Around the World in 80 Days Review: Season 1 Episode 6

Around the World in 80 Days Season 1 Episode 6, though still a couple episodes away from the end of this adaptation, seems likely to be an emotional climax for the miniseries. What else could you expect, given the setting?

We aren’t given a whole lot of exposition to clarify just how the trio winds up separated from a ship, tossed about at sea, and eventually deposited on an abandoned island. The pacing seems determined to get us to internal tensions as soon as possible.

That turns out to be a good thing. Truths come out when their chances of survival seem bleak, from Fogg telling us more about Estella (and how he essentially abandoned her) to Passepartout confessing his role in the attempts to slow their progress. And then it all blows up.

This has been inevitable since Passepartout was offered a bribe by a shady acquaintance, but it’s about as bad as we could fear. Phineas has every right to feel betrayed, though it’s hard not to see the hypocrisy as he continues to ignore his own troubling behaviors.

It doesn’t help that he refuses the very notion that Bellamy could betray him and be the true villain in their stymied progess. At this point, given what’s come out about so many old acquaintances, it’s just frustrating that he launches so quickly into denial, even if he does come around in the end.

The path to repairing their friendship, with Passepartout first building a raft almost single-handedly and then nearly dying from exposure as the other burn said raft to keep him warm, is a bit heavy-handed. It’s also very effective in showing his true nature and getting us back to something good.

Nearly all stories that lean heavily on any kind of relationship will have a moment where that connection seems broken. Very often, this is immediately followed by reconciliation and newfound strength. That’s certainly the case here.

We know what these characters will sacrifice for each other, and though that’s in some part forced by circumstance, it also shows them and us how much they care for each other. They haven’t admitted it so openly yet, but it’s heartwarming to see.

Just in case all of this isn’t enough sentiment, back in England word spreads that Fogg is presumed lost at sea along with Abigail. In other bit of pointed commentary by omission, Passepartout isn’t so much as mentioned by the newspaper headlines.

This sets what I suppose is meant to be both a somber and awkward tone when Bellamy is forced to give a speech in Fogg’s honor. It has a bit more poignancy given the other ways his name has come up, but I’ll be honest—this is the first time I’ve even remembered said title.

These moments may be meant to humanize him. That sympathy works considerably better in the stricken reaction of Abigail’s father. In the end, though, I just don’t care about this part of the story much. I’d rather spend the extra few minutes with our main characters.

Thankfully, they do get the lion’s share of the screentime for the hour, and every bit is used effectively in the gallop between their relationships nearly ending before becoming stronger than ever. And then there’s that too-brief moment between Fix and Passepartout.

Does a just missed kiss count to make a ship official? Considering Fogg only interrupts them to save their lives, I’m going to say yes. It’s not all going to be smooth sailing (so to speak) in the final episodes, but I feel the most rewarding scenes for us as fans are yet to come.

 

What did you think of this episode of Around the World in 80 Days? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Around the World in 80 Days airs Sundays at 8/7c on PBS.

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