The second episode of FX's "The Shards" expands its narrative beyond a singular serial killer to encompass the presence of cults in 1981 Los Angeles, weaving a tale of affluent, unsupervised youth entangled in dangerous circumstances. The episode, part two of the show's double-episode debut, introduces the "Riders of the Afterlife," a cult whose methods are compared to those of the "Trawler," a black-clad serial killer. Narrator Bret Easton Ellis questions whether the cult or the Trawler is responsible for the disappearance of his on-again, off-again partner, Matt Kellner.
The investigation into Matt's fate becomes entangled with Bret's complex feelings for Robert Mallory. Bret's suspicions of Robert, fueled by a "Shining" reference and perceived stalkerish behavior, intensify when Susan, a friend to both Bret and Robert, plans a welcome party for Robert. Susan's defense of Robert, noting Bret's own prior stalking, and her increasing closeness with Robert, who openly expresses his desire for her, create further tension. Robert's past treatment for depression, disclosed by Susan, only deepens Bret's distrust.
Meanwhile, Susan's interactions with Principal Croft, who keeps a photograph of her on his desk and praises her, are presented as potentially suspicious. Susan's assertion of herself as a primary source of information regarding Matt's disappearance, positioning herself before faculty, is likened to a "Mean Girls" dynamic.
The episode reveals Matt's grim fate through a discovered audio cassette. The recording captures the killer, near a cult bonfire, feeding a battered Matt his own aquarium fish before administering LSD. The audio implies this leads to Matt's death.
Beyond the central mysteries, the episode touches upon Bret's personal life, including a lunch meeting with Terry Shaffer. Shaffer's open bisexuality makes Bret uncomfortable, and Bret deludes himself into believing Shaffer is interested in optioning an unwritten book, with the intent of hiring Bret to write its film adaptation. Shaffer's assistant, Steven, and his wife, Liz, appear more aware of Shaffer's true motivations.
Directed by Michael Uppendahl, this installment deviates from the dreamy vibe and extensive film references of its predecessor. Instead, it focuses on vividly portraying the hedonistic, luxurious, and independent lifestyles of Bret and his peers. The episode employs a deadpan cheesiness, featuring elements like a Satanic cult led by a character named Bruce, Bret's self-defense precautions, and Susan's quasi-prosecutorial narration of Matt's case. These elements, described as intentionally humorous, contribute to the show's unique blend of sleaze, creepiness, and occasional visual artistry, with the cast reportedly embracing the material.