Abhiroop Das
Created and written by Steven Knight, Netflix’s ‘House of Guinness’ tells the story of four siblings: Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Benjamin, who struggle to fill the shoes left behind by their patriarch, Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness, the creator of a titanic Alcoholic Beverages company. While much of the narrative centers around how they react to their moments of crises and rewards, the show’s primary interest lies in tracing the interconnected networks that influence their past, present, and future in the first place. To that end, this semi-fictional period drama places a deep importance on every character’s decisions, with the previous episode ending with Arthur committing a mistake. Taking the illegal route during an election campaign can only go downhill, and Edward and co find out firsthand how deep this rabbit hole can go. SPOILERS AHEAD.
Arthur’s Tactics Cost Him, And Edward, Dearly
Episode 6 of the show begins six months after Edward learns of Arthur’s illegal vote-buying scheme. Since then, it has become public news, and a case has been filed against him. Although the Guinnesses try every tool at their disposal, the verdict doesn’t quite go in their favour, as Arthur is found guilty of encouraging a system of illegal operations and is charged a hefty fine. The news leaves Edward absolutely frustrated, and he vents his anger by accelerating the company’s expansion project. Elsewhere, Rafferty gives the report of Arthur’s trial to Olivia, who seems to have taken a liking to him. Once left alone, the two spend time in leisure, with Rafferty showing off his skill with the violin. Although the butler is wary of this budding relationship, his complaints to Arthur go largely unheard. Behind closed doors, however, he reminds Olivia of their agreement that her flings must be a private affair.
When Arthur reflects on his criminal trial so far, he realizes that Edward will be furious about these setbacks, as they directly affect the company’s future. Although Olivia pacifies him in the moment, she realizes that more trouble is brewing right under their noses. Meanwhile, Edward and Madelaide grow closer in light of her redevelopment programs. Before his eyes, the project balloons up to include well-built houses for the workers and the surrounding families, ensuring a higher standard of living. This also boosts their chances in the election, and Edward holds his tongue about the potential costs. However, this is short-lived, as a letter from Byron Hedges gives an update on their plans in America. Here, Byron drops a bombshell, revealing that while he has successfully made a deal on foreign soil, the distributors demand a full 15% of the profits in return for their cooperation. This development tips Edward past his breaking point, as he realizes he might just be funding the very people planning to take him down.
Edward Has a Moment of Passion and Intimacy With a Foe Turned Friend
With nowhere left to go, Edward makes his way to Ellen’s house, which lies deep in the poorer downtown locales. After sneaking his way in, he inquires about the Fenian agreement in America, and is surprised to learn that the news has spread like wildfire in the underground circle. Both he and Ellen realize that, for this news to go viral, it would mean the end of Guinness’s political career, which prompts them to sit down and design a new plan. Elsewhere, Arthur is turned down at Bonnie Champion’s brothel, with his own brothers’ rules coming in the way. Enraged, Arthur rushes to the office, only to find it empty. However, the entry of Patrick, one of the workers, changes the game. He explains that he remembers seeing Arthur at the brothel and has since held strong sexual desires for him. Arthur responds to the advances positively, and the two have sex. Back at Ellen’s house, the mood shifts over time as well, and the two make love, bridging the two camps in the process.
The following day marks a grand occasion for the Guinness family, as their new production line is inaugurated. However, the day has one more layer of significance, as Anne goes into labour. While that end of the narrative intensifies, Christine’s yearning for Benjamin takes on a dramatic turn, as she threatens to end her own life with the very pistol she gave to him. Aunt Agnes comes to the rescue, convincing Christine that she is growing more sensitive to the poor and is willing to change her ways for the better. Additionally, Agnes tells Christine to join the women, as the lives of the men are bound by more complications. Outside the residence, Edward and Arthur prepare for a big address, one that includes both the mistakes they made in the past and the future they have planned ahead. This speech brings the entire essence of the family back in one piece, pushing the story forward.
Edward Comes to The Cochrane Siblings’ Rescue
The recent police foray into the political climate of Dublin spells bad news for the Fenians, as a bust on a tavern ends with the capture of many of the group’s members, including their de facto leader, Patrick Cochrane. A child manages to escape the scene and alert Elle just in time, prompting her to take immediate action. Elsewhere, Arthur and Edward sit down for a meeting with their lawyer regarding the potential threats that their deal in America brings, and the true extent of their blunder begins to set in. The lawyer suggests that they maintain absolute discretion regarding this subject, which ironically contrasts with Ellen’s letter to Edward, detailing the circumstances behind her brother’s arrest. When this catches Arthur’s eye, the younger brother is forced to divulge the details of his dynamic.
Realizing that Edward might be falling in love with Ellen, Arthur brings up the idea of his brother marrying Adelaide, given that she ticks every box on the list. While Edward steers clear of that topic, it does not stop Arthur from concocting his own plans, as he reaches out to her and makes the same suggestion, this time with an added emphasis on the political and monetary potential that opens up with the wedlock. Elsewhere, Edward creates a plan for Ellen’s brother to kill two birds with one stone. During a lunch conversation, he reveals his plan to send Patrick to America, where he can work as one of their internal agents. Although she is not fond of the idea, the lack of choices forces her to rely on this tactic, which essentially makes her brother one of Byron’s agents.
Arthur Nearly Gets Caught by the Police
Edward’s bond with Adelaide grows several shades richer when the duo takes a trip to Ashford Castle. Initially, chaos erupts when news spreads of Adeleiade walking off to the Cloonboo region, which is known for hating the Guinness. But when Edward reaches the scene with his guards, he finds a community full of suffering, where people are too weak to even dig a grave for the departed. Aghast at this sight, Edward has a change of heart and instead joins them in their work, beginning with the digging of a grave. This gesture touches Adelaide’s heart, and although there is still a long way to go for the protagonist, a turn towards the brighter side in life comes to be. However, deep down, he still yearns for Ellen and makes this clear to Adelaide.
Elsewhere, Arthur seeks to reconnect with Patrick and goes as far as to meet him in the factory. There, Patrick openly exclaims how he feels about the eldest Guinness and invites him to a place where one can freely express themselves. Arthur is hesitant at first, but his desire to be with his new partner overtakes that feeling. However, in a shocking turn of events, we learn that Patrick is, in reality, working for Arthur’s uncle, Reverend Henry Gratton, a pastor who is eager to bring the protagonists down in light of their sins He controls the young man’s actions with the threat of revealing his secrets to the public, and in turn constructs a scenario in which Arthur can be arrested. The episode cuts right before the police forces enter the premises, leaving things on an exciting note. With the show nearing its final stretch, a number of threads are overlapping with one another, creating a complex chessboard with many players.
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