Ep 2. Cell H

The Hot Zone season 1 episode 2, titled "Cell H," continues the fast-paced drama of the virus outbreak at the Reston Primate Quarantine Unit in 1989. Following the discovery of the deadly Ebola virus in a shipment of monkeys from the Philippines, the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) is called in to investigate and contain the contagion.

In this episode, the focus shifts to the investigation of Cell H, where primates infected with Ebola were kept prior to their deaths. Dr. Nancy Jaax (played by Julianna Margulies) and her team work meticulously to gather samples and evidence, all the while facing the unsettling reality of working with a virus that has a mortality rate of up to 90 percent.

Meanwhile, Dr. Jaax's husband, Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Jaax (played by Noah Emmerich), is tasked with overseeing the transportation of infected monkeys to a secure biocontainment facility in Maryland. He faces resistance from his superiors, who are skeptical of the urgency of the situation, and from the local community, who fear the spread of the virus.

As the investigation at Cell H progresses, tensions rise within the USAMRIID team as they grapple with the potential consequences of a virus that could easily become airborne and spread to the general public. Dr. Jaax must navigate conflicting orders from her superiors and her own moral compass as she works to protect both her team and the wider community.

Throughout the episode, The Hot Zone masterfully builds suspense and raises questions about the nature of viruses, the ethics of scientific research, and the impact of human activity on global health. The characters are compelling and complex, and the show's attention to detail creates a sense of realism and urgency that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Overall, "Cell H" is a gripping continuation of The Hot Zone's intense exploration of the Ebola outbreak, and a testament to the power of expertly crafted storytelling.