ComeWhatMay

They don’t—and they shouldn’t anymore. Triangles/quadrangles/soap opera shenanigans make everyone in them look bad and this one has dragged on for two series. This isn’t The Vampire Diaries. Heh. I sometimes forget how women were blamed back then even when the men involved were clearly to blame. If they get another go, Amelia can and should just get out of dodge, but Clara would have a much harder time if Max places her in a situation where she has no choice but marry Jonas... The renewal announcement was slow to come last time, probably due to multiple studios and countries in the mix and actors schedules.

I really hope the show continues and I am glad I bought the DVDs. Zella, thank you for the book information. It sounds like the casting for Clara elevated the character — there’s just more there, there with LVF. I also think the show sees her as sociable rather than shallow, as do I. For all his intelligence, I agree Max is lacking in social graces and has a lot of trouble communicating. I knew for certain he loved Clara when he hauled ass out of the house utterly terrified, startling Leah, the night Clara was attacked. “Drive” is right, Amelia. Max kissed Clara. It felt like him taking Oskar’s advice from the last finale to grab happiness. Jonas should hightail it too, because Clara went there and really wanted Max to… kiss her. Ahem. The intense and tight hug, Clara caressing Max’s face, and their warm and lingering kiss are not how you say goodbye in my book. Does anyone else see them, literally kissing in the window?! Hope we find out. And, pardon the Jack Harlow, but Max shouldn’t send Clara “back to her [fiancé] with [his] handprint on her ass cheek” anyway. I see Clara — imagine her in 2022 (Max who by now, well probably) — as much constrained by the times as Amelia, who came to Vienna for her career and got the kitchen sink and a murderous boss lobbed at her. Clara’s choices at this stage are probably very limited outside of Jonas, partly due, in my view, to Max messing her about so badly before. Think if he took the out she gave him rather than propose. Jonas gave me a Carlisle vibe (Downton Abbey) with that look and not telling Clara about the sale, and the heart wants what it wants. I don’t blame her. Max put it all on the line for her and looked gorgeous doing it, even done up like a monk with yes, perfect hair. Heh. MB rocks those suits as much as LVF those dresses. I would argue it’s the continued dithering from Max that is the weakness in the show and mucks with Max’s good guy characterization in the process. Good guys do not play with people and while it may not come from a place of malice in Max’s case (or Clara’s with Jonas), the result is the same and makes you like them less. All Creatures Helen should have ended it with Hugh before the altar, I think, but at least she ended it and before James’ lips or any other part of him touched hers. I hope Clara ends things with Jonas too, before the altar, and does not pull an Amanda on Grantchester. Just ugh. Guy and Amanda’s eventual daughter definitely deserved better, Hell even Guy deserved better. My vote: Send Amelia 2.0 off to better things, send Jonas to find someone who actually wants him and/or to become a bonafide foe as it could be really fun, and in doing so shrink the tepid quad to a couple, Max and Clara. Max continues to run the streets with big brother/uncle Oskar. I also vote to keep Max’s parents and sister (plus nephew when fitting) around. I missed them in part 2 of this episode. Here’s hoping for more Vienna Blood.

Max and Oskar are fabulous. It was a hoot to watch Max and Clara interact after Helen with Hugh on All Creatures. Helen knows she made the right call. When you know you did the right thing, you don’t have obvious seller’s remorse like Clara (Clara actually called it off after all) or hot hand shakes with the ex “who still feels responsible for you.” Hugh’s new gal is a viper, but it’s not Helen’s problem and she knows it and Max could really have stopped short of the undercover op and gone to the opera with Amelia if he really wanted to…

“Are you happy, Clara?” “You don’t have the right to ask me that. I’m not your patient.” Feel the burn. And, no, she’s not happy, her fiancé Jonas knows it — and neither are you, Maximilian. Thanks to my series one DVD. Von Bülow is a moron. Lily — tick, tock, tick, tock — gave me the creeps. Max and Oskar are a dynamic duo. The bomb bit had my heart racing and their back and forth over the bomb had me chuckling. I get the desire for him to go stag for the show, but Max will have endless puzzles at work and moonlighting with Oskar. A straightforward mate who can hold her own would serve him well and fit the era where there are less single folks of a certain age, like me.

I bet a Mitford was her inspiration. Beautiful face, ugly inside.

And I ordered the DVDs with the KN95 masks I need more of for my work event and hotel stay in the near future. No self control, whatsoever… By the way, series one is back ordered on PBS and it’s a wait on Amazon too. It seems they really don’t have to do much for this show.

I thought he was. I thought his wife left at the end of series one, returning her ring? I thought that was a flashback that the archivist’s words elicited about death being all she had? Oscar’s grief led him to retreat in to his work and to an unconquerable divide with his wife?

Neither may realize the value of it. Someone with knowledge of the finer things would make the connection, but two people of humble means, maybe not, never mind knowing who to approach to sell it. Where I live, trust funders short on cash know where to go. I wanted to tell Tristan through the TV that if Helen was all about the fancy things she would be a married lady now. Given the feel good nature of the show I can see Mrs. Hall as Mrs. Farnum too.

