Primal

Evening, sir.

Have they started?

Just. In the study, sir.

Charles: These theories extend to not only humans,

but throughout the animal kingdom.

What did I miss?

It's absolutely pouring out there.

Charles was just lecturing us

on how we're no different from savages.

All the way from London for this?

Over time, a species inevitably experiences random variations.

We've seen this in a variety of birds.

Birds?

Yes. The species' need for survival

focuses their characteristics to adapt, change.

It is their primal instinct.

Well, my primal instinct needs more brandy

if I'm to survive this drivel.

Please, gentlemen.

All I am trying to say is that we're not so dissimilar

than the primitive man from whence we came.

Hmph. Speak for yourself, Charles.

Let him finish, Bertie.

Of course we have multiple layers masking our true

inner selves --

the uniforms of society,

education in its highest form, lavish indulgences.

We have evolved beyond creation's expectations.

But under the right circumstances,

facing a primeval threat,

I assure you gentlemen that our evolution

will revert back to its primal savage form,

fighting for survival at the very cost of humanity.

Well then, we must watch over Blakely's cakes,

for if circumstances see them disappear,

it will surely release his inner beast.

Gentlemen, let us not discard Charles' theory so quickly.

Pardon, Your Lordship. The Constable would like a word.

He stressed it was a matter of the utmost urgency.

Very well. Show him in, Stevens.

Yes, sir.

Begging your pardon, gentlemen,

but I need to notify you of a situation.

It seems an inmate has escaped

from the asylum down the road, there.

Quite the disturbed madman, he is.

Killed an orderly in the scuffle, and all.

So, please be on the lookout for anything suspicious.

And by all means, stay inside, for your safety.

Man: Constable...

we have him.

Here is your madman!

Very well, then. I'll be on my way.

Never did understand these educated types.

Though I do not dispute the fact

that we have descended from Neanderthals,

the very notion that, somehow, under duress,

we can revert back is simply preposterous.

But if only --

It is an insult to the very core

of this historical society.

We are scientists, learned men.

We deal in facts.

Your theory is pure lunacy --

as crazy and deranged as that madman who escaped the asylum.

What the devil is it now?

Did you hear that, Your Lordship?

Of course I heard it.

Perhaps one of the branches has shattered the upstairs window.

I'll check on it right away.

Yes, see to it, Stevens.

I apologize for all the disturbances, gentlemen.

I'm sure that will be the last of them.

There. Shall we continue?

Yes. Well, then, I have recently heard,

from the coast of France, that...

Good Heavens.

What is it, Bertie?

I don't know.

Something dropped in my glass.

Blood! Ugh!

Stevens? Stevens?!

My God!

Good God! -Out of the way!

Stay back.

Stay back.

Man: Lord have mercy!

Oh, no.

Bertie.

Bertie.

Oh, God, the horror.

Who was that?

Miss Kensington, the cook.

Poor woman.

The Savage!

Has he no dignity?

Dignity?

I would argue that thing is barely human.

I...I don't want to die.