North & South discussion

~ Episode Three, Part 1:
Starting at the start of the episode, ending with Fredericks arrival.

Is anyone just pissed with Henry in that scene at the Great exhibition? The way he taks to Thornton, trying to belittle him and his work. Almost as if he knew that he was facing a rival in Margaret's affections (not that he had any to count with). And the way Thornton put and immediately after that Margaret put him in his place. Just delicious! :D

Thanks for starting off the discussion here, Samanta! :)

In answer to your question: hell yes! He's such an arrogant bloody snob in that scene, and I really do think that he senses something of Thornton's attraction to Margaret. I don't believe he could make such extremely pointed and cruel comments to Thornton without having some idea of the effect his words would have. He could indeed sense a rival - with good reason, I might add - and I think Thornton's cold responses indicate he too has marked Henry's feelings for Margaret.

I absolutely love how Margaret immediately cuts Henry down, not allowing him to unfairly belittle Thornton. I think in that scene she starting to understand Thornton a little better, and not only that; after spending a decent amount of time in Milton, I think becoming reacquainted with the Londoners close minded, snobbish attitudes allows her to more clearly see some of the virtues of the no-nonsense Milton society.

On a slightly less serious note: did anyone else notice that John was the only one in that little group not wearing one of those tall black hats? :D I assume they all needed the hats to compete with Thornton's height. I wish I'd noticed it before, I must have seen N&S fifty times by now...

I love that Margaret needs to correct Henry and needs to be fair about Thornton. It is one of her endearing character traits that she is so fair.

Kate wrote: "I love that Margaret needs to correct Henry and needs to be fair about Thornton. It is one of her endearing character traits that she is so fair."

I love that about her too. She's always truthful, and though she wasn't fair to Thornton pre-proposal scene, I think after that she realises the importance of judging him fairly, and as we see at the Exhibition, the importance of painting an accurate, fair picture of his character for others. Frankly I just loved how reproachful and almost angry Margaret looks at Henry's snobbish belittling of Thornton, and how quickly she puts him in his place.

Oh he makes me mad in that moment! How dare he! And soo glad that Margaret is fair to Thornton and puts Lennox in his place!! Such a good moment.

And I love when Thornton replies to Lennox's comment about dabbling in cotton with something like "I don't think I'm the one to speak to. I don't know how to dabble." it's like HA.

See, I have no idea how anyone could feel sorry for Henry losing Margaret, after his behaviour at the Exhibition. He's such a senseless snob, and it's simply awesome to watch Margaret give him a set down on that score.

I love that too! It is exactly like "HA", as you so brilliantly phrased it, Soph. One of the things I love about Richard Armitage in a lot of his roles - and especially as Thornton - is how he has such a strong, direct gaze. His eyes barely ever waver, and it gives such an impression of Thornton's strength of character, the way he looks, his gaze so unfaltering while replying to Henry. And of course, that makes it all the more sweet, those times when he isn't so focused, the way he blinks rapidly in that cute, distressed way when he's upset. It's almost adorable, really, and probably one of the things that brings on my overwhelming urge to give Thornton a hug.

I never liked Henry and never really felt sorry for him so I was glad when Margaret put him in his place! Becca - that is so true, about Thornton's eyes! I love the force and intensity in his look when he replies to Henry.
What is HA?

Heehee, poor Henry, he really gets precious little sympathy from us, doesn't he? :P

Glad you agree with me about Thornton's eyes, I really do notice the intensity behind them every time I watch North and South.

I think "HA" was just meant to be a general, ah, sassy expression, like saying "So there." :)

LOL I'm so dumb, get it now ;) I thought it was short for something... You can tell I am a little sleep-deprived!

Yes, right? I notice that intensity every time too! Such a penetrating, awe-inspiring gaze. He'd probably stare me out of countenance!

No, that's quite all right, my dear Anne, I can see how one might mistake it for an abbreviation of some sort.

Indeed! I think I said in another thread that I've no idea what I would do if Thornton ever glared at me the way he can. I'd either be running in the other direction, rooted to the spot in tears, or preferably find my courage and be able to respond to him in a marginally intelligent way. And if any man gazed at me in that loving way, or looked at me with such passionate intensity... I don't think there's any need to discuss that is there? :P

Yes I just meant like "So there" or "take that"

His eyes... *sigh*

:) We can talk in as eloquent terms as we like about Thornton's expressive, wonderful eyes, but *sigh* is really all it comes down to in the end. :D

Right Soph? :P

Nothing more is needed!

*sigh* I totally agree!

*giggles* Well, you all know me, I love talking about things far too much, rather than being brief and to the point, but I'm perfectly happy to sigh along with you ladies. :D

... *sigh*