alchemicink

Ah, it was one of those weeks where I really loved the episode until the last few minutes 😒

"The Deal" was quite entertaining, with a lot of moments I really enjoyed. But it was just that one little narrative decision in the end that sorta ruined the whole thing for me.

Why must this show write off all my favorite characters?? (Yes, I'm still bitter about Moses being gone. It's been two seasons and I still won't let it go)

Now Patrick Nash has exited the storyline, with him heading to Australia to start a new life. I'm going to miss his relationship with Eliza because it had grown and changed a lot over the past few seasons. It had truly been a joy for me to watch. She doesn't have many friends but he's definitely one of them.

I don't know if the actor had other obligations that required the writers to literally put him on a boat, but if so, I kinda wish we'd ended his storyline at the end of season four. That case at the end of the previous season held a lot of emotional weight to it for his character that this episode just doesn't convey.

So it just feels a bit unsatisfying to get him out of prison for this kind of case, and then have him leave the country. We could have instead followed his struggle to get back on his feet post-prison, and I think that could have been an interesting contrast to Eliza, who's finally having quite a bit of professional success.

But anyway, a review can't just be me talking about hypotheticals. Ending aside, I did like plenty of this episode. Clarence going undercover and finding his "poker face" was a lot of fun. As was the scene when he gets to tackle the guy they're searching for. I'm enjoying his extended role in detective work this season.

And I continue to enjoy how this season is showcasing different storylines about ladies. Ivy's storyline shifts from professional to personal, as she finally works through her reluctance to get married. (My mother was convinced at the beginning of the episode that their break up would be permanent, but I said they'll be married by the end of the season. I think I'm gonna be winning that one.) Ivy's always been a mother figure to Eliza, so I liked that the episode at least gave us a glimpse of her feelings about not wanting to leave.

It was nice to see Mrs. Parker return (and not just for her amazing hats). She's always been a fascinating contrast to Eliza's character, as a headstrong but old-fashioned widow. Her appearances in the series are usually brief, but she's changed so much since season one. I think that shines through well in this episode.

Lastly, I continue to be disappointed by the missing regular characters this season. Again, there's no Fitzroy or Phelps in this episode. And even Inspector Blake was absent this time. I understand this episode's storyline didn't need them, but the season is only six episodes long! I just wish the writing gave everyone a better chance to be involved in the cases.

Anyway, I'm feeling kinda conflicted about this episode overall. But hey, maybe the last two episodes of the season will manage to change my opinion.