Series 10 - Episode 6 Discussion

[expat]

(01-11-2011 05:51 AM)Silktie Wrote:  I dunno, I think Ruth's death paradoxically has refocussed Harry on his work. Of course he is deeply affected by her death, and that is precisely why I think he will strive to do the best job he possibly can - because it is the only way to honour her memory and make her sacrifice meaningful. And Erin has shown that she is not afraid to challenge his decisions, so he will still be forced to think about his calls even though Ruth is no longer there.

Silktie, I think this very well put. I also think that Ruth's last speech to him, that he no longer needed to feel guilty about Elena, that he hadn't lost his humanity, and implicitly that she accepted him as he is, is hugely important in his ability to return to work. His crisis in judgement and confidence that we were seeing in Season 9 is in part resolved by this acceptance and forgiveness. He's honouring Ruth, but he's honouring himself too.

I don't pretend to know much about drama, but in my little mind Harry's return to work is the perfect dramatic ending. If he were my brother, my father, my friend, maybe that's not what I'd want for him. But as a dramatic hero, this is how I picture him going forward, standing on the wall.

And I'm still truly heartbroken by Ruth's death.