Prodigal Son (2×02) Speak of the Devil Review

For our review of the last episode of Prodigal Son, click here.

Synopsis: When a priest is found murdered in his place of worship, Bright grapples with its effect on his own trauma; Ainsley grows worried that Jessica is keeping something from her regarding her relationship with Gil. (IMDb)

What better place for Bright to deal with his demons than a church but little did he know that he would literally be doing so in order to solve this latest case.

Speak of the Devil started with Martin in the middle of a prison group therapy session, eventually revealing his worry for Malcolm. Similarly. Bright was getting grilled by his mother about skipping therapy sessions though he claimed to be okay (but we know that he’s not). He needed a break and it was just dealing with being the son of a serial killer.

If there was anybody that was going to help Bright with his issues, Martin believed it was him as he continued to prod him about his secret. Meanwhile, Ainsley can’t remember that infamous night but she is moving back into her own apartment. Jessica was in an uncharacteristically good mood which undoubtedly had something to do with her relationship with Gil (Ainsley’s prying convinced her to talk to him after she ignored his calls).

To the case, a priest was found strung up by his feet and hanging by the ceiling killed in some sort of ritualistic fashion where he was expertly exsanguinated. Bright had a theory about if the father was connected to exorcisms as the blood suggested but the sister who found the body wouldn’t confirm or deny anything. In fact, Professor Jonah Shaw (Damian Young) was working with the church by helping them preserve some artwork but he had heard rumblings. Archbishop Argento (Peter Gerety) did not help matters as Bright got frustrated with Gil’s handling of the matter.

In the end, Bright believed the killer was someone who identifies as a demon. The killer would present symptoms similar to possession. Martin brought in a friend named Friar Pete (Christian Borle) who went on a killing spree after being kicked out of a monastery. Pete thought they should look for someone with a medical background. Gil’s prior work got them information on a doctor connected to the church.

Bright and JT’s visit to one of his patients, a young man named Norman (Adam Langdon). His mom was certainly scared of him. Norman had a relationship with the victim but Bright didn’t think he was the killer. However, he still provoked Norman’s inner demon who saw Bright for what he was and essentially confessed to the crime. The disorganized nature of Norman’s condition didn’t quite match with the preciseness of the crime.

Despite the case, Bright couldn’t stop thinking about his secret and Ainsley. He had a dream where the sister he was talking to transformed into Ainsley to remind him of what happened and what he had to do next which was to come clean. Nevertheless, the other officers were prepared, knowing Bright’s history with nightmares. Meanwhile, JT was still reeling from the incident last episode as he was unsure what to do next as it affected the unit’s work on this case (JT vowed to take care of it) but Dani wasn’t exactly feeling right either

Bright as he often did, had a breakthrough and connected the paint form the restored paintings to lead poisoning as a potential cause as symptoms that could be mistaken for possession which pointed them towards Shaw and Sister Agnes (Juliana Aidén Martinez). Heading back to the church, Bright chatted with Argento until they were interrupted by Shaw who turned out to be the one suffering from lead poisoning (the others went to look for Sister Agnes who was tied up somewhere else). Locked in a room with Shaw (Argento fled), Bright called Martin and Pete for help but the answer would be to perform an exorcism on Shaw. By the end, Martin was proud.

Gil showed at Jessica’s place. Jessica’s apprehension was due to her belief that she was cursed and would feel guilty if anything were to happen to him but Gil reassured her. Either way, he still left without putting up a fight.

The episode ended with one last trip from Bright to see his father to thank him for his help. Martin tried to get him to open up and he did as he admitted to lying to Ainsley and disposing of Endicott’s body. Martin took credit for his parenting. Coming to terms that his father was part of him. Bright declared that he could now tune out his father and finally leave him behind (though that seems unlikely).

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.