WILL Episode 9

Episode 9 of WILL shows that Richard Burbage has survived the quarantine, but his friend who had contracted the illness did not survive.  Will still wants Richard Burbage to star in his new play, designed to take down Richard Topcliffe, but Richard Burbage is not yet emotionally ready.

 

Alice Burbage decides that she wants to be baptized.  Her words and actions continue to escalate in virtue and decency.  This is a fantastic depiction of the transformative power of God’s grace.  The positive change in Alice Burbage, now that she has given her heart to God, is evident and inspirational, especially when compared to who she was in some of the earlier episodes.  Her courage and confidence have greatly increased.  Her intuition and intelligence have also grown sharper, as she gives Will useful advice for his play, advice that does not involve theft, as her previous advice had.

 

Richard Topcliffe continues to torture Catholics.  By threatening to torture one man’s son, however, that man gives up the location of Robert Southwell.  A raid soon occurs, while Alice Burbage and Christopher Marlowe are present.  Alice Burbage tries to save Robert Southwell’s book that was designed for Queen Elizabeth 1 to read in hopes it will help inspire her to declare peace between Catholics and Protestants.  In Alice’s attempt, she is captured by Richard Topcliffe, partially due to Robert Southwell needing to close off a door to an escape route, to protect the remainder of the flock, a move that Christopher Marlowe does not agree with. 

 

Robert Southwell’s character is coming under question by Will, and now by Christopher Marlowe, but Alice still keeps her trust in him and his greater cause.  Different people can hold different valid opinions as to whether they agree with Robert Southwell’s continuous willingness to sacrifice the safety and lives of others, while maintaining his own safety, connected to the greater good of his message getting to Queen Elizabeth and leading to peace.  It is a fascinating ethical dilemma, applicable to the degree of sacrifices in any war.  Do some people’s ranks among the troops in a war make their lives less disposable than those of the heroes who rank below them, from the perspective of achieving the greater good?  This judgment is ultimately in God’s Hands, yet it becomes a judgment that military leaders are often forced to make. 

 

While Alice is in captivity, Christopher Marlowe attempts to plead her case before Richard Topcliffe.  This does not work, although, it does spare her some degree of torture.  Robert Southwell’s book ends up in Richard Topcliffe’s hands, but rather than inspiring him in the direction of peace, the hatred in his heart is so strong, that he chooses instead to burn the book.

 

Christopher Marlowe informs Will about Alice’s capture.  Will immediately begins his journey to Richard Topcliffe.  Richard Topcliffe meanwhile hits Alice Burbage.  Showing incredible valor and strength, moved by grace, Alice forgives him, and verbalizes that to him.  He responds by trying to choke her, which is where this episode ends, a true cliffhanger.

 

Will Will arrive in time to prevent Alice from being choked to death?  If Will arrives, in time, what will be his strategy?  Will he immediately attack Richard Topcliffe, or will he try to negotiate with him?  Richard Topcliffe is still under the impression that Will is on his side.  Will Will use that fact to his advantage?   Find out in the season finale, next Monday, Labor Day, September 4, on TNT.