As Evil concludes with its series finale, it’s a good time to look back at the show’s unique qualities. Evil defies easy categorization, blending elements of procedural drama, horror, comedy, and more. Throughout its run, the show has delivered episodes that have left lasting impressions, often in ways that subtly or dramatically changed its course.
One episode that stands out for its impact is the fourth episode of Season 1, “Rose 390.” This episode made a bold choice by portraying the parents of a child who tried to drown his baby sister as responsible for his disappearance.
It was a shocking plot twist, earning a place on Entertainment Weekly’s list of the 30 most shocking TV moments of 2019. This episode showed that Evil was willing to tackle taboo subjects and show dark themes without fear.
Another significant episode is “Book 27,” the Season 1 finale. In this episode, Kristen (Katja Herbers) makes a drastic decision to kill Orson Leroux (Darren Pettie), a mass murderer whose conviction was overturned thanks to Leland (Michael Emerson).
Kristen’s actions reveal the complexity of the protagonists, showing that they can commit extreme acts while dealing with their internal conflicts. This episode underscores that the battle against evil is not just external but also involves confronting one’s own dark side.
However, the most understated yet crucial episode is the sixth in Season 3: “The Demon of Algorithms.” This episode introduces a major twist, revealing that Kristen’s husband Andy (Patrick Brammall) is being held hostage by Leland and Sheryl (Christine Lahti).
This revelation changes the series’ trajectory and offers a deeper understanding of Sheryl’s character and her impact on the show.
Sheryl’s Complex Role in Evil
Christine Lahti’s portrayal of Sheryl is central to the complexity of Evil. Initially, Sheryl appears to be a supportive, though somewhat irresponsible, mother and grandmother. She seems more focused on being the “fun grandma” rather than a responsible caretaker.
For example, she gives her granddaughters an unsuitable VR game without proper supervision, and in a subsequent episode, she fails to notice that the girls have left the house to follow a masked girl to a cemetery.
Sheryl’s character is further complicated by her selfish behavior. She meets Leland at a restaurant, and despite Kristen’s strong disapproval, Sheryl continues to see him secretly. Kristen’s efforts to protect her family and disapprove of Leland’s presence in her home highlight Sheryl’s disregard for her daughter’s wishes.
A supportive mother would at least discuss the situation with her daughter or respect her concerns, but Sheryl’s actions show a lack of consideration for Kristen’s feelings and the potential consequences.
Sheryl’s decision to accept Leland’s marriage proposal is another key moment. Despite Kristen’s explicit ban on seeing Leland, Sheryl continues her relationship with him and even seeks Kristen’s blessing for the marriage.
This decision leads to a dramatic fallout, with Kristen banning Sheryl from seeing the family again. This action signifies a deep rift and sets the stage for further complications.
Sheryl’s Deepening Descent in Season 2
In Season 2, Sheryl’s character takes an even darker turn. Her relationship with Leland continues, and she deceives Kristen by visiting her therapist under a false name. This deceit reveals Sheryl’s increasing involvement in sinister activities.
She begins making sacrifices to Eddie the doll, a creepy porcelain figure reminiscent of Annabelle. Her actions include drilling a hole in a man’s head and participating in satanic rituals with Eddie dolls, which she performs at the direction of Leland’s ally, Edward (Tim Matheson).
Sheryl’s descent into darkness is further exemplified by her initiation into a secret society associated with demonic forces. This initiation involves a ritual and the acceptance of a sigil, symbolizing her complete commitment to the dark side.
By the end of Season 2, Sheryl is seen attending a gathering of demonic masters with Leland, where a new member eats the flesh of a deceased member. These actions mark her as a significant player in the series’ shown of evil.
The Impact of “The Demon of Algorithms”
“The Demon of Algorithms” represents a pivotal moment in Evil. The episode reveals that Sheryl is holding Andy hostage, a shocking twist that changes the direction of the series.
This revelation forces viewers to reassess Sheryl’s character and motivations. Until this point, Sheryl’s actions, while questionable, did not seem criminal. The extent of her betrayal and her willingness to put her family in danger challenge previous perceptions of her character.
This episode prompts viewers to reconsider Sheryl’s previous actions. The idea that Sheryl could be so deeply involved in evil activities, to the point of endangering her family, shifts the narrative.
The question of whether Sheryl is working with Leland to push her granddaughter Lexis toward a demonic destiny becomes more pressing. This episode demonstrates how Evil plays with expectations, particularly regarding the role of a matronly figure in the family.
Final Season Reflection
As Evil concludes, the impact of “The Demon of Algorithms” remains significant. The Season 4 episode “How to Survive a Storm” is devastating, but it doesn’t change the shock value of “The Demon of Algorithms.” While Season 4 shows Sheryl’s tragic end, it doesn’t diminish the episode’s importance.
The final season reveals that Sheryl’s commitment to making Leland pay for his actions is clear, though her motivations remain ambiguous. The episode continues to be a key moment in understanding Sheryl’s character and the series’ overall narrative.
“The Demon of Algorithms” not only remains a shocking episode but also adds depth to the series. Sheryl’s journey from a seemingly flawed but supportive figure to a central antagonist underscores the show’s show of evil and redemption. Her actions highlight the theme of nature versus nurture and ultimately provide a significant turning point in the series.
Evil is available for streaming in the U.S. on Paramount+.
