Abhiroop Das
While Netflix’s ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ primarily tells the story of four retired friends who forge a murder solving club during their stay at Coopers Chase Retirement Village, the story also delves deep into their personal lives. This sheds light on Stephen Best, Elizabeth’s husband and one of the most endearing presences in the retirement home. While the two have forged a bond in iron, it does not mean that their lives are without a share of problems. As the murder mystery takes center stage and the club members don the detective persona, Stephen’s arc silently continues in the background, adding nuance to the interpersonal relationships and tying many of the story’s loose ends together. Ultimately, the Chris Columbus directorial tells a story of love and companionship, and to that end, Stephen acts as a vessel for many of the themes. SPOILERS AHEAD.
Alzheimer’s Disease Puts Stephen and Elizabeth’s Relationship to the Test
Stephen Best is introduced to the story as the husband of Elizabeth Best, a member of the Thursday Murder Club. The two lead a happy life at Coopers Chase Retirement Village, but their time together is affected by the fact that Stephen has Alzheimer’s Disease. His debilitation also complicates his career as an acclaimed novelist. While conversing with Jack, Elizabeth explains that her partner has good days and bad, and she has difficulty finding the right balance. She recalls the moments in which he has perfect clarity of thought, as well as a firm grip on his memory, but these instances are always contrasted by periods of Stephen losing major chunks of his memory. The following scene, with the couple together, illustrates that he has forgotten something he wished to tell her. However, despite their trying times, the one thing that remains consistent is their love for each other.
Stephen and Elizabeth have a warm, loving relationship that only strengthens as time passes. In one of the scenes, he perfectly recalls the death of Queen Elizabeth II and how it impacted his wife, a former intelligence operative for the government. This brings relief to the protagonist, reigniting her faith in his mental health. At another moment, Stephen compares his dynamic with Elizabeth to that of birds that mate for life. This reflects the idea of their love transcending physical and mental boundaries and has found its place in the deepest corners of their heart. While the possibility of Stephan’s health deteriorating remains, Elizabeth shows confidence in dealing with the trials and tribulations that might come along the way. As such, the two take the form of a power couple, with their joint partnership playing an instrumental role in solving the murder.
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Stephen’s Disease Indirectly Helps Bring One of the Murder Cases to a Close
Stephen’s bout with Alzheimer’s is not all gloom, as it has a distinct place in the larger mystery of ‘The Thursday Murder Club.’ In particular, it is the reason why Tony Curran’s murderer, Bogdan, is caught. The Polish immigrant builds a bond of friendship with Stephen, in large part due to their shared love for chess and the fact that the latter’s mother is struggling with the same disease. However, this limitation does not dull Stephen’s senses, as he is able to quickly piece together the fact that Bogdan is the one behind the killing. In a strange turn of fate, the novelist forgets this entire interaction moments after his friend confesses to the act, allowing Bogdan to wipe his slate clean. Just when he prepares to leave, the two decide to have tea together, which raises the stakes even further.
Elsewhere during Stephen and Bogdan’s conversation, Elizabeth figures out the mystery independently and rushes to her husband’s safety. There, she finds the duo sipping tea, and with the help of the police, Bogdan is arrested. However, he understands the fact that there is no evidence against him, and specifically points to how Stephen’s words cannot be held accountable in light of his disease. In that moment, a golden opportunity presents itself to the protagonists, with Elizabeth remembering that Stephan’s voice records every single chess match he plays so as to go over his opponent’s strategy after the match. With the help of these recordings, Bodgan’s crimes are eventually pinned down, but that doesn’t change their dynamic as friends. Stephen’s Alzheimer’s gains new dimensions as the key to solving the case.
