Ep 9. Play the Devil

Will season 1 episode 9, titled "Play the Devil," is a gripping installment of the Shakespearean drama series. The episode sees Will grappling with personal demons as he's haunted by visions of his dead family. Meanwhile, he's also dealing with professional challenges as he prepares for his next performance of Julius Caesar.

As the episode begins, Will is still reeling from the revelation that his daughter has died. He's plagued by nightmares in which he sees her and his wife, and is struggling to come to terms with his grief. To make matters worse, his landlord is threatening to evict him and his son if he can't come up with the rent.

Despite his personal struggles, Will is determined to make a success of his career. He's been cast as Cassius in Julius Caesar, and is working hard to perfect his performance. But when he discovers that his co-star, Burbage, is also playing Cassius in a rival production, he begins to feel threatened. He worries that Burbage will outshine him and steal his spotlight.

To save his own career, Will decides to sabotage Burbage's performance. He puts on a hilarious play that mocks the rival production and exposes Burbage's flaws as an actor. The audience loves it, and Will basks in the applause. But afterwards, he feels guilty for stooping so low and jeopardizing Burbage's career.

Elsewhere in the episode, Alice is also facing her own challenges. She's desperate to get back into Will's good graces after their recent falling out, but she's also struggling with her loyalty to the Catholic Church. She's asked to spy on Will by Father Southwell, who suspects that he's a Protestant sympathizer. Alice is torn between her love for Will and her duty to her religion, and doesn't know which way to turn.

As the episode draws to a close, Will's personal and professional lives collide. He's haunted by his visions of his dead family during a performance of Julius Caesar, and ends up improvising a powerful, emotional monologue that leaves the audience in tears. Afterwards, he's approached by Elizabeth, who tells him that she's seen his potential and believes in him. Will is heartened by her words, and feels that he may finally be on the cusp of success.

Overall, Will season 1 episode 9 is a tense and emotional installment that explores complex themes such as grief, loyalty, and ambition. The episode is a reminder that even in the cutthroat world of Elizabethan theater, there's room for compassion and humanity. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves Shakespeare, drama, and powerful storytelling.