In the small New Orleans neighborhood of Treme, they are about to celebrate the first "second-line parade" since the town was struck by Katrina and many of the local musicians and residents are reunited, but even more have not yet returned.

LaDonna finally receives news about her brother, who is missing. Albert is forced to take the law into his own hands.

Antoine holidays with his kids in Baton Rouge while LaDonna and Toni look into a local case of mistaken identity. Davis and Creighton decide to take their pain to the masses, while Sonnie leaves Annie for a gig in Texas and Albert accepts an invitation for dinner.

Toni seeks help from a former cop in helping her figure out Daymo. Albert is angry about the lack of lodging, while Davis raises his profile with a television appearance.

While Janette hits the road with her cooking skills, LaDonna and Toni are given hope by a judge's sudden ultimatum and Antoine loses a mentor but gains a job.

As New Orleans gears up for its first Fat Tuesday since Katrina, Albert is sent a less-than-celebratory message by the NOPD. Sonny leaves Annie to her own devices; LaDonna puts her bad news on hold; the Bernettes make a Mardi Gras appearance, though Creighton’s heart isn’t really in it.

New Orleans' recovery continues as Season 2 begins on Nov. 1, 2006, 14 months after Hurricane Katrina, but the rise in crime gives Colson and the police department all they can handle. Meanwhile, Sofia's emotional distance worries Toni; Albert must find a new place to stay; Annie returns from a national tour; and Delmond debuts his new album in New York, where Janette works in a trendy restaurant. The Dirty Dozen Brass Band perform.

Aunt Mimi and Davis form a record company and sign rapper Katey Red; Janette makes her dramatic departure from Restaurant Brulard; Antoine reluctantly lands a teaching job.

News of Jacques' troubles reaches Janette; Nelson does a favor for Oliver Thomas; Antoine names a deputy. Also: performances by John Hiatt; and Henry Butler.

As Carnival arrives in New Orleans, Albert unveils his new plumage, and Delmond discovers a new sound; Annie heads to a rural celebration with Harley, while Davis looks for an alibi to party in town; Hidalgo combines business with pleasure on a Zulu float; Toni and Sofia struggle with their memories of Creighton; Antoine club-hops with his sons, while LaDonna avoids the fracas; and Cornell offers Sonny a second chance away from all the revelry; in New York, Chef Ripert gives Janette time off to attend to personal business and Fat Tuesday

Davis' band debuts, but Annie is hesitant to perform her new song. Meanwhile, Delmond runs his fusion sound by Dr. John; Nelson makes a deal with the city; Sofia falls in with the wrong crowd; and Janette mulls moving to a less intense job. Performers include Susan Cowsill and Leroy Jones.

Janette gets a new nickname; Toni relies on Colson for another favor; Sonny finds an unlikely reason to go to the docks; Antoine pays a price for his on-stage antics; Albert and Delmond travel to make their record.

Antoine’s students show interest and Annie’s demo hits the mark; Sonny and Linh show interest, but no marks are hit; L.P. Everett’s new case has smoke and fire; heat at the in-laws’ house forces LaDonna to move; Hidalgo discovers a new angle; Janette’s resistance slips; Albert learns he has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Batiste helps a student in a sticky situation. Lambreaux teaches LaDonna the true meaning of "Mighty Kootie Fiyo." Hidalgo meets musician turned activist Davis McAlary. Sonny goes to "see a man about a horse," instead finds trouble. Manager Marvin Frey questions Annie's ambitions; she questions his intentions. Delmond gigs with the great Ellis Marsalis. No longer on the Avenue, Desautel is stumped about what to call her new restaurant. Colson asks to be transferred to a new district. Sofia votes yes to her mother's new living arrangement. Bernette bails out a friend. Obama is elected.

Desautel brings in the New Year with Davis and Jacques; Davis embarks on a mission to bring music back to Rampart St. Batiste gets a taste of Hollywood South; Annie gets the message "loud and clear" from her manager Marvin Frey. Delmond is inspired to work on a new piece. Lambreaux goes for a night out and over does it. LaDonna takes Alcide and Randall to visit her momma in Baton Rouge. Bernette wants to proceed with a case against Orleans Parish Prison; Colson wants to tell all that he knows.

Davis gets a "job job;" Colson gets his transfer too little too late. Batiste runs into a couple of old Mardi Gras friends; LaDonna and the boys do Mardi Gras day; Bernette and Sofia salute Creighton and carry out their Mardi Gras tradition; LP Everett experiences his second Mardi Gras in a row. Annie butts heads with Marvin Frey in the studio. Hidalgo cashes out - but pays it forward.