Lazarus - Episode 2

The global dependence on Hapna deepens: As an affordable drug, it was even abused by teenagers to escape the bleak reality. Axel, now chained to Hersch with an explosive/shock band, must find Dr. Skinner with Lazarus to gain freedom. The team is under time pressure – all members, including Hersch, have consumed Hapna and only have 30 days left until collapse.

Skinner's contradictory past raises questions: The triple Nobel laureate and philanthropist inexplicably transformed into an apocalypse architect. A key clue leads Lazarus to a survival bunker purchased eight years ago. While Axel and Chris investigate Shelter B12, they plunge into a firefight between the FBI, DEA, and criminal groups chasing the supposed Skinner (the bankrupt Kobayashi). The latter, a failed suicide attempt with Hapna, has no connection to Skinner.

In parallel, character backgrounds are revealed: Axel's 888-year sentence resulted from escapades as an escape artist, Chris' distrust of him is dispelled. Elaina, the shy top hacker, detects thousands of Skinner doppelgängers online – a hint at possible deception. Doug, as the pragmatist, pushes for focus, while internal conflicts (Doug's aversion to Axel's risk-taking) strain the group dynamics.