New revelations open the case of murdered Ernesto wide open as Bernadette’s suspicions are confirmed. And Joe struggles to parse fantasy with reality as something inches closer.

Episode four picks up miles from the chili farm as Michael Halsey evades the police. He temporarily hides at a gas station long enough to make a mysterious call. As police arrive at the gas station, Halsey escapes in a new sedan, leaving the truck in flames.

Joe calls Bernadette with information that connects their cases. He warns her that someone in her camp may be involved. Bernadette tells her roommate about the alleged connection to the missing boys’ case. She insists they don’t tell anyone else as she doesn’t know who to trust.

Later, Jim drives eight hours to Bernadette to discuss the case in person. They surmise Spenser is running an elaborate drug ring, hiding cocaine in specific shipments. A.S.G. Industries is the legal front, and Michael was a runner. Jim also meets Ivan and desperately pleads for Bernadette to return to Arizona. After rejecting his request, Bernadette finds herself in Ivan’s arms.

Joe visits Suzanne as she recovers in the hospital. She believes Ernesto saw something he shouldn’t have, which led to his murder. She tells Joe Halsey has probably taken refuge in a hotel he frequents. She also says she saw something as she sat between this life and the next. Something dark in a “desert wasteland.” During her monologue, the lights eerily flicker.

Joe manages to find Halsey and arrests him for interrogation. In exchange for immunity, he confesses to working for Spenser but denies killing Ernesto. The interrogation is paused as Joe is summoned to translate a deposition for Sylvia.

Feeling guilty, Joe explains to Emma what happened the night BJ Vines died. Disappointed in his moral depravity, Joe returns to the station. When the power goes out, he ventures to restart the circuit breaker. Suddenly, the night silence is broken by a blood-curdling scream.

This episode delivered great action balanced by strong emotional moments without disrupting the pace. Joe’s escalated hauntings coincide with his conscious wrestling to hide his mortal sin. And despite Bernadette’s caution with the developments on Spenser, there’s a sense she’s entrusted her secret to the wrong person.

Rating: 9/10