Episode Nineteen- The Road to Life
An
episode that shows the aftermath of the war once the French have been expelled
from Russia culminates in a ceremony to honour General Kutusov whereas behind
closed doors we see the Tsar expressing some dissatisfaction as to the way the campaign
was conducted. The old man ends up having to agree that he needs to retire as
the Tsar decides he will lead the army from now on. Frank Middlemass is often
an actor of large gestures but his work in this scene is subtly still yet with
just a hint of the disdain the Marshal clearly feels towards the country’s
ruler. Outside a grand ball continues as if nothing has happened in recent
years.
Pierre
is back with a spring in his step especially once he reconnects with Natasha
who has turned up at the invitation of Maria. Thugh they are still mourning
Andrei, there is something of a mutual attraction between Natasha and Pierre,
something which was mentioned ages ago. Though these scenes of the three of
them are essentially retelling events we have seen in recent episodes, Anthony
Hopkins’ boisterous Pierre is a highlight of the episode and he quotes from
Platin again about life being the day to day living of it. Once he’s said this
it is something Natasha concurs with bringing them even closer.
Episode Twenty- An Epilogue
You
know how in some series you wish you knew what happened later, after the narrative
has finished? Starting in 1820 this episode sketches out the years following
the main events as we catch up with the now married Pierre and Natasha and also
Nikolai and Maria who also are wed. I was pleased about the latter if only
because Maria has seemed so miserable throughout the series and here Angela
Down gets the chance to be happy for once and her smile lights up the screen.
Faith Brook also shines even though the Countess has become a somewhat grumpy
old woman. This brings the best out of the actor who convinces completely as
her characters rails against Bonaparte whom she blames for everything
conveniently forgetting how her behaviour hasn’t always helped the family.
The centerpiece
of the episode is a lively debate between Pierre and Nicolai which is symbolic
of the different opinions of the way Russia should go – there’s the
traditionalist, Tsarist Nikolai and the progressive people power leaning
Pierre. The latter says later that while words for Nikolai are simply a way of
passing the time, for him they are a preparation for action. “Change is
sweeping through Europe” he declares and herein lie the seeds of what would
much later become the Russian Revolution of curse. One of the final scenes sees
Pierre musing on what Russia might be like one hundred years hence and of
course he would probably be satisfied with the result.
So
ends this monumental series which packs in a lot placing its characters at
vital moments in this chapter of history. Sumptuously mounted, beautifully
filmed and filled with great actors it really is a must see if you’re interested
in tv drama.
The Main Cast
The photos with these posts are from the 1972 Radio Times Special. If anyone wants to see the whole magazine, I've put all the scans on the Alt blog. I have a pdf if anyone wants a copy just message me using the form at foot of the right hand column.
Radio Times clips
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