Recap / The Terror S 1 E 6 A Mercy

January 1848 finds the ships still trapped in the ice. Now in charge of both Terror and Erebus, Fitzjames plans to abandon the ships and lead the men back to civilization on foot. Master Blanky advises him to soften the blow of this news, so he organizes a carnival on the ice, reasoning that they have more food and drink than they will be able to carry. Dr. Goodsir discerns that the poorly-soldered tins of food on the ships are giving the men lead poisoning and attempts to warn the Erebus' surgeon, Dr. Stanley, who appears to brush the news off. After weeks of withdrawal, Crozier recovers in time to visit Fitzjames' carnival, and is disturbed by the breakdown in naval discipline. Crozier announces the plan to travel south overland to Fort Resolution, but is interrupted by a mentally unhinged Dr. Stanley, who takes steps to trap the men in the carnival before setting fire to himself and the tents, killing himself and many other men. The others manage to escape, leaving Goodsir as the only surgeon left in the expedition.