“Switched at Birth”: Second season off to a good start

SWITCHED AT BIRTH - ABC Family's "Switched at Birth" stars Lea Thompson as Kristen Kennish, D.W. Moffett as John Kennish, Vanessa Marano as Bay Kennish, Lucas Grabeel as TOby Kennish, Katie Leclerc as Daphne Vasquez and Constance Marie as Regina Vasquez. (ABC FAMILY/ANDREW ECCLES)

The Season Two premiere of “Switched at Birth” features what this show does best – lots of drama without going over the top.

Angelo (Gilles Marini) is in the gift-giving mood after his winning verdict in the switched at birth trial made him a millionaire and the Vasquez and Kennish families are the beneficiaries.

Kathryn (Lea Thompson) and John (D.W. Moffett) think about making a bid for a government office seat and Bay (Vanessa Marano) is accused of cheating at school.

Meanwhile, Daphne (Katie Leclerc) has trouble letting go of her former boss/crush Jeff , leading to problems with a couple of her close friends.

This episode is a solid beginning for the second season as this series continues to be well-acted and well-written, and it always contains lots of heart.

“Switched at Birth” returns at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7 on ABC Family.

– Melissa Hayer

mhayer@opubco.com

Follow me on Twitter: @MelissaHayer