‘The Suspect’ Recap: ‘Episode 2’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘The Suspect’. To revisit the series premiere, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the supremely engaging Sundance Now series, The Suspect, we talked at length about how the show did a phenomenal job of setting the stage for a grandiose mystery. For when that story ended, we were left wondering as to whether or not Dr. Joe O’Loughlin was capable of murder because of his diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease and the inherently powerful stress that news put upon him. For there were hints that perhaps Joe went through a severe mental break, one that would have made the good doctor quite capable of doing something horrible without even being the wiser to his own actions.
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Which of course, we were hoping the next episode would answer for us and well, as it turns out, the next episode in this fascinating series, simply toyed with us regarding the answer to that question in a supremely unique manner. By first making it seem as though, the good doctor had actually discovered Catherine’s true killer. Because spending a little more time with Bobby Moran in session, revealed hints that perhaps he took part in this crime, and of course, his love of the number 21 only reinforced that reality and that finally allowed for Joe to talk with the police about everything he actually knew and the fact that Bobby was likely the killer. Which led to his arrest and the seeming end of the case.

But alas, a flawless alibi on Bobby’s part and the reality that he was well liked at his hostel and had been feeding Joe lies all along… put him back on the street and forced the police to arrest Joe instead. For everything he had been doing to this point made it seem as though he was trying to frame Bobby Moran. Once again leaving us to wonder if Joe had indeed crossed the ultimate line and committed and atrocious crime. But without hard evidence, the police had to let him go. And that… brought about a potential answer as to whether or not Joe was the man that made Catherine suffer before she died and for a time… it seemed as though Joe was in the clear.

Because while the police saw a grand gap in his alibi, wherein he went drinking and drinking hard the night of his diagnosis, which is also the night Catherine died… Joe did indeed go and spend time with someone that could in fact, clear his name. For during that gap, he was in Cara’s bed, finding solace at a time when he was at his absolute lowest. But the shame that brought him and the pride in his heart, prompted him to refuse to tell the police that. In fact, the only people that did know the truth, was his best friend and doctor and later… his wife. Which of course, she wasn’t happy with and rightfully so since he cheated on his beloved. 

But therein lie the manipulation and the confusion regarding the answer we seek. Because while Joe does indeed have an alibi, one that would clear his name and has already caused the damage he wanted to prevent, he still refuses to offer it up. Giving us pause as to whether or not there’s truth there. Plus, we saw temper tantrums from him here, only adding to the reality that he might be capable of something as dark as murder and well, keeping the audience in the grey here with Joe, is brilliant to say the least. Because it keeps us emotionally invested in the story and eager to know answers and well, the only way to learn the truth about Joe is to continue the journey post haste and hope for the best… but be prepared for the worst. Until next time.

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