The second season of Treme begins with a coda to last season, and it sets the tone for a harder year. As traumatic as the fall of 2005 was, in many ways 2006 was more painful as it became clear that recovery was not going to happen quickly, and the recovery efforts that came through city, state and federal government were done on the profit motive.

Season two of Treme similarly deals with what happened when the initial adventure of reopening a ghost town gave way to the selfish, greedy realities of the recovery effort. Eric Overmyer’s script captures the simmering anxiety of the moment, but he avoids the trap of putting all the characters through hell at the same time. Too often, shows that strive for gravity become joyless slogs, but this season’s premiere includes love, sex, laughs and the dynamic presence of Jon Seda’s Nelson Hidalgo, who introduces himself in a big way to the show.

The episode’s title—“Accentuate the Positive”—is ironic as the characters’ worlds darken for the most part. Melissa Leo’s Toni spars with India Ennenga’s Sofia as their relationship deteriorates after the death of Creighton Bernette. Clarke Peters’ poker face breaks when Albert Lambreaux faces unexpected changes, while Janette (Kim Dickens) and Delmond (Rob Brown) deal with complicated relationships with New Orleans from afar. Her scenes show the hand of new addition to the writing staff Anthony Bourdain, whose depiction of the life of kitchen staff is as harrowing in its way as it is funny.

But there remain poetic, musical moments that add vitality and resonance the show’s depiction of life here. On their face, those numbers are just songs and performances, but like so much of Treme, contemplating them and what they illustrate—actually, like the show as a whole—adds meaning and light. Not easy, fluffy good times but the kind that offer actual hope.

Season two of Treme debuts on HBO Sunday at 9 CDT with re-airings Sunday at 11, April 26 at 1:05 a.m., April 27 at 11 p.m., April 28 at 9 p.m. and May 12 at 7 p.m.