Vanity Fair (2018) Season 1 Episode 5 In Which Battles Are Won And Lost

In Which Battles Are Won And Lost is the fifth episode of the first season of the historical drama series Vanity Fair. The episode revolves around the aftermath of the Battle of Waterloo, one of the most significant conflicts in European history. The battle was fought between the armies of the Duke of Wellington and Napoleon Bonaparte, which ended with a decisive victory for the Allied forces.

The episode begins with Becky Sharp (Olivia Cooke) and Amelia Sedley (Claudia Jessie) returning to Brussels after spending the night at the farmhouse of Jos Sedley (David Fynn). They arrive just as Napolean's army is retreating from the Battle of Waterloo, and the streets are filled with chaos and confusion. Becky takes advantage of the disarray to loot the dead bodies and steal valuable items, knowing that it is an opportunity to make a quick profit.

Meanwhile, George Osborne (Charlie Rowe) has returned to Brussels injured and angry after losing everything in the battle. He blames Amelia for his misfortunes and tries to convince her to elope with him. However, Amelia refuses, still clinging to the hope that her estranged husband, George's best friend William Dobbin (Johnny Flynn), who fought in the battle, is still alive.

The episode also focuses on the aftermath of the battle for William Dobbin, who is taken prisoner by the French. Dobbin, still pining for Amelia, is disillusioned by the horrors of war and the senselessness of the conflict. He begins to question his loyalty to the British army and has a crisis of conscience about his role in the war.

Elsewhere, the episode highlights the rise of Rawdon Crawley (Tom Bateman), who has taken advantage of his military connections to make a fortune in gambling and horse racing. He reunites with his wife Becky and admits his love for her, but Becky is more interested in his wealth and connections than his feelings.

In Which Battles Are Won And Lost explores the impact of war on the lives of ordinary people. The episode highlights the sense of loss and disillusionment experienced by soldiers and civilians alike. At the same time, it demonstrates how war can be a breeding ground for opportunism and how people are willing to take advantage of others' misfortunes to advance their own interests.

Overall, the episode is a compelling mix of drama and suspense, incorporating elements of history, romance, and intrigue. The characters are well-developed and nuanced, reflecting the complexities of human nature and highlighting the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in times of war. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in historical dramas or character-driven narratives.