James Purefoy from "The Following" talks about the thrilling new season

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- James Purefoy talks about his role on the Fox thriller series, "The Following" and what is in store for his character this season.

"The Following" airs Monday nights at 9 p.m. right here on WDRB.

And it's serial killing cult leader is very much alive.

Actor James Purefoy plays Professor Joe Carroll, who leads a cult of serial killers.

Heading into its intense, spellbinding second season, hit psychological thriller "The Following" will catch up with a healthy and healed Ryan Hardy, played by Kevin Bacon, a year after the tragic events of last season.

Following a horrific new murder spree, the FBI calls on Ryan and Mike Weston (Shawn Ashmore) to speak with the lone survivor, Lily Gray (Connie Nielsen, "Boss," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"), in order to help them solve the case.

Having worked tirelessly to rehabilitate his life, Ryan is reluctant to re-engage with the FBI. Instead, he proceeds with his own investigation behind closed doors, and finds a valuable ally in his niece, Max Hardy (Jessica Stroup, "90210"), an NYPD cop working in the Intel Division.

Throughout the season, Ryan will cross paths with several complicated individuals, including Mandy Lang (Tiffany Boone, "Beautiful Creatures") and Luke (Sam Underwood, "Dexter"), which furthers his suspicion that Joe Carroll's (James Purefoy) reign of terror is far from over.

From creator/executive producer Kevin Williamson ("The Vampire Diaries," "Dawson's Creek," the "Scream" franchise), THE FOLLOWING was last season's No. 1 new series and the No. 1 broadcast drama among Adults 18-49.

The action began when notorious serial killer Joe Carroll escaped from death row. The FBI immediately contacted former agent Ryan Hardy to consult on the case, as he was the one responsible for Carroll's capture in 2003, after Carroll murdered 14 female students on the Virginia college campus where he taught literature. Ryan, working closely with an FBI team, quickly learned that they were up against not one, but a cult of killers. As unimaginable events continued to unfold, Ryan raced desperately to stop Carroll before his endgame reached its deadly conclusion. The explosive first season finale featured the highly anticipated face-off between Ryan and Carroll, ending in Carroll's seemingly ultimate demise.

THE FOLLOWING is from Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Outerbanks Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television. The series is created, written and executive-produced by Kevin Williamson. Marcos Siega serves as an executive producer and director.

Cast: Kevin Bacon as Ryan Hardy; James Purefoy as Joe Carroll; Shawn Ashmore as Agent Mike Weston; Valorie Curry as Emma Hill; Connie Nielsen as Lily Gray; Sam Underwood as Luke; Jessica Stroup as Max Hardy; Tiffany Boone as Mandy Lang

Guest Cast: Valerie Cruz as Agent Gina Mendez; Carrie Preston as Judy; JD Williams as Carlos; Camille De Pazzis as Giselle

CLICK HERE for episodic photos and more information on this episode of "The Following."