Alan’s therapist is still functioning, but he’s been avoiding replaying the events of that night. He plays out a session with a deceased therapist named Charlie.
Alan begs Charlie for help. He’s having trouble keeping it together in front of Sam. He needs a plan, but Sam–someone totally without empathy–is in charge. Charlie, however, thinks Alan is making excuses.
Alan comes to when he hears Sam digging in the other room. But Sam doesn’t finish digging Elias’ grave on his own. Unhappy with Alan for not preventing the murder, he makes the therapist help–believing he should share in the responsibility for Elias’ death.
Alan leaves for work, and as he walks away from the house, he thinks of his wife and son. He remembers how much he loved them, and how much he wants to be there for them. He remembers the day his son was born, and how grateful he is that it was a healthy birth. He thinks about all the things he could do to make a difference in the world, and wonders if there is anything left for him to do.
Alan prods Sam to address a difficult fact for him- that his mother is partially responsible for the abuse Sam has experienced. ..
When Sam returns, Alan persuades him, as a test of empathy, to leave Elias’ body where it can be found. This, he claims, will be much better for Elias’ parents.
Sam agrees to therapy, but he’s not really doing it out of care or concern. More likely, he agrees because he has an obligation to continue the sessions.
While Sam goes to the bathroom, Alan fills a note in Elias’ mouth with Sam’s name and a message to his children that he loves them. He spills ink on his own hands, but luckily, Sam doesn’t seem to notice as he drags the body out of the house.
Alan sighs as he remembers his wife singing a song about rising up: “not through force or power, but through spirit alone.” ..
Elias won’t be buried today, but that does leave an open grave in the other room. ..
The Episode Review
The latest episode of The Patient introduces several new interesting facets of Alan’s character. While his Jewish faith has always informed his actions, “Charlie” reveals how intrinsic Dr. Strauss’ religion and heritage are to his entire life. The Holocaust visions provide a lens through which to process his trauma. Memories of his wife leading singing provide hope and inspiration. The Patient offers us such beautiful and tragic illustrations.
Alan’s story is further complicated by the fact that Charlie, an expectant miracle-worker, is also struggling to survive. ..
