*Spoiler*

The new sci-fi series, The Institute, which is based on the work of Stephen King (Firestarter, The Outsider)has just killed off one of their majors characters in the current episode. According to Screenrant, the series follows Luke Ellis, played by Joe Freeman (Doctors, Steve Varley Show), who was kidnapped from his home and awakens in a mysterious facility with kids just like him, who have psychic abilities.

According to Screenrant, in the third episode, Annie, played by Mary Walsh (Codco, Mambo Italiano) was growing suspicious about the facility and the experiment they are conducting, in which Tim played by Ben Barnes (The Punisher, Shadow and Bones) went to tell a journalist named Kate, played by Jordan Alexander (Gossip Girl, Sacred Blue) about. Later in the episode, Tim finds Annie died with signs of an overdose, but Tim knew Kate has an involvement in it. 

This is a major contrast within the novel series of the same name, as Annie was an important figure. According to Screenrant, she was portrayed the same way, being quirky and coming up with theories of what’s happening in the town and at the titled place, while also showcase psychic abilities. In the ending of the book, Annie goes on to mention that her family member has a premonition of a deadly fire.

According to Screenrant, Annie’s death could serve as a catalyst for Tim’s character growth throughout the series. It would propel him into the role of uncovering the secrets of the facility and rescuing the children held inside. Initially, Tim is portrayed as intelligent, and he will gradually piece together the true cause of Annie’s death, which will become intertwined with his mission.

This significant change in the series adaptation highlights the path that it is forging. All current episodes of The Institute can be streamed on MGM+ with new episodes released every Sunday.