EMMY(R)-WINNING SERIES "BANSHEE" RETURNS FOR SECOND SEASON JAN. 10, EXCLUSIVELY ON CINEMAX

BANSHEE returns for its ten-episode second season FRIDAY, JAN. 10 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on CINEMAX. The Emmy(R)-winning series is executive produced by Jonathan Tropper, David Schickler, Peter Macdissi, Alan Ball and Greg Yaitanes.

The series stars Antony Starr ("Rush") as Lucas Hood, an ex-con and master thief who assumes the identity of the sheriff of Banshee, Pa., where he continues his criminal activities, even as he's being hunted by the shadowy gangsters he betrayed years earlier. Other returning cast regulars include Ivana Milicevic (HBO's "The Mind of the Married Man," "Charlie's Angels") as Carrie Hopewell, a notorious jewel thief who now lives in Banshee under an assumed identity with her new family, who knows nothing of her past; Ulrich Thomsen ("The Celebration") as Kai Proctor, an intimidating, wealthy businessman who believes he is above the law; Frankie Faison ("The Good Wife," HBO's "The Wire") as Sugar Bates, a powerful and wise former boxer and ex-con who is now the owner of the local watering hole; and Hoon Lee ("Premium Rush") as Job, a dangerous transvestite computer hacker who assists Lucas in his criminal enterprises.

Returning cast regulars also include Rus Blackwell ("Burn Notice," HBO's "Recount") as Banshee's district attorney, Gordon Hopewell, a Gulf War hero who is married to Carrie; Matt Servitto (HBO's "The Sopranos") as Brock Lotus, the longest-serving deputy in the Banshee sheriff department; Demetrius Grosse ("Justified") as Emmett Yawners, a deputy in the Banshee sheriff department; Trieste Kelly Dunn ("Brothers and Sisters") as Siobhan Kelly, a spitfire female deputy in the sheriff's department; Lili Simmons ("Fat Kid Rules the World") as Rebecca Bowman, an Amish girl in her early 20s who lives a devout life by day, but is a rebellious, sexually adventurous party girl by night; Ryann Shane ("Blue Bloods") as Deva Hopewell, Carrie and Gordon's rebellious daughter; Anthony Ruivivar ("Southland," "Third Watch") as Alex Longshadow, the son of Kinaho Tribe Chief Benjamin Longshadow; and Ben Cross ("Star Trek," "Ben Hur") as Mr. Rabbit, a ruthless Ukrainian gangster who has been hunting Lucas and Carrie, his former top thieves, for 15 years. Odette Annable ("House M.D.," "Cloverfield") returns as Native American assassin Nola Longshadow.

New guest stars include Zeljko Ivanek ("Damages," "Seven Psychopaths," HBO's "True Blood") as Jim Racine, a chain-smoking, renegade FBI agent who has been tracking Rabbit for 15 years; Tatanka Means ("The Host," "Tiger Eyes") as Hoyt Rivers, head of security for Alex Longshadow; and Julian Sands ("The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," "24"), as Rabbit's younger brother, a brilliant, devout and amoral Ukrainian priest who is just as dangerous.

BANSHEE is executive produced by Jonathan Tropper (author of the New York Times bestseller "This Is Where I Leave You"), David Schickler (author of "Kissing in Manhattan" and "Sweet and Vicious"), Peter Macdissi ("Towelhead," HBO's "Six Feet Under"), Alan Ball (HBO's "True Blood" and the Emmy(R)-winning "Six Feet Under") and Greg Yaitanes (Emmy(R) winner for directing "House M.D.").

Scripts were written by Jonathan Tropper, David Schickler, Evan Dunsky ("Rectify"), John Romano ("Third Watch") and Doug Jung (HBO's "Big Love"). Directors this season include Greg Yaitanes, Ole Christian Madsen ("Edderkoppen," "Flame and Citron"), Babak Najafi ("Easy Money 2") and Loni Peristere ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer").

January's episodes:

Episode #11: "Little Fish"

Debut: FRIDAY, JAN. 10 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)

Other CINEMAX playdates: Jan. 10 (11:00 p.m.), 11 (9:00 p.m., 11:40 p.m.), 12 (2:55 p.m.), 13 (8:00 p.m., 1:50 a.m.), 14 (10:00 p.m.) and 15 (9:00 p.m., 11:30 p.m.)

