[spoilers] Sir Harry Pearce 2.0

[A Cousin]

(19-10-2010 10:00 PM)Naivety Wrote:  Harry seemed very down this episode. He was incredibly detached through the briefing at the beginning, and then incredibly sad and thoughtful at the end.

I agree. It is almost as if he has regressed a bit. I think the inherent parallels (in every way - Catherine, Ruth & Lucas) with Levi's situation and outcomes kind of took him by surprise.

I think he is detached in the beginning on two levels. Personally because he can't help but be worried for his friend, but also because he can't help but be aware of how similar Levi's story is similar to his. Professionally, he is also none to sure that the peace talks will be successful at all. In fact, he is pretty open in his belief that they never are. He would be aware that Levi takes a much more optimistic view of the talks.

He is pensive and reflective in the end because he is trying to put it all together for himself. He is trying to reconcile himself with the loss he has experienced and incurred by the decisions he has made.

BTW, here is the full quote:

"The greatest hazard of all, losing one’s self, can occur very quietly in the world, as if it were nothing at all. No other loss can occur so quietly; any other loss - an arm, a leg, five dollars, a wife, etc. - is sure to be noticed."

Levi is a perfect example of someone who lost himself in the work, as honorable as it is and as neccessary as the decisions he had to make were, Levi decides to "make his lifes work" caring for his daughter. Harry has to be thinking about that.

I think lwhite53's observation that Levi is the closest thing to an acual friend that we have ever seen Harry have is interesting. (Maybe Hugo Ross?) It resonates more for Harry because Levi is a friend. It would be easier to dismiss if he weren't.