The premiere episode of "Lazarus" unfolds with an intriguing question hovering in the air: How will the apocalypse descend upon us? Will it manifest as a viral plague wiping out humanity, a meteor crashing into our blue planet, or perhaps, an entirely unforeseen calamity? Ironically, the catalyst for this impending doom is revealed to be a groundbreaking medication conceived four years prior. Dr. Skinner, a genius rivaling Einstein, unveiled Hapna, a miracle painkiller that was cheap and devoid of any adverse effects. This wonder drug swiftly conquered the market, transforming the world into a utopia fueled by Hapna. Hailed as "the drug that could save the world," its paradoxical destiny is poised to unleash the very opposite.
Three years ago, Dr. Skinner mysteriously vanished, and we are now on the brink of uncovering the grim truth concealed within Hapna—a colossal trap laid for all mankind. The narrative truly ignites within the confines of Northport Correctional Facility, where Axel Gilberto receives an unexpected visit from Hersch. She arrives with a proposition that could liberate him from his 888-year sentence. Axel's expertise is crucial for what lies ahead. A viral video featuring Dr. Skinner has emerged, suggesting his return, portraying him as a man who has seen the light. In this video, he lifts the veil on the true nature of Hapna.
It transpires that Hapna was never intended solely as a pain reliever. The pill harbors a sinister secret: it remains latent in the body for three years, after which it claims the lives of all who have ingested it. Skinner estimates that in thirty days, the first wave of Hapna users will perish. The fate of the human race now hangs in the balance, a decision left to their collective conscience. Moreover, Skinner alludes to "The Seventh Trumpeter," a cryptic hint that might hold the key to their salvation.
Now, Axel harbors a penchant for prison breaks, perhaps offering a glimpse into the rationale behind his colossal 888-year sentence. Following his daring gunpoint confrontation with Hersch, his exceptional prowess and dexterity become vividly apparent. With remarkable ease, he slips out of this perilous predicament, gracefully bounding across rooftops. He cleverly talks his way out of an impending arrest and, after a swift wardrobe change, dashes onto the subway, making his way towards the pulsating heart of Babylonia City.
As for the broader landscape, the reverberations of Dr. Skinner's bombshell announcement have sent shockwaves through several major metropolises (Babylonia seemingly spared). In some, riots have erupted, while elsewhere, protests against pharmaceutical giants have devolved into blazing infernos, their frustration directed at these corporate edifices.
In retaliation, the pharma companies halt the sale of Hapna and initiate an urgent recall. Yet, despite these measures, the inevitable stock market crash ensues amidst this turmoil. Hersch redoubles her efforts to apprehend Axel, his face now a ubiquitous presence across the cityscape. Axel, oddly enjoying the pursuit, evades his pursuers while snippets from Hersch's gang, aided by a swarm of drones, reveal their relentless chase.
Enter Elaina, the computer genius, Chris, the blonde motorcycle maven, and Doug, the no-nonsense strategist whose straight talk cuts through the clutter. Axel, a paragon of athleticism and skill, navigates this futuristic realm, a harmonious blend of vintage and avant-garde that resonates beautifully. Ultimately, Doug corners him at gunpoint, perched precariously on the edge of a rooftop, the stakes never higher.
With no other refuge in sight, Axel takes a bold leap of faith, clutching desperately onto one of the drones as he plunges over the precipice, eventually landing safely back on solid ground. Yet, fate has a twist in store for him as he succumbs to Chris's siren's allure, who disables him with an electrifying jolt. Upon regaining consciousness, Axel finds himself confronted by a group monikered Lazarus.
