The Prodigal Son, created by Chris Fedak and Sam Skalver, is the latest in FOX’s TV series lineup, that focuses on law enforcement pairing up with eccentric civilian consultants.
Meet Malcolm Bright, also known as Malcolm Whitly, played by The Walking Dead’s Tom Payne, is a gifted profiler who uses his genius to help law enforcement solve crimes.
The main plot: Malcolm is the son of a serial killer Dr. Martin Whitly (Michael Sheen), known as “The Surgeon,” who was exposed as a mass murderer who killed at least 23 people before being caught. Plot twist: Malcolm is the one who discloses his father and calls law enforcement. Due to this traumatic experience, Malcolm haunted by nightmares that are so “real” he shackles himself to his bed every night. So, it is safe to say, Malcolm has a few quirks; however, his unorthodox methodology makes him a brilliant consultant. He hasn’t seen his father in 10 years but soon finds himself drawn back to dear old Dad, who claims he can help Malcolm get inside the heads of serial killers.
A recap of the first four episodes! In episode one – Pilot, we met Malcolm Bright (Tom Payne), a special agent for the FBI, but not for long as he is fired due to his eccentric behavior. He is soon recruited to the NYPD by longtime friend Gil (Lou Diamond Phillips), as a criminal profiler. Spoiler alert: Gil is the police officer who arrested Malcolm’s dad, serial killer Dr. Whitly (Sheen). Gil needs Malcolm’s help on a new case where a killer is mimicking his dad’s methods. After ten years, Malcolm decides to visit his father to find answers. After some back and forth, Dr. Whitly helps Malcolm solve the investigation and offers to help with future investigations.
Episode 2 – Annihilator, between the first and second episode, Malcolm starts having more vivid nightmares regarding his father, in this nightmare Malcolm finds a woman in a box in his father’s office. In this episode, we start to see a more significant dynamic between Malcolm and his mother, Jessica, and his younger sister Ainsley. Yet again, Malcolm is called to work on a quadruple homicide to conduct a profile. Throughout the episode, Malcolm has to deal with his neurosis and insomnia while trying to prove to everyone that he is sane. To make this recap short, Malcolm and his father solve yet another investigation. Malcolm continues to have vivid nightmares, this time of his father drugging him with chloroform. Of course, he needs answers…which leads to the next episode. Also, his mother just found out he has been visiting his father… uh oh!
Episode 3 – Fear Response begins with a flashback of Malcolm’s mother, Jessica Whitly, visiting her husband in prison. Fast forward to the present day, where Jessica is outside of her son’s apartment, demanding to be buzzed up. However, Malcolm is too busy having a nightmare that is so vivid; he comes flying out the window; thankfully, one arm is still restrained to a wall. Remember, he wears restraints when he sleeps! The pattern continues as Malcolm assures all those around him that visiting his father is not harmful. While Malcolm is busy with the NYPD on a new investigation, his mother finally gets the nerve to visit her husband. The episode ends with yet another vivid dream, or memory, of Malcolm as a child about to open “the box” before his mother grabs him and says, “You have no idea what your father is capable of.” This leaves Malcolm with the idea that his mother knows more than she claims to know.
Episode 4 – Designer Complicity, with the way the previous episode ended, it is no surprise that Malcolm spends his time obsessing over whether his mother knew his father was a serial killer. He confronts his mother, who gives him a good slap. When did she become the monster? Malcolm also visits good ole dad, but Dr. Whitly has no information to offer. Malcolm and Gil share a drink and talk about his life lately. Malcolm tells him he needs to know the truth about his mother. Gil finally comes through, changing his mind and handing him an evidence tape. Malcolm watches the tape as his mother, denying that she knew anything. It turns out, and she thought her husband was having an affair, not killing people. The episode ends with Malcolm tearing up, and he watches his mother blamed herself for all that has happened.
and Tom Payne (Malcolm Whitly)
Episode 5 – The Trip, as in previous episodes, Malcolm is having trouble sleeping. His mother offers barbiturates as the solution, but Malcolm prefers a “murder.” According to Malcolm, homicide is the only thing that keeps him sane! The episode begins with Malcolm having trouble sleeping; he decides to take a walk; however, he stumbles across a station wagon with something under a blanket wrapped in chains in the trunk. This same vision will continue throughout the episode, becoming more vivid after Malcolm is exposed to a face full of cocaine (on the job). It is also during this episode that we see Malcolm and fellow NYPD colleague Dani (Aurora Perrineau) become friends. It is no surprise during this cocaine experience, Malcolm starts to hallucinate and interacts with his “subconscious” offering context: a shoebox Malcolm hid as a child under his bed. The episode ends with Malcolm returning to his childhood home looking to retrieve the box; however, his mother claims she destroyed it, but eventually returns it to him.
Is the show any good? The series tries to tell a unique story while pulling ideas from movies like Silence of the Lambs or the TV show Hannibal but ultimately lacks the solid writing to create a well-rounded story. For the character of Dr. Whitly (Sheen), he lacks the dramatic flair necessary to make him attractive; I mean, he is a serial killer after all. The show has the potential to be a good series but hasn’t gotten there yet. Stay tuned for more, as this series is only five episodes in!