Ep 4. These Bloody Thoughts

In The Alienist season 1 episode 4, titled "These Bloody Thoughts," the investigation into the gruesome murders of boy prostitutes in late 19th century New York City continues. The team comprised of Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, detective Sara Howard, and newspaper illustrator John Moore, delve deeper into the psychological profiles of the potential killer.

Sara Howard takes the lead in this episode, as she meets with the distraught mother of another child victim and connects with a female doctor who runs a clinic for prostitutes. Meanwhile, Kreizler and Moore interview a former employee of one of the murdered boys, hoping to gather more information about the victims and potentially identify a suspect.

The episode also explores the personal lives of the three main characters. Moore continues to struggle with his feelings for a young boy prostitute, while Kreizler confronts his own past trauma during an intense therapy session with his mentor. Sara begins to question her place in the male-dominated world of law enforcement and seeks advice from her affluent and influential family.

Along with the ongoing investigation, a major theme in this episode is the emerging field of psychology and its role in criminal investigations. Kreizler, a self-proclaimed "alienist" (a term used at the time to describe those who studied mental illness), takes a scientific and analytical approach to the case, using the psychological theories of Sigmund Freud and other pioneers to develop a profile of the killer. This clashes with the more traditional and often brutal methods of the police department, and the use of such methods on a suspect leads to a dramatic and unexpected twist.

Overall, "These Bloody Thoughts" is a gripping and atmospheric episode that continues to build tension and raise questions about the dark underbelly of society in an era of great social change.