A particularly compelling episode of this always watchable show. While Outrageous Fortune plays with tragicomedy, this episode teeters on the edge of outright tragedy. The two interlinked stories concern Van's (Anthony Starr) ongoing struggles to get past Aurora's death and Loretta's (Antonia Prebble) surprise pregnancy. Prebble and the rest of the case handle the issue of how to manage a 17 year-old's pregnancy in typical West fashion, with thrown lines, characterful interactions and resolutions spawning more drama.
The cast, as usual, are excellent. But Anthony Starr's portrayal of Van, silently contemplating suicide, moving quietly among his family members and wordlessly trying to "tidy his room", absolutely steals the show. This is a far more nuanced performance than the show usually warrants. The end result avoids being maudlin or melodramatic. Obviously great script-writing, but it's the performance that tells.
The cast, as usual, are excellent. But Anthony Starr's portrayal of Van, silently contemplating suicide, moving quietly among his family members and wordlessly trying to "tidy his room", absolutely steals the show. This is a far more nuanced performance than the show usually warrants. The end result avoids being maudlin or melodramatic. Obviously great script-writing, but it's the performance that tells.