I think it wasn’t even thought that you would want to at that time. Raised in a loving home with favored status from the looks of it, Max has the security, smarts, looks, style, and confidence to break all the rules. Even the ones you shouldn’t. There’s a big ick factor now and for good reason. I met half of a doctor-former patient marriage years ago and yikes. Religious difference in pre-world-changing war number one is also something you need to be strong stuff as a pair to contend with…

I really did not want the episode to end. We will see if I make it to the end without binging. It feels odd to comment on it as I am not a Max and Amelia fan in either iteration, but watching tonight I am reminded of a ‘90s daytime producer’s musing about her “supercouples” stymied by a half’s departure for a shot at prime time and movies and how the couples no longer worked with the recasts. I saw nothing but doe eyes from Lucy’s side in that scene with Matthew. I honestly thought, Max move on. You are bothering the woman. To be fair to Lucy, I found Matthew’s chemistry with Jessica way less than stellar too, but the character had more backbone with Jessica and I could see the infatuation Max had with her. If I am supposed to see Clara as the spoiler here, thus far it’s very much the opposite. The proposal scene was gorgeous and the light and dark combo reminded me of Matthew and Mary in season one of Downton Abbey.

Nice interview with Luise Von Finckh (Clara) here… https://www.pressparty.com/pg/newsdesk/BBC2/view/273843/?isworld=y I am watching as it airs and really enjoying it. I may even buy the DVDs. Sorry to hear about the cliffhanger, but maybe they know something we do not. Hope springs eternal. The show does not get the promo love or outright multi-series renewals like All Creatures, but seems to do well enough in a quiet way. I hope they keep it going. Luise at least seems game.

Vienna Blood series 2 airs on PBS beginning January 9. https://www.pbs.org/show/vienna-blood/

“Sidney was a drunk.” Yes, he was. Tell it, Leonard. Leonard’s a new man after his time in prison. Unspeakable times can break us or make us. Johnny and Geordie are a tragic duo. “Three meals a day, blankets, and clean water…” Henry made a great save. I do not blame Cathy, but man it’s sad to see Geordie given the boot, however well deserved. Geordie: “I am glad you did not serve. You can see the world as it ought to be because you didn’t serve.” Will: “The only reason I didn’t have to is because of men like you and Johnny.” Lovely.

I was having my dinner when the rat appeared. The city I live in has no shortage. Ugh. Hot widower, get your tenements in order before you attempt to court Trixie. I felt it when Matthew remarked on 100 years of wrongdoing by his family. It’s never too late to do better. Glad baby Robert is loved. Special needs children who will not be able to live independently just need their next addresses set-up while you are here to do it. I have a cousin who has a place she will be moved to when her parents are gone. It will not be them, but it will be nice.

When Geordie raised his hand to Cathy, I came close to writing him off, but when he unfolded that too long list of names he keeps on him he had me again. Leave Johnny alone and start living for your friends robbed of doing so who would have done good with the chance Johnny and you got. I know that’s easier said than done. Leonard’s trajectory was brutal to watch, but he looked stronger than he ever has preaching to his fellow prisoners and that was wonderful to see. Keep going, Leonard.

Poor Dickens. First, Sidney. Now Leonard. His humans keep leaving him. The low blows notwithstanding… And the Nazi comparison particularly uncool given what Will knew happened to Geordie… Truth hurts for Will and Geordie. Will did need to stop talking and see Leonard. Will is going pay for this roll in the hay whether or not it went all the way. That cake looked good. No, Henry. I get it, but you are picking the wrong side when it’s the foul bishop’s.

“What the Dickens?!” Mrs. C., you disappointed me, but you came to your senses. The “questioning” of Leonard made my blood boil. Horrific. Will made me tear up testifying. And, Leonard and Will got me at the end with that sermon. Six months in prison is an outrage. The Bishop is gross. Cathy is the absolute best. Geordie won the ultimate lottery and almost lost it all like a fool. He got lucky again when he got another go.

“It’s the teeth.” Heh. Some of us do have a way about us. Especially our true military heroes. Ah, Geordie. Not cool. Will grew up. Long in the tooth to still be mucking about Tamara, okay. Orson III couldn’t cut it and felt entitled to it. Like a lot of them, that picture perfect family was anything but…. How did Will’s family look to outsiders? Yes, that was a great Sidney impression by Leonard. One was enough. Yay for Daniel and Leonard.

I’m with Geordie. Dammit, Leonard. And, yes, there is no realistic way this ends well in ‘50s England.

Especially in those circles. “Many cupboards” in those houses. It reminded me of Will and Meredith, the aborted baby, and Eddie and Meredith still dining and socializing with Will’s parents and Meredith moving on to sleeping with Will’s father.

