One of the confirmed running storylines in “Animal Kingdom” season 4 is revisiting Smurf's (Ellen Barkin) early days as a career criminal. The series would finally detail her beginnings and how she ended up having her own crime family. This arc allows the show to welcome a new set of recurring characters including two new stars who are likely going to be seen with young Smurf (Leila George) most of the time.
Deadline confirmed that actors John Beavers and Grant Harvey have signed for recurring roles in “Animal Kingdom” season 4 named Jake and Colin, respectively. They are part of a group moving around California and committing armed robbery. They are described to be “living off the grid.” These new characters in “Animal Kingdom” season 4 have very different personalities. Though a career criminal, Jake is described as “good-natured” while Colin could become very violent caused by the emotional repercussions of being a military veteran.
The same report did not specifically mention Jake and Colin as part of the flashbacks for the young Smurf storyline. However, the way their characters and their crimes are described sounded very similar to what was reported about a young Janine. “Animal Kingdom” season 4 is expected to show Smurf got acquainted early to crimes after spending time with a group of transients identified as “vets and surfers” who are making a career out of robberies.
Beavers, Harvey, and George are not the only new stars joining the cast in “Animal Kingdom” season 4. It was also previously reported that “Bones” alum Emily Deschanel plays the role of Angela — a woman who just got out of prison, with a romantic past with Pope (Shawn Hatosy), and wants to be part of the Cody crime clan.
“Animal Kingdom” season 4 will certainly premiere this year. TNT has yet to reveal its specific release dates, but all teasers indicate that it is “coming soon.” The show will most likely maintain a late May to early June premiere.
