Spoiler Warning: P-Valley Season 1Once P-Valley splashed onto the scene as the newest original series from STARZ, the show became extremely popular among a variety of fans. Created by Tony Award-nominated screenwriter Katori Hall, the series follows the lives of multiple characters who also collectively work at an adult entertainment club known as The Pynk, set in the fictional city of Chucalissa, Mississippi.
Staring Brandee Evans (as Mercedes), Nicco Annan (Uncle Clifford), and Elarica Johnson (Hailey), illusions of beautiful women may be highly visible during the operating hours at the club. However, the series' true premise outlines the dedication to obtaining a dream that seems far from manageable, provoking hard work and perseverance as women of color lead the cast. Each storyline is carefully thought out and conveyed in methods that are relatable and realistic for viewers.
In P-Valley, every one of the employees has an intricate story that has ultimately led them to The Pynk. Following a diverse group of dancers (and Uncle Clifford, the club's fabulous owner) who all work at The Pynk, the popular club in Mississippi is a catalyst for occasional drama, emerging talent, and some downright shady activities. As viewers get more into the first episodes of season one, they further understand the extensive character backstory and development, feeling attached to each character through their perspective goals to get them out of Chucalissa.
Nearly two years after the first season was released via STARZ in 2020, fans have been in need of more P-Valley. As a result of numerous production delays due to COVID-19, filming for the series had officially wrapped back in 2021, with a return set for June 2022. As the returning cast members rejoin for the upcoming season, we're reflecting on season one's cliffhanger while further discussing what fans of the series can expect for season 2.
New Dancers May Cause Trouble
As fans of the series may already remember, when Hailey Colton first arrived at The Pynk, she wasn't greeted with the warmest welcome from the group of dancers who already worked there. Hailey, who changes her name to Autumn once she arrives in the small town of Chucalissa, suddenly arrives in the town to escape an abusive relationship. After stealing someone's identity, she starts working as a dancer to financially support herself.
As her past is initially unknown to the other dancers, one of the veteran performers known as Mercedes isn't too fond of Hailey from the start. Mostly due to her being the new girl with no experience in the world of professional dancing, Mercedes feels as though Hailey is only getting by on her looks and warns her to steer clear from attempting to come between her and prospective customers (that makes her the most money). Although there is initially some tension between Hailey and Mercedes, making for great television, the two women become friends later in the first season. What would be interesting to see in the second season is if any controversial new girls will come to work at The Pynk, challenging the dancers who stand in their way of making the most money.
Hailey & Uncle Clifford's Joint Venture
By the end of season one, viewers learn that Uncle Clifford and Hailey unexpectedly become partners of The Pynk nightclub. The two bumping heads somewhere down the road is bound to happen during season 2. Uncle Clifford has successfully run The Pynk on his own, despite the mounds of financial woes that got him to this point. Now, Hailey will run the day-to-day logistics, as she has significant experience managing finances, allowing Uncle Clifford to dedicate his time solely to the club's entertainment sector. With the two being strong personalities, their difference in opinions is bound to clash.
What's striking is the family atmosphere that Uncle Clifford creates during his management role at The Pynk. Although there are some instances where the women have direct conflicts with one another, Uncle Clifford is always there to reel the girls in, bringing them to a common ground. In season two, viewers should watch out for any new dancers who come into the club in a pursuit to shake the atmosphere up among the existing dancers. Although Hailey wasn't confrontational in season one, Mercedes didn't exactly welcome her with open arms. Additionally, the story angle of Hailey and Uncle Clifford working as co-owners of The Pynk sounds exciting due to their character differences. Uncle Clifford is fabulous and over the top compared to Hailey's more refined personality. What will happen when they don't see eye-to-eye?