8.2/10 A strong, well-paced pilot that sets up the show’s premise effectively. While it doesn’t necessarily stand out as an all-time great first episode, it does a fantastic job of establishing Joe’s character and the eerie, obsessive tone of the series. Joe’s internal narration is one of the most intriguing aspects of the show. It reminds me of Dexter in the way we’re trapped inside his mind, hearing his delusions firsthand. But unlike Dexter, who at least recognizes his darker urges, Joe speaks as if he and Beck are already in love—like they’ve shared something real when, in reality, they’ve barely spoken. That disconnect between his perception and reality is what makes him so unsettling yet strangely captivating. Beck is also a compelling character in her own right. She’s not just some cliché “misunderstood writer” archetype—she actually has genuine passion for her work and talent to back it up. At the same time, she doesn’t mind leaning into that “tortured artist” aesthetic, which makes her feel more real and layered. I also can’t shake the feeling that Joe knows he could probably get with Beck through normal means, but that’s not what excites him. There’s something about the stalking, the control, the meticulous planning that makes the relationship feel more thrilling to him. Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but it adds an extra layer to his already disturbing psyche. @JerryTWDGoat