The Darwin Incident (2026) s01e03 Episode Script
Heterosis
So Eva is still alive.
She is the chimpanzee
who gave birth to Charlie.
She was on the verge of death
when she was brought here 15 years ago.
So I was called in
to perform her C-section.
They both would have died
if it wasn't for Dr. Stein.
Oh, look. I think she recognizes her son.
Charlie, she's looking at you.
It's been a while, no?
You rarely visit even when
you come for your exams.
What? Really?
There is no point.
But isn't she your biological mother?
All she did was birth me.
This is truer than principles
Discovered by geniuses like XY
You are so captivating
That I can't take my eyes off you
We are merely beings who are just living
But we are beings unlike any other
You make me wonder
Actors caught in a drama
Unaware of the ending
Our "relationship chart" is still blank
And it bothers me
We only want to share laughter
Yet somehow end up hurting each other
It wasn't supposed to be like this
I wonder what principles or clues
Apply to our relationship
A stereo yearning to blend
Like left and right
Could it be love?
I don't know
Are we at odds?
I don't think so
It's a frustrating thing
And I can't even tell if it's real
Just how deep is our relationship?
Why can't it be measured?
I want to know you
I want you to know me
And what's the level of expectation
When we get to know each other?
I know nothing else but the long-sought
Love, and I want to seek it out
You make me wonder
Just beyond words
You make me wonder
EPISODE 3
HETEROSIS
Eva was captured by poachers
in Sierra Leone when she was just a baby.
That was when her parents were killed.
She spent her life being passed around
various zoos and circuses around Europe.
Then she was sold by brokers
to The Stollard Biological
Research Institute in California,
as a subject for animal experimentation.
That's horrible.
But Dr. Grossman was
part of the Institute at that time
and he quickly realized she was special.
He saw that she was completely different
from ordinary chimpanzees.
What do you mean?
She was, quite frankly, a genius.
Chimpanzees are more intelligent
than most people think.
They can remember words and symbols,
and solve simple math problems.
Their eidetic memory and cognitive
abilities are better than a human's.
But Eva's intelligence far surpassed
such levels used for mere human amusement.
There are records of her understanding
difficult abstract concepts,
solving quadratic equations,
and enjoying Wordsworth's poems so much
that she even wrote her own poetry.
What? No way.
Dr. Grossman became interested in her
and began studying her.
He was so obsessed with her
that other researchers used to joke
about them being in love.
But to think
he actually created a child with her.
Why do you think the Humanzee exists?
Why did he…
Want to create Charlie,
to make a Humanzee?
Who knows.
He destroyed
all his research data
before he disappeared,
and he's known to be both secretive
and a misanthrope.
I've only ever seen him once
or twice at conferences.
Everyone thought he would be
the next Nobel Prize winner,
so why did he throw it all away?
Oh, yeah.
If Eva's that amazing,
maybe we can ask her?
About Dr. Grossman.
That's impossible.
Why?
Dr. Stein's emergency surgery
managed to save her life,
but giving birth left her
with severe injuries,
including severe brain damage.
She is now less intelligent
than the average chimpanzee.
With her old age and weak body,
she is far from healthy.
Oh, my God.
Eva's been abused by humans
for most of her life.
So we want to let her live
her final days in peace.
Besides, she gets to see her son in here.
I don't think she knows I'm her son.
Can we go?
I'm bored and hungry.
All right, let's go.
Hold on.
Look. She's trying to tell us something.
One, W-A-M.
It's probably nonsense.
It doesn't mean anything.
We can no longer communicate with her.
Unfortunately.
- Lucy?
- Coming.
Nice house.
You're back. I heard the car.
We just got back.
Looks like someone was excited.
Here.
You're Lucy, right?
Nice to meet you.
Thanks for inviting me over today.
This is so good!
Is everything here vegan?
I can't believe it!
I'm so happy you like it, Lucy.
Eat as much as you like.
Charlie, slow down when you eat.
But I was shocked.
I can't believe you were the girl
who saved the kitten in that video.
I didn't know that video went viral.
I wonder if my mom will see it?
You already asked them to take it down.
I think it'll be fine.
Did you tell your parents you are here?
