Episode 12 of Lazarus, titled “Close to the Edge,” serves as a penultimate setup for the series finale, focusing on character relationships, resolving backstories, and positioning the key players for a final confrontation. While not as action-packed as previous episodes, it lays the groundwork for an emotional and potentially tragic conclusion. The episode premiered on Adult Swim’s Toonami block on June 28, 2025, and became available for streaming on Max the following day.
Recovering from the Edge
The episode opens with Axel, Eleina, and Doug each recovering from their recent injuries in hospital beds. This imagery sets the tone for a more introspective episode, prioritizing healing and preparation over immediate action. Axel, recovering from an assassination attempt, is watched over by Chris. Their conversation reveals Axel’s past: he grew up without a family and found solace in a group of friends, all of whom have died, leaving him with only a necklace as a reminder. This adds depth to Axel’s character and provides context for his motivations.
Alliances and Friendships
“Close to the Edge” highlights the evolving relationships between characters, showcasing unlikely alliances formed in the face of impending doom. Eleina wakes up at Popcorn Wizard’s place, where Lin (Popcorn Wizard’s real name) has been caring for her. Lin reveals her connection to Dr. Skinner, explaining that her family was displaced by rising sea levels and that Skinner helped them relocate. This act of kindness has led Lin to support Skinner, even if it means going against the Lazarus team.
The friendship between Eleina and Popcorn Wizard becomes a focal point of the episode, with their bond being described as one of the most endearing aspects. Despite their conflicting allegiances, their friendship underscores the idea that personal connections can transcend ideological divides.
Even Dr. 909, initially an antagonist, begins to cooperate with the Lazarus team, motivated by Eleina’s digital bait. He reveals that he has been working with Sam Stephenson, an investor who sold off his Hapna stock before Skinner’s announcement. This information helps the team uncover the financial motivations behind Skinner’s actions.
The Hunt for Skinner Intensifies
The episode progresses the central plot of finding Dr. Skinner before his doomsday announcement takes effect. Leland and Christine uncover a specialized aircraft tracking Doug and Eleina’s movements, leading the Lazarus team to suspect a larger conspiracy involving the government and Skinner.
Popcorn Wizard reveals that Skinner has been hiding in the homeless camp, a location seen in earlier episodes. This revelation brings the team closer to finding Skinner and understanding his motives.
Loose Ends and Looming Threats
Despite the progress made in finding Skinner, several loose ends and threats remain. The assassin who targeted Axel is still at large, driven by a personal vendetta. The assassin’s history reveals that he has dissociative identity disorder and is part of Project Hundun. This unresolved conflict suggests a final showdown in the series finale.
The episode also reveals that INSCOM has been conducting illegal drug experiments on death row inmates, including Axel, explaining why he has become a target. This revelation adds another layer of complexity to the conspiracy surrounding Skinner and the government’s involvement.
With only one day left before Skinner’s announcement, the episode emphasizes the urgency of the situation. The team recognizes that they must act quickly to prevent the impending disaster.
Key Moments and Turning Points
- Axel’s Revelation: Axel reveals his tragic past to Chris, explaining the significance of his necklace and his desire to protect others.
- Lin’s Confession: Popcorn Wizard reveals her connection to Skinner and her reasons for supporting him.
- Skinner’s Location: The team discovers that Skinner has been hiding in the homeless camp.
- Chris’s Kiss: Chris kisses Axel, hinting at a potential romance but also foreshadowing potential tragedy.
- The Assassin’s Grudge: The assassin is still alive, with a personal vendetta against Axel, setting up a final confrontation.
Themes and Analysis
Lazarus Episode 12 explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and redemption in the face of impending doom. The episode highlights the importance of personal connections and the sacrifices people are willing to make for those they care about.
The episode also delves into the complexities of morality, blurring the lines between good and evil. Characters like Popcorn Wizard and Dr. 909 demonstrate that even those who initially appear to be antagonists may have understandable motivations.
The episode’s focus on character development and relationship dynamics suggests that the series finale will prioritize emotional resolution over action-packed spectacle. While the search for Skinner remains a central plot point, the ultimate message of the series may revolve around the importance of human connection and the choices people make when faced with impossible circumstances.
Reception and Reviews
Reviews of “Lazarus” Episode 12 are mixed, with some critics praising the character development and emotional depth, while others criticize the slow pacing. Some viewers felt the episode served as a necessary calm before the storm of the finale, allowing for reflection and preparation. Others found the episode rushed, with too many loose ends to tie up in a satisfactory manner.
Looking Ahead
“Lazarus” Episode 12 sets the stage for a potentially tragic and emotionally resonant finale. The episode’s focus on character relationships and unresolved conflicts suggests that the final episode will be more about personal sacrifices and emotional closure than about saving the world.
The series finale, titled “Lazarus Episode 13,” aired on June 28, 2025, and promises a final showdown with the assassin, the resolution of Skinner’s plan, and the ultimate fate of the Lazarus team. The promo suggests that the finale will pick up right where Episode 12 left off, with Axel facing Soryu and Abel rescuing Hersch. The episode is expected to delve deeper into the Hundun Project and reveal Skinner’s side of the story.
