The Lazarus Project Season 1 Episode 2 Review: Episode Two

Context embedded within memories leads to more insight into George’s relationship while offering glimpses into some other Project members on The Lazarus Project Season 1 Episode 2, “Episode Two.”

We get a look back at the Summer of 2018 for Archie and George at the top of the hour, giving insight into the start of George and Sarah’s relationship and Archie’s past with a fellow Project member, Ross. In the aftermath of the devastating accident, George finds himself at odds with the central premise of his job with The Project as Sarah fights for survival.

George seems to be coming to grips with the gravity of his job, and the loops mean for him and his little family bubble. It’s a gut-wrenching discovery to make, and the hour does not beat around that fact, with every story beat in the hour landing a punch to the gut.

Paapa Essiedu does a terrific job conveying the numb emotional turmoil of someone on the verge of losing his soulmate.

Thanks to Shiv’s empathetic intervention, George gets offered the option to get back at Karl for pushing Sarah in front of the truck. Though unwilling to take it, Shiv gives him another chance: speaking to Rebrov.

Meeting Rebrov brings another angle to examine The Project from, seeing the devastating losses and not so inconsiderable decisions the director makes to prevent mass destruction.

We get to see Archie’s whereabouts during the exact Summer interwoven throughout the hour, presenting a more comprehensive look at what the toll of The Project looks like on those involved.

Archie and Ross’s off-hand, casual conversations about moving in together while trying to incite a coup and manipulate a situation where the leader chosen by the director comes into power is initially off-putting. Granted, this is just another day on the job for them, but it feels a little callous.

That callous feeling doesn’t last as viewers get to see the toll it takes on Archie and ultimately with Ross as it’s revealed he’s committed the cardinal sin of time travel established in the pilot. What makes the moment so interesting is Archie’s reaction to learning about what he’s done and how she prioritizes the agency’s mission over anything.

We soon learn that she doesn’t necessarily feel that way.

This juxtaposition between what the former Project member shares with George and Archie’s tearful pleas to go back to save Ross adds to the murkiness of such a heavy topic the show is dealing with.

In theory, it should be a simple decision to make in the face of a potential cataclysm, especially for those in the Lazarus Project.

But when presented with the personal devastation this job and life can bring, the decision becomes less obvious and more perilous.

If you must choose between the world and the one you love, would you really decide to do what is generally expected of a Project member?

There are certainly some exciting things The Lazarus Project is doing, and what makes it a bit more engaging is how the writers opt to go the slow-burn route.

Random Thoughts

• The more we hear from Rebrov, the more I wonder what his deal is and what is the final straw that forced him to turn from the agency.

What did you think of this episode of The Lazarus Project? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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The Lazarus Project airs Sundays at 9/8c on TNT.

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