Created by Jenny Lumet & Alex Kurtzman
Starring Rebecca Breeds, Michael Cudlitz
Thursdays at 10PM on CBS

by Emily Maesar, Staff Writer

“You define their very existence. You’re the most important thing to happen to them.”

As we get closer to the ending of the main narrative arc of Clarice, the actual villain of the conspiracy has started to come into crystal clear focus to all parties involved. The VICAP team spends the opening of the episode creating a profile of the mastermind behind all the death and destruction they’ve witnessed - thinking they’re creating a criminal profile of Hudlin.

When Julia calls to let the team know that the merger is actually starting and they may lose their chance to get all the incriminating evidence against the company, it becomes priority one. Julia starts to poke around, against VICAPs wishes, and discovers where all the important files are. She starts faxing them, before she’s caught by security. 

Meanwhile, the team starts to openly move on Alastor since the merger is set into motion. Clarice suggests that, since Hudlin is likely at the root of everything, seeing her (in particular) might lead to something. Krendler is apprehensive, but sends Tomas and Shaan with her. Hudlin is dismissive and ready to send them away… until it comes down from on high that Nils Hagen, the owner of the company, wants to speak with Clarice. Alone. 

Which is, of course, when both Clarice and the audience realize that the picture Ty has been painting of his father is false, though it doesn’t appear to be on purpose. As Clarice realizes this, the profile VICAP was painting in the basement wasn’t of Hudlin. Instead, it was a devastatingly accurate portrait of Nils and his lust for power and control.

As all the storylines converge, with Clarice and the team in the Alastor office, Julia nearly getting killed, and Nils eventually blackmailing Ruth Martin into killing the investigation, there’s no telling where the conspiracy might actually end. All of which is storytelling that makes Clarice positively sing within its genre. Add in the answer to VICAP’s problem with the records being some smart thinking from Julia and I don’t think it takes two-to-three business days to understand how well this show works.

However, what’s rough about the potential strength of Clarice’s ending is the back-end drama that’s causing a dark cloud to settle, unceremoniously, over the entire series. Because boy does the Amazon-MGM deal potentially sink some plans. 

Deadline recently reported that Clarice might not get a season two, but not because of ratings. Which means even if the season one conspiracy gets tied up to a fairly satisfying conclusion, there will be so much left open. Like, Clarice’s memories of her father that are slowly, but surely, coming into sharp focus. Or, Ardelia’s claim against the FBI which is resulting in the further isolation of her and her Black colleagues. Both stories will probably remain loose ends that could have been very strong bases for future episodes.

And while it remains to be seen if Deadline is correct... It feels like a strong possibility. Especially given how fickle deals like this seem to be, even from the outside. Clarice could be going off like gangbusters, but no amount of universal praise could change the outcome, once it’s decided by the powers that be. Which sucks. Not only do I think Clarice is a great version of the continuation of IP that’s been rampant in Hollywood recently, but I think it’s also doing a great job to address the issues of the source material. It’s not perfect, but it’s doing its best with strong intent - and I think that’s enough of a feat to justify its existence. 

So, I’ll be going into the last stretch of Clarice excited about the conclusion of the conspiracy of season one, such as it is, and hoping, against all odds (and Amazon) that we’ll get a season two.