They Never Learn

In Scarlett’s class, Jaspar reads aloud from William Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus, and the class discusses whether or not the play’s rapists—punished by being murdered and baked into pies—deserved their punishment. Mikayla argues that they got off easy, but fellow students Ashleigh and Ryan are uncertain that vigilante justice is warranted. Their argument becomes heated and seemingly personal. Scarlett asks if Mikayla would like to speak to her outside of class, but Mikayla storms off. In the hallway, a Detective Flynn waits for Scarlett.

Carly is at the theater on the night of Cabaret’s dress rehearsal, having received a text from Allison saying that she forgot her makeup bag. When she arrives, she finds Allison flirting with Bash. Although Carly is incensed, Allison insists she is choosing to ignore the assault and move on. Carly does not know how to respond.

Detectives Flynn and Abbot request a meeting with Scarlett, and although she tries to schedule a different time, they would prefer to speak to her now. The detectives reveal she is rumored to have been romantically involved with Kinnear, and her denial piques their interest. She can tell that they are investigating her colleague Drew, but cleared Mina. They surprise Scarlett with her old college ID from her year at Gorman, and ask if she knew Kinnear as a student. She admits she did and notes the sneering way that the detectives speak of her alibi; she is certain that they have guessed the nature of her relationship with Jasper.

Carly is in her writing seminar and shares her most recent piece—about a woman who kills her harasser. Classmate Mallory finds it objectionable, and they argue. Wes attempts to stick up for her, but she snaps that she does not need his help. Alex ends the class early, and Carly storms out.

While looking for Mikayla, Scarlett runs into Stright. She realizes he told the detectives that she and Kinnear were involved. She asks if he did so, and he asks if she and Kinnear were sleeping together. Stright is certain that she was interested, and she internally vows to kill him.

Carly attends Cabaret, and Allison’s performance is magnetic—and possibly fueled by pain. She tries not to get angry when Bash, as the Emcee, interacts with Allison. After the performance, Allison tells her that there will be a party at Bash’s. Carly is stunned that she plans to attend, and Allison says she is welcome to stay home if she would rather not come.

At home, Scarlett is overcome with anxiety. Her fellowship interview passes with little fanfare, as she can think of little else besides the investigation. Mina shows up unannounced and theorizes the school suicides were murders.

Carly, Allison, and Wes attend Bash’s party. Carly thinks Allison is behaving erratically, as if caught between her own identity and that of Cabaret’s Sally Bowles. Wes seems to have forgiven her for her rudeness in class, but is not warm either. Bash arrives and hits on a girl whom Allison recognizes from their dorm. Carly grows agitated, wanting Bash to be punished to protect other women. Rolling her eyes and telling her to relax, Allison kisses her.

Mina explains her theory to Scarlett: All of the school’s victims were serial abusers of women. She secretly admires the killer for ridding the world of such men. Scarlett is tempted to confess but knows better.

Everyone at the party sees Allison kiss Carly, and Carly is mortified at the attention. Allison insists the kiss wasn’t a big deal, but Carly values privacy and is offended. She makes her way to the kitchen and quickly drinks two large cups of punch. Unaccustomed to alcohol, she immediately feels woozy. Carly sees Allison with Bash and intercedes. Allison is furious, and calls Carly a “freak.” Then, she kisses Carly and screams at her to leave her alone.

Scarlett and Mina have sex, and later, Scarlett receives a call: Judith formerly offers her the fellowship. Thrilled, she seeks out Mina to share the good news. She finds Mina in her office, holding a red text.

Carly wanders the campus at night, distraught. She notices a light in Alex’s office and throws mulch at his window until she sees him. He lets her in, and she tells him about Bash’s assault and Allison’s erratic behavior. He initially seems sympathetic, but then kisses Carly to her shock.

Mina recognizes Viola Vance’s diary, having purchased it for Kinnear when they were married. Knowing he would have never lent it to Scarlett, she accuses Scarlett of being the campus killer. Scarlett tries to justify her crimes, reiterating that her victims were abusers of women. Horrified, Mina runs, diary in hand.

Carly screams “NO!” multiple times, and Alex eventually stops touching her. He begs her not to tell anyone about what happened, claiming stress from his upcoming divorce (from Mina)—but when she calls him pathetic, his demeanor changes. He sneers and insists no one will believe her over him. She leaves and considers his words, believing she must take justice into her own hands.