Masterpiece Season 40 Episode 9 Small Island (1)

Small Island is a highly anticipated episode of Masterpiece's season 40, and it does not disappoint. This poignant story is set in post-World War II England and Jamaica, focusing on the lives of two couples whose fates intertwine in unexpected ways. The episode is based on the bestselling book of the same name by Andrea Levy, and it is masterfully brought to life by talented actors and skilled filmmakers.

The episode starts in England in 1948, where we meet Queenie Bligh, a white Englishwoman who lives in a small village with her husband Bernard, a mild-mannered bank clerk. Queenie is a warm and friendly woman, but she is also restless and yearning for something more in life. Her world is turned upside down when she takes in a lodger, a Jamaican man named Michael Roberts, who is in England to start a new life after serving in the RAF during the war. Michael is a proud and intelligent man, and he is not afraid to speak his mind, which sometimes puts him at odds with his English hosts. Despite their cultural differences, Queenie and Michael develop a close bond, which becomes a source of strength for both of them in the face of prejudice and discrimination.

The story then flashes back to Jamaica in the 1940s, where we meet Hortense and Gilbert Joseph, a young couple who dream of a better life in England. Hortense is a proud and ambitious woman, who longs to escape the poverty and ignorance of her island home and pursue her dreams of becoming a teacher. Gilbert is a hardworking man, who loves Hortense fiercely and is willing to do whatever it takes to provide for their future. The couple faces many obstacles in their quest for a better life, including racism, sexism, and the indifference of the British authorities. They finally manage to get on a ship to England, but their journey is fraught with danger and disappointment.

As the episode progresses, we see how the lives of these two couples intersect in surprising and emotional ways. Queenie and Michael provide a refuge and a home for Gilbert and Hortense, who are struggling to find their way in a hostile and foreign land. But their good intentions are not always enough to overcome the racial and class barriers that divide them. The episode explores themes of identity, belonging, prejudice, and love, in a way that is both thought-provoking and emotional.

The acting in Small Island is superb, with strong performances from all the main actors. Naomie Harris brings depth and complexity to the character of Hortense, conveying both her ambition and her vulnerability. David Oyelowo brings a quiet intensity to the role of Michael, and Ruth Wilson is perfectly cast as the warm and empathetic Queenie. Benedict Cumberbatch is also notable in a small but memorable role as Bernard Bligh, conveying both the repressed emotions and the cluelessness of his character.

Overall, Small Island is a must-watch episode of Masterpiece's season 40. It combines historical accuracy with a powerful emotional impact, and sheds light on a little-known aspect of British history. The episode is beautifully shot and directed, with stunning cinematography and a haunting musical score. It will leave viewers with a sense of lingering resonance, and a renewed appreciation for the power of human connection.