The fourth episode of Culprits, "Circles in a Circle," is a masterclass in suspense and intrigue, as it peels back layers of the complex narrative that surrounds the heist and its aftermath. The episode opens six months in the past, with Joe Petrus/Muscle (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett) sharing his purchase and plans for the hardware store with Frankie (Maria Nash), hinting at a desire for stability and a permanent life in their town .
In the present day, Joe's life takes a dramatic turn as he monitors the interior of a home via surveillance feeds while on a flight to Heathrow, London. This scene sets the stage for a series of events that will see Joe navigating the dangerous remnants of his past .
The episode delves into the details of the heist, with Dianne/Brain (Gemma Arterton) briefing the team on the challenges of cracking a foundation safe. The introduction of Malek Mizouni (Uriel Emil) and the revelation of his replacement by his granddaughter Azar Mizouni (Tara Abboud) after his refusal to participate, adds a new dynamic to the team . The tension is palpable as Azar is tested and ultimately joins the crew, bringing her unique skills to the table .
As Joe arrives in London, he is immediately thrust into a world of danger and deception. His encounter with a family connected to law enforcement and his addition to their collection of ceramic cat figurines is a subtle nod to his own fractured past and the life he's trying to leave behind . The tension escalates as Joe is forced to confront the reality that his past is catching up with him, culminating in his kidnapping and interrogation regarding the heist .
The present-day narrative sees Joe and Officer (Kirby Howell-Baptiste) working together to track down the mysterious killer targeting the crew. Their journey takes them to France, where they use Azar's social media graffiti postings to triangulate her location . This plotline is a race against time, as they attempt to stay one step ahead of the killer and unravel the mystery of who is behind the murders .
In a shocking twist, it is revealed that Officer has been in contact with the killer, known as Devil (Ned Dennehy), and has been sharing their location with him. This betrayal adds a new level of complexity to the story, as it becomes clear that Officer is playing her own game in this dangerous cat-and-mouse chase .
The episode also explores the emotional weight of the secrets the characters are carrying. Joe's relationship with Officer is tested as they navigate their past and present dynamics, with Joe's care for her after the heist revealing a softer side to his character . Meanwhile, Joe's life in Washington State is shown to be in jeopardy as his past actions threaten his future with his family .
The climax of the episode sees Joe and Officer closing in on Azar's location, while simultaneously trying to stay ahead of Devil. The tension is cut with the revelation of Malek's death, which adds a sense of urgency and danger to their mission . The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with the killer hot on their trail and the truth about Officer's involvement with Devil leaving the audience questioning who they can trust .
"Circles in a Circle" is a gripping installment of Culprits that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. With its intricate plot, high-stakes action, and emotional depth, it is a testament to the series' ability to weave a compelling narrative that keeps audiences guessing until the very end .