In the heart of “Animal Kingdom” lies the intricate Cody clan, headed by their matriarch, Janine, who is also known as “Smurf” Cody. This TNT crime drama series is a television adaptation of the 2010 Australian film with the same name by David Michôd, created by Jonathan Lisco. The narrative revolves around the Codys as they maneuver through the perils of managing a criminal family business in Oceanside, California.
In the TV show titled “Animal Kingdom,” an impressive ensemble of actors graced our screens, featuring Ellen Barkin, Scott Speedman, Shawn Hatosy, Ben Robson, and Daniella Alonso. This captivating series aired for six seasons on TNT, concluding with its last episode being released on August 28, 2022.
Animal Kingdom Family Tree Explained
Janine “Smurf” Cody
In her role as the matriarch of the Cody clan, Janine “Smurf” Cody skillfully manipulates events from behind the curtains. A relentless and intimidating figure, she is prepared to go to great lengths to realize her ambitions.
Janine is the parent of Pope, Julia, Craig, and Deran. At the age of 12, she took in Baz and shaped him into a key figure in their collective criminal activities. As a mom, Janine employs unconventional tactics to control her sons’ actions, all while showing them an unexpected amount of love.
Colin
In the past, Colin was part of Janine’s team, and he is the biological father of both Julia and Pope. Known for his merciless nature, Colin played a crucial role in shaping Janine into a formidable mob boss. Tragically, Colin met his end before Julia and Pope were born, having been fatally wounded by police gunfire during a chaotic escape attempt.
Billy
Billy, a man with a criminal past, frequently had an intimate connection with Janine during her most active years in crime. He is Deran’s father who has been absent for some time, now attempting to rebuild his relationship with his son in Oceanside. It was eventually uncovered that he employs the Codys to assist him with a multi-layered robbery scheme.
Lila
Lila Cole was once involved with Janine and is a photographer who made an appearance in Animal Kingdom’s Season 1, Episode 5. Following Janine’s deceitful actions to extract vital details regarding J’s mother, Lila disappears from the show’s subsequent episodes.
Andrew “Pope” Cody
In the captivating world of “Chicago PD,” I’ve come to know a character named Andrew “Pope” Cody, brilliantly portrayed this season by the talented Shawn Hatosy. This intriguing figure stands as Janine’s eldest son, and it’s his volatile demeanor that has earned him a reputation of being the most dangerous among both family and adversaries.
Initially, “Animal Kingdom” finds Pope stepping out of prison into the familiar territory of his family’s criminal enterprise following his release.
Julia Cody
In simpler terms, Julia Cody is the twin sister of the Pope character and the parent of “J” Cody. The initial scene of the television show “Animal Kingdom” depicts Julia, who struggled with drug addiction, suffering a fatal overdose and being discovered deceased in her residence.
Barry “Baz” Blackwell
In the television series “Animal Kingdom,” it’s revealed that Barry Blackwell, also known as “Baz,” who is Janine’s adopted son, has a concealed intimate connection with his adoptive sister, Julia. The show hinted that Baz could potentially be Janine’s biological father due to their past romantic involvement.
In the multiple robberies orchestrated by the Codys, Baz took charge of the team, but he gradually began to doubt Janine’s approach, which eventually culminated in a power struggle in subsequent seasons. The show also provided insights through flashbacks about how Baz played a significant role in Pope’s imprisonment before his release three years later.
Catherine Belen
Catherine Belen has been Baz’s long-term partner and is the mom of their daughter, Lena. Being a key figure in the Cody clan’s criminal organization, Janine was believed to turn against them when it was discovered that she had started working as an undercover informant for the police.
Pope, who was unusually obsessed with Catherine, eventually killed her under Janine’s order.
Lucy
In a different phrasing, Lucy serves as Baz’s secret lover and holds a leadership position within a Mexican criminal organization. During her time on the TV show ‘Animal Kingdom’, it was shown that she entered this relationship with Baz due to his wealth. However, Season 3 unveiled that there was more to it, as part of the motivation for becoming his mistress was his financial status.
Craig Cody
Born to the brave middle child of Janine, Craig Cody, never shies away from venturing into risky situations for the sake of his family. However, he can be somewhat untrustworthy occasionally. He is the half-brother of Pope, Julia, and Deran, all offspring of different relationships for Janine. Craig is also the son of Jake Dunmore, one of Janine’s past associates in her criminal circle. In later seasons, Craig and his partner, Renn, welcomed a child named Nicholas into their family.
Renn Randall
In the series “Animal Kingdom”, Renn Randall, who once dealt drugs, is both Craig’s girlfriend and Nicholas’ mother. Initially, their relationship was turbulent, but it evolved for the better once Renn became pregnant with Nicholas.
In an attempt to shield her son from the hazards of the criminal underworld, Renn decided to relocate with Nick to Singapore, seeking a new beginning. Unfortunately, Craig was later fatally wounded during a prison transport heist aimed at freeing Pope, resulting in Nick losing his father and Renn losing her husband.
Deran Cody
Janine’s youngest child, Deran Cody, found himself drawn to a life of criminal activities, though he grappled with the decision between emulating his half-brother or chasing his dreams in surfing competitions and managing a bar.
Initially, he worked at a legitimate job to support himself, but later, influenced by his siblings and mother, he got involved in the Codys’ illicit activities.
At first, he earned an honest living, but eventually, he joined the illegal dealings of the Codys when persuaded by his family members.
Deran is the son of a low-level criminal named Billy, whom Janine occasionally hooked up with.
Joshua “J” Cody
Joshua Cody, or simply J, is Janine’s grandchild. Due to unfortunate circumstances, he found himself living with her and his uncles. After the demise of his mother, Julia, he gradually adapted to a lifestyle entwined with criminal activities.
Initially, J harbored ill feelings towards his uncles when he discovered their cruelty toward his mother. These feelings intensified over the course of six seasons on the show “Animal Kingdom“. Ultimately, this resentment culminated in him backstabbing them during Pope’s prison transport heist.
Lena Blackwell
Lena Blackwell is the young child of Baz and Catherine, oblivious to the Cody family’s criminal actions. After Catherine passed away, Pope cared for her temporarily. However, due to the need for a new beginning, she was moved into foster care.
Carlos
Carlos could be both Lucy’s offspring and possibly Baz’s, although details about his personal life are scarce. However, it’s important to note that Carlos was present when Mia Benitez took his mother’s life in a violent manner.
Nicholas Cody
Nicholas Cody is Craig and Renn’s child. After deciding to remove him from the Cody family’s criminal organization, his mother, Renn, relocated him to Singapore.
Paramount+ offers a comparable show titled “MobLand“, which centers on criminal clans. For further insights into the intricate Harrigan family, you can explore it here.
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2025-06-12 09:05