1. “Now introducing Mr. Roger Graves, dense dictator & unextraordinary decision maker!” What was Mr. Selfridge thinking by placing this narrow-minded man as his second in command?

2. Credit to Mr Crabb for taking the reigns with aplomb and saving the day by recognizing the grave nature of their new leader’s decision. Lifting the curtain at precisely the right moment in time! Selfridges nearly lost it’s Suffragette stamp of approval (!) In this Episode, it’s a stamp or be stamped world out there as these suffragette women mean business! (literally)

3. Mr. Graves – it is a fortunate turn for you that Miss Mardle is desperately insecure & in serious want of your affection. For surely with other ladies of sound mind and forthright disposition, your statements that women do not have a mind for politics or the like would be a serious turnoff (but then mine is a viewpoint of a century later). Perhaps Miss Mardle will seek a better source for her romantic affections in the future… certainly there are better options?

4. While we are on the topic of Mr. Graves… How precisely did his wife depart the land of the living? Perhaps it is one too many ‘whodunits’ clouding my mind but given the affair with Miss Mardle and the lack of detail as to the cause of death… methinks that there may be more to this story. Then again… the breaking down in tears behind closed doors may tell a more innocent tale.

5. Mr. Selfridge’s daughter speaking to her sister… “Isn’t a tycoon a rainstorm?”… “NO SILLY, it’s a businessman!” – (typhoon vs. tycoon) Quite nice to see the young ‘modern-minded’ Selfridge ladies beginning to pick up a bit of a personality in their very limited screen time.

6. This week, we go traveling with Mr. Selfridge’s son… who decides to visit his father’s store. Thankfully, thoughtful & kind Agnes is there to spin him around a few times and walk him back home…

7. Speaking of walking home, the above image is of a certain Mr. Leclair and Ms. Towler having a most delightful subtext laden conversation on the steps… that entire subtle flirting/fishing expedition scene, zooming out of focus on the non-speaker and then in focus on the speaker is most enjoyable to watch camera-wise & content-wise. That scene alone is worth a re-watch to catch the subtle facial expressions and eye movements – Agnes’ eyes are hesitant to even flicker towards Henri’s and when they do – they dart away like mice alerted to a cat’s presence. It is just plain and simply great camerawork and subtle perfect acting by the two.

8. It would appear that Victor has decided to dive into Lady Mae Loxley’s Pool of Potential Promises head-first… and the waters are warm and inviting as of now. But it is the Summer and surely the chill of Autumn and Winter will fast approach.

9. Victor’s desired prize? A culinary career to call his own… but what a delicacy of a relationship/love he may be leaving behind in his chosen pursuit… So that’s Victor down for the count in the battle for Agnes Towler’s heart is it? *hint… this is Andrew Davies (writer) that we are talking about here… such unresolved relationship details never lie on the mat for long!

10. Whew! There was no pink SCARF theft accusation within this episode – Clearly LeClair is a man of his word when it comes to post-payment for pretty presents!

a. There was no art appreciation in this episode – it would appear that all is forgiven in Selfridge affairs at the present moment.

b. In next week’s episode, I would wager that Miss Love makes her decision between blackmail or bribery… Something tells me that the bright lights (or is that limelight?) of movies will be enough to distract her from thoughts of blackmail for the time being.

Missed Alan’s thoughts on the first five episodes of Mr. Selfridge? Click here and scroll down to review them all: http://perioddrama.com/wordpress/?author=110

Alan’s Armchair

Photos Courtesy of ITV.