Shock to the System

Private investigator Donald Strachey meets Paul Hale in a shadowy alley. The nervous client hands over a retainer check, setting off a chain of troubling events.

The following night, Paul's dead body is found under suspicious circumstances. Authorities, including the coroner and Detective Bailey, label it a suicide, but Donald and Paul's mother, Phyllis, are convinced foul play is involved.

Determined to uncover the truth, Donald starts his investigation into Paul's death. He faces challenges as both Phyllis and he are adamant that Paul was murdered and not a suicide.

Donald mistakenly confronts Kenny Kwon, whom he rehires as his office manager. This decision adds complexity to his investigation as he juggles professional and personal dilemmas.

Donald’s boyfriend, Timmy Callahan, reveals that Paul was a spokesperson for the controversial Phoenix Foundation, known for ex-gay conversion therapy. This information directs Donald's investigation toward the Foundation.

In pursuit of the truth, Donald goes undercover as 'Kyle.' He meets Dr. Trevor Cornell, the Foundation's director, posing as a disgraced soldier seeking help around his sexuality.

As Donald immerses himself in his undercover role, he confronts his own issues with gay identity. Interactions at the Foundation force him to navigate complex narratives while questioning his past.

Autopsy results reveal discrepancies in the drugs found in Paul's system, intensifying Donald's resolve to expose the truth. This critical find propels him further into the murky waters of deception surrounding the case.

During one of his undercover sessions, Donald confronts Dr. Trevor Cornell directly. This leads to light being shed on Larry Phelps, a college friend of Paul’s, who may possess crucial information about the case.

As Donald attempts to reach out to Larry, he discovers that Larry has been murdered. This pushes Donald into a frantic race against time, realizing the risks involved in his quest for truth.

The investigation takes an emotional toll on Donald, impacting his relationship with Timmy. He reflects on his past trauma involving a tragic military relationship that ended in his lover’s suicide.

Trevor Cornell is arrested for Larry's murder based on dubious evidence. Donald, convinced of Cornell’s innocence, reaches out for assistance from Cornell's wife, Lynn.

With Lynn's help, they uncover critical evidence involving a hidden camera. It turns out that Katie, a member of the conversion therapy group, orchestrated the deaths of both Paul and Larry.

In a tense confrontation at the Phoenix Foundation, Donald disarms Katie, exposing her as the culprit behind the deaths. This leads to the truth being laid bare and Cornell's name being cleared.

In the aftermath, Donald helps Phyllis understand the impact of her homophobic views. With the case resolved, he reflects on the dark secrets uncovered and reaffirms his commitment to his identity.