'The Durrells in Corfu': Season 2 Episode 4 Recap

Last time on The Durrells in Corfu, Louisa railed against the reality of getting older; Gerry’s avoidance of a traditional education continued; Leslie discovered he has a talent for photography; and Vasilia’s seduction of Larry scored a dismaying result. Oh, and Margo was preoccupied with her spots…

This week however, an unusual weather event I’ll refer to as The Deluge commanded the everyone’s attention. Lugaretzia declares the storm an omen of death and leaves the cursed and extremely leaky house in a hurry. Gerry insists on bringing his menagerie inside which appears to be an inconvenience to which the family is resigned. And the family awaits the return of Aunt Hermione (Barbara Flynn) which has everyone on edge anyhow.

Let’s look at the factors that resulted in a “too close for comfort” situation and prompted Louisa to refer to her children as Lumpy, Grumpy, Spotty and Ignorant, shall we?

First off, Larry has the mumps and is convinced Vasilia infected him. The prodigal has returned home to be nursed by his mercifully loving mother. Unfortunately for Louisa, her first born son is an insufferable patient. Larry’s obsessive concern is that his affliction will “travel south” and render him infertile.

It's later revealed why Larry is so anxious about this precise complication. In one of those poignant conversations between mother and son that always reduces me to tears, Larry explains that he sees procreation as the supreme act of creativity. He and his siblings are Louisa’s masterpieces, momentous works of art that she created. Oh, Larry how can you be so deep and still be drawn in by that dangerous siren of a woman?

Meanwhile Leslie is cooped up in the house and his discomfort is palpable. Stir crazy is too mild a word for this avid young outdoorsman. At first, he takes the constructive step of organizing a roster of family entertainments. The lineup includes Margo with her presentation on fashion, Gerry’s conservation talk, Larry’s reading of a lofty work in progress and Leslie sharing his most recent artistic foray – a lovely watercolor of the house and grounds. New lodger and Gerry’s hapless tutor Donald (Ben Hall) is eager to share his love poetry, but it only draws uncontrollable laughter from his friend Larry and uncomfortable squirms from the object of Donald's affection, Margo.

Poor Leslie finally cracks by heading out into the pouring rain for a frenzied song and dance rendition of "When the Saints Go Marching In". It ends with the overwrought lad flat on his back in the mud, defeated by the elements and asking for his mummy.

The most significant turn of events in this whole deluge scenario, of course, was the introduction of spiritualist Mrs. Haddock (played by Sherlock’s Una Stubbs) into the mix. Aunt Hermione happened upon the self-professed medium on the train from London and apparently invited her along to Corfu. The normally skeptical spinster believes her companion to be the real deal though Theo is suspicious of her claims and appalled by her disapproval of science.

Seeing as Louisa has been missing her dearly departed husband a lot recently, the timing of Mrs. Haddock’s arrival is curious. Mrs. Durrell considers her marriage the defining decision and glory of her life and moving on is difficult. Larry suggests that marriage is merely paperwork and his mother should look forward to a relationship with a live man – i.e., Hugh. Leslie is angered by his brother’s insensitive attitude which only contributes further to his foul mood.

Mrs. Haddock’s continual references to the late Mr. Durrell – how he loved the rain, hated to be alone, and is suffering at the prospect of his wife’s male admirers- is annoying yet astonishing at the same time. Margo, in particular, is fascinated by Mrs. Haddock who assures she can cure the young girl’s spots with faith healing…and cruciferous vegetables. (That cabbage mask was vintage Margo!) As we already know from her brief nun obsession, young Miss Durrell is drawn to the spiritual world so when the medium suggests a séance, Margo is totally onboard.

Despite Louisa’s displeasure at the air of morbidity that Haddock has brought to her house, she feels compelled to go ahead with the séance to determine if this odd woman is a fraud or not. With the entire household (including Spiros, Theo and the recently returned Lugaretizia) around the table, Mrs. Haddock goes into a trance and calls forth her “Red Indian” spirit guide, Mawake.