Ep 2. Home and Abroad

Charles Ryder, a budding painter, is invited by Sebastian Flyte to spend the summer with him at his family's grand estate, Brideshead. In the second installment of this captivating series titled Home and Abroad, Charles arrives as a guest at the Flyte's palatial ancestral home, Brideshead. At Brideshead, he is welcomed with open arms by Sebastian's family. But the youthful friendship between Charles and Sebastian becomes strained as they begin to come from different worlds.

The series was based on the classic novel by Evelyn Waugh, and this episode is a perfect adaptation of the book. Director Charles Sturridge and writer John Mortimer crafted a beautiful and faithful rendition of the original text. The episode begins with Charles and Sebastian's arrival at Brideshead. It doesn't take long for Charles to fall under the enchanting spell of the estate. Brideshead is the epitome of grandeur, and the Flyte family is the essence of privilege.

At Brideshead, Charles first meets Sebastian's mother, the imperious Lady Marchmain. She's an imposing figure, a matriarch who rules her brood with an iron hand. But she's also the queen of charm, and Charles is immediately captivated by her allure. And then there's Sebastian's sister Julia, whom Charles instantly finds himself attracted to – he is bewitched by her delicate beauty.

This episode takes us on a journey of changes and progressions, which is beautifully highlighted by the setting of the Flyte's grand estate. The Flyte family may be wealthy, but they are not immune to the shifts and changes that time brings. It is Lady Marchmain's deep-rooted conviction that noble lineage must go hand in hand with religious devotion, which sets the stage for a fascinating exploration of the intersection between faith and family.

Amidst all the splendor and privilege, Charles is acutely aware of the barriers that exist between him and the Flyte family. It's no secret that he does not come from the same social background as the Flytes, and it shows in the awkwardness of certain scenes. In the episode, Mortimer is successful in weaving in societal issues such as class and religion in a way that builds tension, without being heavy-handed.

The cinematography of this episode is breathtaking, and the music is sublime. Everything from the costumes to the sets makes the viewer feel like they are being transported back in time. It's in the details that the production team shines, from the delicate way Charles brushes Julia's hand to the subtle glances exchanged between Charles and Sebastian.

The episode perfectly weaves together themes of love and loss, religion and family, and the distinctions between town and country. Charles has lived a life that is vastly different from that of the Flytes, and at Brideshead, he gets to see up close the privileges and luxuries of the aristocracy. However, as the episode progresses, it becomes clear that being as privileged as the Flytes comes with a great many burdens. Lady Marchmain is a woman who is governed by strong ideals, and her influence over her children serves to highlight how the expectations of parents can shape and define their children's lives.

In conclusion, Home and Abroad, the second episode of Brideshead Revisited, is an utterly compelling story of lost innocence, class conflict, religion, and love. Director Charles Sturridge, Writer John Mortimer, and the rest of the production team have done an exceptional job in bringing the opulent world of Brideshead to life. The episode is a faithful and captivating adaptation of the source material, and it's a must-watch for anyone looking for a poignant exploration of faith, family, and the human condition.