Clive Owen rollicks back into action in the second season ofChancer, the densely plotted British TV hit that shaped Owen before his rocket to stardom in American films likeCroupierandCloser. Owen's character, Derek "Dex" Love, has shed his alias, Stephen Crane, and dives into his new capers with relish. Freshly out of prison, Dex has his eye on his latest scams and swindles, while grieving the death of his true love, Jo, played by the splendid English actress Susannah Harker, who happily makes regular appearances in this series in the form of flashbacks and ghostly conversations. Dex forms unlikely alliances as he takes on the evil industrialist Tom Franklyn (Peter Vaughan), who just happens to be Jo's dad.  Though Dex is not exactly the most admirable protagonist, it's hard not to root for him. His determination to overcome his dodgy upbringing can be surprisingly moving: "Being born with a plastic spoon in your mouth can leave an impression," he tells a confidant. AndChanceris no lightweight trash TV, but rather, completely involving--and rewarding. --A.T. Hurley