Yeah. But it's just me and my mom.
Oh, I'm sorry.
It's okay.
Ah, this one also tastes so good.
So, Lucy…
How is Charlie at school?
This kid won't tell us anything.
Does it look like he's doing fine to you?
Honestly,
I can't say he is.
Especially after that terrorist attack.
I see.
Can I ask you both a question?
Of course! Ask us anything.
Do you also think I should become a vegan?
Tell me if I'm wrong,
but this vegan food isn't about
good flavors or eating healthy,
it's about doing
the right thing, isn't it?
That's why that kind of
terrorist organization was created. Right?
Hold on, Lucy. We're not activists,
nor would we try
to push our beliefs onto others.
Besides, forcing veganism
through terrorism
is against the law and unethical.
Yeah, you should become a vegan.
That's what you're asking us, right?
Whether we think you should or shouldn't.
Then my answer would be, if becoming one
won't harm you, then you should.
You can try going vegan
for just one meal a day,
or only on Meatless Mondays.
Something is better than nothing.
There's no such thing
as a perfect way to live.
But there's always a better choice.
That's what I think.
But isn't veganism the perfect lifestyle?
Of course not.
Animals also die on crop farms.
Lots of modern products are
dependent on the sacrifices of animals.
It's impossible to completely eliminate
animal exploitation in our lifetime.
And becoming a vegan doesn't mean
you gain the right to judge other people.
But that's probably what
those guys believe.
Even though all humans are animal abusers.
All humans are animal abusers?
That's a pretty pessimistic outlook.
Then doesn't that mean
it's pointless to be a vegan?
Maybe.
But it's not as if we're all
either saints or serial killers.
We're neither pessimistic nor heroic.
We're just normal, secular people.
I'm normal too?
I'm sorry about the harsh questions.
I couldn't help myself.
But I was surprised.
I thought vegans were all rigid
and strict about these things.
We're just like any other family.
Charlie never cleans up his room.
He's the epitome of a teenage boy.
Really? I want to see Charlie's room.
Charlie, why don't you show her your room?
- Okay.
- Yes!
It's still not time for a shift change?
Let's listen to the radio.
They went upstairs.
The Steins are in the dining room
on the first floor.
Now's our chance.
That kid, Lucy, too?
Yeah. Leave Charlie alone.
Kill everyone else.
Something bothering you?
Killing women and children
never sits well with me.
No matter how many times I do it.
What? Even after rallying
the troops like that?
I need to keep their morale up.
My feelings are a separate matter.
Hear that, Min-su?
Your boss is a real man. Right?
Yeah, feeling compassion is important,
but Charlie needs to be
completely isolated in order to awaken.
The ALA should be
the only place he belongs.
Well, I kind of liked her too,
but it is what it is.
Roger.
Don't let your guard down, Major.
If the FBI reports aren't wrong,
Charlie hospitalized seven officers
when he was five years old.
He's quite the wild child.
He said seven officers, Min-su.
Compared to the battlefield,
these backwater cops are all inept.
Move out.
Is this when you were a kid?
You were so cute.
Seems like Lucy will
be a good friend to Charlie.
She's kind of a weird kid, though.
I'll give her a ride home later.
What's wrong, Hannah?
Sorry. This is the first time, isn't it?
That he's had a real conversation
with someone other than us.
I'm just so happy.
Yeah. I'm sure things
will work out for all of us.
Was this from a family trip?
How old were you here?
I'd love to invite Lucy's mom over too.
Good idea. Let's ask Lucy later.
Dad!
Hannah, get back!
Bert!
Charlie.
This is your dominant hand?
Charlie, behind you!
Mom. Call 911 and tell them,
"Three burglars broke into our home."
Hello, police?
We need officers here right away.
Yes. It's a robbery!
They broke into our home. Two
No, three men.
What? Yes, they're here now!
I need the police
A blackout?
Hannah, it's me.
Bert. Where's Lucy? Lucy?
I'm here. Hannah,
turn off your phone. They'll see us.
Charlie. Where are you?
Everyone stay calm.
The backup generator will kick in soon.
They're gone? They ran away?
I'm sorry I threw you.
What?
The police are here.
- You both okay?
