After some talk, the three of us felt we needed to give a closer approach to the series and comment on the finest points of each episode individually. There are so many scenes, aspects and characters to talk about that it seemed the perfect way to cover it all. We truly hope you’ll like our idea and continue to share with us your opinions and thoughts.
One of the most shocking and violent scenes in the first episode is when Margaret Hale meets John Thornton at his cotton mill and finds him beating one of his workers. If you were in Margaret’s place, do you think you’d have reacted in a different way? And would this event make you dislike John? Also, are there any other scenes in this first episode that caught your eye?
Dado que ainda não vi a série, é melhor não ler estes posts
Eu não acredito!!! Mas ó dona Fantasma do que está à espera?! E eu a pensar que vinha aqui dar dois dedos de conversa.
É verdade!! Esta série é um “must see”!!
After thinking carefully about the meeting scene, I really doubt I would have a different reaction. I cannot blame Margaret for getting a bad impression from Mr Thornton right away. Maybe the matter could have been solved differently but we’ll find out later that John has a bit of a temper and even if justified sometimes it can be overwhelming. Also, she finds out when returning home that he is an acquaintance of her father and his pupil, so someone she would have to see regularly. That would put me in a very bad mood indeed!
Another favorite moment in this first episode, who was already mentioned in our previous post by Xana, is the tea scene. The way Margaret serves the tea, her bracelet who moves with every single gesture and Thornton’s look. Those eyes say so many things in that moment, it’s breathtaking.
Finally, the end of the episode, with the cotton flying inside the mill and around the workers, Thornton who shows up suddenly and Margaret who is, meanwhile, writing to her cousin Edith and says: “I believe I’ve seen Hell and it’s white, snow white.” Perfect ending for a perfect episode.
When I began to watch the series, I had no idea about it or the book. The scene where Mr Thornton beats the worker had a really negative effect on me and I couldn’t get my head around him being a hero for quite some time…now that I think about it, I almost had the same reaction as Margaret, prejudice – but because of the violence. The scene that made an impact on me was when Margaret first opened the door to the factory and all the cotton was flying – it was amazing. And as Alex mentioned, Margaret’s words at the end were so full of imagery, they were perfect.
Oh yes! and the look – The look where she is walking up the steps in to the union meeting and he’s up high looking out a window at her and she looks back. Was that in episode 1? I thought that was great.
I have no doubts I would probably have the same reaction, without knowing all the facts the picture that was presented to Margaret was a brutish employer senselessly beating a poor man. Who wouldn’t act that way? After getting to know him though we learn that he was protecting his mill and its workers from a fate similar to the one he witnessed, 300 people burnt to death, that made me feel a lot more sympathetic to him. And in the end, I think John Thornton was a more than righteous man for that day and age!
Margaret dislikes him because of the violence but when she learns the whole truth what continues to feed her dislike is her prejudice against manufacturers, again the snotty personality.
Like Alex I loved the end of the first episode, the music, Margaret’s and the images are perfect!
Those are indeed some powerful moments, Dee. Each time Mr. Thornton gives “the look” I simply melt away…
Also, I don’t want to give any spoilers for those who intend to read the book but the way they meet in the serie is not the same way Gaskell wrote it. I do understand they needed to create a clash between them in the begining and it had to be something we could understand today, since prejudice against a tradesman would be considered a too lightly (and silly!) motive by modern audiences.
Before I forget, how about the music? Did you like it? I’m in love with it but unfortunately, the soundtrack by Martin Phipps wasn’t released yet.
LOL Are you liking Margaret now, Ana O.?
I agree with all of you regarding the way they meet. It was a schock for Margaret to meet him like that and then find him peacefully having tea with her father. To his credit he does address the subject immediately but even after she realises he had motives she still dislikes him. Snotty Margaret!
I keep thinking of her comment to Higgins about Thornton looking better than a bulldog! Isn’t that the first time she says something positive about him? However shallow that may seem it shows she actually looked at him doesn’t it? ;-P
Tenho de a pedir emprestada à Ana O., pronto, não batam mais
É já na 3ª que ta levo!
Alex, I’m also in love with the soundtrack, it’s oh so beautiful!
Margaret is becoming a little less annoying she seems to finally have seen the error of her ways. I’m at the part where Thornton helps her get rid of the police officer.
Ah finalmente!
Depois ficamos à espera da sua opinião, Dona Fantasma.
A bit late to the party, I know, but I’ve finally seen the series yesterday.
The first episode has many beautiful scenes, pretty much every scene you’ve mentioned, now that I think of it. The final scene is one of my favorites, as well as the one where Margaret is coming down the stairs, before the whistle lets everyone out of the factory. The colors were amazing in that shot.
Like you guys, I also had a problem with the beating scene, even though we know that Thorton’s actions were “somewhat” justified. Can’t wait to see how Gaskell had them meet in the movie (the book is sold out here in Coimbra. Damn, I’ll have to look for it in Lisboa).
One complaint about this first episode, though. I thought the beginning was a bit rushed, especially for people who haven’t read the book. Mr. hale’s reasons and their arrival in Milton wasn’t very clear to me, I kept thinking that there as a scene missing.
About that rushed beginning, there’s an extra cena in the dvd who tells us more about Mr Hale reasons to move up to Milton. Of course, you have a much better explanation in the book.
You’ll be surprised to see how Margaret and John met, let’s say the producers took some liberties.
I saw the 1st episode again this week and the moment when Margaret opens the mill door is one of my favorites (another one!). Beautiful!