This article contains spoilers for Lazarus, Episode 2, “Life in the Fast Lane,”now streaming on Max.
Episode Overview
- Lazarus Episode 2 delves deeper into Dr. Skinner’s background and the relationships within the crew.
- The team embarks on a search for Skinner, leading to an unpredictable confrontation with various factions.
- A major twist occurs when they discover the individual they confront is not Skinner after all.
Table of Contents
- Establishing the HQ
- The Search for Answers
- Crew Briefing
- Pursuing Skinner
- Bunker Chaos
- Misidentification
Establishing the HQ
Lazarus HQ Overview
This episode shifts focus as Leland takes the lead in the opening sequence, recounting his experiences with Hapna, a substance that has surged in popularity among teens for its euphoric effects. The impending global crisis weighs heavily on the crew, with only 29 days remaining. During a briefing, a tense moment arises when Axel attempts to take Chris hostage, but the special bracelets worn by the crew ensure compliance.
Following the briefing, the crew deliberates about their potential plans for Skinner’s return, revealing divergent motivations for the search. Doug, the group’s leader, asserts their mission is far more noble than monetary gain; they have a responsibility to save the world. When Axel queries everyone about their use of Hapna, it’s revealed that their collective stakes in this operation are personal. The newly established headquarters, despite its dilapidated state, starts to feel like a home, with Doug guiding Axel to explore its hidden high-tech aspects.
The Search for Answers
Celebrity Appearance
As the world prepares for a significant calamity in 28 days, media outlets frenzy to piece together Dr. Skinner’s motives. Viewers are treated to snippets of a White House press briefing as officials struggle to assuage public fears. Concurrently, a pop star resembling Ariana Grande discusses her predicament with her album release, suggesting a world on the brink of disaster.
Dr. Deniz Skinner, often heralded as a modern genius, is further explored through flashbacks. Losing his parents at a young age set him on a path of scientific notoriety, culminating in his enrollment at Cambridge University. His groundbreaking work led to comparisons with Einstein, showcasing his potential and tremendous contributions to science.
Crew Briefing
Skinner’s Legacy Unpacked
The episode highlights Skinner’s philanthropic actions, including multiple Nobel Prizes and environmental activism, notably at the UN General Assembly where his sincere pleas for action against climate change were ignored by world leaders. This catalyzed his transformation into a perceived threat, as his kindness seemingly belied darker intentions.
The crew learns of a breakthrough lead regarding Skinner’s whereabouts and prepares to act, revealing the duality of Skinner’s character: a friend to humanity turned potential villain.
Pursuing Skinner
The Calm Before the Storm
Empowered by their new lead, the crew splits into two teams to pursue Skinner. Eleina utilizes facial recognition technology while the others drive through an expansive landscape, illustrating the vastness of their mission. Tension arises during the ride, particularly when Chris confronts Axel about his extensive prison sentence, humorously highlighting Axel’s reckless history.
Bunker Chaos
Faction Conflict
The climax of Episode 2 sees both teams in dire circumstances as they encounter armed thugs and conflict erupts between rival factions, including the FBI and various gangs. The action ramps up as Axel embraces the chaos, showcasing thrilling sequences of evasion and combat. His humorous take on the situation—mocking the armed forces by playfully mimicking them—adds a comic twist to the perilous encounter.
Misidentification
Final Bust
In a turn of events, the crew discovers that the man they thought was Skinner is actually Kobayashi, a character with a troubled past, who has his own demons to wrestle with. His existential musings and conflicted motives add depth to his character, while questions arise about his future role in the series.
Despite the disappointments of the initial lead, the search is still on. With only 28 days left until the looming crisis, the urgency escalates. While the episode delivers engaging moments and stunning visuals, it leaves viewers eager for further revelations rather than feeling like a mere exposition of Skinner’s history.
Lazarus is available to stream on Max.