The premiere episode of "Before," titled "The Imposter," sets the stage for a psychological thriller that delves into the depths of grief, hallucinations, and the mysterious bond between a widowed child psychologist, Eli Adler, and a troubled child, Noah. The episode opens with a haunting nightmare that foreshadows the dark and twisted path Eli is about to embark on.
Eli, played by the brilliant Billy Crystal, is still reeling from the suicide of his wife, Lynn. The loss is palpable, as he converses with her apparition, a testament to his inability to let go and the depth of his emotional turmoil. The apparition of Lynn inquires about a photograph of a log cabin on the fridge, a question that Eli is unwilling or unable to answer, leading him to discard the picture. This act of discarding the photograph is symbolic of Eli's struggle to confront the unknown and his desire to escape the grip of his past.
The appearance of a mysterious child, Noah, at Eli's doorstep introduces a new layer of intrigue. Noah's silent and bloody-handed scratching on Eli's door is a chilling introduction to a character who will become central to Eli's journey. The child's muteness and the enigmatic drawings he leaves behind are the first of many puzzles that Eli must solve.
As Eli navigates his personal grief and the challenges of his profession, he is confronted with the case of Noah, a child who has been through multiple foster homes and is now in dire need of help. The decision to take on Noah's case is not an easy one for Eli, as he grapples with his own mental health and the impact it may have on his ability to help others.
The episode is filled with surreal and supernatural elements, such as Noah's visions of water trickling down walls and the tentacled monster that haunts him. These visions are not only a source of terror for Noah but also a window into his psyche, hinting at a deeper connection between him and Eli that is yet to be revealed.
Eli's journey takes a turn when he discovers that Noah has been speaking in an archaic form of Dutch, a language that should be foreign to a child of his age and background. This revelation adds another layer of mystery to Noah's character and his connection to Eli, who is now determined to uncover the truth.
The episode concludes with a violent outburst from Noah at school and Eli's subsequent hospital visit, where he communicates with Noah in Dutch, further deepening the bond between them. The final scene leaves viewers with more questions than answers, as Eli discovers another drawing of the log cabin, the same one that was in the discarded photograph.
"The Imposter" is a gripping start to the series, effectively establishing the characters and the eerie atmosphere that will permeate the rest of the season. It is a tale of loss, mental instability, and the blurred lines between reality and the supernatural. The performances are compelling, particularly Crystal's portrayal of a man on the brink, and the cinematography and direction create a sense of unease that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
As we await the next episode, "The Scientist," we are left to ponder the implications of Noah's visions, the significance of the log cabin, and the nature of the connection between Eli and Noah. The stage is set for a thrilling exploration of the human psyche and the supernatural, and "Before" promises to deliver a suspenseful and thought-provoking journey.