Ep 2. I Just Went There To Study Anatomy

In the second episode of the first season of Gentleman Jack, titled "I Just Went There To Study Anatomy," we continue to follow the story of Anne Lister, a wealthy landowner and businesswoman living in the 19th century in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England.

As the episode begins, we see Anne returning home from an extended trip to Hastings and making preparations for her upcoming coal business negotiations. However, her mind seems to be preoccupied with her love life, as she pines for the attention of Ann Walker – a wealthy heiress who seems to return her affections, albeit hesitantly.

On the other hand, the Reverend Ainsworth – who had expressed romantic interest in Anne in the previous episode – is becoming increasingly obsessed with her, even following her to her home and confronting her with his desires. Meanwhile, Anne's family is pressuring her to attend church and conform to traditional gender roles, which she resists with all her might.

In the midst of all this drama, Anne also finds herself becoming interested in the medical field. She befriends a young woman named Eugénie, who is a medical student and gives Anne an anatomy lesson using a human skeleton. Anne is fascinated by the subject and begins to read medical textbooks and attend lectures at the local hospital. However, her behavior is deemed scandalous by society, and she faces criticism and mockery from her own family and friends.

Overall, this episode continues to explore the complex and multifaceted character of Anne Lister – a woman who defied convention and strived to live life on her own terms. We see her juggling her business affairs, her romantic pursuits, and her newfound interest in medical science while contending with societal pressure to conform to traditional gender norms. It's a captivating and thought-provoking episode that leaves the viewer eager for more.