The Gist:
So .... the railroad is coming! Cultures collide. Colleen makes friends (but maybe more?) with a Chinese boy named Peter! Sully -- who just wants to build a homestead for Michaela -- is completely freaked out and wants to leave. Michaela and Brian can't wait. Matthew just wants to be like Sully -- and the Reverend is concerned about roustabouts that the train could bring.
Colorado Springs enters into a bidding war with Soda Springs to see who will win the railroad. So you know Jake and Loren are all up in that. They pretend the town is "better" than it is -- and of course come to appreciate that the town was pretty great already. And then Michaela gets to drive in the first spike.
Commentary:
1. The music that plays each time Peter is on screen. It's the standard Dr. Quinn background -- but with Chinese instruments. It's ... interesting. And it feels a little bit racist. Not as racist as Hank "get your stinking, dog-eating carcass out of my store" Lawson, of course, but it's not very 21st century.
I suppose that's what one can expect from a 20th century show about 19th century folks.
2. I'm kind of confused by Sully's hyper excitement over building a house. How does he reconcile his beliefs about humans not "owning" the Earth with ... owning the earth. He's so opposed to the railroad (which I realize is a totally reasonable fear as the train leaves a much larger carbon footprint) ... but seems to experience no conflict about building a house on land that shouldn't even be his. Dude.
3. I love when Michaela gets to be the deciding vote. So does she, because she gets to moralize and give speeches about opportunity, community and hard work. And I really, really love that even though she feels guilty about butting heads with Sully, she stands her ground (even though he's really awful and immature -- he warns that "trains will bring other doctors", which seems like playing dirty to me). And she refuses to apologize for her joy when the railroad does decide to come through Colorado Springs. But she does say: "The truth is that the train's coming. You can't stop it and I couldn't have stopped it either. The world's changing and all we can do is make sure it changes the way we want it to ... it's not easy at all, but since when has that mattered to you? I've seen you fight for what you believe in ... we'll find a way. But I promise you: if the day ever comes that I see your breaking and you can't take it any longer, we'll pack up."
4. There is a great scene where Matthew and Sully have a talk about whether or not Matthew will take over the old homestead after the Quinn-Sully wedding. Matthew knows that this is a great option and that he'll be starting his own adult life ... but can't help but feel sad about not living with the family anymore. This is why college is perfect. Seriously. I'm glad that I didn't really have to embark on adult life when I was 18 (or younger!) -- I had this nice buffer of four years where I sort of played at independence and developed critical thinking skills. And I remember how sad I was when I left my college town (still sad), because I knew that things were really going to be different. And, like Matthew, it just made me feel ... funny. I knew I wanted to move forward ... but I also knew that I'd closed the chapter on my formative years.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Friday, April 18, 2014
Season 2, Episodes 26 & 27: The Return Engagement
When the Season Finale is two episodes, you know it's gonna be HUGE!
The Gist:
Myra and Horace are getting hitched! Bit by bit, Myra loses control over her wedding until she learns to voice what she wants. They get married and you can't help but feel so happy for them. Sully is derelict in his Best Man duties for a minute because he has a huge migraine, but manages to pull through.
Meanwhile, Sully and Michaela are more solid than ever. And then her old fiance, David, whom she presumed to be dead, shows up. Of course, he's pretending to be someone else, Andrew, and commissions Sully's help in navigating the countryside. And oh, Michaela is tortured!
Commentary:
1. I'm a believer in the Power of Poetry, and so I love it when a poem takes center stage in anything the way it does in this episode. While planning the bridal festivities, Michaela recites the poem that was read at her engagement dinner -- A Red, Red Rose by Robert Burns. When "Andrew" recites the poem, Michaela knows for sure that it's David.
2. When "Andrew" takes Sully out surveying, there are some clips very obviously from an old nature special. Two elks locking horns. In competition for a female. IN CASE YOU DIDN'T UNDERSTAND, THERE WILL BE A CONFLICT OVER MICHAELA. But because we are humans, the men will not lock antlers. Not even Sully.
3. Dr. Quinn goes to treat Sully's migraine and he winds up building a sweat lodge. During his time in the hotbox, Sully has a vision of her walking away from him. He calls out for her and she (the real she, not the vision one) runs to him. He promises that he will love her all of his days and asks for her to marry him. Michaela says yes, of course, and you feel so gosh-darn happy that you could explode.
