Masterpiece Season 20 Episode 2 The Ginger Tree (1)
- October 14, 1990
The episode titled "The Ginger Tree (1)" is the second episode of the 20th season of Masterpiece. It is a period drama that follows the story of a young Scottish woman named Mary Mackenzie, who travels to China in the early 20th century to marry her betrothed, a British military attaché named Ambrose Fraser.
The episode begins with Mary leaving her home in Scotland and traveling to Hong Kong, where she meets her future husband for the first time. Although initially taken aback by his aloofness and lack of affection, Mary makes an effort to connect with Ambrose and build a life with him in China. The couple settles into their new home, and Mary tries to adapt to the culture and customs of her new surroundings.
However, their marriage is quickly tested when Ambrose is called away on military duty, leaving Mary alone in a foreign country. She struggles to adapt to the new culture and language, but finds solace in a friendship with a Japanese man named Count Kentaro Kurihama. The two become close, sharing their experiences of feeling like outsiders in a foreign land.
As Mary begins to build a life for herself in China, she must also confront the cultural differences that threaten to tear her and Ambrose apart. From dealing with infidelity to struggling with the expectations that come with being a British officer's wife, Mary must navigate a complex web of relationships and social norms.
"The Ginger Tree (1)" sets the stage for an epic tale of love, loss, and cultural clashes in the early 20th century. With stunning cinematography and gripping performances, this episode is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas.