Ep 7. Forever - is Composed of Nows

In season 2 episode 7 of Dickinson, titled Forever - is Composed of Nows, the audience is treated to a contemplative and introspective episode that delves deep into the themes of love, regret, and the ever-present passage of time.

The episode begins with Emily having a heated argument with her brother Austin, who is still deeply in love with his wife Sue despite her recent affair with his best friend. Emily, perturbed by Austin's apparent willingness to forgive and forget, confronts him about the importance of holding onto one's dignity and self-respect. However, as the episode progresses, we see Emily's own regrets and heartbreaks start to surface, making her realize that perhaps forgiveness and letting go may be the only way to move forward in life.

Throughout the episode, we see Emily grapple with a past love affair that she never quite got over. Using flashback sequences, the audience is taken back to a time when Emily was swept off her feet by a charismatic and captivating woman named Sue. As Emily reminisces about the past, we see the tenderness and vulnerability behind her usually stoic facade.

However, the present soon catches up with Emily as she learns that Sue has come back to Amherst, forcing her to face her unresolved feelings and come to terms with the fact that perhaps a future with Sue may never come to pass. In these scenes, the audience is treated to some of the most poignant and emotional moments of the season as Emily grapples with the sadness and pain of lost love.

Other threads of the episode deal with the ongoing struggles of the Dickinson family and their changing fortunes. As their financial situation becomes increasingly dire, Emily's father struggles to keep up appearances and maintain his position in society while her mother tries to keep up her spirits by waxing poetic about the beauty of nature. These scenes provide a grounding and relatable backdrop to Emily's emotional turmoil, highlighting the universal struggles of love, loss, and the passage of time.

Ultimately, the episode concludes with a sense of reflection and acceptance as Emily comes to terms with the complexities of her past and present. Through her conversations with Sue and her own introspection, she realizes that while the past cannot be changed, the power of forgiveness and love can help to heal old wounds and pave the way for a more hopeful future.

Overall, Forever - is Composed of Nows is an exceptional episode of Dickinson that showcases the series' superb writing, acting, and direction. By delving deep into the emotional worlds of its characters, the episode presents a profound and moving exploration of love, regret, and the complexities of the human heart.