4. Myra's wedding dress is one of the most hideous dresses I've ever seen. Hank shows up at the wedding just in time for the objection part, but makes a big show of not objecting. If looks could kill, though, Horace would be so very dead.
5. And speaking of Horace -- he gets absolutely hammered at the reception and it's amazing. As is the confrontation it leads to between Michaela and "Andrew." Even better is the group of pranksters and well-wishers that follow Horace and Myra to their home on their wedding night.
6. I can't believe Michaela isn't more angry at David for deceiving her -- not only for the few short days he was pretending to be Andrew -- but for the six years he let her believe he was dead. That's pretty much the least loving thing he could have done to her. And Sully is so decent. I have to agree with Jake Slicker, "if it were me, I'd run that flower-picking jackass right out of town." Preach.
7. It turns out, David did some time as a POW at Andersonville, which does make him a bit more sympathetic as a character. As does the chilly reception he receives from the Cooper Kids at dinner.
8. Because not enough truly horrific things have happened or been referenced in this episode, a glass of preserves or something that Grace is cooking explodes in her face. Her eyes are filled with glass. Fortunately, David is there and can help (Michaela is 100% into getting retired doctors back into the saddle). It is super shitty for Sully to watch them doctoring together, and I can't help but wonder if it's a good idea for a man with one eye (David) to be performing surgery. Won't his depth perception be a problem?
9. Sully wins man of the century for his controlled response to the David debacle. He tells Michaela that he just wants her to be happy and that he will stand by her no matter what. How she does not choose him then and there is beyond me. David does make an excellent move in protesting some local deforestation because he can sense that she likes environmentalists, I guess. But he is too bold in telling her that he still loves her and wants them to be together; he is too explicit about his expectations for what they will accomplish together. And then Sully gives Michaela space to breathe and think. So how could she ever choose anyone else?
10. And to come full circle, Michaela puts a ring on it. She proposes to Sully:
And then they frolick. No, really. It's a full-on frolic.
The Gist:
Myra and Horace are getting hitched! Bit by bit, Myra loses control over her wedding until she learns to voice what she wants. They get married and you can't help but feel so happy for them. Sully is derelict in his Best Man duties for a minute because he has a huge migraine, but manages to pull through.
Meanwhile, Sully and Michaela are more solid than ever. And then her old fiance, David, whom she presumed to be dead, shows up. Of course, he's pretending to be someone else, Andrew, and commissions Sully's help in navigating the countryside. And oh, Michaela is tortured!
Commentary:
1. I'm a believer in the Power of Poetry, and so I love it when a poem takes center stage in anything the way it does in this episode. While planning the bridal festivities, Michaela recites the poem that was read at her engagement dinner -- A Red, Red Rose by Robert Burns. When "Andrew" recites the poem, Michaela knows for sure that it's David.
2. When "Andrew" takes Sully out surveying, there are some clips very obviously from an old nature special. Two elks locking horns. In competition for a female. IN CASE YOU DIDN'T UNDERSTAND, THERE WILL BE A CONFLICT OVER MICHAELA. But because we are humans, the men will not lock antlers. Not even Sully.
3. Dr. Quinn goes to treat Sully's migraine and he winds up building a sweat lodge. During his time in the hotbox, Sully has a vision of her walking away from him. He calls out for her and she (the real she, not the vision one) runs to him. He promises that he will love her all of his days and asks for her to marry him. Michaela says yes, of course, and you feel so gosh-darn happy that you could explode.
4. Myra's wedding dress is one of the most hideous dresses I've ever seen. Hank shows up at the wedding just in time for the objection part, but makes a big show of not objecting. If looks could kill, though, Horace would be so very dead.
5. And speaking of Horace -- he gets absolutely hammered at the reception and it's amazing. As is the confrontation it leads to between Michaela and "Andrew." Even better is the group of pranksters and well-wishers that follow Horace and Myra to their home on their wedding night.
6. I can't believe Michaela isn't more angry at David for deceiving her -- not only for the few short days he was pretending to be Andrew -- but for the six years he let her believe he was dead. That's pretty much the least loving thing he could have done to her. And Sully is so decent. I have to agree with Jake Slicker, "if it were me, I'd run that flower-picking jackass right out of town." Preach.
7. It turns out, David did some time as a POW at Andersonville, which does make him a bit more sympathetic as a character. As does the chilly reception he receives from the Cooper Kids at dinner.
