Ep 7. Wherever You Are Is My Home

Anne Shirley is a spirited and imaginative orphan girl who finds a new home in the charming town of Avonlea with the Cuthbert siblings, Marilla and Matthew. In Anne season 1 episode 7, titled "Wherever You Are Is My Home," Anne is still settling into her new surroundings, and being a teenager, she is also trying to find where she fits in.

The episode opens with Anne accompanying Diana to church, which she finds to be incredibly boring. However, her attention is piqued when she learns that the new minister, Mr. Phillips, is also a teacher. Anne is excited at the prospect of having a new teacher since she feels that her current one, Mr. Phillips, is too strict and unimaginative.

When Anne arrives at school the next day, she discovers that Mr. Phillips is handsome and charming, which makes her even more excited about the prospect of having him as a teacher. However, when Mr. Phillips begins teaching, Anne quickly realizes that he is no different from her current teacher. Anne's disappointment is palpable, and she vents to her best friend, Diana, about how she feels like she's never going to get the education she wants.

But Anne's world is about to change. She discovers that there is a possibility of attending the Queen's College in Charlottetown, which is something she has always dreamed of. She is overjoyed to know that her chances of getting a proper education are not completely hopeless. Marilla and Matthew are both supportive of Anne's dreams and encourage her to aim high.

Meanwhile, Marilla and Rachel, their nosy neighbor, are in a fierce competition over who has the prettiest garden. Rachel is convinced that her garden is the best in Avonlea, and Marilla, always one to stand up for herself, disagrees. Marilla enlists Anne's help in sprucing up their garden for the upcoming garden party, but as always, things don't go quite as planned.

Anne's life is also complicated by the arrival of her childhood friend, Cole Mackenzie. Cole is a boy from Anne's past who still carries a torch for her. He has recently moved to Avonlea and is pursuing Anne relentlessly. While Anne enjoys the attention, she also begins to feel smothered by Cole's constant presence, especially as she is starting to develop feelings for Gilbert Blythe, her classmate.

As the garden party approaches, Marilla and Rachel's competition reaches its climax. Marilla, always one to follow her own path, decides to bow out of the competition and focus on the beauty of her own garden. Anne is thrilled with the outcome and encourages Marilla to continue showcasing her garden on her own terms.

The episode ends with Anne, having had a tumultuous few days, finding solace in her love for her new home. She tells Marilla, "Wherever you are is my home," finally feeling like she has found a place where she belongs.

In conclusion, Anne season 1 episode 7 is a heartwarming episode that highlights the importance of education, finding one's place in the world, and the love of a home. Anne's unwavering spirit and determination to pursue her dreams shine through, even in the face of disappointment. The episode also shows the constant competition and comparison that can sometimes exist between neighbors, but ultimately, the importance of finding one's own happiness and beauty.