- Yeah.
Lucy. Are you hurt?
No.
I filed the incident report.
They said the culprits
broke our security system
so our cameras caught nothing.
How can that be? What did the police say?
They'll investigate it
as a robbery for now.
And increase patrols in the area.
That's all?
It wasn't just a simple robbery.
I'm sure they were after Charlie.
You are?
Eldred.
Lucy's mother.
Nice to meet you, Ms. Eldred.
I'm Hannah.
I'm so sorry about…
I can't believe this.
Well…
Mrs. Stein, I won't say this twice.
Stay away from my daughter.
Mama!
What are you doing?
Did you say anything weird?
Oh, Charlie. Hi. You okay?
Lucy!
Do you understand what happened?
They could've killed you! You almost died!
I've told you so many times
to stay away from that monkey boy!
And you even lied to me,
saying you were studying in the library!
Well, Mama, that was…
Did you call Charlie a "monkey boy"?
- Stop it, Hannah.
- But I definitely heard her.
I've had enough!
I should have protested
the school's decision!
No! I'm going to do it now!
Lucy, go near that monkey boy again
and I'll transfer you to another school.
Come on.
Is it really all right
to let him go to school?
We've got no choice.
The two of us will
be under police protection,
but there's no guarantee
they'll protect Charlie.
It's safer for him
to be at school than home alone.
You think the break-in
isn't connected to that terrorist attack?
But don't you think it's strange?
All these things keep happening
just as Charlie started going to school.
I don't know,
but all we can do
is let the police handle it.
The only thing they do is follow
innocent citizens around.
They are so useless, all of them.
What? Really?
It's true.
I heard Lucy got wrapped up in it too.
What? How do they know each other?
Sorry.
Some of the teachers
could be spying for my mom.
Spying?
Yeah. Mama's on the school board.
She was talking about collecting
signatures to get you kicked out.
I convinced her not to do it
by promising to stay away from you.
If she finds out I talked to you,
she might really transfer me out.
This is a nightmare.
What happened after?
Think they can nab those guys?
I don't know.
Yeah, we don't even know
who or what they are.
I get why my mom is so worried.
Are you worried too?
Well, yeah.
Is there anyone who wouldn't be anxious
after getting attacked
by masked men with daggers?
"Anxious" means…
To feel uneasy about bad incidents
that might occur in the future, right?
Can't you worry about it when it happens?
It's really peaceful right now.
You've got a point.
If everyone could do that,
all therapists in America
would be out of a job.
How stressful is it
to be worried and anxious?
How stressful?
Super stressful.
It's not like I can show you
how much with a graph.
Everyone goes to work or gets drunk
so they can get rid of their anxiety.
Right?
Probably.
Would you feel safe
if those guys were arrested, Lucy?
Of course.
Shit. I've got class.
I gotta go.
- Did you get it?
- Yeah.
Good. Major, here.
These are pain meds.
How's your right arm?
Much better.
He almost cut my tendon.
That's some strength he's got.
Heterosis.
Hybrids of two different species
inherit the best attributes
of each of their parents' species.
Like how mules are stronger than donkeys
and more obedient than horses.
That is called "heterosis."
You mean
he's stronger than chimpanzees
and smarter than humans.
He's a tough one to beat.
But who knew he was that skilled?
It was completely beyond my expectations.
So now what?
The cops are on high alert,
so another attempt will be hard.
And I'm in this state.
What if we abduct Charlie?
That's the quickest method.
Think we can do it without hurting him?
The police?
Who is it?
You might be the one I'm searching for
Make this moment last for evermore
Starting my day just the same as always
Even when night ends
And then the dawn finds its way
Hey, that's why I rush back into the flow
Facing all these
Super crazy hectic days I know
Singing while it's stabbing my brain
Just like filling up the holes remained
I'll keep on breaking through
Without stopping
Even if insane
Are you sure?
I know it's boring, right?
I pray softly
Even if I live how I want, I'm lonely
Stacking fragile things
That will fade someday
Just same as you
I am also just lonely, fall away
Turn It Up!
There's no way I can stop now
Turn It Up!
Let it sway with a gentle sound
Turn It Up!