8. Because not enough truly horrific things have happened or been referenced in this episode, a glass of preserves or something that Grace is cooking explodes in her face. Her eyes are filled with glass. Fortunately, David is there and can help (Michaela is 100% into getting retired doctors back into the saddle). It is super shitty for Sully to watch them doctoring together, and I can't help but wonder if it's a good idea for a man with one eye (David) to be performing surgery. Won't his depth perception be a problem?
9. Sully wins man of the century for his controlled response to the David debacle. He tells Michaela that he just wants her to be happy and that he will stand by her no matter what. How she does not choose him then and there is beyond me. David does make an excellent move in protesting some local deforestation because he can sense that she likes environmentalists, I guess. But he is too bold in telling her that he still loves her and wants them to be together; he is too explicit about his expectations for what they will accomplish together. And then Sully gives Michaela space to breathe and think. So how could she ever choose anyone else?
10. And to come full circle, Michaela puts a ring on it. She proposes to Sully:
"I want to tell you how much I appreciate what you did."
"What's that?"
"You left me free to decide."
"So you must have decided --"
"How do you know that?"
"I know. You love David."
"Yes, I'll always love him. But that's the past and you're the present. We're the present. If you'll have me. Will you, Sully?"
"Will I what?"
"Will you marry me?"
"Yes."
And then they frolick. No, really. It's a full-on frolic.
Season 2, Episode 25: The Man in the Moon
The Gist:
Myra adjusts to her new life outside of the saloon. On a bender, Hank shoots up Myra and Horace's engagement party. To prevent him from killing Myra, Sully has to knock Hank out. Although he initially recovers, he winds up in a coma. And Dr. Quinn has to operate on him. When Myra demonstrates concern, Horace gets possessive and clingy ... so she has to tell Horace HOW IT'S GONNA BE.
Meanwhile, Colleen is wicked jealous when Brian gets a special package from Grandma Quinn featuring a telescope and a probably-boring-anyways Jules Verne novel about sending a man to the moon. She winds up breaking his telescope before the big eclipse.
Commentary:
1. I do love it when Dr. Quinn and Hank interact. There were some great moments between them, particularly where he confronts her for being cold and when she answers his accusations as he lays unconscious.
2. I love Myra for making it clear to Horace that while she left Hank in part so she could be with him, she will not obey him the way she did Hank. And I love her for standing by Hank, even as he's hurt her. Grace, too.
3. I love Horace for accepting and meeting Myra's needs.
4. I love these characters. While Dr. Quinn and family are clearly the centerpiece of the series, I really like that the writers put a lot of care and effort into developing the supporting cast. They're real people -- a real community.
Myra adjusts to her new life outside of the saloon. On a bender, Hank shoots up Myra and Horace's engagement party. To prevent him from killing Myra, Sully has to knock Hank out. Although he initially recovers, he winds up in a coma. And Dr. Quinn has to operate on him. When Myra demonstrates concern, Horace gets possessive and clingy ... so she has to tell Horace HOW IT'S GONNA BE.
Meanwhile, Colleen is wicked jealous when Brian gets a special package from Grandma Quinn featuring a telescope and a probably-boring-anyways Jules Verne novel about sending a man to the moon. She winds up breaking his telescope before the big eclipse.
Commentary:
1. I do love it when Dr. Quinn and Hank interact. There were some great moments between them, particularly where he confronts her for being cold and when she answers his accusations as he lays unconscious.
2. I love Myra for making it clear to Horace that while she left Hank in part so she could be with him, she will not obey him the way she did Hank. And I love her for standing by Hank, even as he's hurt her. Grace, too.
3. I love Horace for accepting and meeting Myra's needs.
4. I love these characters. While Dr. Quinn and family are clearly the centerpiece of the series, I really like that the writers put a lot of care and effort into developing the supporting cast. They're real people -- a real community.
Season 2, Episode 23: The Campaign
The Gist:
Everyone in Colorado Springs is tired of how long and ineffective Town Hall meetings are and they wind up deciding that they need a mayor. Loren nominates Jake Slicker and Horace nominates Michaela. When Hank says a lady mayor would make them look like a town full of sissies, Michaela accepts the nomination. Oh boy.
Meanwhile, Horace and Myra are hoping that if Michaela wins, she will outlaw prostitution, and then Myra won't have to stay the duration of her contract. When she is forced to entertain a client who she's heard is rough with women and gets hurt, she decides to break her contract with Hank. When she shows up to vote, she tells him that she owns something. And when Michaela agrees not to ban prostitution, Myra tears up her contract and walks out.
