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This preview of the second episode DOES contain information from the pilot episode. If you did not see the pilot episode and don’t want to know anything about it, please come visit another time.

“Chapter Two”–Appropriately titled as it is the second chapter in the psycho sequel for Joe Carroll (James Purefoy), charismatic serial killer turned cult leader and the second episode of this wonderful new series on FOX. During last episode, we learned that Joe has amassed “friends” while using internet access in prison to carry on for him. At the end of the previous episode we learned that “Denise” (aka Emma; Valorie Curry) took Joey (Kyle Catlett), the son of Claire Matthews (Natalie Zea) and Joe Carroll, from his home and met up with the two guys who had been posing as Sarah’s gay neighbors, known now as Jacob (Nico Tortorella) and Paul (Adan Canto). She tells Joey, “We’re on an adventure.” At the end of our story in the pilot, Jordy (Steve Monroe), who we discover practice on animals, walks into a sorority house at the end. We know that he is about to attempt to move up to humans. And Joe Carroll tells Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon), after his re-capture, that he knows Ryan slept with his wife . Joe intends to write a sequel to his first story. Joe was scheduled to be put to death in 3 weeks; obviously with Joey missing that will be postponed.

Some people expressed sadness on Twitter that they did not see Agent Mason (Jeananne Goossen) slated for any further episodes. That is explained at some point during “Chapter Two.“

This episode is mainly devoted to moving the story forward while being in the present and cutting back to the past for back story in the expertly way they did in the pilot episode. We find out more about Emma, Jacob and Paul. We meet a new character, Debra Parker (Annie Parisse), who is a cult expert, but shhhh…. they are trying not to call his followers a cult quite yet until they discover more evidence, which they do, that squarely puts Joe Carroll as a Jesus Christ equivalent. (JC? Get it). This treasure trove of discovered information makes you want to hit “pause” on the DVR to take it all in and to look for clues for future episodes. Back story is also filled in on Joe Carroll, Claire Matthews, and Ryan Hardy. Jordy fits prominently into this episode as well. A new follower, or acolyte, is discovered, but his true face is still unknown to us.

If a serial killer ever wants to set you up with a date of someone he knows, the correct response is “no.” And I think the creepiest line of “Chapter Two” is when Joe tells Ryan, “Jordy was a mere puppy.” If you saw the pilot, you will understand the reference.

Once again I was on the edge of my seat. Many times I said, “Wow, I was NOT expecting that.” There were times I screamed. “Chapter Two” did not lose any of the things people loved about the pilot episode.

If you missed the pilot, FOX is planning an Encore performed of “The Following” on Friday, January 25, at 9:00 Eastern/8:00 central. “Chapter Two” episode of THE FOLLOWING airs Monday, Jan. 28 (9:00 Eastern/8:00 Central) on FOX. Joe Carroll wants to be friends. Do you want to be his?

My thanks again to the FOX VIP program and Fox Broadcasting for the preview of this wonderful episode.