Episode 2 of "Lazarus" delves deeper into the intricacies of Hapna, a substance that once served as a recreational drug for Axel and his peers, inducing a fleeting high amidst the general gloom. Its allure extended across all age groups, even children mixing it into their sodas to fend off the oppressive despair pervasive in their world. This dangerous concoction was further fueled by its dirt-cheap cost and the inevitable sway of peer influence. Little did they know then that this very substance harbored the catastrophe poised to eradicate humanity.
The episode commences with Hersch briefing Axel on their mission within the Lazarus group: to locate Dr. Skinner, the key to Axel's liberty. Shackled by an unyielding wristband programmed to incinerate him or incapacitate him with electric shocks should Hersch face harm or Axel attempt escape, Axel finds himself bound to this faction, at least temporarily, with his compatriots sharing a similar fate.
The race to find Dr. Skinner has ignited a media frenzy, with journalists descending upon his gardener in search of any scrap of information that might lead to the elusive doctor. Locating him, however, is merely the first hurdle; they must also devise a strategy for the aftermath. Axel ponders whether they might exploit Skinner's vaccines for personal gain, but Doug, advocating for noble intentions, insists on saving the world.
Time is a precious commodity, complicated further by the fact that everyone involved has partaken of Hapna. Doug harbors a distaste for Axel's showmanship, sparing no words in voicing his discontent. He views Axel as a non-team player, wary of his potential to sabotage their endeavors.
Moreover, we gain insight into Skinner's storied past—a humble upbringing, adorned with three Nobel Prizes, and a fervent activist for world peace and climate action. Renowned globally, yet potentially disillusioned by the authorities' disregard for his efforts, Skinner's narrative adds depth to the unfolding drama.
This man, despite his controversial past, retains the admiration of the common folk due to his relentless dedication to charity. The abrupt transformation from a benevolent figure to a mass murderer, turning his narcotics into a global epidemic that claims countless lives, stands in stark contrast to his former persona. It simply doesn't align with his established history. Nonetheless, Lazarus manages to uncover a clue, stemming from a survival shelter purchased by Dr. Skinner eight years prior from a certain company. While it's conceivable that he might be hiding out in some underground bunker, could he have also undergone a disguise of sorts?
As for Axel, Chris confronts him at gunpoint upon discovering the staggering length of his 888-year sentence. Convinced of his guilt as a mass murderer, she fails to realize that his exceptional prowess in prison escapes is the true culprit behind his elongated incarceration. Each escape attempt resulted in his sentence being doubled, transforming his initial meager three-year term into an astronomical figure. But why the incessant breaking out? For Axel, it's more of a pastime than a necessity.
And what about the others? What brings them into this chaotic equation? Doug finds himself entangled in this mess due to some undisclosed misdemeanors, the specifics of which remain shrouded in mystery. Leland, on the other hand, insists that his minor, insignificant crimes hardly merit such scrutiny.
Elaina, however, presents a distinct contrast. She is a notorious hacker whose global criminal escapades have earned her a reputation that precedes her. A wildcard among the team, her demeanor is ironically that of the most timid and reserved individual. When Elaina stumbles upon a lead on Skinner—a purchase of a survivalist shelter made eight years ago—the team splits up to investigate, believing this could be Skinner's hideout.
Axel and Christine are dispatched to Shelter B12, where they encounter an elderly man slumped in a chair, his presence dominating the center of the room. Suddenly, a fierce firefight erupts as Mexicans, Russians, the FBI, and even the DEA converge, each convinced they have their man cornered.
Elsewhere, Doug and Leland arrive at the main office in Shelter Area B, only to be interrupted by two debt collectors seeking Kobayashi, who owes them money. Initially, the situation is unclear, but a brief conversation soon clarifies the matter. Upon further deliberation, it becomes apparent that the elderly man in the chair is indeed Kobayashi, a man who has hit rock bottom.
Desperate for an escape, Kobayashi had initially resorted to Hapna, hoping it would end his life. However, its effects proved too mild, leaving him disheartened. Any fleeting glimpses of hope he harbored under the guise of turning his life around are swiftly extinguished as he is reminded of the impending apocalypse in just 30 days.
Meanwhile, Elaina's online searches yield a breakthrough in locating Skinner, but a new challenge arises: thousands of individuals with the same name populate the scanners, complicating her quest.
