In the second, pulse-pounding episode of Disney+'s "Culprits," entitled "Angler Fish," the narrative deepens its intricate tapestry of criminal intrigue, betrayal, and the relentless battle for survival. The episode bursts onto the screen with a breathtaking sequence where Muscle/Joe Petrus (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett) heroically rescues the wounded Officer/Fathima Mackinnon (Kirby Howell-Baptiste) from a hail of bullets, setting the stage for an exhilarating plunge into the depths of the criminal underbelly and its turbulent aftermath.
With Officer in tow, Muscle hot-wires a car, their escape from the violent fray a blur of speed and adrenaline. Fate, however, intervenes in a dramatic twist, as they're involved in a harrowing car accident, necessitating a daring rescue of Officer from the overturned wreckage. Muscle then forces another vehicle at gunpoint, only to arrive at a cargo container where Doctor (Amara Karan) awaits, to find Officer lying unconscious. The tension in the air is almost tangible as Doctor frantically works to save Officer's life, her delicate hands battling against the ravages of a gunshot wound, a stark reminder of the high stakes and the fragile thread of existence in this shadowy realm.
Three years later, the serene life that Doctor has crafted for herself in London is rudely shattered by the arrival of Devil (Ned Dennehy), who stuns her and seizes her as his hostage. The presence of her baby adds an emotional layer of poignancy to the scene, as Devil grills her about her past ties to Dianne/Brain (Gemma Arterton) and the infamous heist. This sequence serves as a stark testament to the long-reaching tentacles of the crew's past actions and the relentless pursuit that dogs their steps.
In Washington State, Joe's efforts to distance himself from his criminal past are fraught with tension and danger. The news of Marcello Bari/Driver's (Vincent Riotta) murder sends shivers of fear through him, a chilling echo of the violence that still shadows his every move. His clandestine efforts to conceal a SIM card and monitor incoming messages heighten the suspense, as does his interactions with Molly Farber (Rose Napoli) regarding the renovation of his hardware store. The discovery of a foul odor emanating from his hidden stash of cash compels him to act, leading him to purchase a vacuum sealer to dispose of his ill-gotten gains, a reflection of his unwavering determination to protect his family from the remnants of his criminal past.
The specter of Joe's past looms ominously large as he becomes the target of a mysterious car's tail, culminating in a tense confrontation in a parking garage. The revelation that the driver is a private investigator hired by Kyle Bedrosian adds a new layer of complexity to Joe's precarious situation, making it clear that his past is closing in on him with inexorable force.
A flashback to the daring heist unmasks the operation's true essence, unveiling Dianne's scheme to infiltrate a vault harboring millions within a mill. The meticulously crafted intricacies of the theft are laid bare—from the theft of blueprints to the grim eradication of Philip Wainwright (Jo Stone-Fewings)—mirroring the crew's ruthless proficiency and the moral labyrinth they inhabit. In the contemporary narrative, Joe finds himself squaring off against Bedrosian, who insists on Joe's retraction of his police statement concerning the hit-and-run. Joe's steadfast refusal and Bedrosian's menacing threats intensify the tension, casting Joe into the perilous tides of his dual existence.
The episode crescendos with a call from Soldier (Laura Morgan), delivering the grim news of Doctor, Driver, and Officer's demise. Panicked, Joe hastily destroys the SIM card. The closing image of Joe, now utterly isolated and confronting an uncertain horizon, leaves viewers on the precipice of anticipation. "Angler Fish" exemplifies the art of suspense, adeptly intertwining multiple timelines and storylines to craft a gripping saga that keeps viewers perpetually on edge. The episode's seamless balance of action, character depth, and moral complexity elevates it as a highlight of "Culprits" Season 1.
