Episode 7 of Lazarus, titled “Almost Blue,” sees Team Lazarus diving deep – both literally and figuratively – into the mystery surrounding Dr. Skinner and the origins of Hapna. The episode, which premiered on May 18, 2025, takes a more introspective turn as the team uncovers unsettling truths about Skinner’s past and their own connections to his grand scheme.
A World Adrift: Following Skinner’s Submerged Footsteps
Following leads extracted from the Naga AI in the previous episode, the team discovers that Skinner had purchased land on four islands that have since been submerged due to rising sea levels: the Maldives, Manila Bay, the Sakashima Islands, and Tuvalu. These locations, now underwater, serve as stark reminders of the devastating effects of global warming, a theme that resonates throughout the episode.
Team Lazarus splits up, each member dispatched to one of the former island locations. While exploring these hauntingly beautiful, watery landscapes, they begin to understand Skinner’s message: humanity’s destructive impact on the planet. The team realizes that Skinner may have intentionally led them to these locations to witness the consequences of environmental neglect, offering a new perspective on his motivations behind creating Hapna.
- The Maldives: Axel learns about a unique condition called “analgesia,” which causes individuals to be immune to pain. This discovery hints at the possible inspiration behind Hapna, as Skinner may have been seeking to create a pain-free existence, even if through artificial means.
- Manila Bay: (Information about the team member’s experience in Manila Bay was not explicitly found in the search results).
- Sakashima Islands: (Information about the team member’s experience in the Sakashima Islands was not explicitly found in the search results).
- Tuvalu: Christine reflects on the pristine beauty of the water and sky, untouched by human presence.
Introspection and Revelation: Personal Histories Resurface
While the team is scattered across the globe, Episode 7 delves into their individual histories, revealing hidden layers and complex connections.
- Axel’s Significance: Hersch reveals to Abel that Axel possesses a unique quality that makes him key to finding Skinner, though the nature of this connection remains shrouded in mystery. It’s hinted that Axel’s potential immunity to Hapna may play a crucial role.
- Eleina’s Discovery: Staying behind at their base, Eleina uncovers a shocking secret about Hersch: she was one of the original researchers involved in the Hapna project, working alongside Skinner. This revelation devastates Eleina and casts a shadow of doubt over Hersch’s true intentions.
Calm Before the Storm: Tensions Rise
“Almost Blue” lives up to its name, offering a brief moment of tranquility before the storm. The episode’s final act sees a dramatic escalation of tensions:
- Chris’s Kidnapping: Chris is abducted, raising the stakes and threatening the team’s unity.
- Hersch’s Past Revealed: Eleina confronts Hersch about her involvement with Skinner, potentially fracturing the team’s trust.
Skinner’s Message: A Warning or a Premonition?
The episode raises questions about Skinner’s true purpose. Is he a villain holding the world ransom, or a prophet warning humanity about its self-destructive path? Some consider his warnings about the North Pole melting as premonitions, and a growing number of people view him as a prophet or even a god. Hersch believes that Skinner wants to be found, suggesting a more complex agenda than simply unleashing a deadly disease.
Key Takeaways from “Almost Blue”:
- Environmental themes: The episode emphasizes the devastating impact of global warming and raises questions about humanity’s responsibility to the planet.
- Character development: “Almost Blue” delves into the personal histories of Team Lazarus, revealing hidden connections and complex motivations.
- Rising tensions: The episode ends with a series of dramatic events that threaten to fracture the team and escalate the conflict with Skinner.
- Skinner’s Enigmatic Motives: The episode explores the possibility that Skinner’s actions are driven by a desire to warn humanity rather than simply destroy it.
As the mystery surrounding Dr. Skinner deepens, “Almost Blue” leaves viewers with more questions than answers. With personal histories resurfacing and tensions reaching a boiling point, the stage is set for a dramatic confrontation in the episodes to come.
