The Patient is a unique undertaking where in serial killer Sam seeks to remedy his ways by taking sessions from Dr Alan Strauss, a therapist he imprisoned. The first half of the season dealt with setting up this premise, but the last couple of episodes have depicted Sam’s frustrations over the therapy not working.
Sam is definitely thinking of replacing Alan one way or the other. So, is this the last we’ll see of Dr Strauss?
Dr Alan Strauss does not die in The Patient Ep 8. However, because Sam thinks Strauss’ therapy is not working and wants to move to another therapist, it is possible that he will try to kill Strauss in either Ep 9 or 10.
This episode has proven to be quite introspective for Alan, who had an extensive session with his imaginary friend (and former therapist), Charlie Addison. Instead of solely focusing on the problem that lies ahead, they also dig deep into Alan’s relationship with his son, Ezra.
Alan laments about how he was not a great father, even coming close to admitting that he felt more sympathy for a serial killer like Sam than for Ezra. Thankfully, not only is the session cathartic, but it also provides Alan with a newfound resolve—wanting to reunite with his son. This finally gives him the hope of escaping Sam’s imprisonment.
At the beginning of the episode, Alan realizes that his foot fungal medicine is over and Sam hasn’t bothered to buy a new one. It’s clear that the serial killer’s interest in Sam is waning. Alan takes this very tube and tries to fashion a weapon out of it, preparing for any sudden moves that Sam might make.
We then have Sam returning after killing yet another person for no rhyme or reason. Sam also knows that somewhere, his therapy sessions with Alan won’t be a quick fix to his tendencies. It’s left to be seen if he can simply accept it without killing further, or the frustration will drive up his body count.
Sam commands Alan to play a tennis match, mirroring his latest victim, who was also playing the sport before dying. Each rally shows how he’s working up the courage to tell Alan about the murder, as well as ascertain that he’s already found a new therapist.
But it’s quite clear from the way Alan hits back that this time around, he’s going to give Sam more of a fight.
Although it seems like Sam is currently hesitating to kill Alan, I think when push comes to shove, he will deliver the killing blow. This may happen either in Ep 9 or 10. With Alan vying to stay alive and escape, the last two episodes will be quite an intense watch.
About The Patient
The Patient is an American psychological thriller limited series created by Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg for FX on Hulu. Premiering on August 30, 2022, the series consists of ten episodes.
Therapist Dr. Strauss is kidnapped and imprisoned by his patient Sam who needs him to find a therapeutical solution to help him stop his homicidal tendencies.
The mini-series stars Domhnall Gleeson, Steve Carell, Linda Emond, Andrew Leeds, Laura Niemi, and David Alan Grier. The thriller series streams on Hulu, with weekly episodes on Tuesday.
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