Great Expectations Season 1 Episode 3 Review: Episode Three

Pip gets closer to being a gentleman but begins experiencing the cost of wealth on an eerily thought-provoking Great Expectations Season 1 Episode 3, “Episode Three.”

After learning from the sinister Mr. Jaggers that he has a mysterious benefactor, Pip moves to London with 5,000 pounds to his name, and both he and the audience get a brutal introduction to the city.

The episode does an excellent job of depicting London in the mid-19th century and capturing a history some may not be aware of.

“Episode Three” is more in line with “Episode One” in that it develops the show’s overarching commentary on class division. During this period, London arose as the capital of the British Empire and one of the most important cities in the world.

However, the opportunities it offered were only for those willing to act, as Mr. Jagger put it, as “rats, snakes, and eagles,” comprising morals and ethics to rise to the top.

Meanwhile, the poor were at the mercy of the wealthy and the literal filth of the city as they lived in overcrowded, poverty-stricken, and unsanitary conditions.

As a result, “Episode Three” really dives into the internal conflict Pip experiences on his journey to become a wealthy gentleman, raising the primary question of whether wealth is worth it if one has to prey on the vulnerable to get it.

Jaggers seems to think so, but one can’t help but think there must be something more to this seemingly icy man.

He presents himself as someone who isn’t affected by anything, whether forging dead men’s signatures or denying service to the poor peasants for being short of the pay he demands (and doesn’t need). However, there is certainly a motive hiding somewhere within him.

He is far too interested in Pip and seems to be meddling too much in Pip’s relationship with Estella. One can’t tell if he’s in cahoots with Miss Havisham if he’s genuinely trying to help Pip, or something else.

As a result, Jaggers is rising as a very intriguing character with his aura of mystery and the unbelievable coldness and cruelty about him, which he almost seems to wield with delight.

While Havisham is cruel because of her broken heart, the source of Jaggers’ persona is more challenging to decipher. Perhaps, a life of privilege and wealth tainted him more than trials or heartbreak.

In addition to class division and the cost of wealth, the last significant point “Episode Three” touches on is love.

While Pip compromising his morals for mere wealth is questionable, one can sympathize more with his doing so for love. After all, his biggest motive in traveling to London is to become wealthy enough that Estella will have him when he returns for her.

Now, the stakes are even higher as Havisham has forced Estella into an arranged marriage. It’s not just love that Pip’s doing this all for, but to save the woman he loves.

Given this unexpected plot development, it’s almost frightening to think that there may not be anything Pip isn’t willing to do now to save Estella.

Hence, his path will likely get even darker from here onward, as he’s at the mercy of the dishonest and cruel Havisham and Jaggers, who will use this opportunity to manipulate him further.

Despite being a bit slow-moving, “Episode Three” delves further into its primary themes and presents an opportunity for the series to take the dark turn it foreshadowed in “Episode One,” leaving fans with wary excitement for the next development.

What did you think of this episode of Great Expectations? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Great Expectations airs Sundays on Hulu.

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