Previous posts: Introduction and Parts 1-2.
This week I watched Parts 3 and 4 of Bleak House but my comments will be short(er) since I am putting the baby to sleep and typing with one hand.
Development – The biggest development is the deepening mystery surrounding Nemo, Lady Dedlock, Esther and how they are all related. Mr. Guppy may be a creepy little character talking about his angel but the boy knows how to dig around and uncover hidden facts about the case.
Most Fickle – Richard continues to worry Mr. Jarndyce, as well as Esther and Ada, with his lack of commitment to his profession. First it was the medical profession, then the law, and then the army and now he wants to quit altogether in order to pursue his court case. You know things are going bad when he argues to his lawyer that he knows better since he has “studied the law” – for a whole month or two.
Most Annoying Character(s) – Mr. Tulkinghorn continues to spin his webs and catch his prey. Mr. Skimpole is even more irritating this week as he explains that although Esther would most likely die, even if she did live, she’d be so scarred that people will be sickened to look at her face. Yeah, that boy is a real charmer. Explain again why he is there, Mr. Jarndyce?? A close third would have to be Mrs. Woodcourt. How can a man so good and noble have such a pest for a mother?
Best catch-phrase – When Brian and I are tired and we can’t seem to hop to our feet fast enough, we’ll exclaim, “Shake me up, Judy!” Every time I see the actor that plays Mr. Smallweed in another movie, I can’t help but think of him as this character.
Best Snicker – Spontaneous combustion? Is that even possible? (Do I admit that I actually googled it to see if it was?) At least it made an interesting plotline.
Best Bring Your Own Hankie Scene – First, can I say that I looove little Charley! (And where can I find little Charley to be my lady’s maid/mother’s helper?) It is touching to see the love Charley has for Esther and it broke my heart to see her in tears as she handed Esther the mirror. But the clincher was when Ada did not care about the scars on Esther’s face and was only relieved to that she was alive and well. As they held each other and cried, I cried too.
And with that I must bid you a good morning. The little ones are calling and my sleeping babe has jumped off my lap and is running down the hallway looking for mischief. Have a great morn!
TV Talk Monday: A Date with Dickens – Bleak House, Parts 3-4 (Episodes 4-7)
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I’m finally caught up with these episodes! I’m still loving this series and am amazed at what a good adaptation it is and how good the acting is. Your description of Mr. Guppy is spot on, so creepy but you have to admire his tenacity. And, that moment when Charley hands Esther the mirror… plenty of tears over here, too. You know, I think the fact that Mr. Jarndyce keeps Mr. Skimpole around illustrates one of the flaws in his character. Mr. Jarndyce only wants to help people and be generous with his wealth and he chooses to focus on the good in people, which means he can also easily be taken advantage of.
One thing that is interesting to me is the hints that Mr. Jarndyce is in love with Esther. In the book it wasn’t clear to me if he was in love with her or if he felt like more of a father figure/protector or some mix of both. I don’t know if I didn’t read closely enough or if Dickens was purposefully vague. It’s interesting that the screen play writers are definitely going for the romance angle.
Now it’s time to go watch some more so I can get caught up with you!