Lionel Hahn / Tribune News ServiceDavid Duchovny plays a LAPD detective in NBC’s “Aquarius.”

What it’s about: LAPD Det. Sam Hodiak (David Duchovny) has been receiving envelopes with pictures of missing women in 1967. Why? That’s what he wants to know. Meanwhile, Charmain (Claire Holt) and Brian (Grey Damon) continue the undercover operation into Charlie Manson (Gethin Anthony) and his growing family. They also have a new benefactor, Beach Boy founder Dennis Wilson (Andy Favreau).

My say: “Aquarius” fans got an important reveal at the end of the first season. As Sam was receiving that highly dubious LAPD Medal of Valor, viewers finally learned his full name: Samson Benedictus Hodiak.

With a name like that, you better: a) have a back story — which he does; b) have parents with a puckish sense of humor (no doubt); c) have fast fists (of course); and, above all, d) be cool. Very cool. Ice cool. Sam Spade cool.

Maybe it’s that ambient cool or maybe it just took a season to work out pace, logic and character, but “Aquarius” is a better show. Thursday’s two-hour opener was without commercials, which was another gamble by NBC to get more traction for this summer not-quite-franchise. Last year, all 13 episodes were dumped online immediately after the premiere so the network could figure out if viewers binged.

What they liked above all else is Samson Benedictus Hodiak, along with his malleable ethics, smooth patter, buck-the-system style and mysterious past. He’s an interesting guy.

Bottom line: A far-improved start to the second season.

Grade: B