Deadly Hypothesis

**"Deadly Hypothesis"** is the first episode of the first season of *The Langdom Experiment*. It is the first episode of the series overall.

## Plot

*In the quiet town of Langdom, Missouri, four connected families try to work through their respective dramas, unaware of the horrifying event that is about to change their lives forever.*

## Synopsis

On July 3rd 2017, the citizens of Langdom, Missouri wake up to attend their daily business and the four core families are introduced. The Levitts, residing at 22 Marshall Street, consist of an estranged husband and wife Joseph and Tracy, and their three children: high school top-girl Sara; neo-hippie, artistic Adam; and classic rock enthusiast Cassie. The St. Johns, residing at 13 Franklin Street, consists of deputy mayor Gordon, who is in a relationship with Tracy Levitt; his wife Janine, a community organizer; and Abby, the girlfriend of Adam. The well-off Everetts, residing at 117 Kansas Street, consist of local labour union leader Max; wife Susan, a stay at home mom; and their mute, autistic son Charlie. Finally, the Ericson family of 119 Kansas Street consist of father Jesse; wife Kay; and their children Phil, Luke and Marsha. In addition, a large RV owned by a hippie group known as the Children of the Plains has arrived in town, staying on its outskirts.

On the outskirts of town, Joseph Levitt returns to his RV, which rests on a hill that overlooks the town of Langdom. He carries a bag of freshly-caught fish over his shoulder, and the interior of the RV marks him out as a competent survivalist. He cooks some of the fish he caught, storing the rest in his freezer, before sitting down to tinker with his radio. While he finishes his meal, the radio picks up a faint broadcast. Joseph tunes it, and, over the static, hears someone talking about a "containment zone" before the broadcast disappears. Although puzzled, Joseph thinks nothing of it, remarking to himself that he probably picked up a TV broadcast. He removes a walkie-talkie from its charging stand and calls out to his son, Adam.

At the St. John residence, Adam Levitt smokes a blunt, his girlfriend Abby St. John lying down beside him. He gives the cigarette to her and they lie in silence, listening to a psychedelic soundtrack on Adam's phone. Adam's walkie-talkie, while on, has its volume turned down, so he does not hear his father calling him. Abby slides her hand down to Adam's groin, but he stops her. He apologises, saying he's not in the mood, but a frustrated Abby switches off the music and says he is never in the mood anymore. She demands to know why the two of them have not been physical in weeks, to which Adam reminds her that her father, Gordon, is dating Adam's mother, Tracy, and he feels weird that they are now connected because of this. Abby scoffs and climbs out of bed to get dressed. Adam apologises but Abby cuts him off, saying she doesn't blame him and proclaims how much she hates her father.

### [...]

The channels along the walls open up, revealing several giant metal canisters inside; the canisters lower to just above the ground. Without warning, the canisters explode, smothering the crowd in a thick, murky cloud.