Masterpiece Season 1 Episode 7 The First Churchills (7): Trial of Strength

The First Churchills (7): Trial of Strength is the seventh episode of season 1 of the British historical drama television series Masterpiece. Set in the late 17th century, the show follows the life of John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough, and his wife Sarah Jennings, as they navigate politics, war, and their own tumultuous relationship.

In this episode, the focus is on Sarah and her brother, Charles Jennings, as they are called to testify before the House of Commons in London. The trial centers around allegations of misconduct and misappropriation of funds by Sarah's cousin and close ally, Robert Spencer, the Earl of Sunderland.

As Sarah takes to the witness stand, she faces intense questioning from the prosecution, who try to paint her as a conspirator in Spencer's alleged wrongdoing. Despite her protestations of innocence and her strong defense of Spencer, Sarah's reputation takes a hit as rumors swirl about her involvement in the scandal.

Meanwhile, John is consumed with the war effort against France, which has reached a critical point. He struggles to balance his duties as commander-in-chief with his growing frustration at the political machinations of the government and the constant interference of his enemies.

As the trial wears on, tensions escalate between John and Sarah, as her loyalty to Spencer puts her at odds with her husband's desire to distance himself from any hint of impropriety. Their marriage is strained to breaking point as they struggle to reconcile their conflicting loyalties and ambitions.

The episode culminates in a dramatic scene in which John confronts Sarah over her defense of Spencer, and the two finally confront the underlying issues in their relationship. In a moment of rare vulnerability, John admits his love for Sarah and his fear that their marriage is falling apart. The scene is a powerful reminder of the emotional complexity and depth of the characters in this captivating period drama.

Overall, The First Churchills (7): Trial of Strength is a strong episode that showcases the talents of the show's outstanding cast and the compelling storytelling that has made Masterpiece a favorite among fans of historical drama. With its nuanced exploration of politics, war, and personal relationships, this episode is a standout in an already impressive season.