The Alienist – Angel of Darkness S02E05 & S02E06 Review: Last Exit to Brooklyn / Better Angels

In responding to a comment about Libby, I postulated a theory. Regarding what made her the way she is, I said, “I think a special mixture of early childhood trauma, barely an adult trauma, and misfiring neurons in her brain.” And although I was definitely spitballing, I turned out to be closer than I might have thought.

Because this week, the gang goes to Brooklyn, looking for Libby, and finds an incredibly tangled past. Her father did commit suicide–early childhood trauma. Then Libby got pregnant as a young woman and her mother masterminded a series of events that not only got Libby’s baby taken away, but also got Libby locked up in a mental hospital. A 19th-century mental hospital. Barely an adult trauma. As for the misfiring neurons, I think it’s just probable. Lots of people experience trauma both in childhood and as an adult. Not a whole lot then go on to an infant-murdering spree.

But that baby, now the child Clara, is the key. With help from Hearst, Byrnes plants a story about how Clara has been reunited with her grandmother. Then they all lay in wait for Libby to show up. Instead, some random redhead shows up in her stead, clutching a bullet as a warning to them all. Libby may be unwell, but you can’t say she’s not clever.

They search the area, because it’s pretty clear Libby’s nearby. Captain Doyle corners her and as I wrote in my notes, “She’s gonna kill you, dude.” Then I wrote, “Bitsy has plans with Lucius!!!” (Yes, three exclamation points.) Anyway, she kills him.

John is still trying to do the “what are we?” thing with Sara and I’m not sure why. I do believe that she loves him, but as she said last week, he’s engaged. (Oh, just wait.) And I think John went to Sara’s to make some romantic last stand, but instead, they got into it with Libby. Well, that didn’t work out like anyone planned. Also, I’m pretty sure this is where Sara was like, “Oh no, I love John.” At least they finally got Libby into custody. But of course, they still don’t know where the Vanderbilt baby is.

While Laszlo, the titular alienist, is mostly ornamental for these episodes, debating internally what to do about Karen’s leaving for Vienna, Byrnes is interrogating Libby. I’m sorry, I misspelled that–he’s torturing her, having his men submerge her head in water until she breaks. You have no idea what she can take, I noted, just as she bites a chunk out of one of the men.

So they let Sara in to talk to her and it occurs to me, perhaps not for the first time, that they’re basically two sides of the same coin. As such, they make a trade. Sara will bring in Clara to visit Libby, if she tells her where the Vanderbilt baby is. Libby eagerly agrees, only to crumble when Sara just walks away. I have to say, while I love Sara and want her to rule everything, this is one of those times when I’m not sure I back her play.

But anyway, they get the baby back. However, the Dusters take advantage of the light police force at the station to raid it and spring Libby. Sara had told her that Clara was at Laszlo’s institute, so Libby and Goo Goo go steal her, wounding Lucius and murdering Marcus in the process. Farewell, Marcus, I hate how prophetic your dream seems in retrospect.

They find them Libby and Goo Goo holed up in Libby’s old manse and not a moment too soon. Clara is a real little girl and it made me intensely anxious the longer she was with Libby, because Libby cannot abide imperfection in her fantasy world. The gang, plus Byrnes and his men as backup, silently descend on the mansion. And when Goo Goo comes to check out the noise, this time Lucius doesn’t hesitate before dropping him.

Sara and Lazslo, meanwhile, manage to talk Libby into giving up Clara and to talk Byrnes and company into taking Libby peacefully. She’s probably heading for a violent end, anyway.

John, on the other hand, is heading for a Violet end. (I will not apologize.) Violet is pregnant, so John’s going to get live out his dream for a family. I don’t know if it would or would have not worked out with Sara, but I think, despite her feelings, she didn’t want it to.

She wants what she has at the end, a detective agency full of ladies, including Byrnes’s own daughter Kitty (Jordanne Jones). There’s a new century, coming after all, and who knows what could happen?

8/10 – While the relentless pace of two episodes every week felt, well, relentless, I thought this was a satisfying ending to the season. I would, of course, love to hear your thoughts. And if you’ve had just about enough of baby murder, I have, too. Join me for probably some supernatural murder next week, instead, as I pack my bags and drive into Lovecraft Country.

Please accept YouTube cookies to play this video. By accepting you will be accessing content from YouTube, a service provided by an external third party.

YouTube privacy policy

If you accept this notice, your choice will be saved and the page will refresh.

Googolplex/10 – Sara, forever.

COMMENTS

Please read our Commenting Policy before you join in with the discussion.

Note: If you have email notifications enabled, please check your email spam folders to ensure emails are not missed.

5 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Callie-Rose

6 months ago

What an ending. I expected Libby’s child to be a baby since she’s still lactating. I was afraid that Sara might have gotten pregnant after her tryst with John as a wrinkle to the story, so I’m glad she dodged that bullet.

Gavin the Binge-Watcher

I think this show is a little too predictable. I don’t regret watching, but I wish there were more twists to the mystery. Just like with Sara, I find it odd that Violet would allow herself to get in a family way. Her financial status and pedigree gives her the upper hand over John anyway. So why put yourself at risk when women are punished so harshly for it?

Author

Salome G

5 months ago

Reply to Gavin the Binge-Watcher

I wonder if it would have seemed more suspenseful if they hadn’t shown 2 episodes a week.

Silver

I think Libby and Sara were both doing the best they could to survive in a man’s world that didn’t include being a wife and mother. It’s interesting to me that both women were much more clever than the men around them and both women called the shots. I doubt the men realized that though. I absolutely loathe John. He’s pathetic. Sara can do much better.

Reply to Silver

Sara’s a queen, tbh.