Commentary:
1. I like that Michaela lost for several reasons, but most chiefly because Jake Slicker needed it much more than she did. Becoming mayor provided him with an opportunity to make better decisions and grow as a person. And he mostly rose to that occasion. Particularly in following through on his first promise: to allow women to vote, regardless of whether they own property or not.
2. Robert E.'s sexism drives me around the bend. Then again, I suppose it might be unfair of me to expect more compassion out of him, as he has overcome a tremendous amount of oppression himself. But maybe not ... because if you don't feel compassion like that, what is wrong with you? Even so, when he steps up to the ballot box, all nervous and proud, and the tender way Grace watched him ... my heart swelled. Actually, every time I go vote myself, I think of that scene and feel that feeling. And I love that we don't know who he voted for.
3. And speaking of votes ... Sully! Sully who sells off his land to all the women so they can all vote. Sully's amazing.
4. The extras on this show are incredible. You can tell many of them are reeeeally into the 19th century. I would have loved to be an extra on this show. I mean, really I wanted to be Colleen Cooper because WHAT A ROLE! ... but I could have settled for the role of an extra.
Everyone in Colorado Springs is tired of how long and ineffective Town Hall meetings are and they wind up deciding that they need a mayor. Loren nominates Jake Slicker and Horace nominates Michaela. When Hank says a lady mayor would make them look like a town full of sissies, Michaela accepts the nomination. Oh boy.
Meanwhile, Horace and Myra are hoping that if Michaela wins, she will outlaw prostitution, and then Myra won't have to stay the duration of her contract. When she is forced to entertain a client who she's heard is rough with women and gets hurt, she decides to break her contract with Hank. When she shows up to vote, she tells him that she owns something. And when Michaela agrees not to ban prostitution, Myra tears up her contract and walks out.
Commentary:
1. I like that Michaela lost for several reasons, but most chiefly because Jake Slicker needed it much more than she did. Becoming mayor provided him with an opportunity to make better decisions and grow as a person. And he mostly rose to that occasion. Particularly in following through on his first promise: to allow women to vote, regardless of whether they own property or not.
2. Robert E.'s sexism drives me around the bend. Then again, I suppose it might be unfair of me to expect more compassion out of him, as he has overcome a tremendous amount of oppression himself. But maybe not ... because if you don't feel compassion like that, what is wrong with you? Even so, when he steps up to the ballot box, all nervous and proud, and the tender way Grace watched him ... my heart swelled. Actually, every time I go vote myself, I think of that scene and feel that feeling. And I love that we don't know who he voted for.
3. And speaking of votes ... Sully! Sully who sells off his land to all the women so they can all vote. Sully's amazing.
4. The extras on this show are incredible. You can tell many of them are reeeeally into the 19th century. I would have loved to be an extra on this show. I mean, really I wanted to be Colleen Cooper because WHAT A ROLE! ... but I could have settled for the role of an extra.
Season 2, Episodes 21 & 22: The Abduction
Man, these double episodes are excellent. So full of drama and adventure. This one in particular, though, is seriously excellent.
When Michaela and Sully get caught up as the Dog Soldiers attack some army fellows, all hell breaks loose. Michaela lets it slip that the Dog Soldiers are the ones who killed the US soldiers, which leads to attacks on the town and increasing severity of violence and destruction. The tension grows even more as Cloud Dancing's son, despite his father's wishes, joins up with the Dog Soldiers, who kidnap Michaela. Sully, of course, rescues her in some daring, dramatic moments.
Meanwhile, Hank winks a horse in a poker game and abuses her. Brian wants to buy the horse, and makes a deal to work off the cost of the horse for Hank. When he's thisclose to paying for her, Hank regeges, until everyone in town freezes him out. Brian gets the horse and names her Taffy.
Commentary:
1. This is when Jason Lelend Adams takes over the role of General Custer. He is a marvelous villain.
2. When the stagecoach the Reverend was riding on was attacked by Dog Soldiers, the Reverend's response was one of hatred, saying he hoped they'd burn in hell. Whoa. The Reverend's been in a dark place, though, so it's not too surprising.
3. When Michaela and Sully are chased into a house by a war party, oh my goodness. Scariest thing ever. How awful for Sully to have her taken from him that way. I love how Brian asks "Well, why didn't you stop them?" Duh.
4. I have to say, though, if I were kidnapped by Dog Soldiers, I would definitely want Sully to be the one looking for me. Plus wolf.
