The fifth episode of Fox’s thriller Memory of a Killer aired on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, and it did more than just explain Angelo Doyle’s painful past. Titled “Betrayal,” the episode quietly dropped several hints about Joe (James Carpinello) that suggest viewers may have been underestimating him since the series began.
While most of the attention around episode 5 focused on the heartbreaking flashback showing Angelo learning about his brother Michael’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis five years ago, the present-day storyline included subtle moments involving Joe that could change how fans see his role in the story. The episode, which runs for approximately 45 minutes, is now available to stream on Hulu as of Feb. 24, 2026.
The Flashback That Changed Everything
Before getting into what the episode revealed about Joe, it helps to understand the emotional weight Angelo was carrying during his interactions with him. The episode’s structure jumped between the present day, where Angelo struggles with his own early-onset Alzheimer’s symptoms while on a hit, and a key moment from five years ago.
In that flashback, Angelo visited his brother Michael (Richard Clarkin) at Dutch’s restaurant. When Angelo mentioned he was planning to quit killing for good, Michael’s reaction was immediate fear. He reminded Angelo what happened to the last person who tried to walk away from Dutch (Michael Imperioli). “That’s what leaving looks like,” Michael told him, referencing a gruesome fate Angelo knew well.
The conversation took a darker turn when Angelo brought up a medical appointment. Michael revealed he had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Faced with this news, Angelo realized he could not leave Dutch. He needed the money to care for Michael and keep him safe. Crossing Dutch meant death for everyone Angelo loved.
That decision from five years ago explains why Angelo has always kept his family a secret from Dutch. In the present day, Angelo’s late wife and daughter Maria (Odeya Rush) remain hidden from Dutch’s knowledge. The flashback made clear that Angelo understood early on that revealing his family would put them directly in danger.
Joe’s Position in Dutch’s Organization
Throughout the first five episodes, Joe has appeared as Dutch’s right-hand man. He handles business at the restaurant, runs interference when things get complicated, and generally makes sure Dutch’s orders are carried out smoothly. But episode 5 showed Joe doing something smarter than just following orders.
During Angelo’s present-day hit, his memory lapses caused him to recall the painful flashback with such vivid detail that it disrupted his focus. This distraction could have gotten him killed or exposed. But the episode also showed Joe monitoring situations in ways that suggest he notices more than he lets on.
Joe’s interactions with Dutch in this episode carried subtle weight. When Dutch expressed frustration about certain jobs not going exactly as planned, Joe didn’t just nod along. He offered observations that showed he was tracking patterns. He mentioned specific details about timing and locations that indicated he pays close attention to how Angelo operates.
The Quiet Observations
What makes Joe potentially dangerous is that he never overplays his hand. In episode 5, when Dutch asked Joe about Angelo’s recent behavior, Joe didn’t offer opinions or speculation. He simply stated facts about what he had observed. But the facts he chose to mention were telling.
Joe pointed out that Angelo had been showing up at the restaurant at irregular times. He noted that Angelo seemed distracted during conversations, something Joe picked up on even when Dutch himself did not notice. These small observations suggest Joe is building a mental file on Angelo, whether Dutch asked for it or not.
The episode also included a brief scene where Joe watched Angelo leave the restaurant after a meeting with Dutch. Joe’s expression wasn’t hostile or suspicious. It was simply watchful. He stood there a moment longer than necessary, just observing how Angelo moved and carried himself. For a man in Angelo’s position, being watched by someone that attentive is never good.
What Joe Might Know
The big question episode 5 raised is whether Joe knows more about Angelo than he has revealed. Angelo has kept his family hidden from Dutch, but Joe moves in different circles. He talks to different people. He hears things that might never reach Dutch’s ears.
Joe has also been with Dutch long enough to understand how the organization works. He knows what happened to the last person who tried to leave. He knows Dutch’s temper and his methods. If Joe suspects Angelo is hiding something, he also knows better than to accuse Angelo without proof. Dutch values Angelo too much as an asset. Making accusations without evidence would only backfire on Joe.
The episode hinted that Joe might be playing a longer game. Instead of confronting Angelo directly or telling Dutch his suspicions, Joe appears to be gathering information. He watches, he listens, and he waits. If Angelo’s memory continues to deteriorate, Joe will be positioned to notice before anyone else does.
