This was specifically designed to end whatever romantic fantasy or more practical ideas of rising influence in Robert’s life July had. Caroline seizes this opportunity to cut off July’s access to him. Robert’s doctor claims the sight of Black people will make him more stressed out. July’s inability to see the extent of Caroline’s manipulative personality comes to light during Robert’s doctor-ordered bed rest. The strike drives Robert to a mental breakdown as the sugarcane and all of his profit rots away in the fields. July, on one level, has some sympathy for those workers who are being exploited, but her more immediate concern is about taking care of Emily. Many of the striking workers left the plantation boundaries entirely for the unclaimed land in the forest. The dark cloud July mentioned at the end of Episode 2 turns out to be Robert Goodwin’s reaction to the field workers going on strike.

This conclusion was shown at the beginning of the story, but the script obscures the details to create suspense. Her loss of faith in her situation is redeemed in a way she did not expect. However, the conclusion of her story defies the odds. In the last episode of The Long Song, July’s journey is once again shaped by personal crisis and misfortune she is unable to control. These articles will cover the events of episode three, so if you haven't watched it yet, catch up on GBH Passport. Each week, we're bringing you a new installment of a series of character studies on July from guest contributor Amanda-Rae Prescott. Set during the final days of slavery in 19th-century Jamaica, the series tells the story of the hardships and survival of plantation slave, July.

MASTERPIECE brought us four new shows in January, including the powerful mini-series The Long Song.

The long song novel