Ep 2. I Know Thee Not, Old Man

Will Shakespeare is back in action and the drama is high in Upstart Crow season 2 episode 2. Titled "I Know Thee Not, Old Man," the episode sees Will struggling to make his new play "Romeo and Juliet" work while also dealing with his jealous rival.

As always, David Mitchell shines as the ever-suffering Will Shakespeare. He's ready to present his new play to his theatrical company, but there's one problem: nobody seems to like it. Will's colleagues are quick to point out that the writing is terrible, and that the play is completely derivative of other dramas. William Kemp, a fellow actor who has been Will's constant adversary, is particularly harsh. He suggests that Will has lost his touch and questions whether he's even the true author of his plays.

But Will is undeterred. Determined to make "Romeo and Juliet" work, he turns to his trusted friend Kit Marlowe for advice. Christopher Marlowe, played hilariously by Harry Enfield, is his usual smug self, giving Will all sorts of conflicting pointers that only leaves him more confused. Meanwhile, Will's daughter Susanna is dealing with her own romantic issues as she tries to convince her father to let her marry her true love. Her beau, who is the son of Will's rival Robert Greene, is engaged to another woman, leading to all sorts of misunderstandings and drama.

As the episode progresses, things go from bad to worse for poor Will. He gets arrested for debt and is thrown into jail, accused of stealing a pie from a local woman. Even worse, he's forced to share a cell with none other than Kemp, who takes every opportunity to taunt him about their artistic rivalry. But Will's fortunes soon turn around when he's visited by the mysterious visionary called 'Leicester' who offers his aid.

Despite all the setbacks, Will remains determined to make "Romeo and Juliet" a success. He continues to work on the play, letting his imagination run wild as he envisions how it will be staged. The episode ends on a high note as Will performs a rousing scene from the play, capturing the passion and romance that will make it one of his greatest works.

Overall, "I Know Thee Not, Old Man" is a hilarious and engaging episode of Upstart Crow that showcases why this show has been such a hit with audiences. The writing is sharp and witty, the characters are endearing and funny, and the performances are top-notch. This episode proves that even when things seem bleak, Will Shakespeare can always find a way to rise above it all and create something truly magical.