Catherine Cookson's The Wingless Bird Season 1 Episode 7 The Rag Nymph, Part 1

Based on the novels by the late Catherine Cookson, The Catherine Cookson Collection Season 1 Episode 7 features the beginning of a two-part story titled The Rag Nymph. The episode is set in 1854 and follows the story of Millie, a young girl who is forced to make a living by selling rags on the streets of a slum in Victorian England.

As the episode begins, we see a group of children dressed in rags playing amongst the rubble of the slum. Millie, the protagonist, is among them. We soon learn that her mother has died, and she has been left to fend for herself in the slums. As she trudges through the streets looking for rags to sell, we see the tough and resilient character of Millie begin to emerge.

We are then introduced to a new character, Mr. Armroyd, a wealthy textile businessman who notices Millie on the street. He is intrigued by her and offers to take her under his wing, sparking a chain of events that will change Millie's life forever.

Back in the slums, Millie's rag-selling is disrupted when she meets a kind-hearted young woman named Miss Aspinall, a schoolteacher who takes her under her wing and begins to teach her how to read and write. This new friendship gives Millie hope for a brighter future outside the slums.

Meanwhile, Mr. Armroyd's wife, Mrs. Armroyd, is struggling with her own problems. She has recently lost her daughter and is unable to conceive again. This has put a strain on her marriage, causing her husband to turn to other women for comfort. This subplot adds a layer of drama to the story and helps to fully develop the characters of Mr. and Mrs. Armroyd.

As the episode progresses, we see Millie's life begin to change for the better as she is taken in by the Armroyd family. She is given a new life and new opportunities, but she still struggles with the pain and trauma of her past. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the viewer eagerly anticipating the conclusion in part two.

Overall, The Rag Nymph, Part 1 is a moving and emotional story that paints a stark picture of poverty and desperation in Victorian England. The characters are well-developed and the acting is superb. The episode features beautiful cinematography that captures the gritty reality of the slums and the opulence of the Armroyd household. With a compelling storyline and excellent production values, this episode is a must-watch for fans of period dramas and historical fiction.