Three Little Birds – Episode 2 Recap & Review

Episode 2

Episode 2 opens in a small Jamaican church, where the black community is gathered for a prayer and community day. Leah and Hosanna have moved out of the crowded apartment and into a room owned by Mrs. Biswas. They are happy to have a bed and a cupboard for their clothes.

Meanwhile, Chantrelle is working hard for the Wantage family, ensuring that Mrs. Wantage has no reason to complain. However, she is not allowed to drink from the same cups as the Wantage family. Instead, she is given a different set of cups and a uniform that covers her more modestly, as per Mrs. Wantage’s instructions. Additionally, she is told that she won’t be paid for a month, as Mrs. Wantage wants to “test” her.

Meanwhile, Leah, Hosanna, and Aston visit a church in the neighborhood, where they are told to find a church with more Black congregants. Hosanna is disheartened. The scene shifts to them entering a factory, where they secure their first job. Now, both Leah and Hosanna have a means to provide for themselves.

In the meantime, Chantrelle is living comfortably in the Wanttages’ house. However, when she sees a fur coat in Mrs. Wantage’s closet, she can’t resist trying it on. Mr. Wantage catches her, but instead of confronting her, he encourages her and even gives a gentle tap on her shoulder.

Chantrelle understands his intentions but is hesitant to resist as she fears losing her job. Mr. Wantage, aware of Chantrelle’s dreams of becoming an actress, tries to take advantage of her. He offers to get her a role using his industry connections, but Chantrelle doesn’t agree.

Meanwhile, Leah and Hosanna are outside their house washing their clothes when a white boy starts screaming at them, telling them to go back to Africa. Leah tries to chase him, but he gets away. Leah is angry at the racist slurs. Later, Hosanna and Aston attend a party, which makes Hosanna uncomfortable due to what she perceives as sinful behavior.

Despite this, she joins in. During dinner, they face more racism, with several white people yelling racial slurs, breaking windows, and burning cars belonging to black people. Leah, Hosanna, and Aston are terrified and try to make their way home, constantly hiding. As a mob approaches, Leah and Aston flee, but Hosanna is left behind.

Fortunately, a random person sees her and guides her to a safe spot. As the mob disperses, everyone comes out from hiding and hurries toward their homes. On the way, they came across a guy lying on the ground because of a severe leg injury. He is also the same man who has been yelling racist slurs at them.

Hosanna wants to help him, but Aston is reluctant. Despite this, Hosanna insists and tells Aston to help her pick him up and take him to safety. They take the injured man to his nearby house, where they calm him down and administer first aid. Therein they meet his grandmother and explain what had happened.

The grandmother is displeased with him, apologizes on her grandson’s behalf, and asks them to wait until it’s safe to leave.

The Episode Review

In the second episode, we delve into the characters’ challenges in England, setting up personal goals for each of them. However, the acting feels a bit over-the-top, with the main trio coming off as melodramatic and their expressions and dialogue falling short of conviction.

Despite this, episode 2 gives the series a solid boost, and we’re hopeful it will pick up speed in the upcoming episodes. Looking ahead to episode 3, we might witness some tension brewing between Chnatrelle and Mr. Wantage, especially as Mr. Wantage seems to be encroaching on her personal space, leaving her visibly frustrated. Additionally, Hosanna’s character is likely to undergo some changes, as she’s asked to try a different church.