The Recruit picks up exactly where it left off in its season one finale and then quickly takes off into its next life-threatening series of events for Owen. Season two shows that Owen, who repeatedly must remind everyone that he is just a lawyer, may be better off in the operations department, given how often he finds himself in the field rather than doing more lawyer-related activities. This season finds Owen in Seoul, Korea, after opening a letter that becomes its own can of worms when Owen realizes the sender plans to release top secrets national American secrets, and Owen can only prevent this if he helps the blackmailer find his abducted wife. But, where The Recruit really thrives is taking advantage of its short sophomore season.
Shortened television seasons have become all too common, especially on streaming, where fans have gone from expecting the network average of twenty episodes, which has also shortened, to the streaming average of ten if you are lucky. The Recruit only has six, but it takes advantage of every second to tell Owen's story. Season two does not have time to be boring or dull, the limited amount of episodes does not allow for it if it wants to keep the audience engaged. Instead, every episode is sculpted to help unravel the mystery and help push the narrative move forward until it reaches its main climax and conclusion. Season two is efficient even if it lacks the group ensemble mentality that season one provided by allowing all the main characters to be in constant interaction.
That is the only element where season two truly falls short. Owen and Janus are off on their own adventure, and everyone else is spread out across the globe until the final two episodes when the narrative finally calls for their reunion. Owen's relationship with Hannah also takes a backseat role, but it is even worse for Terrence, who goes from an occasional appearance in season one to help remind audiences of Owen's humanity outside of the agency to barely existing in season two. The aspect of Owen's life that allowed him to feel like he had a life outside of work is gone, replaced by an entirely work-based existence. While Owen appears to want to leave the CIA, it is not as easy as just walking away. The suggestion that the mess that has been left hangs over Owen's head is very heavily ingrained into season two's narrative. Even the show's timeline moves at a quick speed as Owen is constantly dealing with problems that could negatively impact the CIA. The reference that Owen had only worked at the CIA for a few weeks when the show originally premiered in late 2022 and returned for its second season two and a half years later in early 2025 is enough to give any viewer whiplash, especially with so much that has happened.
Ultimately, The Recruit's second season thrived in getting a lot done in a small amount of time. Given how it ends, if there is a season three, it gives fans something to look forward to. There are certainly leftover plot threads that would need to be addressed in season three. It is also a commendable leading performance from Noah Centineo, who carries the show with a mixture of charm, adventure, determination, desperation, and regret. While Noah Centineo's most popular role may be Peter Kavinsky from the To All The Boys I've Loved Before series, which he also reprised earlier this year, The Recruit gives Noah Centineo a solid vehicle in Owen Hendricks that allows him the opportunity to prove himself beyond young adult or teen romance.