Every thought I have of you
Turn It Up!
Riding straight to happiness too
She is the chimpanzee
who gave birth to Charlie.
She was on the verge of death
when she was brought here 15 years ago.
So I was called in
to perform her C-section.
They both would have died
if it wasn't for Dr. Stein.
Oh, look. I think she recognizes her son.
Charlie, she's looking at you.
It's been a while, no?
You rarely visit even when
you come for your exams.
What? Really?
There is no point.
But isn't she your biological mother?
All she did was birth me.
This is truer than principles
Discovered by geniuses like XY
You are so captivating
That I can't take my eyes off you
We are merely beings who are just living
But we are beings unlike any other
You make me wonder
Actors caught in a drama
Unaware of the ending
Our "relationship chart" is still blank
And it bothers me
We only want to share laughter
Yet somehow end up hurting each other
It wasn't supposed to be like this
I wonder what principles or clues
Apply to our relationship
A stereo yearning to blend
Like left and right
Could it be love?
I don't know
Are we at odds?
I don't think so
It's a frustrating thing
And I can't even tell if it's real
Just how deep is our relationship?
Why can't it be measured?
I want to know you
I want you to know me
And what's the level of expectation
When we get to know each other?
I know nothing else but the long-sought
Love, and I want to seek it out
You make me wonder
Just beyond words
You make me wonder
EPISODE 3
HETEROSIS
Eva was captured by poachers
in Sierra Leone when she was just a baby.
That was when her parents were killed.
She spent her life being passed around
various zoos and circuses around Europe.
Then she was sold by brokers
to The Stollard Biological
Research Institute in California,
as a subject for animal experimentation.
That's horrible.
But Dr. Grossman was
part of the Institute at that time
and he quickly realized she was special.
He saw that she was completely different
from ordinary chimpanzees.
What do you mean?
She was, quite frankly, a genius.
Chimpanzees are more intelligent
than most people think.
They can remember words and symbols,
and solve simple math problems.
Their eidetic memory and cognitive
abilities are better than a human's.
But Eva's intelligence far surpassed
such levels used for mere human amusement.
There are records of her understanding
difficult abstract concepts,
solving quadratic equations,
and enjoying Wordsworth's poems so much
that she even wrote her own poetry.
What? No way.
Dr. Grossman became interested in her
and began studying her.
He was so obsessed with her
that other researchers used to joke
about them being in love.
But to think
he actually created a child with her.
Why do you think the Humanzee exists?
Why did he…
Want to create Charlie,
to make a Humanzee?
Who knows.
He destroyed
all his research data
before he disappeared,
and he's known to be both secretive
and a misanthrope.
I've only ever seen him once
or twice at conferences.
Everyone thought he would be
the next Nobel Prize winner,
so why did he throw it all away?
Oh, yeah.
If Eva's that amazing,
maybe we can ask her?
About Dr. Grossman.
That's impossible.
Why?
Dr. Stein's emergency surgery
managed to save her life,
but giving birth left her
with severe injuries,
including severe brain damage.
She is now less intelligent
than the average chimpanzee.
With her old age and weak body,
she is far from healthy.
Oh, my God.
Eva's been abused by humans
for most of her life.
So we want to let her live
her final days in peace.
Besides, she gets to see her son in here.
I don't think she knows I'm her son.
Can we go?
I'm bored and hungry.
All right, let's go.
Hold on.
Look. She's trying to tell us something.
One, W-A-M.
It's probably nonsense.
It doesn't mean anything.
We can no longer communicate with her.
Unfortunately.
- Lucy?
- Coming.
Nice house.
You're back. I heard the car.
We just got back.
Looks like someone was excited.
Here.
You're Lucy, right?
Nice to meet you.
Thanks for inviting me over today.
This is so good!
Is everything here vegan?
I can't believe it!
I'm so happy you like it, Lucy.
Eat as much as you like.
Charlie, slow down when you eat.
But I was shocked.
I can't believe you were the girl
who saved the kitten in that video.
I didn't know that video went viral.
I wonder if my mom will see it?
You already asked them to take it down.
I think it'll be fine.
Did you tell your parents you are here?
Yeah. But it's just me and my mom.
