Masterpiece Season 40 Episode 10 Small Island (2)

Small Island (2) is the tenth and final episode of the 40th season of the acclaimed show Masterpiece, which airs on PBS. The episode is a continuation of the previous week's episode, Small Island (1), and follows the lives of the central characters, Gilbert, Hortense, Queenie, and Michael, during World War II.

In Small Island (2), the characters' lives are further impacted by the war. Gilbert and Michael, who are both Jamaican and have fought for the British army, return to London just as the city is being bombed. Gilbert reunites with his wife, Hortense, but things between them are strained after they drifted apart while he was away. Meanwhile, Michael struggles to find work and to adjust to life back in England.

Queenie, who is pregnant with Bernard's child, is forced to evacuate her home and move to a small village in the countryside. There, she confronts racism and discrimination from the villagers but also finds support and friendship from her landlady, Mrs. Bligh.

As the war continues, the characters face their own personal challenges and struggles. Gilbert and Hortense's marriage is tested when Hortense starts to feel overshadowed by Gilbert's experiences in the war. Michael, who is still grappling with the trauma of his experiences, also struggles to find a sense of belonging in England. Queenie, meanwhile, faces the difficult decision of whether to raise her child in a country that has been hostile towards her.

Small Island (2) is a poignant and timely depiction of the struggles faced by immigrants, particularly Black immigrants, in Britain during and after World War II. The episode also highlights the resilience and strength of the characters, who navigate the challenges with grace and determination.

The acting in Small Island (2) is superb, with standout performances from Naomi Ackie (who plays Hortense) and David Oyelowo (who plays Gilbert). The cinematography and production design also capture the period and setting beautifully, transporting the viewer back to wartime England.

Overall, Small Island (2) is a moving and powerful conclusion to the story that started in Small Island (1). It is a testament to the importance of diversity and representation in storytelling, and a reminder of the struggles faced by those who have been marginalized in society.