James Markoe

Dr. **James Markoe** is the chief physician at the Lying-In Hospital. He is a recurring character in *Angel of Darkness* portrayed by Michael McElhatton.

## Official Description

*Dr. Markoe is the chief physician at the Lying-In Hospital, where in addition to administering to the poor unwed mothers of New York City, he also offers discrete private services to the wealthy and well-connected of New York’s elite, no-questions-asked.*

## Biography

Dr. James Markoe was in the middle of an illegal operation in the middle of the night when Martha Napp started wreaking havoc in the ward. She was looking for her missing baby until she was sedated. On May 24, 1897, Martha Napp was executed in the electric chair for the murder of her daughter. Dr. Markoe was in attendance with other members of New York society including his nemesis, Dr. Laszlo Kreizler. Miss Sara Howard tried to stop the execution, but former Chief Commissioner Thomas Byrnes didn't listen to her pleading.

In the following days, Dr. Markoe received a visit from Dr. Kreizler but the chief physician told the matron to report that he was indisposed. Then he corrected himself, saying to tell Kreizler to go to hell.

Dr. Markoe gave a public lecture, “Murder, Madness, Motherhood” in which he affirmed the theory that chastity was the solution to the high birth and mortality rate among the children of the so-called fallen women. He also imputed their low morals to their lower class. All he can do, said Markoe, was give them succor. Dr. Kreizler and his associate from the *New York Times*, John Moore expressed disapproval of these theories. Dr. Markoe remarked that Kreizler was bitter due to his loss in court. Dr. Kreizler accused him of malpractice since Martha Napp's child was found in circumstances that made her innocent. Later, Dr. Markoe vented with Thomas Byrnes, who promised to take care of the alienist and the “rest of his pack”.

At the Lying-In Hospital, Dr. Markoe took care of Helen Sumner, Richard Osgood's mistress, by getting rid of the unwanted pregnancy and sterilizing the woman.

Dr. Markoe received a visit from Miss Howard, whom he deemed sent by Dr. Kreizler to undermine him. The woman was concerned about the conditions that led to Martha Napp's daughter's abduction and her untimely demise. Dr. Markoe claimed that he had nothing to hide, that the hospital job was perfectly in order, and dismissed the woman.

Dr. Markoe later met with Byrnes, who wanted to know if there were links between the hospital and the Linares child's abduction. Markoe denied any possible connections.

When Helen escaped from the hospital and caused a scene at Miss Violet Hayward and John Moore's engagement party, Dr. Markoe silenced her against Miss Howard's intention to rescue the woman. He lied to Helen to divert the attention of the guests, saying that Mr. Osgood would wait for her at the townhouse.

Markoe was concerned with the privacy of their benefactors given that Sara Howard had been looking into his establishment. Captain Doyle assured him that Sara was only concerned with the Linares baby. Byrnes informed Markoe that if he had been harming the children that he’d been taking away from their mothers in any way then he would be coming after Markoe himself. As for the names of the hospital’s benefactors, Matron was the only other person who knew.

Markoe informed Kreizler that his institute was under investigation following the near death of one of the wards. Dr. Kreizler was suspended from practicing medicine and advising professionally as an alienist until the investigation was completed.

## Memorable Quotes

**Dr. Markoe**: “*When these young women should be practicing chastity to live themselves above destitution... Too many of the lower classes give in to seduction.*”
**Dr. Markoe**: “*However, it is not my place to render moral judgment on the souls of these poor women. All I can do is give them succor.'”*
**Dr. Markoe**: “*You've come to the right place. We're men, after all. It is normal for us to desire beautiful things.*”
**Dr. Markoe**: “*If you mean will you be able to love her as ardently as you have, then yes.*”
**Dr. Markoe**: “*Rest assured, there will be no scandal.'”*
— Something Wicked

**Dr. Markoe**: “*Miss Howard, the work we do at this hospital could not be accomplished without the generosity of a greater number of very wealthy people.*”
**Dr. Markoe**: “*Poor, destitute young women who, sadly, often lose their infants in childbirth. They have nowhere else to go. But they are not reliable witnesses.*”
— Labyrinth

## Appearances

Angel of Darkness

* Ep. 1: *Ex Ore Infantium*
* Ep. 2: *Something Wicked*
* Ep. 3: *Labyrinth*
* Ep. 4: *Gilded Cage*
* Ep. 5: *Belly of the Beast*
* Ep. 6: *Memento Mori*

## Notes

* Dr. James W. Markoe is mentioned in the novel *The Angel of Darkness*, where he also features as J.P. Morgan’s personal physician.

## References

1. ↑ Character Bio Dr. Markoe - Warner Media Group
2. ↑ Stuart Carolan (writer); David Caffrey (director); (July 19, 2020); "Ex Ore Infantium". Episode 1. *Angel of Darkness*. TNT.
3. ↑ Stuart Carolan (writer); David Caffrey (director); (July 19, 2020); "Something Wicked". Episode 2. *Angel of Darkness*. TNT.
4. ↑ Gina Gionfriddo (writer); Clare Kilner (director); (July 26, 2020); "Labyrinth". Episode 3. *Angel of Darkness*. TNT.
5. ↑ Alyson Feltes (writer); Clare Kilner (director); (July 26, 2020); "Gilded Cage". Episode 4. *Angel of Darkness*. TNT.
6. ↑ Gina Gionfriddo & Karina Wolf (writer); Clare Kilner (director); (August 2, 2020); "Belly of the Beast". Episode 5. *Angel of Darkness*. TNT.
7. ↑ Alyson Feltes (writer); David Caffrey (director); (August 2, 2020); "Memento Mori". Episode 6. *Angel of Darkness*. TNT.