Episode 2 of Sweet Tooth Season 1 opens with a shift in focus, zooming in on Aimee, another survivor of the Great Crumble. A relationship therapist by profession, Aimee's ordinary life takes an unexpected turn as the viral outbreak forces her into confinement within her office. Days blend into weeks, and she is transformed into a prisoner of her workspace, captured in a sleek montage that vividly illustrates her isolation.
Venturing out into the post-apocalyptic landscape, Aimee encounters a pair of elephants and decides to seek solace in the zoo. There, she watches an eagle soar overhead, her gaze trailing its path as we cut away to check on Gus and Jepp, the Big Man. Jepp, clearly displeased with Gus' constant presence, tries every trick in the book to ditch him. But Gus' unwavering enthusiasm and determination to reach Colorado are too powerful to ignore. Reluctantly, Jepp agrees to keep him in his company.
While Jepp sleeps, Gus indulges in a midnight snack, devouring all of Jepp's food supplies. In a moment of carelessness, he even manages to torch Jepp's precious map. With no resources left, the Big Man awakes to a panic-stricken reality. But Gus, ever optimistic, suggests that there might be food inside the visitor center. Sent alone to investigate, he promptly stumbles into a trap.
Jepp eventually arrives to rescue him, only to discover the surprising occupant of the center: a regular family. They offer Gus and Jepp food and shelter, providing a moment of normalcy in this chaotic world. While the adults engage in conversation, Gus and Rusty, the child of this couple, head off to play. Their innocent chatter and playfulness serve as a bittersweet reminder of the world that once was.
Here, we unveil the mysterious identity of The Big Man, revealing his name to be Tommy. Once a renowned football player, his muscular physique betrays his former glory. After these cordial introductions, Tommy insists on staying with us for the meantime. However, the tranquility is soon shattered by a looming threat from the outside.
Scavengers, later identified as the Last Men, stumble upon remnants of our campfire and trace it back to the visitor center. Meanwhile, inside, Tommy endeavors to persuade Bev to keep a tight leash on Gus, seeing him as a nuisance he desires to be rid of.
In the sanctuary of the bedroom, Gus prepares to retire for the night. As Bev enters, her gaze falls upon the photograph of Birdie, and she remarks that the scene appears to be Red Rocks - a crucial clue to the whereabouts of Gus's mother.
Far removed from the tranquility of Yellowstone, we are transported back to Adita Singh, the doctor who graced our screens in the opening episode. Rani's condition worsens, her hands trembling as the remaining vaccine dwindles. Singh resolves to embark on a journey to seek out Dr. Bell.
This secluded haven appears to be a bustling, breathing human settlement - perhaps the last one remaining. Masked men and women mingle, while a former bar has been transformed into a makeshift hospital. It transpires that Bell is battling stage four cancer, a revelation that prompts her to entrust Singh with her life's work. She begs him to continue her research in her absence, documenting Rani's progress and striving to discover a cure.
Back at the cabin, disaster strikes unexpectedly. Tommy appears poised to depart in the dead of night, but obstacles arise. The scavengers have discovered the visitor center and are intent on capturing Gus. Tommy steps bravely into the fray, fighting them off single-handedly. One soldier remains, and it falls to Gus to distract him. In a surprising turn of events, Tommy manages to slay the man, who is entranced by the apparition of a stag looming in the distance behind Gus.
This encounter casts Gus as a prime target, as he comes to the realization that staying would only endanger this innocent family. With supplies securely packed, Gus and Tommy hurriedly board a cable car, ready to embark on the next phase of their perilous journey. Tommy solemnly vows to guide him safely to the neighboring town, as this unlikely duo continues their adventure. However, new perils are lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike.
As the episode draws to a close, our attention shifts back to Aimee, who is once again stationed at the zoo. Suddenly, a mysterious package appears in the parking lot, revealing a hybrid child hidden within. The tension mounts as we wonder what this unexpected discovery portends for Aimee and the future of this already troubled world.
