Netflix’s “Eric” centers around a gripping mystery set in 1980s New York City, revolving around the disappearance of a young boy named Edgar. 

The emotional and psychological turmoil that Edgar’s parents go through in this series, which stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Vincent, a well-known puppeteer, explores the lengths they will go to in order to learn the truth.

Here’s a detailed look at what happened to Edgar in Netflix’s “Eric.”

Edgar’s Disappearance

Edgar Anderson, portrayed by Ivan Morris Howe, vanishes one morning after leaving home for school. 

The day before, he witnessed a heated argument between his parents, Vincent (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Cassie (Gaby Hoffmann), which continued the following morning. Edgar makes the decision to leave on his own initiative because of the conflict at home.

The Search Begins

Initially, many suspects are considered in Edgar’s disappearance, including his father, Vincent. However, the reality of Edgar’s fate is far more complex. 

Contrary to initial suspicions, Edgar was not abducted; instead, he ran away. He followed a homeless man named Yuusuf (Bamar Kane) into an underground community within the abandoned sections of the New York subway system. Edgar was interested in the older man after noticing Yusuf’s graffiti around town.

Life Underground

Yuusuf takes Edgar under his wing, understanding his need to escape a troubled home environment. 

He protects Edgar from the dangers of the underground life, including from his friend Raya (Alexis Molnar), who harbors sinister intentions of selling Edgar to a child trafficking ring. Despite these dangers, Yuusuf becomes a guardian figure to Edgar.

The Failed Rescue Attempt

As the Andersons escalate their search, offering a reward for Edgar’s return, Yuusuf attempts to bring him back to his mother, Cassie. However, their plan is thwarted by a police raid aimed at clearing out the subway community. 

In the chaos, Yuusuf asks Raya to help Edgar escape. Tragically, Raya dies in an accident, leaving Edgar alone and scared on the streets of New York.

A Desperate Father’s Plea

Alone and hungry, Edgar finds his way to a café where he sees a news broadcast of his father making an emotional plea for his return. Vincent’s unique approach involves bringing Edgar’s vision of a 7-foot puppet named Eric to life, hoping it will draw his son back to him. 

This desperate but heartfelt strategy underscores Vincent’s growing obsession and his belief in the connection he and Edgar share through their love of puppetry.

The Reunion

Edgar makes the decision to go home after hearing his father’s plea. Vincent tells Edgar he will race him home, and Edgar, eager to reunite with his family, runs ahead. 

The series ends on a hopeful note as Edgar arrives home before his father, symbolizing not only their physical reunion but also a potential mending of their strained relationship.

Parallel Investigation: Marlon Rochelle

While Edgar’s story unfolds, Detective Michael Ledroit (McKinley Belcher III) works tirelessly on the case. Ledroit’s investigation also reconnects him with an older case involving the disappearance of Marlon Rochelle, a 14-year-old Black boy. 

Despite pressure from his superiors, Ledroit discovers that corrupt NYPD officers and associates of Deputy Mayor Costello exploited Marlon before killing him.

Unraveling the Corruption

Ledroit’s determination leads to the exposure and arrest of the individuals responsible for Marlon’s death, although the main perpetrator, a club employee involved in the sex trafficking ring, manages to evade capture.

The discovery of Marlon’s fate brings a bitter form of closure to his mother, Cecile (Adepero Oduye), highlighting systemic issues within the police force and society at large.

Vincent’s Personal Transformation

Vincent’s journey in “Eric” is one of personal growth and redemption. His obsessive quest to find Edgar forces him to confront his own flaws and addictions. 

The series culminates in Vincent’s public apology dressed as the puppet Eric, symbolizing his acceptance of his mistakes and his desire to change for the better. This act not only helps to reunite him with Edgar but also signifies Vincent’s willingness to rebuild his relationship with his son.

Themes of Change and Redemption

“Eric” underscores the importance of personal change and accountability, encapsulated in a quote from Leo Tolstoy: “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing themselves.” 

This theme resonates through the characters of Vincent and Detective Ledroit, both of whom undergo significant personal transformations that lead to broader societal impacts.

Summary 

Netflix’s “Eric” masterfully intertwines the emotional story of a father’s desperate search for his son with a critique of systemic corruption and the importance of personal growth. 

The series concludes with a sense of hope and redemption as Vincent and Edgar are reunited and justice is served for Marlon Rochelle. “Eric” is a poignant reminder of the power of love, the necessity of change, and the enduring hope for reconciliation.

The information is taken from Cosmopolitan and Screen Rant