The second season premiere was voted underwhelming by fans and critics with one raunchy exception.
Taylor Kitsch marked his return to HBO with a nude sex scene during the much-hyped opener of the cop drama sequel on Sunday.
The 34-year-old actor put his buff body on show while sharing screen time with newcomer Adria Arjona, who plays his girlfriend.
Taylor's character Paul Woodrugh is one of the central roles focused on this season, which also stars Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams and Vince Vaughn.
The Lonely Heart star portrays moody California Highway Patrol motorcycle officer and war veteran running from a difficult past. His character is introduced as he gets placed on paid leave after a B-list actress accused him of soliciting sexual favors during a traffic stop.
In the first episode, titled The Western Book of the Dead, Paul arrives at girlfriend Emily's home, where he unwinds from a long day of work in her bed.