Episode Five List: Hunted. Haunted. Hungry.

List of Things:

1. Can we chat about the women for a few minutes? I feel like the Greeks are stealing the show (admittedly, that could be my own bias), but in this episode, especially, I have come to appreciate the solid, sensitive performances the females are contributing.

Chloe Pirrie as Andromache, for example. What a wonderful, rich role; from being the first/only daughter-in-law, to having to deal with Helen and all she brings into their lives, not to mention her struggle with infertility, her father's death, her pregnancy, all while the Greeks are camped outside their home... so much depth there. I love her scenes, especially when she's being snarky with her sister-in-law.



And there's Aimee-Ffion Edwards cast perfectly as Cassandra, the sister with sight. Oh my goodness, this was a great episode for her. The truth coming out during a long overdue family meeting instigated by Hector. So contemporary, yes? Family secrets coming to light; oldest son taking control? Royal dynamics and hierarchy turned upside down ...








Frances O'Connor is an elegant, wise, loving, regal Queen to the Trojan gang. Stands by her man, fierce momma bear regarding her kids. She is nailing this role.




And Amy Louise Wilson? WHOA. So good. Amazing as Briseeis. Haunting ...





2. Annnnnd, how about some of the not-so-leading men? They're supporting our heroes with grunts, glances and grace.

Ajax played by Garth Breytenbach




Chris Fisher as Deiphobus





Danny Keogh as Agelaus.




And Carl Beukes as Diomedes...





Outstanding. The whole lot of them.

3. Oy. I love family show-downs. All the lies and half-truths and secrets come to light. (Figuratively speaking, as these Trojan Royal family scenes are still in poorly lit castle rooms.) But the whole 'You said' ... 'he lied' ... and 'she said'... and 'this happened'... was good. FINALLY everyone knows All The Truths so plans can be made (Hector is in charge now. Helen is banished to the widow's quarters. Hecuba stands by her (broken) man. Andromache is the new Alpha Female.)












4. The Greeks also have a chat in their (dark) tent. (Seriously. 90% of this episode takes place at night or inside candle-lit rooms. If I was in charge, I'd have them sitting around on logs on the beach in the sun light.) Menelaus is a little sensitive/defensive about the way the duel ended. Odysseus knows exactly which buttons to push to get a reaction. Achilles is still sulking in his tent, making grand speeches and taking the high road when it comes to The Purpose of Fighting. And Agamemnon loses his shit in a glorious rant about warriors leaving and then not leaving.

Way too much testosterone in that camp.

5. Oh, that principled Hector.

What a man of integrity.

He rode over to the Greek camp to share his battle plans.

Oh, that sneaky Odysseus.

What a man of strategy.

He sent a man over to Troy to thwart their battle plans.

Like a chess match, but not.

No one can make plans in the day time?
~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, Paris has been running. And jumping. SO looking forward to Episode 6. This series just gets better with each passing episode.