5. And then when Michaela escapes! Terrifying. The worst part is when she is hiding in some shrubbery and must remain absolutely still -- and a fly lands on her. I swear, you can feel that fly on your own skin. Thd dread.
6. And then Sully's looking for her and delivering passionate pleas to the little villages. "She's my heartsong," he pleas. I was eleven years old the first time I saw this and, to me, this was the most romantic thing I'd ever heard. Twenty years later, it is still pretty moving. I still rolled my eyes, though. Particularly when he gets on his knees and meditates and sends vibes to her. It's really uncomfortably new age ....
7. When Michaela tries to run away the second time, they take her shoes and she is forced to trek over terrible surfaces in her bare feet. I think this is just about the worst thing that could have happened. Well, that plus the fact that Custer rounded up all the women and children (and Cloud Dancing, who is like THE most-captured Cheyenne ever) and will begin hanging them, four at a time until Michaela is returned. Holy shit.
8. When Sully rescues her -- it leads directly to what struck my 11-year-old self as one of sexiest scenes ever! Because they had to swim away from the Dog Soldiers, they lay their clothes out to dry. So Michaela wakes up in her underclothes, while Sully feeds her berries and honey and chokes on the words "Did they hurt you?" And then they share a pretty amazing kiss. Oh, this show gave me such unreasonable expectations about love! And I found myself so very, very confused. A big part of me wanted to be Michaela -- to have someone like Sully to save me and call me his heartsong; but I also wanted to make out with Michaela. Nonetheless, I assumed that when I fell in love it would be full of many stares and lots of passionate longing. When I really started falling in love, I realized that a lot of the time it's hard to make eye contact because those feelings of longing are way too overwhelming to have and sustain eye contact all at once.
9. Cloud Dancing is about a minute away from being hanged when Sully and Dr. Mike come galloping in on horseback. Custer still moves to hang them -- so Sully breaks the gallows with his tomahawk. That's the second time this season!
10. Cloud Dancing and The Reverend have a beautiful conversation about gratitude for their respective spirits. And then Michaela has to tell him that his son died, helping her to run away the first time. And that he was not killed by the army, but by a fellow Dog Soldier. It's just such a happy, relieved, hopeful moment ... and then you're met with crushing sadness.
When Michaela and Sully get caught up as the Dog Soldiers attack some army fellows, all hell breaks loose. Michaela lets it slip that the Dog Soldiers are the ones who killed the US soldiers, which leads to attacks on the town and increasing severity of violence and destruction. The tension grows even more as Cloud Dancing's son, despite his father's wishes, joins up with the Dog Soldiers, who kidnap Michaela. Sully, of course, rescues her in some daring, dramatic moments.
Meanwhile, Hank winks a horse in a poker game and abuses her. Brian wants to buy the horse, and makes a deal to work off the cost of the horse for Hank. When he's thisclose to paying for her, Hank regeges, until everyone in town freezes him out. Brian gets the horse and names her Taffy.
Commentary:
1. This is when Jason Lelend Adams takes over the role of General Custer. He is a marvelous villain.
2. When the stagecoach the Reverend was riding on was attacked by Dog Soldiers, the Reverend's response was one of hatred, saying he hoped they'd burn in hell. Whoa. The Reverend's been in a dark place, though, so it's not too surprising.
3. When Michaela and Sully are chased into a house by a war party, oh my goodness. Scariest thing ever. How awful for Sully to have her taken from him that way. I love how Brian asks "Well, why didn't you stop them?" Duh.
4. I have to say, though, if I were kidnapped by Dog Soldiers, I would definitely want Sully to be the one looking for me. Plus wolf.
5. And then when Michaela escapes! Terrifying. The worst part is when she is hiding in some shrubbery and must remain absolutely still -- and a fly lands on her. I swear, you can feel that fly on your own skin. Thd dread.
6. And then Sully's looking for her and delivering passionate pleas to the little villages. "She's my heartsong," he pleas. I was eleven years old the first time I saw this and, to me, this was the most romantic thing I'd ever heard. Twenty years later, it is still pretty moving. I still rolled my eyes, though. Particularly when he gets on his knees and meditates and sends vibes to her. It's really uncomfortably new age ....
7. When Michaela tries to run away the second time, they take her shoes and she is forced to trek over terrible surfaces in her bare feet. I think this is just about the worst thing that could have happened. Well, that plus the fact that Custer rounded up all the women and children (and Cloud Dancing, who is like THE most-captured Cheyenne ever) and will begin hanging them, four at a time until Michaela is returned. Holy shit.
