Will Review: Brave New World (Season 1 Episode 4)

It’s all about sex, drugs, and rock and roll on Will Season 1 Episode 4, “Brave New World.”

“Brave New World” is filled to the brim with plots and sub-plots, but it is much more consistent with entertaining fare than Will Season 1 Episode 3.

This episode brings back the modern rock and roll mixed with 16th century London aspect that was lacking on the previous two episodes, but so strong on the pilot, Will Season 1 Episode 1.

There is something delightfully thrilling about hearing two women (or fair maidens) cheers to getting “shit-faced,” and watching William Shakespeare flee a party high on drugs, to the tune of the Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage.”

“Brave New World” is really fun and charismatic, a feeling that was sorely missing on Will Season 1 Episode 3. I am hoping the series stays going in this direction.

An example is Will’s cockiness. He was arrogant in the last episode, and it was irritating. He is over-confident throughout most of “Brave New World,” too, but it plays so well. The behavior fits the storyline better, and is in tune with his relationships with all the other characters.

Southwell uses it to knock him down a few pegs. “You’re a lover of your own swelling legend.” Then he appeals to his ego, hoping to entice him to lend his talents to his own godly mission. “Your writing speaks to the common man. Use it for peace.”

Marlowe responds to Will with playful sparring that ends up backfiring. He goads him into smoking the pipe and participating in sorcery. Marlowe wants to be open to new worlds, but is unable to access them. “I cannot write unless I conquer them all.” Everything seems to come naturally to Will, who has visions immediately.

Marlowe: My fault lies in my astrology.
Will: Perhaps the fault lies not in your stars, but in yourself.

Marlowe’s arc is one of writer’s block, and it is much more interesting here than the absurd tantrums he threw on Will Season 1 Episode 3.

Will and Alice go through a nice little roller coaster of emotions with their burgeoning romance. Alice quickly tires of his arrogance, making him work to get back into her good graces. He makes some big decisions, and she plays an important part in his motivations.

Alice has aspirations of her own that neither Will nor the man she agrees to marry will impede upon. She makes it clear to both of them, and they both understand.

Keenan will go along with whatever she asks for the opportunity to have her hand in marriage. If she wishes to remain fully involved in the theater, then so be it. That is not a deal-breaker. And that is what this whole courting thing is: a deal.

Will knows what her hopes and dreams are, and wants to see her achieve them.

Alice: Thought you might need a copyist.
Will: Thou art so much more than that. You can read ‘Margaret:’ a woman that makes her own decisions.

This is the kind of romance that makes me swoon! A strong woman and a man who can respect that.

Moll also continues to be a strong female character. She and Alice have become friends, which is a great development. One that will help the show with its Bechdel testing.

Alice: One day I’m going to own that theater and run it.
Moll: And I’ll do the costumes.

I love these enterprising ladies of the 16th century!

The religion storyline is still present, but takes a much needed backseat. I’m not sure how long that will last with the way things end on Season 1 Episode 4. Topcliffe has hooked himself a playwright to compose, under duress, a “missive to the masses to counter Southwell’s propaganda.”

Stray Observations:

• “Fame” by David Bowie and “20th Century Boy” by T. Rex are featured, but “Sabotage” by Beastie Boys takes top modern song on this episode for me.
• “I am a fisherman and a fisher of man, and soon I will hook the murderous, treacherous Southwell.” Hence my use of “hooked” in my closing statement.
• The set design, costuming, and make-up in the party scenes is remarkable. All of it exudes the extravagance and debauchery of such an affair.
• Richard with his “don’t you know who I am” attitude at the party. He’s a fool, but such a likable character, anyway.
• Will takes the biggest hit off of that pipe. No wonder he’s seeing things!
• There is a sweet father-daughter moment between Alice and James.
• Will’s passion for the plays he intends to write is beautiful. “Plays that will serve as exploration of what is human, plays that show us how to love and how to fight, plays that show us how little we know.”
• “Thou art full of bitterness and anger, and peace has never been borne of such things.”
• Will climbing that ivy-laden wall to profess his devotion to Alice is very Romeo and Juliet.

What did you think of this episode of Will? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

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Will airs Mondays at 9/8c on TNT.

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