‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’ Recap: ‘Episode 2’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THE TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ -- Episode 102 -- Pictured: Jonah Hauer-King as Lali Sokolov in Auschwitz -- (Photo by: Martin Mlaka/Sky UK)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the stunning new Peacock series, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, we talked at length about how the show’s series premiere, was nothing short of a frightening experience. For that opening chapter, immersed us within the nightmare that was Auschwitz. Wherein we saw people suffer greatly and die horribly in the name of the ideals put forth by a small man that history will never see in a positive light and that made, for a chilling opening to this story. Wherein we too were surrounded by darkness and well, the next chapter in this harrowing story, made sure to continue that unsettling tradition. For ‘Episode 2’ was also filed to the brim with more devastating cruelty.

Courtesy of a grander look at the operations of Auschwitz. Where Lali was able to see segments of this awful place that others did not and came to learn of how far the cruelty in this place extended. After all, Stefan correctly pointed out that if one listened closely, one would not hear a single baby cry throughout the camp. Which meant that yes, the Nazis went there and did that, because the regime was disgusting through and through and that made for some sobering moments, the kind that were bookended by more familiar faces leaving and more suffering from top to bottom. Leaving all of us to wonder if by chance… there would be any sliver of hope as the premiere hinted there may be, and thankfully, there was.

Because amid the terrors of this camp, was the bare beginnings of a beautiful love story. Or rather as beautiful as it can get amongst suffering and death and fear. But Lali simply could not stop thinking about Gita and went the extra mile to try and find her and found a shocking ally in doing so. Because for some reason Stefan was eager to well, get involved in such matters. In exchange for romantic words to use on his own girlfriend, and he was a man of his word and when he promised to get a note to Gita for that aforementioned price, he did. Which allowed for Lali and Gita to feel something other than fear. That sliver of hope, of the wonder that love sends through the very core of our veins and that magic didn’t end with one note. Because Stefan truly took a liking to this.

To the point where he allowed for more notes to come through, and he was eager to talk about emotions and feelings with Lali. All of which made for a confusing relationship, since we’ve watched Stefan do awful things in the name of the Reich. But there was that tiny sliver of humanity there, the kind that we can easily question regarding its authenticity. Especially after his actions at the end of this tale. Wherein Stefan felt the need to visit Gita and discovered an infected wound, and rather than treat that wound, and do one right thing, he let it be. Plus, he also mocked Lali by telling him of that wound and left us with worry and a bevy of question regarding Gita’s fate. After all, those who were ill at Auschwitz, were deemed ‘worthless’ and sent to die.

But while we wait to see if she heals or if a different path for this story awaits, we can revel in the power of one stunning episode. One that showcased how far the Nazi regime was willing to sink to achieve its ‘Final Solution’ while also giving us… the same glimmer of hope that Lali needed back then. For it was glorious to see love blossom and refreshing to see smiles and light in a place where gray ruled the day. For it reminded us of the power of love and the power of the human spirit. Because it takes great power to create that kind of spark and to stoke it, and that really is a fine remind of how love transcends all. Hopefully, it continues, and if it does, it will be interesting to see how this duo keeps it alive in a place where death is everywhere. Until next time.

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