What I’m Watching: Dickinson

Dickinson: Season 1, Episode 6 “A brief, but patient illness” (B+)

I watched this episode shortly after seeing “Little Women,” and so Emily feigning an illness that she never even had just to get some time to write felt a bit dramatic. The absurdity of the times really were on full display with the doctor coming and concluding that, because of outbreaks in the area, Emily must be dying even though she wasn’t exhibiting any of the same symptoms and he hadn’t really examined her at all. Some time alone did afford Emily a chance to meet her father’s new law clerk, who may well be a fine romantic match for Emily. I recognized Matt Lauria by face but not by name from his roles on “Parenthood” and “Friday Night Lights,” and he brings a great subdued sensibility to the role of Ben, who went toe-to-toe with Emily on quoting poetry and expressing a love for good literature. His introduction came at a fortuitous time, just before Emily showed up good as new and then was shocked to find that Sue had returned because she thought that Emily was indeed close to death. Austin was just as overwhelmed by her being back, and, after initially being mad at each other, the two siblings now seemed like all they wanted was to be reunited with their shared love. Telling Sue that she should be there for Austin and not for her was a surprise, but Emily will likely still get to spend time with Sue if she’s around while she’s pursuing other options, like her new prospect Dan.