'The Alienist: Angel of Darkness' Season 2 Episode 5 Review: Libby unravels while John and Sara face their feelings
There is an overarching sense of doom in 'The Alienist: Angel of Darkness', a feeling that is exacerbated by the constant dark colors and night-time shots. Things get murkier and darker, as Libby Hatch (Rosy McEwen) sinks into sinister depths. Considering that we found out that in the previous episode that she was behind the grisly murders and kids of infants, the cat and mouse game doesn't seem entirely enthralling.
Yet it was harrowing to watch as McEwen's terrifying portrayal of Libby was enough to raise goosebumps. The episode begins with Libby committing another brutal murder, that's rather unique, because it involves special markings across someone's eyelids. After killing her victim, she goes back to holding the Linares baby that she had kidnapped and is annoyed that the child won't take her to her breastfeeding. However, Libby has some strange plans for her breastfeeding. It's also her method to kill.
Libby unravels, throughout the episode. She cuts a haunting figure in the park, as she sits on the bench, with the baby crying next to her. A well-meaning passerby feels sorry for the child, but Libby's expression is enough to lead them on their way.
Meanwhile, as Libby continues her sinful exploits, Kreizler (Dan Bruhl), John Moore (Luke Evans) and Sara (Dakota Fanning) struggle to track her down and close in on her. While the chase for Libby occupies most of the episode, fans would be pleased to know that a portion went into showing the tension between John and Sara, which lead the climactic kiss and a very aesthetically pleasing love scene that everyone was hoping for. Yet, the love scene hasn't resolved much of the problems brewing between them, but seems to have brought out several questions and has escalated the tension.
Don't forget, John is still engaged to a rather brattish Violet, who realizes the importance of Sara in his life, and boy, she isn't pleased when he rushes out during an important dinner to check on Sara, who took it upon herself to track down Libby in an abandoned house, of all things.
This episode did amp up the intrigue and suspense, but it seemed less intimidating than the previous episodes, now that we have learnt the truth about Libby. The shrieks and grimaces don't quite generate the effect they're intended to. Nevertheless, it was enjoyable, even though you can't help but feel annoyed that Libby managed to get away again at the end. The conversations between John and Sara were more intriguing than the cat-and-mouse tales, because it's curious to know where the show is going with their storyline.
'The Alienist: Angel Of Darkness' airs on TNT, Sundays at 9 pm.