Masterpiece Season 10 Episode 13 Testament of Youth (4)
- December 21, 1980
In Masterpiece season 10 episode 13, titled "Testament of Youth (4)", viewers are taken on a journey through the aftermath of World War I as seen through the eyes of a young woman named Vera Brittain. Brittain, played by Alicia Vikander, is a determined and independent woman who wants to pursue her education at Oxford University. However, after the outbreak of war, she volunteers as a nurse and travels to France to help care for wounded soldiers.
The episode explores the emotional toll of war and how it can affect both those who fight in it and those who love them. Brittain is haunted by the loss of her brother and fiancé, who were both killed in the war. She is forced to confront the realities of war and the devastating consequences it has had on her own life and the lives of those around her.
As the war draws to a close, Brittain returns to England and resumes her studies at Oxford. However, she finds it difficult to readjust to civilian life and struggles to come to terms with the loss of those she loved. Through her writing, she attempts to process her grief and make sense of the senseless violence she witnessed.
The episode is visually stunning and expertly portrays the devastation of war. The acting is top-notch, with Vikander delivering a powerful and emotionally charged performance as the grieving Brittain. The show also does a great job of highlighting the importance of education, particularly for women, as Brittain fights for her right to pursue her dreams despite the obstacles in her path.
Overall, "Testament of Youth (4)" is a moving and thought-provoking episode that explores the lasting impact of war on both individuals and society as a whole. It is a fitting conclusion to the mini-series and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable tragedy.