‘Damages’ returns for a 2nd season

January 4, 2009 at 12:00a.m.

By HAL BOEDEKER

Patty Hewes (Glenn Close) will not be denied. After defeating billionaire Arthur Frobisher (Ted Danson), the big-time litigator plunges into a new battle, weathers personal anguish and finds a vast conspiracy.

Happily, “Damages” shows no signs of a sophomore slump.

The FX drama starts its second season at 10 p.m. Wednesday, and the series’ creators have intensified their intricate thriller.

The series quickly reveals what happened to despicable Frobisher, last seen gravely wounded.

Patty’s prot g Ellen Parsons (Rose Byrne) feels rage toward Frobisher, blaming him for her fianc ’s slaying.

Ellen also has become an FBI informant to take down Patty, and no wonder: Patty put out a hit on Ellen.

Life seems good for Patty, yet she broods about that hit and about witnessing the suicide of Ray Fiske (Zeljko Ivanek).