Episode 10 of Lazarus, titled “I Can’t Tell You Why,” significantly progresses the hunt for Dr. Skinner while revealing more about the characters. The episode aired on June 8, 2025, and dives deeper into Leland’s past and family connections, Axel’s mysterious origins, and the growing threat of Hapna. With the clock ticking down, the Lazarus team faces critical decisions and dangerous missions.
The World on the Brink
The episode opens with a chilling news report, emphasizing that only six days remain until Hapna begins claiming its first victims. Hospitals are overflowing with fever patients, the stock market has shuttered, and essential services are indefinitely closed. The somber news anchor warns that this might be the last Sunday ever, setting a desperate tone.
Unveiling Skinner’s Artificial Heart
The team analyzes the mysterious drug found in Dr. Skinner’s room, initially hoping it would lead to a cure for Hapna. However, they discover it’s merely an anti-platelet medication used by patients with artificial hearts. This seemingly disappointing discovery provides an unexpected breakthrough: Skinner might have an artificial heart.
Hersch points out that Skinner likely went to a private hospital for the elite to keep the information confidential. Leland suggests a way to find the information, leading Axel, Doug, and Leland to his family mansion.
Leland’s Troubled Past
Lazarus Episode 10 dedicates a significant portion to Leland’s backstory and family issues. The episode introduces Leland’s half-sister, Isabella, revealing that their father and older brother have passed away, making Leland the inheritor of the family’s fortune. Axel and Doug witness their tense reunion, highlighting the strained relationship between Leland and Isabella.
Leland comes from old money, and the Astor Family Mansion is huge. Leland hasn’t seen his sister in four years and technically inherited everything. Isabella is cold towards him, and it is due to her genuinely missing him. Despite their bickering, there are hints of genuine affection beneath her harsh exterior.
Ultimately, Isabella agrees to provide information about their family’s private hospital. In return, Leland promises to spend a weekend with her, signaling his intention to resolve the Hapna crisis.
The Elite Hospital and Dr. Millie
The team tracks down the hospital where Skinner received his artificial heart, a secret clinic that caters to the extremely wealthy. Leland introduces the group to Dr. Millie, Skinner’s heart doctor, whom he knows from the past.
Dr. Millie provides the team with the firmware that was originally meant to monitor Skinner’s artificial heart. This leads Elaina to realize that Popcorn Wizard is likely the key to finding Skinner, reinforcing the belief that Skinner’s ability to hide from the world is likely due to a hacker. Elaina knows she has to go to Pakistan to get to Popcorn Wizard and Doug goes with her as backup.
Axel’s Mysterious Origins and the Approaching Assassin
While Elaina and Doug head to Pakistan, Hersch gives Axel a special task. They learn that Axel was likely one of the first to receive the Hapna drug in a secret, undocumented clinical trial done on inmates. Axel is tasked with finding the doctor who might be the sole person with knowledge of the experiment.
Episode 10 reveals that Axel was a test subject of Hapna early in its process. Human test trials on new drugs were conducted at the Eyman Prison in Arizona, where Axel was held. Axel is proof of the illegal experiments conducted on prisoners and has insight into the early testing of Hapna.
However, on the way to finding this doctor, Soryu comes across Axel on the highway, setting up a battle that is likely to dominate episode 11. INSCOM, led by Schneider, has been at the heart of all the chaos Hapna has caused from day one.
Multiple Missions and Looming Threats
The episode’s final act sets up multiple urgent missions. Chris insists on traveling to Pakistan to locate Popcorn Wizard, arguing it might be their last chance to find Skinner. Simultaneously, they discover that a doctor from Aean prison might be the only remaining witness who understands what happened during those clinical trials, and Axel is tasked with ensuring this doctor’s safety.
The Clock is Ticking
With only six days remaining before Hapna’s deadly effects begin claiming lives, the race to find Skinner intensifies. The episode closes with the team scattered but determined:
- Elaina and Doug: Headed to Pakistan to track Popcorn Wizard.
- Axel: Dispatched to protect the prison doctor.
- Hersch: Remains at HQ to analyze transmission data for additional clues.
“Lazarus” Episode 10 is a turning point in the series, providing critical information about Skinner and setting up the final act with multiple high-stakes missions and looming threats.
