When her emotional regulation technology promises to end human suffering, a brilliant but haunted CEO must secure FDA approval to implement her system nationwide—while her rebellious daughter uncovers the dark truth that could destroy everything her mother built.

SYNOPSIS:

The pilot opens six years into the trial when AXIOM releases a promo video on TikTok and... the public goes wild demanding access, politicians choose sides and protestors crowd the streets chanting “we want to feel good too!” So, when the FDA offers the chance for early approval pending a 90-day investigation, MILDRED sees it as a formality—the final step before her dream goes national.

With tension thick between them, CANDACE and PETER’S arrival sends ripples through Blissfield’s serene façade as they’re forced to work together under Axiom’s microscope —and CCTV cameras. Their investigation begins with a carefully orchestrated welcome tour lead by Mildred and KYLE.

While Candace attempts to gain trust among the residents, Peter finds himself drawn to DR. HELENA ROSSI, a young physician with a sense of humor, who displays the positive side of adaptation, and strongly encourages Peter consider it. She prescribes something to take the edge off and help him sleep—made by Axiom, of course.

Meanwhile, SAMAIRA’S best friend IAN disappears after his 16th birthday adaptation. She can’t get a straight answer about what happened to him and literally no one seems to care. Everyone tells her to let it go, but she can’t. She finds an unlikely ally in the odd, quiet kid, JASPER—only they can’t stand each other.

As the investigation unfolds, Mildred orchestrates a delicate dance of half-truths and misdirection. She watches Peter’s resolve crumble, sensing an opportunity to sway the investigation in her favor as he pops the first pill, desperate for some sleep.

And Candace stumbles across an old, heavily redacted file that leads her to interview one of the original families. She’s deeply shaken to learn they have no idea where their 17-year-old daughter is and, thanks to adaptation, aren’t the least bit concerned.

In the episode’s final moments, Samaira and Jasper decide to form a truce long enough to sneak into AXIOM’s offices where they stumble upon hidden surveillance footage of a dark wasteland. But it’s the last frame that shatters Samaira’s world—her AUNT BEATRICE locked up inside, screams for help... her wild eyes filled with fury.