The Knick
Dr. Thackery (Clive Owen, left) and Dr. Edwards (Andre Holland, right) square off as Thackery returns to the Knickerbocker in episode 2 of "The Knick" Season 2. Cinemax

The busy Season 2 premiere of Cinemax's "The Knick" set the stage for an action-packed season. However, none of the moving and shaking at the Knickerbocker can prepare the hospital for the return of one Dr. John Thackery (Clive Owen). Fresh off his at-sea rehab program with Dr. Gallinger (Eric Johnson), the eccentric surgeon is on his way back home, but not everybody is happy to see the unpredictable doctor return. What will happen in episode 2, "You're No Rose"?

According to the synopsis for the new episode, Dr. Thackery will return to "The Knick" ready to begin his ambitious quest to cure addiction, but the Knickerbocker board is not exactly thrilled to welcome him back. They assumed he was gone for good and are not too keen to put the former (hopefully former, at least) addict back in charge. Then, there is Edwards (Andre Holland), who has his own problems with the board -- they are having trouble stomaching the idea of an African American chief of surgery -- but is in agreement that Thackery's return is good for no one. One need only look at a promo photo from the episode featuring the two surgeons (see above) to know that tensions will be running high.

Meanwhile, the synopsis also reveals that Cornelia (Juliet Rylance) will enlist Cleary (Chris Sullivan) to do a "dirty job" for her after she makes a shocking discovery. Fans will remember that in the premiere, Cornelia and Phillip (Tom Lipinski) decided to move back to New York, or, more accurately, Phillip's father, Hobart Showalter (Gary Simpson), decided for them. Then, the creepy patriarch revealed that the apartment he promised them in New York was not ready, leaving them with no choice, but to stay at his house for a few months. Considering how Showalter creepily came on to Cornelia in Season 1, the apartment snafu does not feel like an accident. If Cornelia becomes threatened, will it be Cleary who bails her out?

Watch the promo for episode 2 below:

What will happen when Dr. Thackery returns to the Knickerbocker? Fans will have to tune in to find out. "The Knick" airs Fridays at 10 p.m. EDT on Cinemax.