At the beginning of the episode, we see more archival footage about the war coming to Malaya. The reporter says Singapore is Britain’s coveted stronghold and the deepest thorn in Japan’s flesh. The capture of Singapore would be the white man’s notice to quit in the far East. After that, Walter Blackett (David Morrissey) gets out of his car and walks around the rubble littering the streets. He is told that Guthrey’s head office went up last night. He chats with Soloman (Julian Wadham) and Nigel (Nicholas Agnew) briefly before we see Matthew Webb (Luke Treadaway) in bed. The servants change his bed before placing him back into it. Vera Chiang (Elizabeth Tan) checks on Matthew and he begins talking nonsense. Walter says it is difficult to believe it’ll be Christmas in a couple of weeks while sitting near his daughter Joan (Georgia Blizzard).
Joan asks her father if he made his killing. He admits he bought the rubber but hasn’t made a killer yet. He explains they brought in this thing called a “restriction scheme” and you receive a coupon specifying the amount of rubber you’re allowed to sell. In his case, he is allowed to sell a lot less rubber than he has but he has managed to convince others to give him their coupon. He expects everything to be okay in the end before the conversation turns to Matthew and Vera. Walter doesn’t want Vera hanging around Matthew. Major Brendan Archer (Colm Meaney) finds out that Francois (Christophe Guybet) has taken some of his clothes but he isn’t worried about it. Francois tells him that they need to win the semi-finals match-up today. Francois plays with Charlie Tyrell (Joe Bannister) while Brendan tells a group about the impact an air raid could have on their pets.
He says it is best to calm their animals before another air raid by using Potassium Bromide. He does his best to sell his product while Charlie and Francois win. Francois is happy that they’re going to the finals but he soon learns that Charlie will be returning to his Regiment up on the Slim River and won’t be able to play. Francois offers to postpone until he returns but Charlie isn’t sure when he’ll return. Francois looks in on Brendan’s speech just as the dogs being howling at him. Brendan and Francois leave a short time later and discuss Charlie in the vehicle. They have to stop when they spot a dog in the middle of the road. Brendan finds a note where the dog’s leash is tied to a post. The letter recommends having the dog destroyed and the envelope includes money to cover the mortuary expenses.
Matthew freaks out, rolls around in bed, and nearly falls onto the floor. When he wakes up, he finds the dog looking at him. Vera, Brendan, and Francois check on him before telling him that Francois is going to Penang for a few days. Vera brings him a drink and encourages him to drink it all because it will be good for him. Brendan pulls Vera aside and tells her it isn’t a good idea for her to be there. She understands but doesn’t want to leave Matthew’s side until he is feeling better. After that, Jim Ehrendorf (Bart Edwards) learns that the Japanese have brought out many tanks before he asks Popham (Sam Cox) if there is a chance he can move down country. Popham tells Jack that Jim can see if there is any truth in the Jap tanks nonsense and Jack agrees Jim should join Heath’s staff in KL. Jack is ordered to clear it with Percival right away.
As for Popham, he tells Jim he has been recalled to London. Meanwhile, Matthew finally manages to drag himself out of bed. He puts on his glasses and steps outside onto the balcony where he spots Vera practicing. Once he has finished watching, he returns to bed and grabs a book. Brendan visits him after learning he is feeling much better. Matthew learns about the war with the Japanese after they bombed Singapore. Brendan believes they have it completely under control while we see Japanese troops mark through Sungkai. He thinks the Japs have been off more than they can chew but that isn’t the case at all. Then, Matthew learns that the Prince of Walse and the Repulse were sunk this morning. Walter and Joan burst through the door seconds later.
They’re soaked and Walter is surprised to see a dog in the house. He recommends putting it down before it gives everyone rabies. Walter says he wants to have a conversation with Matthew. Walter tries to force Matthew’s hand and get him to marry Joan but Matthew isn’t ready for that yet. Walter doesn’t like what he hears. Joan steps up her game by removing her wet dress and offering to get into bed with Matthew. Although awkward, Joan climbs into bed with Matthew and Walter watches like a maniac. Vera learns that Mr. Blackett sent a car for her and she receives a letter from Joan. The letter thanks her for helping the Webbs. Vera leaves in the car that night and her driver tells her that they do not want to see her again.
