The family that slays together stays together.

The Following Season 2 Episode 2 focused on the familial side of the killers, with Joe as something of a father and Luke desiring one.

It was interesting to see Joe so complacent with his giant beard, dirty hat, sunglasses and bad southern accent. We all know how violent and dangerous the character is, so it was weird to see him act like something of a family man. Helping Mandy with her homework and acting like a good guy felt wrong. He was the ultimate wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Could Joe have turned a corner and been reborn?

Watch The Following Season 2 Episode 2 Online

Nope. After hearing of the subway murders calling for his resurrection, watching the TV talk about his own killings and the prostitute loving reverend discovering Joe’s true identity, the literary-obsessed cult leader just needed to kill again.

Although, it was a little odd listening to Joe’s orgasmic stabbing and seeing him almost excitedly get off to the murder of the reverend. I guess if you haven’t killed anyone in over a year, that’s how you feel when picking back up to the mantle?

He’s definitely crazy, even if he is calculated. Good luck explaining that one to Mandy’s mom.

So, why are Mark and Luke calling out to Joe?

They seem pretty competent and in control of their own serial killings. Perhaps even creepier and scarier than Joe?

Their obsession with playing with the dead is disturbing, as is their willingness to play house and hold a dinner with “mom” and “dad.” These two are not good guys, and I can only assume they never were hugged enough as kids or always got picked last at dodgeball.

Luke’s heartfelt admission of love to “dad” definitely showed some major parental issues, along with a potential problem for the brothers. Mark gave a rather concerned look when his brother was uttering those words. Perhaps sibling confrontation or rivalry later on?

At the same time, Ryan’s dissection of the set-up scene (depicting a moment from Joe’s book) got under Luke’s skin.

But is that really it? Do Mark and Luke simply just want someone to call “dad”? I’m still wondering about their motives and how they will connect with Joe.

It’s good to see Ryan is still determined, but even he can be vulnerable, especially when he’s reckless in his endeavors.

I find it likely that with death all around him, the surviving train member/potential love interest and his niece aren’t going to last long.

I’m glad the series didn’t take forever to get Ryan face to face with the new killers, but are they trying to get themselves caught?

Granted, the look on his face when he realized he was fighting twins was priceless. And it was good that even though Mark and Luke escaped, Ryan was able to shoot and not just miss. He actually hit Luke rather than just some random bullets flying and an easy getaway.

I’m still hesitant on the FBI’s competence, but if Ryan gives in, it could give us some team-up time with Mike. And that’s a good thing.

This was an entertaining follow up to The Following Season 2 Episode 1, but I can’t help but have a nagging feeling about the direction of the show. And as creepy and frightening as the killers and their kills are, I’m hoping that a real story comes out of it all that isn't as simple as chasing the bad guys around.

I don’t want a bunch of meandering about towards a less than creative end. The makings and potential are once again there, so let's just hope The Following Season 2 winds up being worthy of its own resurrection.

Are the twins scarier killers than Joe Carroll?

Sean McKenna was a TV Fanatic Staff Writer. He retired in May of 2017. Follow him on Twitter.