Aahana Swrup
The period drama show ‘A Thousand Blows’ delves into the boxing and criminal scene of Victorian London’s East End. In this story, the Goodson brothers, Henry and Edward, better known as Sugar and Treacle, remain integral characters as the owners of the city’s underground bare-knuckle fighting ring. The beginning of season 2 finds these two brothers at drastically different points in their narrative, as they confront the aftermath of a brutal fight between them that had almost killed the younger Goodson. While Sugar is drowning in his guilt, and at the bottom of a whiskey glass, Treacle is attempting to rebuild his life at the Blue Coat Boy Pub. However, interestingly enough, instead of his family, the former boxer seems to only have Esme and her hired help for company. Consequently, the absence of his wife, Marianne Goodson, becomes a notable add-on to Treacle’s narrative in season 2.
Marianne Goodson Returned to Ireland at the Beginning of Season 2
In season 1 of ‘A Thousand Blows,’ Marianne Goodson remains a constant and reliable presence by Treacle Goodson’s side. The younger brother’s family, his wife and kids, are notably one of the more defining aspects that set him apart from his older brother, Sugar. As such, in the aftermath of the ruthless brawl between the two, Treacle finds comfort and support in his family, while Sugar is relatively alone in the aftermath. However, it seems in season 2, the younger Goodson has also found himself in a similar state, at least for some time. Marianne has left London and temporarily moved to Ireland to be with her ailing mother. While she’s gone, the Blue Boy Coat pub owner has taken to the help of Esme Long, who aids him in his medical recovery while also looking after the yet-uncrowded establishment.
However, as the season progresses, it becomes evident that Marianne’s mother isn’t the only reason for the woman’s exit from London. Ever since Treacle’s violent fight with Sugar, the former boxer has developed many health complications, which influence his mental stability from time to time. Therefore, eventually, his wife became unable to put up with his outbursts, which compelled her to flee to Ireland for the time being. As the plot progresses, she eventually returns momentarily, but only to take the kids with her when it becomes evident that Treacle won’t be able to keep them safe any longer. As such, Marianne’s exit from Treacle’s life leaves an evident air of absence in the boxer’s narrative. Therefore, ultimately, Marianne’s exit from Treacle’s life, even though abrupt, has a significant impact on his story.
Ella Lily Hyland’s Future With A Thousand Blows Remains Ambiguous
With Marianne Goodson’s apparent exit from London, in favor of taking up familial duties in Ireland, actress Ella Lily Hyland’s future collaboration with ‘A Thousand Blows’ inevitably comes under question. In season 1, Hyland and her character prove to be a foundational addition in the project, creating the world around the central Goodson brothers and their lives in London’s East End. Her character adds a sense of grounded realism to Treacle’s character, opening up space for interpersonal narratives to unfold. However, if the show is renewed for another continuation and Marianne’s Ireland arc continues past the sophomore season, it’s likely that fans won’t see the character again, at least in the near future.
Yet, there’s always a possibility that Marianne will return to London more permanently in potential future seasons. With it, Hyland will once again have the chance to reprise her role in the Steven Knight project. Previously, the ‘Black Doves’ actress has spoken fondly about her work on the series, expressing her admiration for the script and the cast and sharing an overall pleasant outlook on the experience. Therefore, there’s no reason to believe she won’t be making a return to the show in the future when and if the narrative calls for it. Nonetheless, for now, it seems fans will only get updates on Marianne and her life in Ireland through other characters. Until her potential return, fans of the show and Hyland’s work can catch her on other projects like ‘Towards Zero,’ the Agatha Christie adaptation wherein the actress plays the role of Audrey Strange. Furthermore, she is also set to star in the show ‘Tall Tales & Murder,’ which is currently still in development.
Read More: Is Edward Goodson AKA Treacle Based on a Real Boxer?