In the aftermath of their bloody shootout with Rabbit (Ben Cross), Lucas (Antony Starr), Carrie (Ivana Milicevic) and the Banshee Sheriff's Department (BSD) are interrogated by FBI special agent Jim Racine (Zeljko Ivanek), who metes out punishment that may, or may not, fit the crimes. Meanwhile, Proctor (Ulrich Thomsen) sets his sights on persuading Rebecca (Lili Simmons) to return to his care. As Gordon (Rus Blackwell) stews over his wife's betrayal, Deva (Ryann Shane) shows off her resourcefulness after being caught shoplifting in a mall. Later, a straightforward armored-truck robbery turns into a dangerous high-speed chase involving a mysterious motorcycle pursuer.

Written by Jonathan Tropper; directed by Greg Yaitanes

Episode #12: "The Thunder Man"

Debut: FRIDAY, JAN. 17 (10:00-11:00 p.m.)

Other CINEMAX playdates: Jan. 17 (11:00 p.m.), 18 (9:00 p.m., 11:35 p.m.), 19 (1:35 p.m.), 20 (8:00 p.m., 12:55 a.m.), 21 (10:00 p.m.) and 22 (9:00 p.m., 11:55 p.m.)

Spurned by Deva and Gordon, Carrie is forced to take up a new residence. With his leadership abilities questioned by rival George Hunter (Gil Birmingham) and the tribal council, Alex (Anthony Ruivivar) ramps up his efforts to recover the money stolen in the casino heist. Siobhan (Trieste Kelly Dunn) relives a nightmare when her ex-husband, Breece Connors (Peter Scanavino), shows up looking to reconnect. Lucas is asked to return Proctor's favor.

Written by David Schickler; directed by Greg Yaitanes

Episode #13: "The Warrior Class"

Debut: FRIDAY, JAN. 24 (10:00-11:00 p.m.)

Other CINEMAX playdates: Jan. 24 (11:00 p.m.), 25 (9:00 p.m., 11:40 p.m.), 26 (1:45 p.m.), 27 (8:00 p.m., 1:15 a.m.), 28 (10:00 p.m.) and 29 (9:00 p.m., 11:40 p.m.)

A shocking murder near an Amish farm fractures relations between the Kinaho tribe and the Amish, who are forced to rely on Proctor to fend off a vengeful mob. Investigating the crime on Kinaho turf, Lucas and his deputies find themselves confronted by uncooperative gang members and their imposing leader, Chayton Littlestone (Geno Segers). Meanwhile, Carrie welcomes an unexpected visitor, while Lucas deals with the sudden appearance of a most unwelcome one.

Written by Evan Dunsky; directed by OC Madsen.

Episode #14: "Bloodlines"

Debut: FRIDAY, JAN. 31 (10:00-11:00 p.m.)

Other CINEMAX playdates: Jan. 31 (11:00 p.m.) and Feb. 1 (9:00 p.m., 12:50 a.m.), 2 (1:50 p.m.), 3 (8:00 p.m., 2:00 a.m.), 4 (10:00 p.m.) and 5 (9:00 p.m., 1:35 a.m.)

Following a lead from Brock (Matt Servitto), Lucas visits a strict Amish schoolteacher who might have insights into the murder of Kinaho tribe member Lana Cleary and the disappearance of Solomon Bowman (Gunnar Carrigan). Emmett (Demetrius Grosse) and Siobhan find transferring a captive Chayton more difficult than expected. Rebecca copes with the pain of her parents' rejection. Proctor offers Alex a peace offering, and Nola (Odette Annable) delivers a final blow for justice.

Written by Evan Dunsky; directed by OC Madsen.

In September, BANSHEE received a Primetime Emmy(R) Award for Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Supporting Role.

The first season, which began in Jan. 2013, inspired critical raves, with the Hollywood Reporter calling it "taut, entertaining and smart," and the Wall Street Journal describing the show as "enticing" and "indisputably satisfying."