WILL Episode 8

“Some fight with the sword.  You fight with the pen.  We must all be the hero we were born to be,” is advice that Will receives, in Episode 8 of WILL, advice that we should all take, as all are called to use our blessings to make the world a better place.  While we may be in different places, and different times, we are all called to trust God’s grace to transform us into the best versions of ourselves, most magnifying our own unique gifts that are meant to be abundantly shared with the world.

 

Will decides that he is going to write a play for Richard Topcliffe, but that it is going to be a play that exposes Richard Topcliffe for the vile man that he is.  Will deceives Richard Topcliffe into giving him an interview, one that gives Will more insight into the mind of that terrible person.

 

Alice Burbage becomes a far more likeable character, after she has severed ties with Will.  She stands up for herself, rejecting Will, and by grace, takes a stand for God, under the positive influence of Robert Southwell.  Will confronts Robert Southwell, accusing him of letting other people become martyrs for Southwell’s cause, suggesting that Southwell is really crossing a line by risking Alice Burbage’s safety.  Robert Southwell’s response is on a higher spiritual level, explaining that Alice’s biggest danger was losing her soul, and now she is safer than ever.    It is fascinating that Will’s deficiency of faith puts him constantly on the offensive, against Robert Southwell, a rather common attitude that many, but not all lapsed (fallen-away) Catholics tend to take towards the devout, perhaps to attempt to justify to themselves, their poor decision to walk away from God.

 

The inner turmoil of those who have turned their back on God only grows worse and worse, the more they deny their need for Him.  Christopher Marlowe continues his dangerous decent into darkness, to the point where he believed he was irreparably damned, an attitude held only by those who are unaware of the bountiful mercy of the all-loving God, unaware that the love of Christ is more powerful than all our sins.  Marlowe hits rock bottom, but finds that life as a Satanist is empty and unfulfilling.  He finally realizes that he needs God. Marlowe approaches Will, indicating to Will, that he saw God’s presence in Will’s works, and wants to meet Robert Southwell, to meet God in the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession.)  With Presto’s influence, Will agrees to help Marlowe.

 

Will presents his idea about the politically charged play to Richard Burbage who initially likes the play, until Will explains that it is an attack against the most dangerous man in England, Richard Topcliffe.  Richard Burbage rejects the idea, but Will continues to try to persuade him, asking Richard Burbage about what he believes in.  Richard Burbage, to his credit, is honest in naming “women,” as the top thing on his list, which is consistent with how he has behaved throughout the series.    Unlike Will, at least Richard Burbage is aware of who or what he worships.  When Richard Burbage’s friend contracts the plague, and needs to go to the place of quarantine, a place that often leads to death, Richard Burbage decides to join his friend, much to the horror of both Will and Alice, who potentially may reunite over their shared pain, for more than just that moment.

 

Will Will and Alice get back together?  Will Christopher Marlowe truly accept God’s grace, love, mercy, and forgiveness?  Will Will’s play about Richard Topcliffe go on?  Will Richard Burbage avoid contracting the plague, and therefore survive the quarantine?  I hope so, as Mattias Inwood has been wonderful in that role, and I would like to see him continue in the final two episodes of the season.  The answers may be found next Monday, August 28, on TNT, in Episode 9, which I believe will also be worth your time.