8. When Sully rescues her -- it leads directly to what struck my 11-year-old self as one of sexiest scenes ever! Because they had to swim away from the Dog Soldiers, they lay their clothes out to dry. So Michaela wakes up in her underclothes, while Sully feeds her berries and honey and chokes on the words "Did they hurt you?" And then they share a pretty amazing kiss. Oh, this show gave me such unreasonable expectations about love! And I found myself so very, very confused. A big part of me wanted to be Michaela -- to have someone like Sully to save me and call me his heartsong; but I also wanted to make out with Michaela. Nonetheless, I assumed that when I fell in love it would be full of many stares and lots of passionate longing. When I really started falling in love, I realized that a lot of the time it's hard to make eye contact because those feelings of longing are way too overwhelming to have and sustain eye contact all at once.
9. Cloud Dancing is about a minute away from being hanged when Sully and Dr. Mike come galloping in on horseback. Custer still moves to hang them -- so Sully breaks the gallows with his tomahawk. That's the second time this season!
10. Cloud Dancing and The Reverend have a beautiful conversation about gratitude for their respective spirits. And then Michaela has to tell him that his son died, helping her to run away the first time. And that he was not killed by the army, but by a fellow Dog Soldier. It's just such a happy, relieved, hopeful moment ... and then you're met with crushing sadness.
Season 2, Episode 21: Just One Lullaby
At long last, Colorado Springs gets its very own schoolteacher. But not for long.
The Gist:
Louise Chambers is chosen as the new teacher at the Colorado Springs school. She turns out to be more than strict, but actually abusive. Michaela, who was initially quite taken with her as a fellow independent career gal, then campaigns for her dismissal (or at least formalized policy on corporal punishment).
Meanwhile, the Reverend and Miss Chambers rekindle a former romance. The relationship becomes strained over the discipline issue but is killed when Louise reveals that she doesn't ever want children of her own.
Commentary:
1. I often feel bad for the Reverend. He seems so lonely so much of the time. And then he proposes to Michaela and she turns him down ... at their engagement party. And then Louise shows up and they're happy and in love ... and she turns out to be a terrible human being. And then he goes blind. Poor guy.
2. Brian is really excellent in this episode. He is frightened and angry and really ... real. And then he stands up to her, saying "You're not supposed to hit people. Don't you do it." And is beaten himself.
3. One of the great motifs throughout this episode is how survivors of physical address their demons. Dorothy redeems herself somewhat from her bad behavior in the previous episode. As a physical abuse survivor herself, she is part of the few adults who take a firm stand against corporal punishment. Jake sinks back into darkness as he recalls how his mother would beat him with a barber strap; he reiterates to Loren that beating children is unconscionable. And then Benjamin (a student played by a young Eric Balfour!) retaliates and beats up Louise, doing serious damage.
4. I do not condone violence of any kind, but a huge part of me was hoping that Michaela would throw down with Louise. Particularly after Brian showed the welts on his legs from Louise's cane. If Benjamin hadn't done it ...
5. The Reverend delivers a wonderful story in a closing scene:
The Gist:
Louise Chambers is chosen as the new teacher at the Colorado Springs school. She turns out to be more than strict, but actually abusive. Michaela, who was initially quite taken with her as a fellow independent career gal, then campaigns for her dismissal (or at least formalized policy on corporal punishment).
Meanwhile, the Reverend and Miss Chambers rekindle a former romance. The relationship becomes strained over the discipline issue but is killed when Louise reveals that she doesn't ever want children of her own.
Commentary:
1. I often feel bad for the Reverend. He seems so lonely so much of the time. And then he proposes to Michaela and she turns him down ... at their engagement party. And then Louise shows up and they're happy and in love ... and she turns out to be a terrible human being. And then he goes blind. Poor guy.
2. Brian is really excellent in this episode. He is frightened and angry and really ... real. And then he stands up to her, saying "You're not supposed to hit people. Don't you do it." And is beaten himself.
3. One of the great motifs throughout this episode is how survivors of physical address their demons. Dorothy redeems herself somewhat from her bad behavior in the previous episode. As a physical abuse survivor herself, she is part of the few adults who take a firm stand against corporal punishment. Jake sinks back into darkness as he recalls how his mother would beat him with a barber strap; he reiterates to Loren that beating children is unconscionable. And then Benjamin (a student played by a young Eric Balfour!) retaliates and beats up Louise, doing serious damage.
