Ep 1. The Boy on the Bridge

Set in the late 19th century in New York City, The Alienist is a psychological thriller that follows a group of investigators as they try to solve a series of gruesome murders. The show focuses on the work of the "alienist," a term used to describe a criminal psychologist who works with the mentally ill. The first episode, "The Boy on the Bridge," introduces the audience to the main characters and sets up the central mystery.

The episode opens with a shot of the Brooklyn Bridge at night. A young boy wanders along the deserted walkway, staring fearfully at the dark water below. Suddenly, he is attacked by an unseen assailant and falls to his death. The next morning, a group of construction workers discover the boy's body and call the police.

Enter Dr. Laszlo Kreizler (Daniel Brühl), the alienist who is called in to assist with the investigation. Kreizler is a brilliant but eccentric man who believes that criminal behavior can be understood and predicted through careful analysis of the criminal's psychology. He is accompanied by newspaper illustrator John Moore (Luke Evans), who is tasked with sketching the victims and crime scenes.

The two men are called to the office of Police Commissioner Theodore Roosevelt (Brian Geraghty), who is determined to solve the case quickly and quietly. Roosevelt is impressed by Kreizler's credentials but skeptical of his methods, especially when Kreizler suggests that the murderer is likely someone with a history of cruelty towards animals.

Meanwhile, Sara Howard (Dakota Fanning), a young woman working as a secretary at the police department, is eager to become an investigator in her own right. She sees the case as an opportunity to prove herself and approaches Kreizler for help. Initially dismissive of her, Kreizler eventually agrees to let her assist with the investigation.

As the team begins to investigate, they discover that the dead boy was a prostitute who worked near the Brooklyn Bridge. They also learn that several other young boys in the area have gone missing in recent months. The detectives interview witnesses and follow leads, but the case proves frustratingly elusive.

One key piece of information comes from a young girl who saw a man walking with the victim on the night of the murder. The girl provides a sketch of the man, which Moore uses to create a portrait. Kreizler also examines the victim's body and concludes that the murderer is likely someone who is physically strong and sexually repressed.

The episode ends with Kreizler and his team gathered around a table, studying the evidence they have gathered. Despite their efforts, they still have no clear suspect and no idea how to catch the killer. This sets the stage for the rest of the season, as the team delves deeper into the criminal mind and confronts their own personal demons.

Overall, "The Boy on the Bridge" is a gripping and atmospheric introduction to The Alienist. The show does an excellent job of evoking the gritty, dangerous world of late 19th century New York City, while also exploring the emerging field of criminal psychology. With a talented cast and intriguing premise, The Alienist promises to be a must-watch series for fans of psychological thrillers and true crime stories.