Ep 12. Live

Instinct is a police procedural drama series that stars Alan Cumming as Dr. Dylan Reinhart, a former CIA operative turned university professor and author, who is lured back to his old life when the NYPD needs his help to stop a serial killer. In Season 1, Episode 12 entitled Live, the story progresses with its mix of thrilling crime-solving and character development.

In this episode, the city of New York becomes the stage for a dangerous game that tests the boundaries of technology and social media's influence. The plot revolves around an unsettling new case that emerges when a murder is streamed live on a popular video platform, sending shockwaves through the city and the task force. With the murder broadcasted for all to see, the NYPD faces not only the pressure to solve the crime but also to manage the widespread panic and fear that a live-streamed series of events could ensue.

Dr. Dylan Reinhart and his partner, Detective Lizzie Needham, played by Bojana Novakovic, are the lead investigators on the case. Their dynamic partnership combines Dylan's deep understanding of human behavior and his expertise in criminal profiling with Lizzie's sharp instincts and investigative prowess. Their contrasting personalities often lead to witty banter and an engaging chemistry that viewers have come to love.

As the investigation unfolds, Dylan and Lizzie are thrown into a high-stakes race against time. The team delves into the world of social media influencers, exploring how the killer is using the internet to attract an audience and gain notoriety. The episode examines the dark side of the quest for viral fame and poses questions about the responsibilities of online platforms in monitoring content.

In the wake of the live-stream incident, the episode explores the shadowy corners of the internet where the anonymity and reach of digital platforms can be weaponized by those with malicious intent. Dylan and Lizzie navigate through this maze, attempting to predict the killer's next move before another murder is aired in real time to a public unable and unwillingly made complicit in the spectacle.

The task force, led by their commanding officer, Lt. Jasmine Gooden (played by Sharon Leal), brings their collective efforts to bear on identifying the perpetrator. Their work involves piecing together clues and diving into the complex psychology of a murderer who craves an audience. The team's tech expert, Julian Cousins (played by Naveen Andrews), plays a crucial role in tracing the digital footprint of the suspect and attempting to prevent further broadcasts.

As tension mounts, the episode crafts a narrative that goes beyond the routine NYPD procedural. The unnerving scenario of a live murder elevates the stakes to a profound level, creating a commentary on the public's role in the proliferation of violent content online. It illustrates the fine line between harmless online spectatorship and the disturbing phenomenon of 'participatory crimes' where viewership potentially encourages further offenses.

Live infuses timely and pertinent discussions around privacy, voyeurism, and ethics into the cloth of its storytelling. The characters are also confronted with the psychological toll this case takes on them, as the immediacy and inescapability of the crimes challenge them to confront their own vulnerabilities and fears. The relationship dynamics within the team are tested as they grapple with the pervasive nature of the crime they're desperately trying to solve.

Moreover, the episode does not forget to flesh out the personal storylines of the characters. The interactions between Dylan and his husband Andy (played by Daniel Ings) offer a glimpse into Dylan's attempts to balance his intense work with his personal life. Their relationship serves as a grounding force for Dylan amidst the chaos of his professional obligations.

Throughout Live, the narrative is punctuated by twists and high-octane moments, all while maintaining a gripping sense of realism. With each development in the case, the episode peels back layers of the modern digital landscape to reveal its susceptibility to exploitation by those who understand how to manipulate it.

Though this description avoids spoilers, what can be expected from Episode 12 of Instinct's first season is a tightly knit, intense hour of television that uses its premise not only to entertain but also to provoke thought about contemporary social issues. It marks an exciting penultimate chapter building up to the season's climax, enticing viewers to ponder the very real consequences of our interconnected, digital lives.