The Danger of Being Underestimated
Angelo has spent five years keeping his head down and doing his job. He has been reliable. He has been effective. And he has probably assumed that Joe is just another cog in Dutch’s machine, someone who follows orders but doesn’t think too deeply about things.
Episode 5 suggested that assumption might be wrong. Joe demonstrated in small ways that he thinks strategically. He understands the business beyond just running the restaurant. He knows how to read people. And he knows when to stay quiet and when to speak.
For Angelo, who is already dealing with failing memory and the recent attack on his daughter Maria, having someone like Joe quietly watching him adds another layer of danger. Joe may not be a killer like Angelo, but he doesn’t need to be. He only needs to notice when something is wrong and report it to Dutch.
The Brother Connection
Another layer to Joe’s potential significance involves his connection to Dutch. The flashback in episode 5 focused heavily on the bond between Angelo and his brother Michael. That relationship drove Angelo’s decision to stay in the killing business. But the episode also reminded viewers that Dutch has people close to him too.
Joe has been loyal to Dutch for years. He runs the restaurant, handles problems, and keeps things running smoothly. If Dutch ever feels threatened by Angelo’s instability, Joe would be the natural person to turn to. He is already in position. He already knows the business. And he has shown he can be trusted with sensitive information.
The parallel between Angelo protecting his brother and Dutch having Joe at his side was subtle but present in episode 5. Both men have someone they rely on. But while Angelo’s brother is now unresponsive in a care facility, Joe is active and observant and very much present in Dutch’s world.
What Comes Next
With only five episodes remaining in Memory of a Killer Season 1, the pressure on Angelo is building from multiple directions. FBI Agent Linda Grant (Gina Torres) is getting closer to the truth about Dutch’s operation. The Ferryman, the person who shot Maria, is still out there and hasn’t been identified. Angelo’s memory is getting worse, causing him to lose focus during jobs.
And now Joe is watching more closely than Angelo realizes.
The release schedule for the remaining episodes is as follows:
- Episode 6: March 2, 2026
- Episode 7: March 9, 2026
- Episode 8: March 16, 2026
- Episode 9: March 23, 2026
- Episode 10: March 30, 2026
New episodes air Mondays at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT on Fox. For viewers who miss the broadcast, episodes are available to stream on Hulu the following day. In Australia, the series streams on Stan at the same time as the U.S. broadcast.
Streaming Options for Global Viewers
Viewers outside the United States can access Memory of a Killer through various platforms. In the United Kingdom, the series is available on Disney+ under the Star banner. Canadian viewers can watch on Global TV and stream on StackTV. For those in India, the series streams on Disney+ Hotstar. The show has been picked up by multiple international broadcasters, making it accessible to audiences worldwide.
For viewers without cable in the United States, services like Fubo, DIRECTV, and Sling TV offer free trials or low-cost passes to watch episodes live as they air. The show has maintained strong ratings since its premiere, with episode 5 drawing particular attention for its emotional flashback storyline and the growing tension surrounding Angelo’s condition.
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Joe’s Role Moving Forward
The subtle hints dropped in episode 5 suggest Joe will become more important in the coming weeks. James Carpinello, who plays Joe, has appeared in every episode so far, usually in supporting scenes at the restaurant or during exchanges between Dutch and Angelo. But the writers seem to be building toward something larger for his character.
If Joe does suspect Angelo’s secret, he holds significant power. He could expose Angelo’s family to Dutch, putting Maria in direct danger. He could report Angelo’s memory lapses, making Angelo a liability Dutch might eliminate. Or he could use his knowledge to manipulate Angelo into doing things for him, creating a new power dynamic within Dutch’s organization.
Angelo has survived this long by being smarter than the people around him. He has kept his family hidden for five years. He has managed his Alzheimer’s symptoms well enough that Dutch hasn’t noticed. But Joe watching him with that quiet, observant expression in episode 5 suggested Angelo may have met his match.
The question is whether Angelo realizes it yet. Episode 5 made clear that Angelo’s memory flashes are becoming more intense and more distracting. During his hit in this episode, the flashback to his brother was so vivid it nearly cost him everything. If he cannot stay focused on the present, he may miss the danger standing right in front of him at Dutch’s restaurant.
Joe may not be a killer. He may not be a mastermind. But he might be something just as dangerous to Angelo: someone who pays attention and remembers what he sees.
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