Oh, I'm sorry.
It's okay.
Ah, this one also tastes so good.
So, Lucy…
How is Charlie at school?
This kid won't tell us anything.
Does it look like he's doing fine to you?
Honestly,
I can't say he is.
Especially after that terrorist attack.
I see.
Can I ask you both a question?
Of course! Ask us anything.
Do you also think I should become a vegan?
Tell me if I'm wrong,
but this vegan food isn't about
good flavors or eating healthy,
it's about doing
the right thing, isn't it?
That's why that kind of
terrorist organization was created. Right?
Hold on, Lucy. We're not activists,
nor would we try
to push our beliefs onto others.
Besides, forcing veganism
through terrorism
is against the law and unethical.
Yeah, you should become a vegan.
That's what you're asking us, right?
Whether we think you should or shouldn't.
Then my answer would be, if becoming one
won't harm you, then you should.
You can try going vegan
for just one meal a day,
or only on Meatless Mondays.
Something is better than nothing.
There's no such thing
as a perfect way to live.
But there's always a better choice.
That's what I think.
But isn't veganism the perfect lifestyle?
Of course not.
Animals also die on crop farms.
Lots of modern products are
dependent on the sacrifices of animals.
It's impossible to completely eliminate
animal exploitation in our lifetime.
And becoming a vegan doesn't mean
you gain the right to judge other people.
But that's probably what
those guys believe.
Even though all humans are animal abusers.
All humans are animal abusers?
That's a pretty pessimistic outlook.
Then doesn't that mean
it's pointless to be a vegan?
Maybe.
But it's not as if we're all
either saints or serial killers.
We're neither pessimistic nor heroic.
We're just normal, secular people.
I'm normal too?
I'm sorry about the harsh questions.
I couldn't help myself.
But I was surprised.
I thought vegans were all rigid
and strict about these things.
We're just like any other family.
Charlie never cleans up his room.
He's the epitome of a teenage boy.
Really? I want to see Charlie's room.
Charlie, why don't you show her your room?
- Okay.
- Yes!
It's still not time for a shift change?
Let's listen to the radio.
They went upstairs.
The Steins are in the dining room
on the first floor.
Now's our chance.
That kid, Lucy, too?
Yeah. Leave Charlie alone.
Kill everyone else.
Something bothering you?
Killing women and children
never sits well with me.
No matter how many times I do it.
What? Even after rallying
the troops like that?
I need to keep their morale up.
My feelings are a separate matter.
Hear that, Min-su?
Your boss is a real man. Right?
Yeah, feeling compassion is important,
but Charlie needs to be
completely isolated in order to awaken.
The ALA should be
the only place he belongs.
Well, I kind of liked her too,
but it is what it is.
Roger.
Don't let your guard down, Major.
If the FBI reports aren't wrong,
Charlie hospitalized seven officers
when he was five years old.
He's quite the wild child.
He said seven officers, Min-su.
Compared to the battlefield,
these backwater cops are all inept.
Move out.
Is this when you were a kid?
You were so cute.
Seems like Lucy will
be a good friend to Charlie.
She's kind of a weird kid, though.
I'll give her a ride home later.
What's wrong, Hannah?
Sorry. This is the first time, isn't it?
That he's had a real conversation
with someone other than us.
I'm just so happy.
Yeah. I'm sure things
will work out for all of us.
Was this from a family trip?
How old were you here?
I'd love to invite Lucy's mom over too.
Good idea. Let's ask Lucy later.
Dad!
Hannah, get back!
Bert!
Charlie.
This is your dominant hand?
Charlie, behind you!
Mom. Call 911 and tell them,
"Three burglars broke into our home."
Hello, police?
We need officers here right away.
Yes. It's a robbery!
They broke into our home. Two
No, three men.
What? Yes, they're here now!
I need the police
A blackout?
Hannah, it's me.
Bert. Where's Lucy? Lucy?
I'm here. Hannah,
turn off your phone. They'll see us.
Charlie. Where are you?
Everyone stay calm.
The backup generator will kick in soon.
They're gone? They ran away?
I'm sorry I threw you.
What?
The police are here.
- You both okay?
- Yeah.
Lucy. Are you hurt?
