As I said last week, while the scenes are extraordinary and the acting is superb in The Alienist: The Angel of Darkness, I could kick myself for reading the book first! It is clear that I would be enjoying this second season so much more if I’d followed my own rules. Even though they are different, the book is the source material, and therefore it is “law.” So if I’d only found myself watching this with no background, I know I would be enjoying it so much more!
With that being said, it’s the second week in and we’re already half way through the second season! This is what I both like and dislike about airing multiple episodes at a time. Sure, I don’t have to watch them back to back, but if you bless me with more I’m going to watch more! The plot has moved forward, but unless they cut out some serious plot points, I have a hard time seeing how this is going to satisfyingly end in just four more episodes.
This week Sara and Kreizler convinces Senora Lineras to undergo hypnosis to see if she can retrieve any more memories that would help them find baby Anna. It is somewhat helpful, and I suppose this scene makes up for the sketch that is so important from the novel that they’ve eliminated. Aside from this, the group spends a considerable amount of time at the Lying-In Hospital where baby Anna spent some time before being taken. There we meet some shady characters, along with a helpful wet-nurse named Libby. Listen. I was about to be absolutely livid if they were going to change her entire character from the book, but they fooled me. Towards the end of the second hour it’s clear she’s the one who’s been snatching and killing babies. She’s slipped them for now, but it’s clear she’s on the warpath, so I can only guess what they’ll make up for her next week.
Otherwise, the hour is spent on making Sara low-key feel bad about not being married or having children. It’s also clear at John’s engagement party that there are unresolved feelings between Sara and John that a frustrating lack of communication only inflames more. Kreizler’s role in these two episodes seems smaller, but he may also be getting a love interest? Pass. Why do we need romance for entertainment?! I will say, his scenes at the bachelor party when he’s a bit drunk had me cracking up. Never thought I’d be laughing during a show like this. So many surprises.
Still surprising is the lack of Stevie! Why did they even bother including his character at all if he’s getting next to no screen time or lines! So frustrating, especially for this season. Cyrus showed up for a little bit, but still not in the capacity that he serves in the novel. Almost equally as frustrating. The detective sergeants are involved throughout, but not nearly as much as I’d prefer. I’d also love to see some banter between those two actors. For playing twin brothers, they sure aren’t that engaging to watch. I know I’m complaining a lot, but I promise, this series is really well done. I urge everyone to watch because frankly I’d love for the story to continue, especially since they’re out of source material for me to ruin this for myself with!
But seriously, go watch it.