Vanity Fair (2018) Season 1 Episode 4 In Which Becky Joins Her Regiment

In "Vanity Fair" season 1 episode 4, titled "In Which Becky Joins Her Regiment," the story picks up with Becky Sharp rejoining the battlefield at the start of the Battle of Waterloo as a nurse. This leads to a series of events that create a shift in the dynamics of the characters.

The episode delves deeper into the theme of class divide and the desperation to climb the social ladder. Becky's cunning ways are put on full display as she transforms herself into a nurse to get closer to the wealthy soldiers, hoping to form a relationship that can elevate her status. Her skills as a nurse and her charms prove to be quite useful in attracting the attention of some of the higher-ranking officers, and the episode focuses heavily on her interactions with them.

Meanwhile, Amelia Sedley, who was previously in love with George Osborne, is now widowed and trying to make her way back to England with her child. She encounters George's father, Mr. Osborne, who is initially cold towards her, but later shows some sympathy. The exchange between the two is tense, and clearly highlights the animosity between their families.

There are moments of humor and wit sprinkled throughout the episode, particularly in the interactions between the soldiers and the nurses. However, these moments are few and far between, as the episode puts greater emphasis on the battle and its aftermath. The grim realities of war are shown in graphic detail, with numerous scenes depicting the horrors and casualties of the conflict.

As the episode progresses, the narrative shifts towards the aftermath of the battle, and its impact on the characters. Becky's true intentions are revealed to some of the soldiers, leading to a major confrontation between them. Her cunning schemes are exposed, and the episode ends with her future in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Amelia's fate takes a surprising turn, and the episode leaves a lot of questions unanswered.

Overall, "In Which Becky Joins Her Regiment" is a well-crafted episode, with strong performances from the entire cast. The characterization of Becky Sharp is particularly impressive, as she manages to be both charismatic and conniving at the same time. The show's attention to detail and accurate portrayal of the historical events are noteworthy, making it a must-watch for fans of period dramas.