Life in pictures

ED IS WEARING STEDE'S RING.

I’m forever grateful in how they handled this scene.

A lesser show might’ve had Merstede swim to the surface holding onto Ed, literally rescuing him. As it is, they don’t even touch, yet it’s so visually powerful. The mirroring, which says, I see you, I am you, “you’re safe”.

But most importantly, the narrative allowing Ed agency to decide for himself whether to live or die after being offered emotional safety.

Later, Ed tells Stede, “You saved my life.” Whilst Stede’s voice, handhold, and little chest thumps is certainly a catalyst, it’s Ed who reaches out, undoes his rope, knocks that ring, mirrors back, and takes it over the line.

Once again I'm stealing ideas for @valvertweek from les mis letters discord (thanks Yazhmog and @goosemixtapes for the images in my brain)

Javert catches Madeleine reverse-burglaring a house. Madeleine gaslights him into believing it never happened.

Seeing how little Javert gets paid, Madeleine eventually decides to reverse-burglar him too.