis (Joshua Banday) arrives with photos of his child, momentarily diverting everyone's attention. Lexi promptly assigns Dennis and Sam the pivotal task of presenting an image of indispensable importance to her father, brushing aside Nell's eager offers to lend a hand.
Duncan's arrival at the office is heralded by a transparent agenda: prioritizing time with Nell over his own flesh and blood, Lexi. This revelation peels back the layers of Lexi's personality, exposing the frayed threads of her bond with her father. Duncan's commission to Nell to pen his obituary ignites a chain of events where she becomes his guide in navigating deeper human connections, coaching him to cherish individuals for their authentic selves.
Edward (Rick Glassman) drops by Nell's office, his path crossing Lexi's in the hallway, sparking a sharp-witted repartee between the pair. Lexi, already brimming with resentment over her father's preference for Nell, finds herself kisses Edward in a spasm of exasperation.
Their encounters resume at Cricket’s bar, where Nell mentors Duncan in the art of paying genuine compliments and fostering heartfelt relationships. Returning to the office, Duncan issues Lexi a command to vacate her workspace to discuss Nell's career trajectory, unmasking his manipulative strategies aimed at motivating his daughter.
The episode culminates with Nell's awakening to Duncan's underlying motives, voicing her disapproval in the draft of his obituary. This realization stands as a pivotal moment in their dynamic, paving the way for Nell's personal evolution throughout the season. "Not Owning It Yet" marks a robust debut for the season, blending character progression, humor, and the quintessential supernatural elements that define "Not Dead Yet."
