Review of Professor T: Episode 5 Sophie Knows

Case:
Outside Professor T’s office a young girl, Sophie and her grandma have recruited the Professor to help solve the case of her mother’s murder. A man has already been convicted of the murder, Sophie reports that someone else killed her mother. She refuses to speak more of the situation. Sophie has down syndrome and is autistic which the Professor and her bond over their ability to see the world differently than others. 

The man convicted of the murder of Sophie’s mother was interviewed by Winters and Donckers and the two refuse to open the case again, as she calls into question Sophie’s reliability as a witness. 

The Professor imagines himself on a date with Christina at an Italian restaurant, with Donckers on the guitar and Winters with the trumpet it is a hilarious snippet. Christina and Professor T then share a noodle, almost kissing each other.

Sophie is at the studio with Adelaide, and as they bond, Sophie reveals a painting that Adelaide created of Professor T’s back. Adelaide explains that she chose to paint him from behind because he often keeps his face hidden from the world. 

Donckers has an emotional outburst when Sophie is taken from her Dad, claiming that the others don’t know what it’s like to take care of a vulnerable person, she insists the dad should know where she is. 

She hugs the professor and bubbles fall around them, both Professor and Sophie are the only ones who can see this, the Professor pops a bubble and she laughs.

Donckers apologises for her outburst and Christina lets her know that being stubborn isn’t right but persistence can be valuable. She also hints that a transfer might be necessary if Donckers and Winters decide to date. Donckers then confirms it won’t be necessary. 

Following this, Donckers’ friend arrives to replace Donckers for the date, it’s heartbreaking to watch as Winters realises that the relationship between the two will not happen. He calms down and carries on the date with Dina Rush, Donckers’ friend. 

This episode dives into the emotional rollercoaster of caregiving and the vulnerability it brings to both sides of the relationship. Watching Donckers’ dad mistake her for her mother is a shattering moment. 

On the other side, we have Beverly, Sophie’s overworked and stressed-out mom, who wishes her daughter could spend some time in adult assisted living. But Sophie wants to stay at home, showing the challenges of family dynamics.