Harlots – “Episode 1.1” and “Episode 1.2” Review. Sassy, Raunchy, and Villainous.

Air Date: Wednesday, March 29, 2017 streaming on Hulu

Rating: ★★★★★

“I’m clawing my way upwards in the world, Mr. Gibbon, not down.” – Margaret Wells

Sex is the currency by which many debts are settled, but it can also put you in the poor house if you’re not careful. Sex is as addictive as gambling, drinking, and drugs, but in 18^th century London, it’s also wielded as power over those too weak to abstain.

<i>Harlots</i> – “Episode 1.1” and “Episode 1.2” Review. Sassy, Raunchy, and Villainous. 2

HARLOTS — “Episode 1” Episode 101 – Margaret Wells’ business comes under attack from a rival madam. As they risk losing everything, how much will Margaret and her daughters have to sacrifice to keep the brothel, and the Wells family afloat? From left, Margaret Wells (Samantha Morton), Emily Lacey (Holli Dempsey) and Fanny (Bronwyn James), shown. (Photo by: Liam Daniel/Hulu)

Hulu’s new drama series Harlots is a fascinating look at the oldest profession in the world set against a family drama . Harlots is visually outstanding, both with set designs and costumes, but what truly stands out are the many performances throughout the two-episode sampling. Samantha Morton as Margaret Wells captivates, while Eloise Smyth as Lucy, the youngest of Margaret’s daughters, shines as a somewhat naïve young lady who’s about to get some hard life lessons. Leslie Manville as the indelible Madam Lydia Quigley commands the screen, and Jessica Brown Findlay as Charlotte, Margaret’s eldest daughter, turns in a tremendous performance being big sister and protector, while also trying to make a new life of her own.

Margaret and Madam Quigley run two separate brothels, one being the kind that’s quite obvious, while the other is shrouded in “white powder” to disguise its true nature. As “Episode 1.1” eludes, Margaret and Lydia have a dark past that will slowly come to light over the eight-episode series arc. Margaret desperately wants to expand her business but needs capital to do so. While she tries to maintain her status as a brothel madam, she also juggles being a wife and mother, three occupations that don’t always mix very well in their current state of affairs.

<i>Harlots</i> – “Episode 1.1” and “Episode 1.2” Review. Sassy, Raunchy, and Villainous. 3

HARLOTS — “Episode 1” Lydia Quigley (Lesley Manville) doesn’t tolerate mediocrity from her girls, especially if they’re “dead behind the eyes.” (Photo by: Liam Daniel/Hulu)

What originally enticed me about Harlots was the premise of two feuding brothels, but as I continued to watch “Episode 1.1” and then “Episode 1.2,” I realized Harlots is so much more than just catty whores defending their territory. There is intrigue, both personal and political, along with family drama, deep moral conflict, scandalous dealings, and, of course…sex.

It’s no surprise that Harlots is powered by women behind the scenes – three executive producers— Alison Owen, Debra Hayward, and Moira Buffini, who also serves as showrunner. Buffini is also co-creator and co-writer of the series along with Alison Newman. And there are several female directors, including Coky Giedroyc, who directs the first three episodes.

<i>Harlots</i> – “Episode 1.1” and “Episode 1.2” Review. Sassy, Raunchy, and Villainous. 4

HARLOTS — “Episode 1” The girls at Quigley’s house are quite different from Margaret’s girls.
Fourth from left, Marie-Louise D’Aubigne (Poppy Corby-Tech), shown. (Photo by: Liam Daniel/Hulu)

Harlots’ controversial subject matter comes at a time in our current society where sexuality and body image are at a critical impasse. Women are often scorned for the number of partners they have, and are called vile names like ‘whore’ or ‘slut.’ There is always going to be a double standard with how men and women behave sexually but what I love about Harlots is the way the women are portrayed – strong willed and fiercely loyal to one another…at least most of them. Emily Lacey (Holli Dempsey) will soon find herself questioning her decisions. She may be the top girl at Margaret’s house, but her back street attitude and foul temper won’t do in the posh environment that Madam Quigley runs.

