The long-awaited second season of ‘Grind‘ is finally here, with the first three episodes now streaming on Prime Video. After the dramatic fallout between Tarela and Edesiri at the end of Season 1, we’re eager to see the consequences of their fight unfold and how this season sets up new conflicts.

Episode 1

Grind Season 2 opens with Tarela in prison, blamed not only for her fight with Edesiri but also for Edesiri’s theft. Gossip swirls about her alleged crimes while her mother and sister struggle with the consequences of her imprisonment. In a pivotal moment, Tarela thwarts an attack in prison, earning her unexpected leverage.

Meanwhile, Tiwa tries to get Somto to intervene, but he refuses. A former stripper, Ruby, returns to the club, requesting her old spot. Chief Femi questions Tiwa about the whereabouts of both Tarela and Edesiri.

During a prison visit, Tarela’s mother delivers a stern lecture while updating her on their dire living conditions. To help, Tarela grants her mother access to her ATM card—an action that will have repercussions.

Through flashbacks, we see a painful moment from Edesiri’s past: her boyfriend Tony pimped her out for money, only for her to catch him with another woman later. Though she confides in Tarela, she withholds the full truth.

Tarela secretly calls Andre for help with the assistance of an inmate she previously saved. However, her mother betrays her trust by withdrawing over ₦30,000 from her savings. Andre visits Tarela, but he is not who she was expecting.

Elsewhere, Tiwa visits her mother’s grave and has another cold encounter with her father. Meanwhile, Andre confronts Somto at the club, and the club’s elusive owner finally returns. With his influence, Andre secures Tarela’s release—but not without conditions. As the episode closes, Edesiri finally wakes up in the hospital.

Episode 2

Back home, Tarela reunites with Kome and her mother, only to discover the betrayal of her trust regarding her savings. A confrontation ensues.

Meanwhile, Somto visits Edesiri in the hospital. Tiwa, struggling academically, is kicked out of class for poor attendance.

Andre visits Tarela, making it clear that his help comes with expectations. Desperate to reclaim stability, Tarela heads to the club to ask Somto for her job back, but he coldly turns her away.

Elsewhere, Wole shows up at the club looking for Tarela, while Kobe intervenes when Elder Kola harasses Tiwa. At a high-paying party, Tarela grows frustrated with the men’s behavior, only to be reminded by the other girls to “get with the program.”

Edesiri returns to the club and is livid when she finds out Somto has reinstated Ruby. She finally admits to stealing the money, not Tarela, and uses her knowledge of Somto’s theft to blackmail him into getting rid of Ruby. She also learns that Tarela has been released.

Laura confronts Somto about the club’s missing funds and ends things with him. Meanwhile, a shocking development occurs: Kome’s father reappears, unannounced.

Episode 3

Tarela warns her mother not to let Kome’s father back into their lives, but her mother refuses to listen. Tensions rise further when Tarela, struggling financially, takes another job at a party. However, after making a scene over her payment, she is thrown out.

Edesiri, on the other hand, tries to rekindle her relationship with Nuru, but after sleeping together, he rejects her.

Stranded after being kicked out of the party, Tarela meets Feso, who offers her a ride. She hesitantly accepts his invitation to stay the night at his place.

At Kome’s school, her teacher raises concerns about her declining academic performance. Meanwhile, Tarela’s mother takes her estranged husband to secure a loan, unaware of his true intentions.

In an attempt to rebuild her life, Tarela auditions at a new club and secures a job. Elsewhere, Kome’s father gambles away the borrowed money.

In a tense reunion, Edesiri arrives at Tarela’s house at her mother’s request. However, Tarela is in no mood to mend fences.

Meanwhile, Tiwa’s efforts to surprise her father on his birthday backfire spectacularly. Just as she sets up a celebration in church, Elder Kola informs her father about her job at the club. In front of the entire congregation, he exposes her secret and banishes her from the church.

Plot

This season seamlessly picks up from where the last left off, diving deep into the fallout from Tarela and Edesiri’s fight, which had been brewing throughout Season 1. The show continues to explore themes of survival, betrayal, and ambition, revealing how these women navigate a world that constantly pushes them to the edge.

The first three episodes set the stage for the new season by reintroducing familiar conflicts while expanding on new ones. Tarela’s struggle to regain control of her life, Edesiri’s attempts to reclaim power, and Tiwa’s battle for independence create a layered narrative that promises more drama and tension.

Story

While ‘Grind’ maintains its signature gritty storytelling, the structure remains somewhat chaotic. Much like the first season, the storylines feel disconnected at times, as multiple plot threads run parallel without clear cohesion. However, there’s a noticeable improvement in pacing and character development, suggesting that these arcs may eventually converge meaningfully.

One of the strongest elements this season is the use of flashbacks to provide deeper insight into Tarela and Edesiri’s past, giving more context to their complicated friendship. Hopefully, as the season progresses, the story will tighten its focus and deliver a more cohesive narrative.

Performances

The casting of Adaibe Obioma and Hilary Okotie-Eboh as young Edesiri and young Tarela, respectively, is well done, adding authenticity to their backstory.

Seun Akindele’s portrayal of Alex feels exaggerated and unnecessary—a weak attempt at an Americanized caricature that fails to impress.

On the brighter side, Roberta Orioma’s Tarela remains a standout, delivering a compelling performance. Tamara Sindio-Apaun as Tiwa and Roseanne Chikwendu as Edesiri also bring depth to their roles, making their characters feel lived-in and relatable.

Technical Aspects

There’s a clear visual improvement inn Grind this season. The cinematography and color grading are bright and engaging, making the show visually appealing.

However, the implied prison fight scene was underwhelming—poorly shot and lacking believability. On the other hand, the first meeting between Tarela and Edesiri post-fight was captured beautifully. Their silence spoke volumes, conveying tension and history without the need for excessive dialogue.

Final Thoughts

One of the most striking elements of this season is how it expands on the backstories of Tarela and Edesiri, showing the origins of their friendship and the hardships that shaped them.

That being said, Tarela’s mother continues to cement herself as one of the worst parents on the show. Her decision to withdraw from Tarela’s savings, despite knowing her daughter’s plans for a better future, is infuriating. Meanwhile, Tiwa’s father remains equally detestable, proving once again that religious self-righteousness can be just as cruel as outright neglect.

Verdict

These first three episodes of Grind set the stage for what’s to come—clearing up some loose ends from Season 1 while laying the groundwork for new conflicts. Though the pacing still needs refinement, the show is showing promise. We’re cautiously optimistic about where ‘Grind’ is headed next, and these first three episodes have earned a rating of 3 out of 5 from us.

Rating: 3/5