Will Review: Cowards Die Many Times (Season 1 Episode 2)

On Will Season 1 Episode 2, “Cowards Die Many Times,” the lively fun has worn off as the gritty religion/politics plot takes center stage.

The excitement of Will’s introduction to London on Will Season 1 Episode 1 overshadowed this Topcliffe/Southwell storyline. It was sidelined enough where I could pay attention to the plot points, but it didn’t take away from the parts that I found fascinating and entertaining.

This episode focuses more heavily on it (as well as some other superfluous subplots) which dampens my initial enthusiasm.

It’s not that this part of Shakespeare’s story is unimportant. It actually quite commendably showcases Will’s character, showing how he responds to injustices and feelings of guilt. As the hero of this story, he does so with dignity and courage.

William Shakespeare: Cowards die many times before their deaths, the valiant never taste death but once…

What I found most interesting on the pilot episode was the humble beginnings of this iconic playwright, and watching him navigate a chaotic new world. So, it’s curious that I find this Catholics versus Protestants plot somewhat mundane even as I see the merit of it.

Will’s involvement in the Marlowe/Topcliffe/Baxter scheme is serving as inspiration to Will whether he knows it or not, or whether I like it or not. Shakespeare wrote deception and treachery so well, it’s no surprise that he dealt with it firsthand.

The plus side to this storyline is the developing dynamic between Marlowe and Will. It’s difficult to get a handle on Marlowe. Is he friend or foe? I have no idea of his intentions, and Will seems a bit gullible even knowing of Marlowe’s duplicity.

Marlowe is shaping up to be one of the most charismatic characters. On Will Season 1 Episode 1, Kemp had that distinction, so it is disappointing that this character has already taken a weak turn on the second episode.

Kemp flip-flops between The Theater (which he helped build) and its competitor, The Rose. Nothing had said wishy-washy about this character in the introduction, but that is how he is portrayed in this episode.

He is so easily swayed with just compliments and a placating ego boost. It might’ve played better for that fluctuation to happen over the course of more than one episode.

One small point that irked me on the premiere episode was how quickly Will became immersed in the London theater world. This deal with Kemp also feels rushed, and it makes me wonder if it will become a bothersome trend throughout the season.

Stray Observations:

• It’s one of my favorite things when a song’s lyrics speak to the theme of a TV episode or movie as well as the melody. “God’s Whisper” by Raury fits perfectly.
• Will uses “blushing pilgrims” on the landlady to get a room without a deposit. And it works!
• “Men pretending to be something they’re not? I can get that for free.”
• I love the vain and arrogant Richard—Mattias Inwood plays him so he is not contemptible—but his subplot on this episode is unnecessary, especially with so much else going on.
• “What I am and what I wish to be are not one and the same.”
• “Pretty Vacant” by Sex Pistols and “Stand and Deliver” by Adam and the Ants are cool additions to the soundtrack.
• During the celebration of Kemp’s return, the group sings the lyrics to Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day.” These are the moments I love the most, the modern mixed with the archaic so seamlessly and naturally.

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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