The fourth episode of Culprits, "Circles in a Circle," is a masterclass in suspense and intrigue, as it peels back layers of the complex narrative that surrounds the heist and its aftermath. The episode opens six months in the past, with Joe Petrus/Muscle (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett) sharing his purchase and plans for the hardware store with Frankie (Maria Nash), hinting at a desire for stability and a permanent life in their town .
In the present day, Joe's life takes a dramatic turn as he monitors the interior of a home via surveillance feeds while on a flight to Heathrow, London. This scene sets the stage for a series of events that will see Joe navigating the dangerous remnants of his past .
The episode delves into the details of the heist, with Dianne/Brain (Gemma Arterton) briefing the team on the challenges of cracking a foundation safe. The introduction of Malek Mizouni (Uriel Emil) and the revelation of his replacement by his granddaughter Azar Mizouni (Tara Abboud) after his refusal to participate, adds a new dynamic to the team . The tension is palpable as Azar is tested and ultimately joins the crew, bringing her unique skills to the table .
As Joe arrives in London, he is immediately thrust into a world of danger and deception. His encounter with a family connected to law enforcement and his addition to their collection of ceramic cat figurines is a subtle nod to his own fractured past and the life he's trying to leave behind . The tension escalates as Joe is forced to confront the reality that his past is catching up with him, culminating in his kidnapping and interrogation regarding the heist .
The present-day narrative sees Joe and Officer (Kirby Howell-Baptiste) working together to track down the mysterious killer targeting the crew. Their journey takes them to France, where they use Azar's social media graffiti postings to triangulate her location . This plotline is a race against time, as they attempt to stay one step ahead of the killer and unravel the mystery of who is behind the murders .
In a stunning revelation that shocks the very core, it comes to light that Officer has been in clandestine communication with the killer, Devil (Ned Dennehy), divulging their whereabouts with calculated precision. This treacherous betrayal introduces a sophisticated layer of intricacy to the unfolding saga, making it unequivocally clear that Officer is orchestrating her own devious game within this perilous game of cat and mouse.
The episode delves deeply into the emotional burden carried by each character, their secrets weighing heavily on their hearts. Joe's bond with Officer is put to the ultimate test as they grapple with their intertwined past and present dynamics. Joe's compassionate care for Officer following the heist unveils a previously unseen, tender facet of his personality. Parallel to this, Joe's life in Washington State hangs by a thread, as his past deeds cast a shadow over his future aspirations with his family.
The episode's climax finds Joe and Officer inching closer to uncovering Azar's hideout, while simultaneously engaging in a desperate race to stay one step ahead of the relentless Devil. The gripping tension is abruptly shattered by the devastating news of Malek's demise, adding an immediate sense of urgency and peril to their mission. As the episode concludes on a mesmerizing cliffhanger, the killer hotly pursues them, and the stark reality of Officer's collaboration with Devil leaves the audience questioning the very foundation of trust.
"Circles in a Circle" stands as a gripping chapter in the "Culprits" saga, captivating viewers and keeping them perched on the edge of their seats. With its masterfully crafted plot, high-stakes action sequences, and profound emotional depth, it serves as a testament to the series' unparalleled ability to craft a narrative that leaves audiences utterly captivated and guessing until the very final moment.
