Episode 7, titled “Wherever You Are Is My Home,” serves as the season finale of Anne with an E‘s first season. Directed by Amanda Tapping, this episode brings the Cuthberts to a financial crisis, testing their bonds and defining what family truly means.
Financial Ruin and Matthew’s Despair
The episode starts with the harsh reality of the Cuthberts’ financial situation. Matthew’s investment in high-yield crops, funded by a bank loan, hasn’t paid off, leaving them on the brink of foreclosure. Marilla is furious to learn about Matthew’s secret financial decisions. The stress culminates in Matthew suffering a heart attack, rendering him unable to work for months. The doctor’s diagnosis is described as an “episode of the heart,” highlighting the severity of his condition.
Faced with the imminent threat of losing Green Gables, Marilla and Anne confront the daunting task of finding a solution. Marilla initially refuses charity, determined to solve their problems independently. However, the urgency of the situation forces them to consider other options, including selling their possessions.
Overwhelmed by the situation, Matthew contemplates suicide in order to provide for Marilla and Anne through his life insurance. Jeanie, a neighbor, intervenes and convinces him that his life is invaluable and that his death would devastate Anne, who has finally found a place to belong. Marilla also confronts Matthew, assuring him that they need him and promising to forgive him.
Anne and Jerry’s Journey to Carmody
Marilla places an ad for boarders in the paper and decides to send Anne and Jerry to Carmody to sell some of their belongings and one of their horses. This task highlights Anne’s resourcefulness and determination to help her family. Before they leave, Diana gives Anne her vanity set to pawn.
In Carmody, Anne first visits the dress shop where she returns her beloved puff-sleeved dress. Jeanie, recognizing the dress and understanding Anne’s situation, gives her more money than expected. Next, Anne visits the pawn shop, where she uses her storytelling skills to embellish the history of each item, hoping to get a better price. Although the shopkeeper is initially skeptical, he is eventually charmed by Anne’s tales and offers a fair value for the items.
Meanwhile, Jerry successfully sells the horse. However, on his way back, he is robbed and beaten by two men who steal the money. Despite this setback, Anne and Jerry eventually make their way to Aunt Josephine’s, who welcomes them with open arms, offering them a hot meal and a place to sleep.
Gilbert’s Departure and Anne’s Apology
In Carmody, Anne also encounters Gilbert, who is working at the docks to earn money for passage on a ship. Gilbert plans to travel and explore the world before returning to Avonlea. Anne apologizes for not being sensitive to his grief over his father’s death, and Gilbert accepts her apology.
During their conversation, the two men who robbed Jerry are present in the same cafe, hinting at a potential future conflict. As Anne and Gilbert part ways, Anne admits that she misses him, surprising them both. She quickly covers up her statement by saying she misses their academic rivalry.
Love is Not Charity
Back at Green Gables, Anne and Marilla count the money Anne managed to acquire. Anne discovers additional money hidden in the book Josephine gave her, accompanied by a note stating, “love is not charity.” Marilla initially refuses to accept the money, but Anne convinces her that accepting help from loved ones is not the same as accepting charity.
The community of Avonlea also rallies to support the Cuthberts. At the school concert, a collection is taken up for the family, and the carolers later gather at Green Gables to perform a Christmas concert.
The Arrival of the Boarders
Despite their efforts, the Cuthberts still need additional funds to save Green Gables. Marilla puts a notice in the paper to take in boarders. In the final scene, Anne and Matthew are seen in the morning going for a walk, they then meet the new boarders, who happen to be the two thieves who attacked Jerry.
Themes and Analysis
“Wherever You Are Is My Home” explores several key themes:
- Family and Belonging: The episode emphasizes the importance of family and the strength that comes from unity and love. Anne’s journey from a lonely orphan to a cherished family member is a central theme, highlighting the transformative power of love and acceptance.
- Resilience: Anne’s character embodies resilience in the face of adversity. Despite her difficult past and the current financial crisis, she remains optimistic and determined to help her family.
- Community: The episode showcases the importance of community support during times of hardship. The people of Avonlea rally to help the Cuthberts, demonstrating the power of collective action.
- Love vs. Charity: The episode distinguishes between love and charity, suggesting that accepting help from loved ones is an act of love and support, not a sign of weakness.
The episode has received mostly positive reviews, with critics praising the performances of the main cast, particularly Amybeth McNulty as Anne, Geraldine James as Marilla, and R.H. Thomson as Matthew. The episode’s emotional depth and exploration of complex themes have also been commended.
Some critics, however, have noted that the introduction of financial hardship feels abrupt and that certain storylines, such as Matthew’s suicidal thoughts and the arrival of the thieves, add a darker tone to the series that deviates from the source material.
