Ep 13. The End of the Beginning

A Family at War season 1 episode 13, titled "The End of the Beginning," picks up where the previous episode left off, with the family recovering from the shock of the bombing of Liverpool by the German Luftwaffe. The episode focuses on the many ways in which the war has impacted the Bradshaws, with each member of the family dealing with their own unique struggles and challenges.

At the center of the episode is the character of Celia, who is still struggling to come to terms with the fact that her husband has been called up to serve in the army. She spends much of the episode trying to find ways to keep busy and distract herself from worrying about him, eventually coming up with the idea to start volunteering at the local hospital.

Meanwhile, her husband, Cliff, is struggling himself with adjusting to army life. He's been placed in charge of a group of soldiers, many of whom are inexperienced and unprepared for battle. He feels the weight of responsibility on his shoulders and worries that he won't be able to effectively lead his men.

Other members of the family are also dealing with their own challenges. The youngest son, Wilfred, is struggling in school and feels like he doesn't fit in with his peers. The eldest son, Stanley, is dealing with the aftermath of a failed relationship and is struggling to find meaningful work. The family patriarch, Harry, is facing financial difficulties and worries about being able to keep his business afloat in the midst of the war.

Throughout the episode, the family comes together to support one another and try to find ways to cope with the challenges they're facing. They attend church together and try to keep their spirits up despite the constant anxiety and fear that comes with living in a city under attack.

As the episode comes to a close, the family is forced to confront the reality that this war is far from over. They may have made it through the initial shock of the bombing, but there are still many more challenges ahead. Despite this, the Bradshaws remain resilient and determined to stick together as a family and persevere through whatever challenges come their way.

Overall, "The End of the Beginning" is a powerful and emotional episode that perfectly captures the struggles of a family trying to navigate life during wartime. It's a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, we can find hope and comfort in the love and support of our family and friends.