Episode 2 of Grotesquerie dives into the intricate tapestry of Lois' familial backdrop, painting a richer picture of her family dynamics. Marshall's insistent push for Merrill to attend a "fat farm" as a weight-loss solution reveals a strained relationship rooted in well-intentioned but misguided methods. His fear of losing her overshadows his approach, which Merrill rightly perceives as nothing short of fat-shaming.
The imperfect harmony between Lois and Marshall unfolds, with secrets and betrayals woven into their fabric. Lois's distrust reaches new heights as she has Marshall under surveillance by her loyal entourage, the "Lois Loyalists," all while he harbors a clandestine affair. Her alcoholism, a vice that consumes her, seems to have pushed Marshall away, though his infidelity cannot be justified by her struggles. Their bitter exchanges escalate, with Lois confessing prayers for a call announcing Marshall's demise, a testament to the depths of their fractured bond.
Shifting to the present, Lois's reappearance at the hospital sets the stage for a confrontation with Redd, who mocks her fleeting tears as crocodile tears. Lois's paranoia about Redd stems from a sordid past, fueling her conviction that he's a sexual predator lurking in the shadows. She vows retribution if Redd doesn't cease her alleged predatory behavior, though Redd dismisses it as a mere projection of Lois's current caseload-induced stress. The ambiguity lingers, making it difficult to discern whether Redd is merely toying with Lois or truly embodying her darkest fears.
Back at home, the fabric of the family's stability unravels further as Lois's grip on reality slips. Jazz music blares at 4 am, jolting Merrill awake amidst her late-night snacking, a testament to the all-consuming vices that plague this household. Lois's conviction that the murders are tied to a university drives her relentless pursuit, manipulating officers at the station to leave no stone unturned. Yet, her theories are met with skepticism by Sister Megan, who believes she's chasing shadows rather than solid leads.
Regarding Sister Megan's case, we may have stumbled upon another potential perpetrator, one rooted in the shadows cast by Father Charlie Mayhew. He undeniably embodies the archetype, being both devout and possessing a surgical past. Over lunch, Father Mayhew's enthusiasm about the site's and paper's success amidst these sinister murders was palpable. Attendance has soared, and he harbors a macabre fascination with real-life crimes, particularly those intertwined with satanism—a fact they both recognize.
Yet, Father Mayhew harbors demons of his own. His back is laced with scars, self-inflicted through the ritual of flagellation, a twisted penance for sins committed behind closed doors. Megan discreetly shares her insight on the satanic connection with Lois, omitting Mayhew's name, but Lois's investigation leads her astray to Sullivan Firkus, an alleged organ harvester. Tragically, Firkus too lies dead, his demise a jarring revelation that shatters Lois's theories into pieces.
It transpires that Firkus's lifeless body had lain undetected for weeks, a grim reminder of the "trap house's" ominous nature. Alongside this grim discovery lies a letter, branded with the ominous word "Grotesquerie," the killer's signature.
Megan is eager to lay eyes on the crime scene photographs once they emerge from the darkroom, convinced that they're all pieces of a larger, sinister puzzle. She suspects a conspirator lurking within their congregation's midst.
Lois, her mind reeling, retreats to the sanctuary of her home, where Merritt lounges on the sofa, seemingly oblivious to the chaos outside. Desperate for escape, she muses on fleeing, but first, justice must be served. There's more to this tale—a puzzle box, unearthed from the crime scene, now rests in Merritt's capable hands, he, a maestro of riddles and enigmas.
As Merritt retires to bed, defeated by the unsolved mystery, Lois is abruptly roused from slumber by the erratic skipping of the record player. It's as if the silence of the night has been shattered by an uninvited presence. Yet, before any secrets can be uncovered, fate intervenes once more, summoning her with a call to another grim crime scene.
This time, the stage is set within the sanctity of the church, where the victims of a heinous murder are eerily arranged, mirroring the Last Supper in its solemn yet sinister manner. At the center of this macabre tableau lies the homeless man, the very same soul to whom Lois had extended a compassionate hand earlier.
The sight proves too much for Lois, who, overwhelmed by the darkness that seems to permeate every corner of her life, chooses to retreat to the solace of her home and drown her sorrows in alcohol.