Prostitution isn’t something new and Harlots does an excellent job of highlighting what it must have been like for women who chose to sell themselves to survive. The costumes are magnificent in the way they dictate the placement of certain women. The bible thumpers who come preaching the word of God, casting out the sinners and the “harlots,” are all dressed in drab monochromatic colors of beige, white, and black. The working girls wear colorful gowns, some more bright than others, while Lucy wears softer pastels to showcase her still intact virtue and semi-innocence. Lucy may not have the experience or prowess, but she’s coming into her own and has a smart mouth, one that will get her into trouble if she’s not more careful.

<i>Harlots</i> – “Episode 1.1” and “Episode 1.2” Review. Sassy, Raunchy, and Villainous. 5

HARLOTS — “Episode 1” Lucy Wells (Eloise Smyth) wants to help her mother but is the cost worth it all in the end? (Photo by: Liam Daniel/Hulu)

“Episode 1.1” explores the lengths both Margaret and Lydia are willing to go to in order to push the other down. Lydia’s power and influence with her fancy boarding house reach quite far into the judicial realm, giving her a hand up in the game. But Margaret is resourceful, using her instincts, knowledge, and experience to move the pieces in her favor. Although, Margaret does something that will make her doubt herself and her goals of getting that new house on “Greek Street.” Is Lucy’s well-being worth the price?

Findlay is captivating in her role. Not only is she beautiful, she portrays Charlotte with such conviction, you believe she truly is this courtesan. Charlotte wrestles with being a kept mistress but refuses to sign a contract with Lord Howard (Hugh Skinner), the man who wants to be her “lord and master,” all puns intended. Howard strikes me as ambiguous; he seems to love having sex with women, especially Charlotte, but I feel he may be bisexual. Perhaps he just likes to wear women’s clothing…you know, for fun. I digress. Howard’s incessant need to control and own Charlotte like chattel infuriates me, but that’s how it was back then.

Throughout “Episode 1.2,” the events that transpired with Lucy and Howard remain a touchy subject in Margaret’s household. Despite becoming literally sick to her stomach over what she’s done, Margaret continues to seek bidders for Lucy thinking that there isn’t anything left to lose. Lucy’s deceit over what actually happened between her and Howard in “Episode 1.1” will come back to haunt her. Lucy’s actions to remedy the situation on her own may not turn out the way she envisions.

<i>Harlots</i> – “Episode 1.1” and “Episode 1.2” Review. Sassy, Raunchy, and Villainous. 6

HARLOTS — “Episode 1” Charlotte Wells (Jessica Brown-Findlay) knows how to make a man pine after her. (Photo by: Liam Daniel/Hulu)

Meanwhile, Howard continues to have Charlotte monitored while he’s away. His dutiful liason Mr. Haxby (Edward Hogg) is more than happy to tear Charlotte and Howard apart. Mr. Daxby’s disdain for Charlotte seems so impassioned, as if he’s jealous of the relationship between Howard and Charlotte. Hogg does an excellent of job of turning up his nose at everything Charlotte does. His words oozing of contrition and judgement only fuel Charlotte’s spiteful behavior. I don’t quite understand her reasons for staying with Howard other than the fact that he’s rich and can settle her gambling debts, but I hope she won’t refute actual love as it presents itself in the form of a poor Irishman.

I’m also anxious to see if Margaret’s old flame Lennox (Con O’Neill) will help her with her endeavors to secure the house on Greek Street; I just hope Margaret’s husband William (Danny Sapani) doesn’t get pushed to the wayside in the grand scheme of things. He’s a good man but I’m sure he has his limits when it comes to someone wanting to sleep with his wife.

If you’re looking for a gritty drama with teeth to tantalize you, tune in to Harlots.

For more on Harlots, go to https://www.hulu.com/harlots

Follow Harlots on Twitter https://twitter.com/harlotsonhulu

Like Harlots on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Harlotsonhulu/

Follow Harlots on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/harlotsonhulu/

Save

Biography of the Author(Read Below)..
Latest Posts (view them )..

Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.