‘The Terror: Infamy’ Premiere: Meet AMC’s New Season 2 Cast

With AMC’s anthology series, “The Terror,” back with Season 2, titled “Infamy,” on Monday, there’s a lot viewers should know before tuning in for the premiere.

While the first season of the horror drama centered around an 1800s expedition to the Arctic, Season 2 is set during World War II and focuses on the strange deaths happening within a Japanese American community and one man’s journey to take down the “malevolent entity responsible,” according to the synopsis.

Before “The Terror: Infamy” starts airing, get to know the characters (per AMC) , as well as the cast members who portray them:

Chester Nakayama (Derek Mio, “Greek” and “Billy Boy”)

Chester is a nisei, or US-born Japanese American, from Terminal Island, California. Chester finds himself caught between the insular Japanese community of his upbringing and his life an as all-American22-year-old. He’s a proud, stubborn young man who hopes to one day leave his “tiny island” and travel the country as a photographer for LIFE Magazine. At the time of the first episode, Chester’s relationship and community life are both under duress from extreme, life-altering circumstances. Chester’s response to these events leads him on a treacherous journey that teaches him what it means to be an American, and a man.

Luz Ojeda (Cristina Rodlo, “Miss Bala” and “Too Old to Die Young”)

Luz is a Mexican American who lives in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, with her brother and widowed father. She goes to Los Angeles Community College as a nursing student where she meetsChester, who is taking photography classes. As she mentions in episode one, her family’s longstanding intention was for her to become a nun, a fate she barely resisted until she met Chester. Her relationship with Chester is a small act of rebellion at first, but Luz’s eventual journey compels her to find a deep resolve and heroic courage within.

Yuko Tanabe (Kiki Sukezane, “Lost in Space” and “Heroes Reborn”)

There’s not much to say about Yuko Tanabe, not much that we know at least. But her role is central in the fate of Chester and the rest of the Terminal Islanders.

Henry Nakayama (Shingo Usami, “Unbroken”)

Henry, Chester’s father, is an issei, or Japanese immigrant to the US. Though he would say he’s “just a simple fisherman,” Henry, one of only six Japanese Americans from the community to own a car, is a popular figure on Terminal Island. He came to America to better the life of his family, which he did, but he suffered a lifetime of tears along the way. Nevertheless, Henry loves this country, though his faith in America will soon be tested.

Asako Nakayama (Naoko Mori, “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” and “Torchwood”)

Asako, Chester’s mother, came to Henry as a “picture bride” —the wife of an arranged marriage orchestrated from Japan via photos sent to America. Asako deeply respects the traditions of Japanese culture, but with that reverence comes a bent toward superstition. As tensions run high both at home and in the community, Asako tries her best to serve as the glue that holds everyone together.

Amy Yoshida (Miki Ishikawa, “Make Your Move” and “Yours, Mine & Ours”)

Amy is one of the Yoshidas, the closest family friends of the Nakayamas on Terminal Island. Like Chester, she sees herself as more American than Japanese —she’s even going out with a hakujin (white person) from the nearby naval station when the story begins. Amy’s patriotism is tested as the narrative progresses, and she’s faced with increasing injustice from the government and those who wield its authority.

Nobuhiro Yamato (George Takei, “Star Trek” and “Heroes”)

Yamato-san is the 80-year-old elder statesman of Terminal Island. One of the first Japanese Americans to move to Terminal Island as a fisherman, the stories of his former glory live on through his current role —serving as the salty raconteur and honorary officer of Henry’s ship. Yamato-san’s age brings with it a connection to the old traditions of these Japanese immigrants, a connection that becomes increasingly important as the community is torn apart.

“The Terror: Infamy” premieres on AMC on Monday at 9 p.m. EDT.