Cookie	Description
_pxvid	This cookie is used for detection of the browser and distinguishing whether it is a real user or malicious bot.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	This cookies is set by GDPR Cookie Consent WordPress Plugin. The cookie is used to remember the user consent for the cookies under the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-non-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Non Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	This cookie is used to keep track of which cookies the user have approved for this site.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-preferences	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Preferences".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-uncategorized	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Uncategorized".
CraftSessionId	This cookie name is associated with the Craft web content management system, where is functions as an anonymous session identifier.
csrftoken	This cookie is associated with Django web development platform for python. Used to help protect the website against Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks
DSID	To note specific user identity. Contains hashed/encrypted unique ID.
JSESSIONID	Used by sites written in JSP. General purpose platform session cookies that are used to maintain users' state across page requests.
PHPSESSID	This cookie is native to PHP applications. The cookie is used to store and identify a users' unique session ID for the purpose of managing user session on the website. The cookie is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are closed.
viewed_cookie_policy	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Cookie	Description
b30msc
btc
CMST
cref
d
gpl
i
icts
ig_did
mdata
na_rn
na_sc_e
na_sr
na_srp
session_depth
visitor-id

Cookie	Description
__gads	This cookie is set by Google and stored under the name dounleclick.com. This cookie is used to track how many times users see a particular advert which helps in measuring the success of the campaign and calculate the revenue generated by the campaign. These cookies can only be read from the domain that it is set on so it will not track any data while browsing through another sites.
__stid	The cookie is set by ShareThis. The cookie is used for site analytics to determine the pages visited, the amount of time spent, etc.
_ga	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, camapign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assigns a randoly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_UA_60765351_1	Google uses this cookie to distinguish users.
_gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
ad-id	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content
demdex	This cookie is set under the domain demdex.net and is used by Adobe Audience Manager to help identify a unique visitor across domains.
DigiTrust.v1.identity	Registers data on visitors’ website-behaviour. This is used for internal analysis and website optimization.
dmvk	This cookie is set by DailyMotion who display videos, it registers statistical data of visitors' behaviour on the website.
gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
GPS	This cookie is set by Youtube and registers a unique ID for tracking users based on their geographical location
is_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
sc_is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
v1st	This is set by DailyMotion to display videos.

Cookie	Description
__asc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__auc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__qca	This cookie is associated with Quantcast and is used for collecting anonymized data to analyze log data from different websites to create reports that enables the website owners and advertisers provide ads for the appropriate audience segments.
_cc_aud	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_cc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_dc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_id	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_kuid_	The cookie is set by Krux Digital under the domain krxd.net. The cookie stores a unique ID to identify a returning user for the purpose of targeted advertising.
_px2	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxff_tm	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxhd	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
ab	This cookie is generally provided by agkn.com and is used for advertising purposes.
ad-privacy	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content to the users.
ayl_visitor	This cookie registers data on the visitor. The information is used to optimize advertisement relevance.
bafp	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bafp_t	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_pl	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rf_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rt_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_t_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_td_2d31c94105a0aa6d1ceaea0c86c6b656	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bito	This cookie is generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bitoIsSecure	This cookies are generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bsc	The cookies is set by ownerIQ for the purpose of providing relevant advertisement
CMID	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPRO	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPS	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
dc_id	This cookie is used to deliver adverts more relevant to you and your interests. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement as well as help measure the effectiveness of the advertising campaign. They are usually placed by advertising networks with the website operator's permission. They remember that you have visited a website and this information is shared with other organisations such as advertisers.
did	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
didts	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
dpm	The cookie is set by demdex.net. This cookie assigns a unique ID to each visiting user that allows third-party advertisers target that users with relevant ads.
eud	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
euds	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
everest_g_v2	The cookie is set under eversttech.net domain. The purpose of the cookie is to map clicks to other events on the client's website.
evo5_popin_instance	Prevents an interaction from reoccurring for visitors not accepting 3rd party cookies.
id	This cookie is set by DoubleClick (which is owned by Google) to build a profile of the website visitor's interests and show relevant ads on other sites.
IDE	Used by Google DoubleClick and stores information about how the user uses the website and any other advertisement before visiting the website. This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile.
io.narrative.guid.v2	This cookie is generally provided by io.narrative.io and is used for advertising purposes.
KADUSERCOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
KTPCACOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
matchliveramp	This cookie is provided by w55c.net and is used for advertising purposes.
mc	This cookie is associated with Quantserve to track anonymously how a user interact with the website.
mxpim	This cookie is generally provided by mxptint.net for advertising purposes.
na_tc	This is a Social Media sharing tracking cookie.
NID	This cookie is used to a profile based on user's interest and display personalized ads to the users.
nnls	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxrc	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxvid	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
rlas3	The cookie is set by rlcdn.com. The cookie is used to serve relevant ads to the visitor as well as limit the time the visitor sees an and also measure the effectiveness of the campaign.

Cookie	Description
__jid	Cookies set on the website by the third-party commenting platform Disqus.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
disqus_unique	These cookies are set by Disqus so that users can comment on website/platform.
G_ENABLED_IDPS	The cookie is used by Google and is used for Google Single Sign On.
mid	The cookie is set by Instagram. The cookie is used to distinguish users and to show relevant content, for better user experience and security.
na_id	This cookie is set by Addthis.com to enable sharing of links on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter
ouid	The cookie is set by Addthis which enables the content of the website to be shared across different networking and social sharing websites.
ov	This is a generic functional cookie that provides enhanced functionality and personalisation.
ts	This cookie is generally provided by PayPal and supports payment services in the website.
vuid	These cookies are used by the Vimeo video player on websites.

The Alienist – Angel of Darkness S02E05 & S02E06 Review: Last Exit to Brooklyn / Better Angels

You might also like

FIND THE TOPICS YOU WANT...

Recommended for you