Ep 5. Hildebrandt's Starling

In The Alienist season 1 episode 5, titled "Hildebrandt's Starling," the team continues their investigation into the murders of young boys in New York City. The episode begins with the discovery of another murdered boy, causing the already tense atmosphere in the city to become even more fraught.

As they investigate the new crime scene, the team discovers that the murderer may have been interrupted in the act. This leads them to believe that the killer is becoming increasingly reckless and may make a mistake that could lead to his capture.

Meanwhile, tensions are high within the team as their differing viewpoints on how to solve the case begin to cause friction. Dr. Kreizler's unorthodox methods are at odds with the more traditional approaches favored by the police department and Sara Howard.

The team is also dealing with personal issues. Kreizler finds himself struggling with the death of his father and how it relates to the case, while Moore continues to struggle with his addiction to laudanum. Sara Howard, meanwhile, finds herself grappling with the sexist attitudes of her colleagues and the societal constraints placed upon her as a woman.

Their investigation leads them to an unlikely suspect and a high-stakes confrontation that will have lasting repercussions for the team. As they inch closer to uncovering the identity of the killer, they must also confront their own demons and the societal issues that continue to plague them both personally and professionally.

"Hildebrandt's Starling" is a tense and suspenseful episode that continues to build upon the complex characters and atmospheric setting of the series. As the team races against the clock to catch the killer before he strikes again, they must also grapple with their own personal issues and the societal expectations that surround them. With its detailed period setting and intricate character development, The Alienist is a must-see for fans of crime dramas and historical fiction.