Ep 6. Flat Line

Dr. Dylan Reinhart, a former CIA operative and current professor of psychology, has become an NYPD consultant after publishing a book on criminal behavior. In episode 6 of Instinct season 1, titled "Flat Line," Reinhart and his partner, Detective Lizzie Needham, investigate the murder of a successful cardiac surgeon, Charlotte Roman. As they delve deeper into the case, they discover that the victim's heart condition may have contributed to her murder.

The episode opens with Roman leaving a charity gala and walking to her car. As she begins to drive away, a masked individual appears and attacks her, causing her car to crash into a tree. Reinhart and Needham are called to investigate the scene and easily determine that Roman's death was not caused by the car crash itself but by an incision made to her chest post-crash.

The detectives begin to investigate Roman's personal and professional life, leading them to her colleagues and patients. They discover that Roman had been treating a wealthy patient, Ed Dewitt, who had been waiting for a heart transplant for over a year. With Roman's death, Dewitt's chances of obtaining a new heart decrease significantly.

Reinhart and Needham also learn that Roman had been secretly meeting with another transplant surgeon, Dr. Alan Wilson. The detectives question Wilson, who admits to discussing Dewitt's case with Roman but insists that their relationship was professional.

As the investigation progresses, Reinhart and Needham begin to suspect that Dewitt may have been involved in the murder. They present their findings to their captain, who urges them to continue gathering evidence before making any arrests.

When Dewitt's heart finally arrives for transplant, Reinhart and Needham tail him to the hospital and observe him committing a suspicious act. They confront Dewitt, who admits to paying someone to kill Roman in order to increase his chances of receiving the heart transplant.

The episode ends with Dewitt being arrested and Roman's colleagues mourning her loss. Reinhart and Needham discuss the case and reflect on how difficult it can be to balance justice with compassion in cases involving life-or-death situations.

Overall, "Flat Line" is a thrilling episode of Instinct that keeps the audience guessing until the very end. It is a nuanced exploration of the pressure placed on medical professionals and the ethical dilemmas that arise in life-or-death situations. The dynamic between Reinhart and Needham is also enjoyable to watch, as they work together to solve the case while navigating their own personal struggles.