Masterpiece Season 36 Episode 9 Carrie's War
- December 17, 2006
Carrie's War is a heartwarming and poignant episode of Masterpiece season 36. This episode tells the story of two siblings, Carrie and Nick, who are sent away from their London home during World War II to live with a family in the Welsh countryside. As they adjust to their new lives, they uncover secrets about the family they are staying with and the larger community.
The episode opens with Carrie and Nick saying goodbye to their mother as they set off on their journey to Wales. As they arrive at the train station, they are met by Mr. Evans, the gruff and taciturn man who will be their guardian during their stay in Wales. From the outset, it is clear there is tension between Mr. Evans and his kindly sister, Auntie Lou, who looks after Carrie and Nick's day-to-day needs.
Despite the initial discomfort of being away from home, Carrie quickly settles into her new surroundings. She makes friends with the local children and starts to explore the Welsh countryside. Nick, on the other hand, struggles to adapt. He is repeatedly admonished by Mr. Evans for his lack of discipline and rebellious nature.
As Carrie and Nick settle into their new home, they start to unravel the mysteries of the Evans family. They learn that Mr. Evans' son, who died in World War I, was the reason why Mr. Evans is so distant and gruff. They also uncover a family feud between Mr. Evans and his brother, who is a respected doctor in the nearby town.
The episode takes a dark turn when Carrie and Nick become witnesses to a local tragedy. Against Mr. Evans' wishes, they attend the May Day celebrations in town and witness the death of a young girl who falls from a bridge. The incident leaves Carrie and Nick traumatised and struggling to make sense of the tragedy.
As the episode progresses, tensions simmer between Mr. Evans and Auntie Lou. It becomes apparent that Auntie Lou has her own secrets, and Mr. Evans is hell-bent on uncovering them. Meanwhile, Carrie and Nick are drawn further into the web of secrets surrounding the Evans family as they try to understand the motivations behind Mr. Evans' behaviour.
Carrie's War is a powerful episode that touches on themes of loss, trauma and the bonds of family. It highlights the resilience of children and their ability to adapt to new environments, even in the midst of war. The performances from the cast are exceptional, particularly Alun Armstrong as the gruff and complex Mr. Evans, and Juliet Waley as the gentle and caring Auntie Lou.
Overall, Carrie's War is a must-watch for fans of Masterpiece. It is a compelling and deeply moving exploration of family, secrets and resilience in the face of adversity.