“Anne with an E” Season 3 Episode 9, titled “A Dense and Frightful Darkness,” is a powerful and emotionally charged episode that delves into themes of fear, courage, resilience, and the capacity for both love and injustice. As the penultimate episode of the season, it sets the stage for a finale filled with both resolution and reflection, reminding viewers of the enduring strength found in connection and self-discovery.
Anne’s Quest and Harsh Truths
Driven by a desire to uncover her origins, Anne confronts both internal and external barriers in her relentless pursuit. Her investigation leads her to unsettling revelations about her past, shaking her sense of identity. These discoveries force her to confront harsh truths about her early life and the circumstances that led her to the orphanage.
Amybeth McNulty’s portrayal of Anne reaches new emotional depths in this episode, conveying the character’s determination and vulnerability with remarkable nuance, particularly in scenes where Anne wrestles with the fragility of her hopes and the harshness of the truths she uncovers.
Avonlea’s Crises and Shifting Values
Meanwhile, the people of Avonlea face their own crises as tensions between differing values and traditions heighten, particularly in the context of Ka’kwet and her community’s plight. The episode weaves these storylines with precision, offering a gripping narrative that underscores the complexities of personal and collective struggles.
Ka’kwet’s Heartbreaking Ordeal
The storyline involving Ka’kwet and her family takes center stage, exposing the brutal realities of the treatment of Indigenous peoples in Canada. After managing to escape the residential school and return home, Ka’kwet is forcibly taken from her family once again. This act of violence deeply affects the community, forcing them to confront the injustices occurring around them.
The Cuthberts’ Compassion
Oqwatnuk and Aluk, Ka’kwet’s parents, turn to the Cuthberts for help, highlighting the trust they place in Anne and her family. Marilla initially hesitates to get involved, but Matthew, remembering his own experience of potentially losing Anne, is moved by their plight and joins the cause without hesitation. This underscores the theme of parenthood and the lengths to which parents will go to protect their children.
Community Divisions
The episode also showcases the divisions within Avonlea, as some townspeople remain indifferent or even hostile towards Ka’kwet’s family. However, there are also those who are willing to stand up against injustice, demonstrating the power of solidarity and the importance of fighting for what is right. One of the most impactful scenes involves a confrontation between the Avonlea townsfolk and the authorities over the treatment of Ka’kwet’s family, a moment that encapsulates the series’ broader critique of injustice and the importance of solidarity.
Young Love and Difficult Choices
Amidst the turmoil, the episode also explores themes of young love and difficult choices.
Anne and Gilbert’s Missed Connections
Anne realizes her love for Gilbert, but she struggles with the prospect of competing with Winifred. Marilla encourages Anne to confess her feelings, but a series of unfortunate events and missed connections prevent Anne from reaching Gilbert in time. The note she leaves for him goes unread, leading to further misunderstandings and heartache.
Gilbert’s Decision
Gilbert is at a crossroads, contemplating a proposal to Winifred, which would provide him with numerous opportunities. However, his heart clearly belongs to Anne. The episode leaves viewers on tenterhooks, wondering whether Gilbert will make a terrible mistake or follow his heart.
Hazel and Sebastian’s Relationship
The episode also delves into Hazel and Sebastian’s relationship, exploring the challenges they face as they navigate their evolving dynamic. Hazel struggles to adjust to Sebastian’s world and his growing closeness with Muriel, highlighting the complexities of love and acceptance.
Visual and Technical Brilliance
“A Dense and Frightful Darkness” is a visually stunning episode, with cinematography that masterfully uses light and shadow to reflect the themes of hope and despair. Dark, stormy skies dominate the landscape, mirroring the characters’ turmoil, while candlelit interiors evoke a sense of fragile warmth amidst uncertainty. The editing is sharp, seamlessly transitioning between the parallel narratives of Anne’s search and Ka’kwet’s struggles, maintaining the tension throughout. The visuals of the coastal village and open fields reinforce the themes of freedom and self-discovery, while also illustrating the barriers Anne and her friends face in a tightly-knit, often insular community. Each frame feels carefully crafted to highlight the beauty and, at times, the rigidity of rural life, lending a poetic quality to the narrative that feels deeply connected to the characters’ journeys.
Performances that Resonate
The performances in this episode are exceptional across the board. Amybeth McNulty delivers a tour-de-force performance as Anne, capturing her character’s resilience, vulnerability, and unwavering spirit. Kiawentiio Tarbell as Ka’kwet delivers a standout performance, vividly portraying the pain and strength of someone fighting to preserve their identity in the face of systemic oppression. The supporting cast, including Geraldine James as Marilla and R. H. Thomson as Matthew, provide grounding performances, offering moments of solace amidst the chaos.
Themes of Parenthood, Identity, and Social Injustice
“A Dense and Frightful Darkness” is a thematically rich episode that explores a range of complex issues, including parenthood, identity, and social injustice. The episode encourages viewers to reflect on their own biases and blind spots and to consider the importance of empathy, compassion, and standing up for what is right.
The predominant theme of the episode was parenthood, expressed in different ways through various characters, such as Ka’kwet’s parents, Bash’s mom, Matthew and Marilla and even Miss Stacy.
A Penultimate Episode that Leaves a Lasting Impact
“A Dense and Frightful Darkness” is a powerful and moving episode that leaves a lasting impact on viewers. It is a testament to the show’s ability to tackle difficult and important topics with sensitivity and grace, while also delivering compelling and emotionally resonant storylines. The episode sets the stage for a finale that promises both resolution and reflection, reminding us of the enduring strength found in connection and self-discovery.
