[Afamilyatwar-list] Episode 15

[Veit, Richard]

Episode No. 15, “I Can Be Happy, Can’t I?”

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“I Can Be Happy, Can’t I?” is a pivotal episode in two respects: (1) establishing the volatile Michael-Margaret-John triangle and (2) intensifying the tug-of-war over shares in the company.

(1) The dramatic focal point of this episode occurs just after Ted Fiddler tells his funny story to Edwin, when Freda rings her father at the ARP to tell him the shocking news that Margaret says she is pregnant. This situation is unthinkable to the Ashton family because such promiscuity is not like Margaret at all. Edwin knows that only the direst of circumstances could have compelled her to enter into an adulterous affair. He confronts Jean about it, alleging that “It’s just David all over again for you, isn’t it?” As for Edwin himself, he believes otherwise: David got into trouble because of who he is, but Margaret did so because of the war. Whatever the case, her pregnancy will have wide-ranging effects throughout the entire series, first in how Michael Armstrong deals with her family, then in her guilt-ridden relations with John upon his return from the war, and (after the vindictive Celia Porter has informed her son of the illicit affair) in John’s unhealthy mental state of bitterness, shame, and despondency.

(2) Another major story line in “I Can Be Happy, Can’t I?” examines Sefton’s offer to let Edwin purchase his house at reasonable terms, an uncharacteristically generous act that suggests there may well be an ulterior motive hidden beneath the surface. Apparently, Sefton hopes to bring some measure of contentment to Edwin’s life, so he will not be tempted to take his managerial skills elsewhere. Beyond that, his scheme serves to enlist his sister’s support in creating a limited partnership upon their mother’s death.

Some random thoughts about this episode…

Doris Jackson is used in the story to create a believable tie between the Armstrongs and the Ashtons. It is through Doris that Freda comes to discover the identity of Margaret’s lover, Michael Armstrong.

For the only time in the series, we see a picture of Michael’s late wife, and we learn that her name was Janet.

It is in this episode that Sefton first informs Tony that he has bought a half share in a pig. This story line will develop more fully in Episide No. 20, “A Time to Be Born.”

It is sad to see that Edwin and Jean, at this point in their marriage, seldom miss an opportunity to level accusations against one another. Jean is usually the aggressor, but here it is Edwin who seeks conflict. When Jean remarks that she has forgotten Philip’s code words for identifying his location overseas, Edwin wonders if she has a similar code to inform them of Robert’s whereabouts. He seems to say this more out of spite than curiosity.

Soon thereafter comes a touching moment when Jean tells Edwin that one of the last air raids destroyed much of her father’s house. The wallpaper, she explains, was partially torn away, revealing beneath it the paper that she remembered as a young girl. It is clear to see that, even before Robert’s death inflicted its grievous pain, Jean’s mind already was plagued by depression and a withdrawal to the past.

A powerful scene between Edwin and Michael is made possible through some good writing. Barbara Armstrong wishes to say good night to her teacher, Margaret, with whom she is now reconciled, and this turn of events leaves the two men alone together for their dramatic confrontation.

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