Previous posts: Introduction , Parts 1-2 and Parts 3-4.
Time for A Good Cry – Maybe I was feeling a bit PMS…maybe I was missing my own mom… but the scene between Lady Dedlock and Esther had me nearly sobbing. (This can easily be done when all the house is asleep, lights are off and I allow myself to emotionally enter into the story.) When Esther begs to be a part of her mother’s life and concludes that she is the curse of the family and should never have been born it is almost too much to bear.
Weird Love Triangle – I don’t know what to feel about Mr. John Jardyce. Part of me sympathizes with his love for Esther and feels that it is genuine. However, I can’t get over the “ew” factor since he has always been portrayed in a fatherly light, not as an older but distinguished suitor. You can feel the awkwardness as he and Esther try to be romantic. (Even the notion of it makes me queasy.) Perhaps time would slowly have changed her (and my) mind but when Mr. Woodcourt comes back on the scene you know her heart still pines for him. When you see his looks and those puppy dog eyes, you know he couldn’t possibly be as cruel as his mother and he does not care if she was or was not of noble birth. Rather, he sees himself as the unsuitable suitor since he does not have enough money to make her a declaration of love.
Speaking of Cruel – Mr. Guppy was sort of growing on me with his unintentionally comedic ways and his Muppet-like mouth but the scene where he nearly loses his lunch at the sight of Esther’s scars makes me loath his behavior more than Mr. Skimpole. My only consolation is that he will be entrapped in the presence in the company of his bizarre interesting mother.
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. – One good thing about Mr. Guppy’s behavior is that it was a turning point for Esther in dealing with her illness and scars. She was finally able to take off her veil and face the world without hiding. However, it has not hardened her tender heart as we see when she comforts and prayers for Joe on his deathbed.
Love is Blind – I haven’t spoken of Ada yet. I feel for her and her plight in watching the slow ruin of her beloved Richard. Who has not watched a loved one make wrong choices, bad decisions or influenced by bad company and has also been helpless to stop it. Unfortunately, the giving of Ada’s inheritance to Richard seems like it will not help him but push him further into his obsession.
Three Strikes, You’re Out – I was a bit surprised that Mr. Tulkinghorn (likened to “the Old Enemy himself” by Sergeant George – I love that guy) was actually shot. He seemed like the cockroach type – the ones you can’t get rid of. I guess it was only a matter of time until one of his victims struck back.
I am looking forward to the final episodes!