Masterpiece Season 38 Episode 11 Tess of the D'Urbervilles Part 2
- January 11, 2009
Tess of the D'Urbervilles Part 2 is the eleventh episode of the 38th season of the PBS show Masterpiece. This episode follows on from the first part with further exploration the story of Tess, a young woman from a poor family who is taken advantage of and mistreated by those around her.
With the death of her child and the rejection of her husband, Tess decides to leave her hometown of Marlott to start a new life. However, her past continues to haunt her, and she finds herself drawn back to her former hometown where she is forced to confront her past once again. The episode also follows the fortunes of Angel, Tess's former lover, who is struggling to find his place in the world after his marriage to Tess was annulled.
The theme of social class is explored in this episode as Tess is reminded of her place in society and is unable to escape the prejudices of those around her. Additionally, the episode examines the themes of power, control and abuse as it delves further into Tess's experiences at the hands of her abusers and oppressors.
Throughout the episode, the audience is drawn into the emotional turmoil experienced by both Tess and Angel as they navigate their separate journeys. With stunning cinematography, beautiful costume design and expert direction, viewers are transported to a world of Victorian England where the social mores of the time are laid bare.
As the episode draws to a close, it leaves the audience with a sense of unresolved tension and a deep sense of empathy for the characters. It is a testament to the power of this timeless story that it continues to captivate and resonate with audiences more than a century after its original publication.
Overall, Tess of the D'Urbervilles Part 2 is a masterful exploration of themes that are still relevant today. With powerful performances from the cast, exquisite production values and a compelling narrative, it cements Masterpiece's reputation as one of the premier television franchises on the air today.