At the beginning of the episode, Becky (Olivia Cooke) looks at the solider outside. Then, she is introduced to two young girls. Rose (Niamh Durkin) tells her about herself and Violet (Orli Goldstein). The girls eventually go outside to play hide and seek. Rawdon Crawley (Tom Bateman) is interested in playing. Martha (Sian Clifford) and Bute (Mathew Baynton) speak cruelly about Rawdon. The girl goes hiding. Later, Sir Crawley (Martin Clunes) takes them for a wagon ride. Pitt steers the horses past Bute and Martha. Bute is knocked out of his horse. He is fine but angry. Moments later, Crawley stops a few kids from stealing his branches. Rose tries to read Becky’s mind. Later, the family has dinner together. Becky is introduced to the new Lady Crawley (Madeleine Hyland).

Becky speaks with Rawdon very little. Amelia (Claudia Jessie) tells William Dobbin (Johnny Flynn) about her concerns. Dobbin explains that the war is over and they won. She gives William a letter to pass along to George (Charlie Rowe). Bute listens to the girls read a story. He criticizes Vanity Fair. Crawley stops Becky and tells her about the rules. She tells him that she has gone through his financial paperwork. She has found ways that Crawley can potentially make more money. Bute and Martha find Becky and Crawley playing a board game. Bute tells Becky that she is partaking in a godless hobby. Bute is surprised that Becky has been appointed secretary. Pitt tells Becky why he puts up with Bute and Martha. Crawley shoots pool with George Osborne (Charlie Rowe).

Carley is far better. Dobbin enters. He pulls Osborne aside and encourages him to answer Amelia’s answers. Osborne doesn’t want to bother with her. Osborne thinks about buying her a gift. He visits Amelia’s house a short time later. Amelia is surprised to see him. She spots the pin on his suit. He promises to buy her something when he is in town. They speak about the future. Becky receives a letter from Amelia. She isn’t too impressed with Amelia’s potential future with Osborne. Martha rubs it in. They speak about Miss Pinkerton (Suranne Jones). Martha has high praises for her. Pitt orders and begins giving orders. He tells Becky and the others that his sister is going to be visiting. Becky asks the girls why everyone is so frightened of her.

Becky tells them how to curtsy. She wants to make Matilda Crawley (Frances de la Tour) fall at their feet. The house is cleaned before a wagon arrives. It contains Matilda and Rawdon. Matilda insults the lot of them right away. Becky speaks the night with the girls. During supper, Bute goes on and on about Christianity. Matilda wants decent entertainment. She tells Rawdon that she has changed her will. Matilda is impressed with the girls and Becky. She wants to discover Becky’s other talents the following day. The next day, Rawdon praises Becky’s dancing. Matilda invites them into the drawing room. Becky plays the piano for the group. She scores points with Matilda. She sings as well. Matilda gives Becky high praises. Dinner interrupts the music.

Matilda tells Pitt to organize a ball in their honor. Amelia prepares to have dinner with George’s family. Unfortunately, George is nowhere to be found. They learn that George is not coming. The move forward without him. George finally arrives. Later, Amelia speaks with George’s sister. She asks if she has angered her father somehow. Amelia is told that he was angry with George. Amelia believes that he used to be kinder. George speaks to his father about his impending marriage. George’s father doesn’t want his son to marry Amelia. George returns to Amelia and says nothing. Martha and Bute are not happy with Becky flirting with Rawdon. Rawdon gives her a note. She throws it in the fire. Matilda and Becky speak in private. She tells Becky that her family wants her money.

Matilda wants Rawdon to runaway with someone. She admits he has no money, but will when she is gone. Afterwards, Becky runs into Rawdon. She enjoys a puff of his cigar. Then, she leaves him. Martha speaks with Pinkerton about Becky and his past. Before too long, a ball is held at the Crawley house. Bute complains about Rawdon Martha believes she has the whole thing under control. Pitt dances with Becky. Martha tells Bute that she has everything under control. Rawdon dances with Becky. Martha tells Bute how everything will play out. Rawdon and Becky continue their party outside. Becky gives Rawdon a piece of her money. He admits he has never met anyone like her. He promises that he wouldn’t hurt her for a thousand pounds. They hare a quick kiss. The music stops and Becky is forced to go back inside.

She comforts Matilda, who blames her brother for giving her mutton. Matilda believes everyone is trying to kill her off. Becky tells her to survive and get her revenge. Becky removes Matilda’s partial. Later, Becky looks at Rawdon outside. Becky finally returns a letter to Amelia. Rawdon congratulates Becky for her victory. Amelia tries to visit George. She runs into her father and learns that Osborne has called in his loans and he cannot pay. He breaks down. George’s father tells him no lame ducks. Matilda takes Becky to be her nurse. Becky tells Matilda about her parents as they ride away.

 

Vanity Fair Review

This episode of Vanity Fair was a little better than the first. Things didn’t seem as out of whack this time around. The characters were genuinely sad when something bad happened and vice versa. The only problem is that I do not get the purpose of the show. Is it to follow Becky’s climb up the social ladder? That seems to be the only reoccurring theme here. Despite the flaws, the episode was moderately interesting. The show feels cheesy and cheery. The actors and actresses portray that very well.

The episode was just okay. It scores a 7 out of 10. Catch up with previous recaps of Vanity Fair today.