4. I do not condone violence of any kind, but a huge part of me was hoping that Michaela would throw down with Louise. Particularly after Brian showed the welts on his legs from Louise's cane. If Benjamin hadn't done it ...
5. The Reverend delivers a wonderful story in a closing scene:
Once there was a shabby town where all the people were unhappy, poor, and ignorant and one day a king came to visit and he told them that he had secretly switched a baby in the town with one of his own. Now, after the king left, the people were afraid. They were worried that, when the king returned again, he would punish them if the royal child was unhappy. But since they had no idea which baby it was, the whole town began to treat each child as though that child were royalty. Many years later, the king did return. By then these children had all grown up and had children of their own and the town was very different. There were libraries and schools and hospitals and churches. All of the families were hard working and happy. You see, these grown up children had no idea. They’d never heard the story of the king. They had no idea that there was a prince or princess among them. They were productive, creative, happy, and kind simply because they had been loved and educated and protected, treated as if each child were royalty. An old woman on her deathbed, she asked the king, she said “I know my wonderful grown up daughter, she’s the princess, isn’t she?” and the king told her “They are all the one.”
Season 2, Episode 20: The First Circle
Robert E. and Grace win a bidding war on a house in town and can't wait to fix it up. The bank salesman -- who did everything he could to prevent Michaela from buying the clinic -- is not too keen on selling to black people. He turns out to be a klansman and entices other men in the community to join.
Much of it can be summed up in Michela confronts the bank man: "Is it just our town, or do you cause this much trouble wherever you go?"
This is one of the toughest episodes to watch, and I'm not really going to snark because it would feel really wrong, so I'll just give a rundown of the episode:
1. It begins with the promise of a new social club for the men of the town, which Matthew and Horace readily join. From there, the violence quite quickly escalates -- on their first outing in uniform they set Robert E.'s horses loose, attack him and destroy his property. Matthew and Horace immediately take Robert E. in to the clinic -- and Matthew is crushed.
2. The next day, Robert E. is doubly determined to get his horses back and get into his house, convinced things will all blow over. Michaela gives the men a talking-to, saying they should help Robert E. and welcome him. Jake pretends to agree, only go to over and vandalize the property. In a particularly harsh moment, Jake dumps a bucket of white paint of Robert E.'s head, saying "Now you can live here."
3. There's this exchange between Robert E. and a frightened Grace, who wants to sell the house back to the bank. This exchange, which is ... everything:
5. The next night, the Klansmen raid Grace's cafe. Loren is visibly upset by the fact that they're shooting guns off. Sully shows up and attacks some of them. Robert E. shoots at the intruders.
6. When Loren turns up with a buckshot wound the next day, Michaela puts two and two together. Dorothy is outraged that Robert E. would raise a gun "to a white man" and writes an article berating Robert E. In an epic confrontation, Michaela berates Dorothy's segregationist and apologist attitudes and goes on to confront the bankman in an epic flounce, proclaiming, "Take the clinic. Do whatever you want to do with my mortgage. I'll practice in the street if I have to. I'll pitch a tent, I'll work from my wagon, but I'll never, never give in to the likes of you!"It might be her best flounce of the season.
7. And in a horrible scene, Grace is assaulted -- her hair crudely razored off -- by three klansmen at her now-deserted cafe. Throughout the vignette, we see Robert working away as he sings "By and By" (Will the circle be unbroken? By and by, Lord, by and by ...). Sensing danger, he runs over to the cafe only to discover Grace, brutalized and traumatized, shivering at table.
8. When Michaela offers her home to Robert E. and Grace that night, Robert E. asks her why she's so different. She explains that her father was an abolitionist and believed all humans to be equal and that she will insist on raising her children the same. The Klan rides again and lights a cross outsider her home.
9. Robert E. then has a really heavy conversation with Brian about racism and slavery, what it meant for him to be owned. He shows Brian where his former owner branded him and tells Brian never to forget what he saw. Grace comes to buy a bonnet at the store and Dorothy is horrified to realize the consequences of her actions. Grace is a model of strength and determination as she walks with her new hat and then sees Robert E. back at work on their new home. They are warriors together.
10. Michaela enters the saloon and confronts the bank-hole. He goes on to threaten her children. And Sully makes it clear that he'll kill him if he tries. They then have a very lovely family talk with the Cooper Kids and the five of them go over to help Robert E. and Grace.