No.
I filed the incident report.
They said the culprits
broke our security system
so our cameras caught nothing.
How can that be? What did the police say?
They'll investigate it
as a robbery for now.
And increase patrols in the area.
That's all?
It wasn't just a simple robbery.
I'm sure they were after Charlie.
You are?
Eldred.
Lucy's mother.
Nice to meet you, Ms. Eldred.
I'm Hannah.
I'm so sorry about…
I can't believe this.
Well…
Mrs. Stein, I won't say this twice.
Stay away from my daughter.
Mama!
What are you doing?
Did you say anything weird?
Oh, Charlie. Hi. You okay?
Lucy!
Do you understand what happened?
They could've killed you! You almost died!
I've told you so many times
to stay away from that monkey boy!
And you even lied to me,
saying you were studying in the library!
Well, Mama, that was…
Did you call Charlie a "monkey boy"?
- Stop it, Hannah.
- But I definitely heard her.
I've had enough!
I should have protested
the school's decision!
No! I'm going to do it now!
Lucy, go near that monkey boy again
and I'll transfer you to another school.
Come on.
Is it really all right
to let him go to school?
We've got no choice.
The two of us will
be under police protection,
but there's no guarantee
they'll protect Charlie.
It's safer for him
to be at school than home alone.
You think the break-in
isn't connected to that terrorist attack?
But don't you think it's strange?
All these things keep happening
just as Charlie started going to school.
I don't know,
but all we can do
is let the police handle it.
The only thing they do is follow
innocent citizens around.
They are so useless, all of them.
What? Really?
It's true.
I heard Lucy got wrapped up in it too.
What? How do they know each other?
Sorry.
Some of the teachers
could be spying for my mom.
Spying?
Yeah. Mama's on the school board.
She was talking about collecting
signatures to get you kicked out.
I convinced her not to do it
by promising to stay away from you.
If she finds out I talked to you,
she might really transfer me out.
This is a nightmare.
What happened after?
Think they can nab those guys?
I don't know.
Yeah, we don't even know
who or what they are.
I get why my mom is so worried.
Are you worried too?
Well, yeah.
Is there anyone who wouldn't be anxious
after getting attacked
by masked men with daggers?
"Anxious" means…
To feel uneasy about bad incidents
that might occur in the future, right?
Can't you worry about it when it happens?
It's really peaceful right now.
You've got a point.
If everyone could do that,
all therapists in America
would be out of a job.
How stressful is it
to be worried and anxious?
How stressful?
Super stressful.
It's not like I can show you
how much with a graph.
Everyone goes to work or gets drunk
so they can get rid of their anxiety.
Right?
Probably.
Would you feel safe
if those guys were arrested, Lucy?
Of course.
Shit. I've got class.
I gotta go.
- Did you get it?
- Yeah.
Good. Major, here.
These are pain meds.
How's your right arm?
Much better.
He almost cut my tendon.
That's some strength he's got.
Heterosis.
Hybrids of two different species
inherit the best attributes
of each of their parents' species.
Like how mules are stronger than donkeys
and more obedient than horses.
That is called "heterosis."
You mean
he's stronger than chimpanzees
and smarter than humans.
He's a tough one to beat.
But who knew he was that skilled?
It was completely beyond my expectations.
So now what?
The cops are on high alert,
so another attempt will be hard.
And I'm in this state.
What if we abduct Charlie?
That's the quickest method.
Think we can do it without hurting him?
The police?
Who is it?
You might be the one I'm searching for
Make this moment last for evermore
Starting my day just the same as always
Even when night ends
And then the dawn finds its way
Hey, that's why I rush back into the flow
Facing all these
Super crazy hectic days I know
Singing while it's stabbing my brain
Just like filling up the holes remained
I'll keep on breaking through
Without stopping
Even if insane
Are you sure?
I know it's boring, right?
I pray softly
Even if I live how I want, I'm lonely
Stacking fragile things
That will fade someday
Just same as you
I am also just lonely, fall away
Turn It Up!
There's no way I can stop now
Turn It Up!
Let it sway with a gentle sound
Turn It Up!
Every thought I have of you
Turn It Up!
Riding straight to happiness too