As the episode begins, we see a man racing on his carriage. It nearly runs into a carriage containing Ann Walker (Sophie Rundle). A young boy is thrown from the carriage and comes crashing to the ground. Back at home, Marian Lister (Gemma Whelan), Ann and the others discuss the accident. They learn that Anne Lister (Suranne Jones) is returning home. Marian is not happy to hear that. After the intro, Anne’s carriage races through the streets. Her maid, Eugenie Pierre (Albane Courtois), is sick to her stomach. Anne blames her own driving. It becomes clear very quickly at Anne is not happy to be home. At home, Marian reads about the reform bill.

Anne’s arrival stops the family’s conversation. Anne begins giving out orders almost immediately. Anne’s father, Jeremy (Timothy West), wants to know what went wrong to force Anne back home. She refuses to speak about it. The footman Joseph Booth (Ben Hunter) introduces himself to Eugenie. She refuses to help them bring in Anne’s belongings. Anne speaks to the family about her boyfriend George Playforth being shot out of a tree. She tells them about being present for the postmortem. Then, she learns about Briggs being ill. He cannot collect the rent so she decides to take the responsibility upon herself.

Anne pays a visit to Biggs house. She obtains a record of payments. She also speaks about the coal on her hand. Eugenie is still sick. Elizabeth Cordingley (Rosie Cavaliero) learns that she is pregnant with George’s baby. Elizabeth and other maid decide to keep it a secret and put Eugenie to bed. Later, Anne finds out that the horse is sick. Marian and Anne argue about the rent and Anne collecting it. Anne finds out that Mrs. Lawton is coming to visit. She tells Elizabeth to prepare for her visit. Later, Anne reads her novel. She remembers her girlfriend who left her to marry a man. Aunt Anne (Gemma Jones) enters. They speak about the accident and Miss Walker.

Later, Miss Walker is checked by a doctor. He suggests that she needs to go on vacation and hang out with others. They also speak about Walker being single. Mr. Hardcastle gets a visit from Thomas Sowden. Thomas brings the injured boy a gift. Anne is told that coal is a nasty business. She is warned to stay out of it. Moments later, Anne negotiates with Thomas Sowden and his father. She remains in control and doesn’t let them push her around. Then, she ends an older man’s lease. Later, Samuel Washington (Joe Armstrong) visits Anne. She steals him away from Miss Walker. They speak about mining coal. Lawton arrives.

At dinner, the family argues about Anne’s recent decisions. Marian makes it clear that she believes Anne will fail in her coal mining venture. Lawton and Anne have sex later that night. Anne tries to convince her to run away. Lawton refuses. Ann Walker learns about Washington leaving her. The doctor speaks to Anne and others about Ann Walker. Ann Walker and her friends visit Anne. Anne immediately talks about the reform bill and women voting rights. Anne ridicules Dr. Kenny in front of everyone. It is clear that Anne has taken a liking to Ann Walker. At the end of the episode, Anne is forced to shoot and kill the sick horse.

 

Gentleman Jack Review

Gentleman Jack is just getting started and I am already liking it a great deal. It is tough not to love the charming duo of Suranne Jones and Sophie Rundle. I have a feeling that this will prove to be great casting. I like the humor of it and the story is great. The fact that it is based on a true story makes it even better. I can’t wait to see the rest. The opener scores a 7.5 out of 10.