The seventh episode of Brilliant Minds season 2 opens with a lecture by historian Tom Price, who, as he delves into the mysteries of Ancient Greece, suddenly finds himself enveloped by an inexplicable melody that only he can hear. The students' bewildered expressions mirror the confusion within the walls of Wolf's examination room, where Tom is brought for a closer look. Amidst the tangled web of Oliver and Josh's complex dynamics, a subtle flirtation simmers at the hospital bedside, only to be picked up on by the perceptive Nurse Nico Silva, who teases Oliver playfully after Josh's departure.
Meanwhile, Carol and Ericka engage in a heart-to-heart with Sam, who finds himself struggling to survive on the streets while plagued by an otherworldly presence he describes as "demons in his head." Carol urges a focus on medication, while Ericka advocates for a deeper dive into Sam's circumstances, seeking an underlying cause that may be eluding the superficial diagnoses of bipolar disorder, depression, and even schizophrenia.
Oliver is eventually persuaded by Ericka to allow a closer look at Sam's state, but things quickly spiral out of control as Sam's erratic behavior and terrifying visions make it impossible to administer proper care. Ericka realizes the need to truly listen to Sam and understand the nature of the voices he hears. As they play chess, Sam explains that these voices are like tuning into different radio stations, with one in particular, Lawrence, standing out.
Ericka boldly addresses Lawrence directly, reassuring Sam that he is not weak but great. Meanwhile, Oliver is caught off guard when he comes face-to-face with Tom Price, the historian from the episode's opening, revealing a past connection between them that adds another layer to their already complex dynamic.
A nostalgic flashback reveals the summer days when Oliver and Tom rode their bikes together, sharing a "magical kiss" during Tom's stay with Oliver's family. The song that Tom has been humming is a remnant from their past, and on scans, it appears he's experiencing a seizure—a musical one. The team will try him on various medications until they find the right one to silence this musical epilepsy.
Tom admits, "I know I needed you," as Oliver introduces Josh to the case, describing it as a "once in a lifetime" opportunity. Josh's subtle chuckle is interrupted by Tom's husband, Rasheed, who arrives, revealing that he doesn't harbor any romantic feelings for Oliver but does cherish their past memories and the song he's been hearing.
Despite Tom's initial reluctance towards surgery, Oliver persuades him to move forward and not be held back by the past. Tom eventually agrees, and the surgery is performed.
Meanwhile, Carol decides on three therapy sessions a week for Sam to help him cope with the voices in his head. Ericka also arranges for Sam to stay in a room for a week, which will require a bus ride. Sam is hesitant about the cost, but Ericka insists on giving him her credit card, trusting that he'll return and use it responsibly.
As Dana reentered the hospital, she bravely confronted Ericka about her meds. To her surprise, Ericka admitted, her downward spiral had been fueled by her secret stash of 200 grams of Benzos - a coping mechanism to numb the pain of Celia's tragic demise. Tears spilled down Ericka's cheeks, a poignant reminder of the toll her grief had taken.
Meanwhile, Sam's absence from his scheduled meeting with Carol left a bitter aftertaste in the morning air. Ericka, reflecting on the missed opportunity, realized she might have misjudged Sam's intentions.
Elsewhere, Oliver shared his heart with Josh, confessing his desire for a second chance. However, Josh's recent rekindled romance with someone new left Oliver feeling heartbroken. The "easy" nature of Josh's new relationship contrasted sharply with Oliver's struggle to accept this new development. Leaving the office with a heavy heart, Oliver's departure echoed the pain he carried.
As the episode drew to a close, Ericka and Oliver found solace in each other's presence by watching the movie they had watched before. Ericka, with a tremble in her voice, revealed a secret she had kept hidden - she was adopted, and her mother had struggled with schizophrenia. The moment was a poignant one, a shared vulnerability that bound them together in a fragile but genuine connection.
