The Institute "Graduation"

From Nick's testing limits to Avery's special abilities, here's a recap and review of this week's episode of The Institute.

This week's episode of The Institute puts Luke through some of his most intense tests yet,  pushing him to the edge. With the help of the increasingly valuable Avery, Luke and Nick begin to take real steps towards planning their escape. Avery's powers don't just make him a powerful ally, but also give the group a new level of insight, especially when it comes to seeing where their friend, Kalosha, was taken. 

Speaking of Salisha, she's officially graduated to the elusive front house, but the celebration is short-lived. She is soon taken to the facility, even worse, Avery's connection to her cuts out altogether, just as he's using his ability to see where she's been taken. Talk about a chilling moment. 

Meanwhile, Tim starts pulling on the first threads that have him interested in The Institute, spurred on by his visits with Annie. Sadly, Annie doesn't survive the episode, whether from an alcohol overdose or something far more suspicious remains unclear. His conversation with the journalist earlier certainly casts some doubts, right? 

"Graduation" builds well on last week's momentum, offering a suspenseful, emotional charged chapter. The tension ratches up, the takes get tighter, and the introduction of Avery as a key part of Luke's growing rebellion inhects a welcome does of Stranger Things-esque team dynamics. While some of the dialogue slows things down at times, the overall pacing and eerie atmosphere more than make up for it. All in all, I give this episode an 8 out of 10.

What did you think of this week's episode of The Institute? Leave your thoughts in the comments.

You can catch The Institute Sundays on MGM+.