11. At night, Robert E. the klan is all fired up. Robert E. is nearly lynched, which finally scares some sense into Loren, Jake and Hank. And, of course, Sully saves the day. Or night. Michaela, again, delivers a passionate speech.
12. The next morning, Loren helps Grace and Robert E. move in.
It's intense.
Much of it can be summed up in Michela confronts the bank man: "Is it just our town, or do you cause this much trouble wherever you go?"
This is one of the toughest episodes to watch, and I'm not really going to snark because it would feel really wrong, so I'll just give a rundown of the episode:
1. It begins with the promise of a new social club for the men of the town, which Matthew and Horace readily join. From there, the violence quite quickly escalates -- on their first outing in uniform they set Robert E.'s horses loose, attack him and destroy his property. Matthew and Horace immediately take Robert E. in to the clinic -- and Matthew is crushed.
2. The next day, Robert E. is doubly determined to get his horses back and get into his house, convinced things will all blow over. Michaela gives the men a talking-to, saying they should help Robert E. and welcome him. Jake pretends to agree, only go to over and vandalize the property. In a particularly harsh moment, Jake dumps a bucket of white paint of Robert E.'s head, saying "Now you can live here."
3. There's this exchange between Robert E. and a frightened Grace, who wants to sell the house back to the bank. This exchange, which is ... everything:
"I don't believe your'e talking like this. Aren't you the one who's always telling me how we've got to stand up to the white folks, how we're equal --"4. To pressure Robert E. back into selling back the home, Mr. Bank-man threatens to sell Michaela's mortgage. She's pissed.
"We are equal."
"Well somebody forgot to tell them that."
"It doesn't matter what these people think --"
"Yes it does!"
"You don't understand what I'm saying. I don't want you hurt. I will live in that barn if need be to keep that from happening again."
"Well I won't. I want to give you a home, woman. I want to carry you across that threshold. I want to have fires in our own fireplace and pictures on the walls and our friends to come to dinner and our children to feel safe. And I want to walk up those stairs every night and see your smiling face. And I want us to live there and love each other for the rest of our lives."
"It's hard to do that if you're dead, Robert E."
5. The next night, the Klansmen raid Grace's cafe. Loren is visibly upset by the fact that they're shooting guns off. Sully shows up and attacks some of them. Robert E. shoots at the intruders.
6. When Loren turns up with a buckshot wound the next day, Michaela puts two and two together. Dorothy is outraged that Robert E. would raise a gun "to a white man" and writes an article berating Robert E. In an epic confrontation, Michaela berates Dorothy's segregationist and apologist attitudes and goes on to confront the bankman in an epic flounce, proclaiming, "Take the clinic. Do whatever you want to do with my mortgage. I'll practice in the street if I have to. I'll pitch a tent, I'll work from my wagon, but I'll never, never give in to the likes of you!"It might be her best flounce of the season.
7. And in a horrible scene, Grace is assaulted -- her hair crudely razored off -- by three klansmen at her now-deserted cafe. Throughout the vignette, we see Robert working away as he sings "By and By" (Will the circle be unbroken? By and by, Lord, by and by ...). Sensing danger, he runs over to the cafe only to discover Grace, brutalized and traumatized, shivering at table.
8. When Michaela offers her home to Robert E. and Grace that night, Robert E. asks her why she's so different. She explains that her father was an abolitionist and believed all humans to be equal and that she will insist on raising her children the same. The Klan rides again and lights a cross outsider her home.
9. Robert E. then has a really heavy conversation with Brian about racism and slavery, what it meant for him to be owned. He shows Brian where his former owner branded him and tells Brian never to forget what he saw. Grace comes to buy a bonnet at the store and Dorothy is horrified to realize the consequences of her actions. Grace is a model of strength and determination as she walks with her new hat and then sees Robert E. back at work on their new home. They are warriors together.
10. Michaela enters the saloon and confronts the bank-hole. He goes on to threaten her children. And Sully makes it clear that he'll kill him if he tries. They then have a very lovely family talk with the Cooper Kids and the five of them go over to help Robert E. and Grace.
11. At night, Robert E. the klan is all fired up. Robert E. is nearly lynched, which finally scares some sense into Loren, Jake and Hank. And, of course, Sully saves the day. Or night. Michaela, again, delivers a passionate speech.
12. The next morning, Loren helps Grace and Robert E. move in.
It's intense.
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