Ep 3. Alma Mater

Malcolm Bright is back with another thrilling episode in Prodigal Son season 2 episode 3, titled Alma Mater. We see Malcolm returning to his alma mater, the Claremont Institute, as an alumnus with a lot of mixed feelings. The Institute holds a lot of memories, both good and bad, for him. But the visit is not purely for sentimental reasons.

Malcolm is on a mission to solve a case that is connected to the Institute - a recent graduate has been found dead in the library. The victim had been stabbed multiple times in a way that seems to suggest a ritualistic killing. Malcolm already knows that the victim was not popular among her peers and therefore, suspects her death could be related to past events at the Institute.

Malcolm has his own set of theories but his presence is not welcomed by everyone. The Claremont Institute is a prestigious and conservative school where secrets are well-guarded, and the staff and students are not willing to hand over information easily. Even Malcolm's former mentor, Professor David Mendoza, is evasive and unfriendly towards him.

But Malcolm is not deterred easily. He teams up with the investigating officers, including his father, Dr. Martin Whitly, and Ainsley, his sister, to dig up dirt on the Institute and its people. They start to uncover secrets that could potentially incriminate the staff and students, but there are always more questions than answers.

As they delve deeper into the case, Malcolm has another objective - to confront his past. His time at the Institute was not a happy one. Malcolm was bullied relentlessly by a group of students who called themselves "The Elites." They made his life a living hell, to the point where Malcolm was even offered a job at the FBI just to escape them.

But now, Malcolm is determined to take them on. He starts to investigate the Elites, and it seems like they might have something to do with the recent murder. There are a few suspects, each with their own motives and alibis, but Malcolm is convinced that he can get to the bottom of it.

The episode takes us through a rollercoaster ride of emotions, from Malcolm's personal demons to the intrigue and suspense of the murder investigation. We see him struggle with his own trauma as he tries to keep his family's dark history at bay. The episode is exciting and engaging, with plenty of plot twists and edge-of-the-seat moments.

Alma Mater is also a testament to the incredible talent of the show's actors. Tom Payne delivers a stunning performance as Malcolm, showcasing his range as an actor. He switches between moments of vulnerability and strength, making us root for him even when the odds seem stacked against him. Michael Sheen is also excellent as Dr. Martin Whitly, bringing a sense of gravitas and charm to his role. The supporting cast is equally brilliant, adding depth and nuance to the characters they play.

Overall, Alma Mater is an intense and gripping episode. It showcases the show's strengths - an amazing lead, a compelling storyline, and a talented supporting cast. It also tackles important themes such as trauma, bullying, and institutional corruption, making it not just a great crime drama but a thought-provoking piece of television.