What I’m Watching: Dickinson

Dickinson: Season 3, Episode 3 “The Soul has Bandaged moments” (B+)

This season is introducing a new focus on Betty, who has always been a notable supporting character, and I like that she’s getting someone to interact with in the form of Sojourner Truth, memorably portrayed by Ziwe Fumudoh. On a show that’s all about wokeness in a time that definitely had radically different ideas of what that meant, it’s good to see a more diverse cast represented, with Henry’s activities on the front lines of the Civil War also being shown. Emily’s desire to express herself through her words wasn’t sitting well with anyone, with the sewing circle judging her for not being interested in actions and Sue wanting more than that. Sue had plenty of biting lines of truth, like “What if I need more than your poems” and pointing out to Emily that she always chooses her family over her and that she would like to, for once, feel chosen. George had a great line too: “if I had to choose between you and poems, I’d choose your poems,” but then he went ahead and tried to kiss Emily, which wasn’t really reading the room. Mrs. Dickinson was very resentful that Sue wouldn’t let her hold her grandchild, and she’s not getting any support from her husband, who hurt his leg in a bar fight and then was loudly calling out for Jane. I’d be curious to know exactly what Edward is revising in his will since he’s not nearly as upset at Austin as his son is at him, determined to create a conflict when moving past it might be considerably easier and more pleasant.