In the morning, Charlie says goodbye to Sylvia (Jane Horrocks) who recommends getting a nice staff job instead. After a little back and forth, Charlie leaves his family behind. Francois hangs out on the Island of Penang. He enjoys the sights until he notices boats approaching. He tries to warn everyone that the Japanese are in the air. Before long, Francois and the others run as the Japanese planes shoot in their direction. Monty (Luke Newberry) approaches Matthew and congratulates him for tying the knot with Joan but Matthew says otherwise. They chat about Monty’s previous offer before he says he doesn’t want to check the Auxiliary Fire Service because he doesn’t like that type of thing. Matthew forces him to come along anyway. When they meet with Brendan, Monty makes an excuse to leave quickly.
Brendan begins telling Matthew about the two hoses. Francois survives the attack and tries to collect his belongings. Matthew tells Brendan that he hasn’t seen Vera around in a few days and wonders where she might be. Brendan reveals Walter had her moved out and he didn’t say why. Matthew doesn’t understand that since it is his house. Brendan reminds him that Vera cared for him while he was sick before they discuss what they know about Vera. Her mother was a Russian princess and her father was a Chinese tea merchant. When her father died, she went to Shanghai and got into trouble with a Japanese General. Brendan takes Matthew to her address and drops him off. Walter visits Sir Shenton Thomas and shares a drink with the governor.
Thomas contemplates if the Japanese will be able to establish themselves on the Malay Peninsula. He thinks they will and he wonders how the various native communities will respond to that. Walter believes they’ll wait to see who gains the upper hand. Walter tells him that he is holding a lot of rubber and wonders what the best way to conveying that to the military would be. Thomas promises to give it some thought before the conversation turns to the fighting in the north. It doesn’t sound good. Matthew leaves without getting to see Vera. Francois stops at the Coliseum Cafe in Kuala Lumpur to talk to Jim. Francois learns that the Japanese reached the ledge first and is winning. Jim says he is happy to get away from Joan though. Francois tells him she is engaged to Matthew even though that isn’t true.
Matthew talks to Brendan about marriage and weddings. Brendan confirms he has never been married and he regrets it sometimes. Matthew admits he has been thinking about marriage and he wonders if he should go around there and ask her properly. After that, Matthew gets dressed and think about Vera practicing in the yard. He goes to the Blackett house and tells Walter he wants to return to the policy of replanting mature rubber trees. Walter worries that falling behind will mean the Dutch will put them out of business. Walter wonders how they would ship excess rubber. Matthew doesn’t know so Walter ends the conversation after inviting Matthew to dinner. Matthew leaves and goes to the Tiger Balm in hopes of finding Vera.
He barely misses her. Joan goes to her father’s warehouse and learns he is trying to get the governor to help him dispose of the rubber. He tells Joan she will need to take Matthew in hand and be very firm with him. Walter believes Matthew is on the verge of finally speaking up. When Matthew returns home, he finds Francois with Brendan and he learns about his exploits. They talk about Matthew’s proposal and dinner with the Blacketts. Francois joins Walter and Sylvia seconds later. Sylvia says she is worried about her brother Charlie since she hasn’t heard anything from him. Joan enters and approaches Matthew before pulling him away from the others.
He tells her she looks beautiful before she talks about Monty not wanting to work with the volunteers. Monty arrives and joins the conversation before dinner begins. During dinner, Francois tells them about riding in a truck hauling rubber before Matthew stands up and interrupts. He begins talking about weddings before saying he should’ve spoken sooner to avoid any misunderstanding. He says he is fond of Joan but he doesn’t want to marry her. Monty laughs and that upsets the others.
The Singapore Grip Review
I think we can all see where The Singapore Grip is going but I am not sure the show knows what it is or what it wants to be. I suppose it wants to be a comedy 85% of the time but the humor is constantly falling flat. It wants to be a romance as well but none of the characters are remotely likable. I feel like The Singapore Grip is full of missed opportunities.
I love period dramas and shows with some historical accuracy. Sadly, this one hasn’t been able to capitalize on these things and it never tries to. It does very little right and so much wrong. At this point, I think a lot of people would be satisfied if the Japanese stormed in and forced the British out so the show could end early.
We can only hope that the finale somehow pulls everything together and makes it satisfying. It is sad I feel this way when the series still has multiple episodes left before the finale but it has gotten that bad. I’ll stick with it but my expectations are incredibly low. This episode scores a generous 6 out of 10. Previous recaps of The Singapore Grip are available on Reel Mockery.
Jay Skelton is a fan of all television shows and movies. He tries his best to keep up with the latest foreign television shows and movies. Jay loves skinny dipping in the dark too.
