Left on that sweet high of passionate love, this weeks episode of Tom Harper‘s drama WAR & PEACE promises the glorious development of Natasha (Lily James) and Andrei’s (James Norton) love affair; but will their happiness survive the drama of Tolstoy’s classic?
Opening on a softer note than previous episodes, we see the black night’s sky dotted with piercing stars and immediately we’re thrust back into the bubble of passion that holds Natasha and Andrei’s future. Natasha worries over Andrei’s lack of contact, three weeks since their feverish kiss in the snow. Little does she know Andrei has travelled to see his father, who is not entirely keen on the prospect of their marriage, urging Andrei to take a year to consider.
Andrei finally travels to her and there is an incredible tension between them, a desperate longing; Natasha’s rosy cheeks glowing with joy only to be struck down by Andrei’s admission of his father’s condition. That glimpse of happiness for them both snatched away with the promise of a difficult year for the two lovers. That foreboding, moaning music only furthering our despair for them and the trouble they’ll no doubt face now.
Six months later, Nikolai (Jack Lowden) faces the prospect of an unloving marriage to Julie Karegina (Chloe Pirrie), despite his fueling passions for Sonya (Aisling Loftus), due to the Rostova’s money worries. As a family, they escape their troubles and visit their cousins, retreating to the warm glow of a candlelit cabin in the Russian countryside, a chorus of traditional Russian singing greeting them. A joyous scene ensues, the atmosphere so electric as Natasha dances with glee in the middle of the crammed room.
As they return, Nikolai confesses his love for Sonya to his parents, declaring his desire to marry her. His mother reacts with great rage, disgusted at the mere thought and desperately fearful that their money troubles will not be fixed. The confliction forces Nikolai to return to the regiment, the uncertainty of his safety looming over the family.
In Moscow, the lack of Andrei tears through Natasha’s heart with ferocity, while Boris (Aneurin Barnard) sets his sights on Marya Bolkonskaya (Jessie Buckley) as the other families gather. His efforts are lacking in results as her disinterest leads to disappointment. His target moves to Nikolai’s former betrothed, Julie Karegina; much to the Rostova’s dismay.
Natasha and her father travel to visit a brash Prince Bolkonsky (Jim Broadbent), giving Natasha and Marya a chance to get to know each other. Tensions rise as they are received so poorly, with Natasha’s devastation flowing from her swollen eyes, happiness for the couple feeling further and further away.
The opera brings together many of the aristocrats, creating a visually outstanding aesthetic of rich golds, plush red velvet and stunning, floating dresses. It’s here Natasha and Helene (Tuppence Middleton) properly meet, with the inclusion of the daringly brazen Anatole (Callum Turner), as he sets his wild sights on Natasha. Helene’s interference only fuels the tension between the two as she invited Natasha to a party with her and Anatole. Natasha is so clearly flattered, fueled by Anatole’s declaration of love, that it is easy to see thoughts of Andrei slip slowly away.
Anatole chases Natasha like prey, his eyes hungry for her; he can only think of concurring her. She falters, if only for a moment, the mix of danger and passion too much for her innocence to bear. Knowing Anatole’s nature, and the fact that he’s already married, it’s difficult to truly believe his declaration of love and our fear for the joining of Andrei and Natasha is dashed once more when her silliness for the desperation of love clouds her judgment and she falls for the notorious cad.
Their desire to elope is foiled when they’re betrayed by Sonya. A devastated Natasha turns to Pierre (Paul Dano) for solace; his fury at his brother in-law’s actions pours from his every word as he banishes Anatole from Moscow. Natasha reacts with pure rage and disbelief, her petulance only overshadowed by her genuine grief.
The promise of more drama is palpable as the imminent return of Andrei hangs in the air. The series seems to have picked up from last week’s slightly slower episode as we really delve into the drama of love and passion. Visually, the show outdoes itself again, images of those glorious horses bursting through the countryside, donned by Russia’s finest aristocrats in their hunting gear. The glowing white snow that cascades so stunningly over the landscape, that looming comet that soars freely through the sky; such beauty makes this epic that little bit more special.
WAR AND PEACE will continue on BBC One on Sunday’s at 9pm.
