Diving into the third episode of Red Queen, "A Pill," we find ourselves in a narrative that spirals deeper into the psychological intricacies of its characters and the chilling events that unfold. The episode commences with Antonia participating in a study, where she is posed the same peculiar question she once asked Gutiérrez, impressing the researchers with her intellect and solidifying her reputation as one of the smartest individuals alive.
In the present turmoil, Carla is seen weeping, conversing with Sandra, another victim of Ezequiel's heinous acts. Sandra, once a taxi driver, now finds herself kidnapped and held captive, her fate hanging in the balance.
Gutiérrez and Antonia make their way to Laura, questioning her about the death of her son. The constraints of time are emphasized by Laura's secretary, who allocates a mere 15 minutes for their discussion. Antonia's keen perception alerts her to the secretary's deep knowledge, suggesting a hidden narrative beneath the surface. Laura's denial of recognizing the tattoo and her evasive answers regarding Ezequiel's demands only serve to complicate the case. Her reluctance to disclose the kidnapper's true demand—a public confession—indicates a deeper secret that she fears more than her son's life at risk.
The intensity of the situation triggers Antonia's visions, causing her to flee the building in a state of distress. Gutiérrez finds her unconscious, a victim to the side effects of the experimental drugs she was subjected to during her time in the Red Queen Project. These drugs, intended to enhance her intellectual capabilities, have left her with a dire need for pills to manage the stress-induced hallucinations.
As the duo delves further into the case, they realize that both Laura and Ramon must offer a public confession, as Ezequiel's motives are rooted in exposing hidden truths. Their pursuit leads them to follow Laura's secretary, only to be discovered and forced to retreat. A flashback reveals the harsh reality of Antonia's past, where she was given an extra dosage of the experimental drug, leading to her current reliance on pills to maintain her sanity.
In a bold move, Antonia and Gutiérrez confront Ramon, with Antonia infiltrating his building to demand the truth about Ezequiel's demands. Her intrusion is met with force, as security apprehends her, and the situation escalates with the arrival of Cop Parra, who insults Gutiérrez and strikes him, all caught on camera by a journalist. This incident not only jeopardizes their investigation but also sheds light on the corruption and hidden agendas within the force.
Meanwhile, Ezequiel's reign of terror continues as he enters Sandra's chamber, and the distressing cries of both Sandra and Carla echo through the cold, unforgiving walls of their prison. Sandra's revelation to Carla that Ezequiel has disclosed his true identity and the stark difference between their situations adds another layer to the complexity of their predicament.
The episode reaches a climactic end as Gutiérrez, in a moment of tenderness, meets Antonia at her place, fixing her hair and sharing a bond that transcends their professional relationship. However, this moment of respite is shattered when Antonia, taking a taxi, realizes that Ezequiel is behind the wheel. Her attempt to flee is met with violence, as he injures her with a knife, trapping her in the moving vehicle. Ezequiel's cryptic words hint at a larger understanding that Antonia has yet to grasp, leaving her fate, and the fate of those around her, hanging in the balance as the episode concludes.