Episode 11 of Lazarus, titled “Runnin’ With the Devil,” significantly raises the stakes as the team races against time to uncover the truth behind Hapna’s origins. This action-packed episode delves into disturbing government experiments, introduces a formidable assassin, and reveals shocking truths about Axel’s past. With just weeks remaining before the first wave of deaths from Hapna, the episode keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
The Plot Thickens: Unraveling the Mysteries
Skinner’s Whereabouts and the Hacker
The episode starts with Doug and Eleina heading to Pakistan, believing it to be their last chance to locate Dr. Skinner. Their journey is linked to finding a prison doctor who oversaw experiments at Aean Prison, someone who might hold critical information about why Axel survived while other test subjects died.
Meanwhile, back at Lazarus HQ, Leyland and Christine discover that a special aircraft is tailing Doug and Eleina, leading them to realize a government connection to Skinner.
Axel’s Dark Past
A major revelation unfolds concerning Axel Gilberto’s past. It is revealed that Aean Prison forced death row inmates to participate in drug trials, experiments that were early prototypes of Hapna. Axel is described as living proof of these experiments and appears to be the sole survivor among the test subjects. This revelation adds a crucial piece to the Hapna puzzle, suggesting government involvement in the drug’s development long before Dr. Skinner’s public breakthrough.
The Phantom Killer
Axel encounters a mysterious assassin, Soryu, also known as the Phantom Killer. The assassin’s appearance threatens everything the Lazarus team has been working towards. As Soryu notices Axel, he initiates a high-speed chase and a deadly fight ensues, marked by explosions and intense combat.
Key Events and Highlights
The Chase in Pakistan
Doug and Eleina’s mission in Pakistan becomes increasingly perilous as they realize they are being followed. Doug decides to stay behind to stall their pursuers, allowing Eleina to continue her search for Popcorn Wizard. Their conversation about what they will do if the world returns to normal adds a touching moment of humanity amid the danger.
Hersch’s Confrontation and Capture
The team’s leader, Hersch, makes a bold decision to confront INSCOM (US Army Intelligence and Security Command) directly, hoping to protect Doug and Eleina by calling off the military pursuit. In a tense confrontation with an official named Schneider, Hersch reveals her knowledge of the secret Aean prison experiments and threatens to expose everything if they do not stand down. The scene ends with Schneider detaining Hersch on vague charges of treason, indicating powerful forces are determined to keep Hapna’s origin a secret.
Axel vs. The Phantom Killer
The episode delivers its most intense sequence when Axel encounters the Phantom Killer. The fight choreography is highly praised, with Axel displaying superhuman abilities. During the battle, the assassin triggers something in Axel by showing him what appears to be Hunden’s wing. This causes Axel to experience flashbacks, with someone instructing him to rid himself of emotion, reason, and heart, to become a faceless monster.
The assassin’s true identity and motives remain shrouded in mystery, adding to the suspense. The episode ends with Chris arriving on the scene, calling out Axel’s name as he appears wounded or defeated, leaving viewers with a cliffhanger about his fate.
Abel’s Arrival
Back at Lazarus headquarters, Abel Anderson, identified as the founder of Lazarus, arrives unexpectedly. His appearance coincides with the news of Hersch’s detention and the chaotic battle between Axel and the Phantom Killer, further complicating matters.
Themes and Analysis
Government Conspiracy and Ethical Dilemmas
Episode 11 deepens the exploration of government conspiracy, revealing the extent of secret experiments and the powerful forces determined to conceal the truth about Hapna’s origins. The ethical dilemmas faced by the Lazarus team become more pronounced as they grapple with the consequences of their mission and the sacrifices they must make.
The Price of Progress
The episode explores the theme of the price of progress, suggesting that the pursuit of a pain-free world has led to unforeseen and devastating consequences. The revelation of Hapna’s origins and the government’s involvement raise questions about the ethics of scientific advancement and the potential for abuse of power.
Identity and Trauma
Axel’s past as a subject in Hapna’s prototype drug trials adds depth to his character and raises questions about his identity and motivations. The flashbacks triggered by the Phantom Killer hint at a troubled past and a potential for psychological conditioning or brainwashing.
Episode 11: “Runnin’ With the Devil” – Key Moments
Secret Heart Transplant: The Lazarus team uncovers a new lead suggesting Dr. Skinner underwent a secret heart transplant at an exclusive hospital catering to the ultra-wealthy.
Leyland’s Aristocratic Background: Leyland’s aristocratic background is revealed, and his sister helps the Lazarus team gain entry into the exclusive hospital.
The Chip: Inside the hospital, a cooperative doctor confirms Skinner had heart surgery and his heart activity is tracked via a special chip, which the team obtains.
Return to Pakistan: Tracing the chip leads the team back to Pakistan, where they previously encountered the elusive hacker.
Axel’s Prison Past: Axel’s past ties to Skinner are revealed, including his involvement in human testing with the Hapna drug during his time in prison.
Phantom Killer: Axel becomes the target of the infamous assassin, the Phantom Killer.
Highway Battle: The Phantom Killer attacks Axel on the highway, triggering memories and psychological effects.
INSCOM Involvement: INSCOM is revealed to be the perpetrator of experimenting with new drugs on death row inmates like Axel.
Doug’s Sacrifice: In Pakistan, Doug sacrifices himself to allow Eleina to find her target.
Hacker Located: Eleina finally manages to locate the hacker.
Final Thoughts
“Runnin’ With the Devil” is a pivotal episode in Lazarus, enhancing the series’ intensity and complexity. The episode successfully connects Hapna’s development to secret government experiments, introduces compelling new characters, and leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the next developments.
The episode’s strengths lie in its well-choreographed action sequences, particularly the fight between Axel and the Phantom Killer, and its ability to weave together multiple storylines into a cohesive and engaging narrative. However, some reviewers note that the series suffers from pacing issues, with some plot points developing slowly. Despite this, the episode is praised for elevating the stakes and setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion.
As Lazarus heads into its final episodes, the revelations and conflicts presented in “Runnin’ With the Devil” promise a gripping and suspenseful climax.
