The Alienist: Angel of Darkness Review: Something Wicked (Season 2 Episode 2)

Sara Howard finds herself brushing up against the opposition on The Alienist: Angel of Darkness Season 2 Episode 2, “Something Wicked.”

But unfortunately, it is looking like the pressure is mounting on her own team on top of the enemy looking to cause havoc.

Lucius offering up information to Byrnes is an unfortunate development, as it leads to the near-arrest of Señora Linares, public scrutiny nearly coming down on top of the team, on top of Byrnes gaining more of an upper hand on the margins.

It’s in good faith for the protection of his brother Marcus, but as he will likely learn down the road, once will not be enough to keep that protection going.

The investigation side of things makes a small amount of progress through the dolls and the abandoned building owned by the Dusters, but it’s through the obstruction of Byrnes and Hearst at the paper where more headway is made.

There is this desperate need to cause problems between the United States and Spain by any means necessary, and both men look to be arm-in-arm in causing as much harm as possible. It’s not clear if it’s simply racism or ulterior motives, but their bully tactics are doing damage to the investigation and the city.

We know that the initials “E. H.” has purchased the five dolls, which gives the impression that there will be five victims. With one already in use and Señora Linares’ child still missing (and being picked up to ominous music near the end of the episode), it’s a disconcerting numbers game so early on.

Dr. Markoe’s intentions are mostly laid bare, now that we know he looks to hold prestige and esteem in the city by concealing the scandals of rich families (to the detriment of women in the process). It’s a dark art he is playing in, and it’s no wonder why he is both so adamant to keep everyone at arm’s length, and it also shows the different between Kreizler and himself.

Kreizler is a man who wants to help people, whereas Markoe looks to do so mainly out of self interest. Their confrontations may be brief, but it’s becoming a boiling point for the two men, and with Byrnes now growing closer with his threats, it will likely blow up very soon.

There is also the strange, disturbing conversation he has at the end with his help during the birth, where it sounds almost like he is doing this not only for the money, but for a fringe ideological reason.

It’s not fully clear yet if this is important to the case, but it’s a worrying way for a doctor to see his patients, especially when he plans to lie about the baby’s survival.

One aspect of the episode that is commendable is that of Kreizler’s involvement. The show cleverly doesn’t pit Kreizler and Sara against each other; rather, it’s a means of using what is at their disposal and doing what they think is right.

Kreizler is merely attempting to do all that he can, but it’s illustrated as harmful in the moment.

It’s because he isn’t quite used to being in the backseat, and may be chafing a little under Sara’s leadership. Kreizler is mostly going along with Sara’s lead, thankfully, but there are signs of cracks, and that he may be reverting to old ways of trying to wrestle some control for himself.

But Kreizler is a lot more mindful of others and their feelings this time. He apologies to Linares after offending her, a far cry from his teardowns that occurred over the first season. He may downplay Sara’s outrage at the restaurant, but that looks more for appearances than out of not being concerned about her.

It’s a shift for his character, and while he may be a little more absent than before, it is a better reading on Kreizler on the whole.

John Moore’s ties to William Hearst continues to be a curious avenue for the show. Will his fiancee prove to be a spy of sorts to their investigation, or will she become a pawn between the two men as the pressure of the case starts to heat up and break the Spain blame game?

There appears to be a move for consolidation, with Hearst trying for a second time to bring John into his fold at his paper. The thing about the foes on The Alienist is that they appear to collect people like trophies, to use for their bidding.

The episode also continues to portray a large gulf has formed with the original team with the revelation that Cyrus now runs a bar. As Kreizler’s previous bodyguard and friend, it is definitely a sign that things have shifted if he is willing to move on given how loyal he has been to the doctor.

Ted Levine looks to be having a ball as the nefarious Byrnes, especially during the scene in Hearst’s office. He may be diminished from being on the outside looking in, but that doesn’t make him any less dangerous.

Byrnes is mostly taking the place of Connor as the shadowy figure following the team, but in contrast to Connor, Byrnes isn’t afraid to get in close and announce his intentions. Plus, he is much more effective.

The Alienist: Angel of Darkness Season 2 Episode 2, “Something Wicked,” is a solid follow-up to the premiere, and gives the impression of being a little more setting-based than character-based.

We are still building the foundation, and while Sara certainly stands out, Kreizler and John are starting to feel a little in the background in favor of atmosphere. The show is nailing that atmosphere, though, and Sara Howard has become a wonderful driving force for the series.

Some stray observations on the episode:

• It’s a great New York City history lesson to get the Dusters involved in the search for clues. They’re a brutal gang, and causing friction with them will likely blow back on Sara and John, especially since Sara pulls a gun on Goo Goo Knox, a man not to be trifled with.

 

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The Alienist: Angel of Darkness airs Sundays at 9/8c on TNT.

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