Ep 2. Infinity

In the second episode of the first season of the TV show Numbers, titled "Infinity," viewers follow Dr. Charlie Eppes (played by David Krumholtz), a brilliant mathematician who works for the FBI, and his brother, Special Agent Don Eppes (played by Rob Morrow), as they attempt to solve a complex murder case.

The episode begins with an intro on the Fibonacci sequence, a famous mathematical sequence that involves starting with 0 and 1, and then continuing to add the two numbers that came before it. This sequence is often found in nature, including the number of petals on certain flowers or the spiral shape of some shells. The Fibonacci sequence is just one of the many mathematical concepts that Charlie employs in his work with the FBI.

The case that the Eppes brothers are working on involves a woman named Elizabeth, who was found dead in her apartment. Initially, it appears that she may have overdosed on drugs, as multiple prescription pill bottles are found in her bathroom. However, Don is convinced that foul play is involved, as Elizabeth was a highly skilled mathematician who was on the verge of a major breakthrough in her research.

Charlie and Don begin investigating Elizabeth's colleagues and team members at the university where she worked. They discover that her research was related to the Riemann Hypothesis, a famously difficult mathematical problem that involves prime numbers and their distribution. Charlie argues that solving the Riemann Hypothesis could potentially revolutionize the world of mathematics and lead to significant advancements in fields like cryptography and computer security.

As they continue their investigation, Charlie and Don also start to uncover some personal details about Elizabeth's life. They discover that she had been struggling with mental health issues and that she had a difficult relationship with her father. These details start to shed new light on the case, leading Charlie to propose a theory that initially seems outlandish but ends up being critical to solving the case.

Throughout the episode, viewers also get to see the relationship between Charlie and Don continue to develop. Charlie is clearly the more brilliant brother but struggles with social skills and can come across as aloof or cold. Don, on the other hand, is more emotional and intuitive but often gets frustrated with Charlie's analytical approach to everything. The two brothers often butt heads but also clearly have a deep respect and care for one another.

Ultimately, Charlie and Don are able to solve the case, using a combination of mathematical expertise and creative thinking. The episode ends with Charlie reflecting on the fact that, despite its complexities, mathematics can be used to help solve real-world problems and bring about justice.

Overall, "Infinity" is a compelling episode that demonstrates the unique blend of crime-solving and mathematics that makes Numbers such a distinctive show. The murder case at the center of the episode is intriguing, and the use of mathematical concepts like the Fibonacci sequence and the Riemann Hypothesis adds an extra level of intellectual intrigue. Additionally, the relationship between the Eppes brothers is particularly compelling, offering a glimpse into the dynamics of a family with two very different but equally remarkable individuals.