Episode: 4
Julian Vale grinds a white powder labeled "Sal Ammoniac" and instructs Dolores Keane to add it to the stew. She serves the meal to Evan Cole. After eating, Evan loses control of his urges and begins eating raw beef from the freezer. Distressed and covered in blood, he runs to his room to wash up. He finds a letter slipped under his door from his girlfriend, signed "-M," announcing her visit. Julian notes Evan's strong dependence in his ledger.
Julian Vale grinds a white powder into a glass vial. He creates a substance labeled "Sal Ammoniac." He carefully manages the mixture to ensure it is ready for use in the kitchen.
Julian takes the vial to Dolores Keane in the kitchen. He presents the powder to her as a special seasoning to brighten the flavor of the stew. He tells her to use just a pinch.
Dolores Keane serves the bowl of stew to Evan Cole. He sits at the dining table and eats the food. Dolores watches him eat and smiles at him throughout the meal.
As Julian paints a bloody portrait in his lab, Evan experiences an uncontrollable urge. He goes to the freezer, takes out raw beef, and eats it ravenously with his bare hands.
Evan returns to his room covered in blood. He washes his hands, trying to convince himself it was just the stew. Someone slips a letter under his door from "-M" announcing their arrival next week.
Julian sits in his study with his leather-bound ledger. He writes down his observations regarding the subject's behavior and the effectiveness of the additive used in the meal.
“A spice from the south, Auntie. Brightens the stew. Just a pinch.”
“Hmm, oh my God.”
“It's stew. Everyone loves stew. That's all it is.”
Julian sits in his study and updates his leather-bound ledger, writing that Evan has developed a strong dependence. The episode concludes with the writer left in his room, dealing with the aftermath of his erratic behavior and the upcoming visit from "-M." Will the girlfriend arrive as planned next week, and how will Julian respond to her presence?