“I told him it’s none of our business unless you were burying them.” Ha! “People like you deserve to be exposed.” Self-loathing is toxic and in the throes of bitterness like Bryan you vomit it all over the people in your path, especially those you envy. Bryan is the reason he does not have a circle like Leonard. Will is a good friend. Leonard will need all his friends. Tamara is a piece of work, but I see where she came from… Parenthood is the ultimate gamble and you have to really want it. Being a parent means loving whoever he/she/they turn out to be. Mr. Asper had the wrong idea about it and the child pays when you go along to get along and have one like Mrs. Asper. Glad this fictional situation got sorted, but too many real ones do not.

Merries, the English Kellerman’s Dysfunction and murder, no extra charge. That photographer is a dirt bag.

I think Serena will come after June personally and we know Serena’s a sociopath. June brought a war to that house sending that finger especially. She needs to get the war away from Nichole. Like Nichole’s father did. Loved the controlled rage Nick exhibited when he came face to face with Fred again with knowledge of the labor inducing rape on top of all the rest — and that pistol whip Nick gave Fred. Love that Lawrence got in there too, in my mind for Eleanor. Nick and June rub noses as we know. Moss’ kiss on baby Nichole’s nose at the end was a nice touch. The casting people did a great job with the baby, by the way. I see Moss’ hair and eyes and Minghella’s profile. It was especially noticeable last episode.

Luke looked like he swallowed some liquid courage ahead of his conversation with June about Nick. Thinking back to the earlier talk with Lawrence (declared a “f***** a**hole” by Luke despite seeming to know people were listening in), where Lawrence tells June her “love f**** people up and she’s a “fountain of heartache and misery,” is he really talking about Hannah — or Nick? I imagine Nick fathering Gilead Enemy #1’s daughter put on blast in the International Criminal Court was the impetus for Nick being made to marry again in spite of being at the front — hence the ring. I think Luke found his conversation with June thoroughly emasculating. June’s face when Luke said Nick’s a “big man” now so let’s use him while we can and then that look O-T’s Luke had when June said there’s nothing Nick would not do for her and Nichole. Dude, you asked for it. Suggesting using Nichole to manipulate Nick — “how can he say no to you when you bring him his daughter” — was messed up as was the clear implication I got that Luke was hoping Nick would decide on and facilitate a trade of Nichole for Hannah. It would have the added benefit of diminishing Nick in June’s eyes. By morning, with his extra diapers and sliced peaches, you could see Luke wanted to take it back. Luke loves Nichole. She’s his daughter now too. And his face sitting there when June finally got home with Nichole said it all. Luke and Nick were each blown away by their beautiful girls, but O-T and Max’s well played reactions suited their characters personalities. Luke’s tears when he saw the photos of Hannah recalled his exuberant reaction to June’s pregnancy. His desire to immediately reclaim Hannah is understandable, but naive in a way that is willful ignorance at this point. I also think Moira’s “we have a good man in Gilead” burned Luke. Tuello smiled and agreed… Hmm… The whole scene of Nick, June, and their daughter was gorgeous. Nick hurriedly wiped his nose and collected himself before June brought Nichole over to the window after they kissed and held one another. As much as Nick longed to hold Nichole again he was careful not to confuse or force himself on her. Remember Serena at that visit? Nick’s “my beautiful girl” and wonder as he gazed at Nichole recalled his hand on June’s stomach and head on her shoulder when she told him she was pregnant. June’s lack of reply when Nick told her to keep herself safe… You know she cannot do that or be happy, Nick. You won’t be able to be happy either. As much as June wants Hannah with Luke, she wants Nick with Nichole. The tears coming home were for father and infant daughter too. Tuello is the typical three-letter bureau guy making a deal with Fred and Serena. Gilead knows Fred is compromised and they have no doubt made adjustments internally, limiting his usefulness. Deals with vile people wind up costing you more than you gain and there is no justifying it to their victims. Insult to injury personified would be Fred and Serena riding off into the sunset with their son to make more trouble while June’s daughters loving fathers are left heartbroken without their children. I don’t blame June for completely losing it.

Luke is… normal. Frustratingly so. Annoyingly so. He wants June to be the old June and he lacks patience with what could only be an arduous and long healing process for her. Key in that process is loved ones respecting boundaries by not being where you asked them not to be and recognizing that your testimony in court is never all of it. Moving on is impossible with Hannah still in Gilead anyway. Luke wants Hannah back as much as June, but in his simplicity, would want his little girl, forever altered and never to be the same, back as well. Moss nailed June’s testimony. I liked how her voice softened when she spoke of becoming pregnant by Nick and of her resulting daughter Nichole. I do think June wanted to say “our daughter” for Nick that second time, but she had to protect him there and everywhere else as much as possible and she did. Softness in her voice gave it away though. I wonder if the Gilead brass like Nick and Lawrence got audio or a transcript? When Lawrence met with Lydia, I got the sense he had needed a lie down. Nick was surely beside himself too. I do not think he ever knew about the rape to induce labor and hasten his daughter’s arrival. Anyway, Nick and Lawrence are on Front Street in Gilead after the testimony for sure. Loved Lawrence razzing Lydia about it. And, his crack that June “might just wrap that old goat [God] around her finger too” made me laugh out loud.