Masterpiece Season 40 Episode 3 Emma (Part One)

Emma (Part One) is the third episode of the 40th season of the popular British television series, Masterpiece. This particular episode takes viewers on a journey through the early 19th century, following the young, independent and beautiful Emma Woodhouse, who is determined to become the matchmaker of her small community.

The first part of this two-part adaptation of Jane Austen's 1815 novel Emma, focuses on the life and adventures of the titular character, played by Anya Taylor-Joy. Emma is a young and charming woman who is determined to pair up her friends and acquaintances into happy, satisfying relationships. The opening of this episode sees her successfully matching her governess with a man of equal standing, which only serves to fuel Emma's self-belief.

As the episode progresses, Emma becomes increasingly convinced that she has a talent for matchmaking, and it's not long before she sets her sights on her next target: Harriet Smith (played by Mia Goth), a young woman who is said to have been abandoned as a baby and has no clear social standing or prospects.

With Harriet as her focus, Emma sets out to find her a suitable match, despite the fact that Harriet's love interest - a farmer named Robert Martin - seems entirely unsuitable according to Emma's high standards. Unperturbed by her lack of success in setting Harriet up, Emma continues to meddle in the affairs of her acquaintances, to varying degrees of success.

Alongside Emma's desire to be a successful matchmaker, the episode explores various subplots, including the friendship between Emma and Mr. Knightley (played by Johnny Flynn), who is both amused and concerned by her matchmaking schemes. There are also glimpses into the love lives of other characters, including Jane Fairfax, Frank Churchill and Mr. Elton.

Overall, Emma (Part One) provides audiences with a charming, witty and engaging adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel. The episode is impeccably crafted with a high attention to detail, set in beautiful period settings and featuring stunning costumes and soundtrack. The cast delivers fantastic performances, bringing Austen's characters to life and making them relatable to modern audiences. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the second part of the adaptation, Emma (Part Two).