In 1974 Philadelphia, 15-year-old Thomas Ashton's troubled life takes a sinister turn when he meets "The Maestro," a mysterious figure who introduces him to the dark art of murder. Under his tutelage, Thomas hones his skills, blending his artistic talents with a growing bloodlust.

At 17, he encounters Sarah, a kindred spirit who becomes his muse and ultimate victim. As Thomas creates his gruesome masterpiece, detectives Jack Novak and Sarah Pearson investigate the shocking crime scene, realizing they're dealing with no ordinary killer.

The episode culminates with Thomas deciding to pursue medical school, providing the perfect cover for his twisted ambitions and setting the stage for his evolution into "The Artist."