Greek Chapter Two

• Factory sealed DVD.

Its freshman year interrupted by the writer’s strike, Greek wasted no time getting its groove back. The new semester brings "a new normal" for siblings Casey and Rusty Cartwright (Spencer Grammer and Jacob Zachar) as they return to Cyprus Rhodes University after a "restorative" break. Though they have little in common--she's a junior, he's a freshman, she's a ZBZ sorority president, and he's a campus dork pledging the school's most disreputable fraternity--they have bonded over their mutual breakups and resolved to start anew. The first order of business is the fallout from the student newspaper expose (written by a heartbroken Rusty's now ex-girlfriend) that ripped the Greek system, and has led to new restrictions and crackdowns. Enter Lizzi (Senta Moses), sent by the Zeta Beta Zeta national chapter to put the house back in shape. A stickler for rules and tradition, the outrageously over-enthusiastic Lizzi administers "tough Zeta love" on Casey and company. Meanwhile, the rivalry between the elite Omega Chi frat, led by Casey's ex, Evan (Jake McDorman), and the rowdy Kappa Tau's, headed by Casey's other ex, the more unconventional Cappie (Scott Foster) escalates, putting Kappa Tau pledge Rusty's friendship with best friend and Omega Chi pledge Calvin (Paul James) at risk. And how do you solve a problem like ousted ZBZ president Frannie (Tiffany Dupont), who wants to return to the fold, and witchy spoiled senator’s daughter Rebecca (Dilshad Vadsaria), who’s having a "fling" with Cappie? Frothier than the more earnest Degrassi franchise, Greek might give some parents pause with its consequences-free underage drinking and casual sex, but the series does tackle some serious character development and core values issues. One of this season’s storylines concerns whether the recently-outed Calvin should remain with the less than accepting Omega Chis. Standout episodes include "Freshman Daze," which reveals in flashback what ended Cappie and Evan’s friendship, and "47 Hours & 11 Minutes," in which Casey and Rusty host their visiting parents, who are not sold on Greek life. If you’re a late transfer to Greek, it will take no time for you to get oriented. The appealing cast, smart writing (one episode parallels George Orwell’s Animal Farm), clever humor, and sudsy storylines will fast make you a cheerleader. --Donald Liebenson