If you haven’t watched it, I’m going to attempt to refrain from spoiler alerts while I urge you to watch “The Alienist” on TNT.
That show has my full attention on Monday nights at 8 p.m. This Monday was the sixth episode. I believe the show has 10 altogether.
The synopsis: Newspaper illustrator John Moore and psychologist Dr. Laszlo Kreizler attempt to find the person responsible for gruesome murders of young boys in New York City. The two are soon joined by a newly appointed police commissioner, his secretary, and two police detectives to conduct an investigation in secret.
People with psychological issues were believed to be alienated from their true nature. Therefore, people who treated them were called Alienists.
One thing that fascinates me about the series is it's set in the late 1800s. I watch the episode at least twice:
once to watch the actors and see what’s happening and once to check out what’s going on behind the actors. Someone spent a lot of time on those sets and those outfits. If it’s not historically accurate, it’s close enough for me.
Another thing I like about the series is it’s the dawn of psychology. I have an interest in psychology. Kreizler, who’s primary interest is children with psychological issues, is looked at more like an outlandish individual and his beliefs are challenged on a regular basis by parents, police officers and spiritually devout individuals. He’s always spot-on with his comebacks. I like him, but he can be rude and crude.
Finally, I like the women’s dilemma. The secretary, Sarah, is the first woman to hold a position in the police department. I have zero doubt that was difficult for the first woman that actually gained that position. This was a time before there were any guidelines to dictate how they could be treated by men. She endures situations that would get a man in deep trouble these days. Sarah is very headstrong, absolutely, and she must be.
The back story for the others is very interesting as well. This show has my attention. I don’t have very much time to dedicate to watching TV, except when I'm sick, which doesn’t happen but every few years, so I’m picky about what shows I start watching. I hate getting into the middle of a series and bam, work prevents me from watching a few episodes. Then, I’m lost and give up.
I think I’ve figured out on episode five who the killer is, but I must wait and see. Maybe not. It could throw me a curveball that I’m not expecting. Even if it doesn’t, it has still been a good series to watch so far.
I am going to add a warning to my suggestion that you watch "The Alienist." Please do not allow young children to watch it. It isn’t appropriate for them, in my opinion. It’s meant for mature audiences. If my children were young, I wouldn’t allow them to watch it. Period.
Standard reporter Lisa Hobbs can be reached at 473-2191.
