Ep 7. Why've You Brought That?

Anne Lister continues her quest for power and influence in Episode 7 of Gentleman Jack's first season, "Why've You Brought That?". In this episode, Anne engages in a battle of wits and wills with the Marquess of Hastings, a man who has made it his mission to stop Anne from acquiring the coal fields that she so desperately desires. As the episode unfolds, Anne struggles to maintain her composure in the face of the Marquess' arrogance and hostility, while also grappling with her own inner demons.

As the episode begins, Anne is preparing to attend a gathering at the Marquess' estate, where she hopes to convince him to sell her the coal fields. However, things quickly take a turn for the worse when the Marquess reveals that he has no intention of selling to Anne, and instead insists that she leave his estate immediately. Undeterred, Anne decides to take matters into her own hands and devises a plan to sneak into the Marquess' study and steal the documents that she needs to gain control of the coal fields.

As Anne sets her plan in motion, she faces a number of obstacles, including a snooping valet and a determined housekeeper who seems to know more than she's letting on. Meanwhile, Anne's romantic interests continue to play out, with her relationship with Ann Walker taking center stage. Together, the two women navigate the complexities of their feelings for one another, while also dealing with the challenges of living in a world that is not accepting of their choices.

As the episode draws to a close, Anne emerges victorious in her battle with the Marquess, securing control of the coal fields and solidifying her position as a powerful landowner. However, it is clear that this victory has come at a great cost, and Anne is left to grapple with the emotional fallout and the toll that her constant striving for power and influence has taken on her relationships and mental well-being.

Overall, "Why've You Brought That?" is a compelling and engaging episode that showcases the strengths of Gentleman Jack as a series. With its complex characters, intricate plotting, and nuanced exploration of themes such as gender, sexuality, and power, this episode is a must-watch for fans of the show and anyone looking for a thoughtful and thought-provoking drama.