Connor Macgregor Reviews...Children's Television

Tools    







Connor Macgregor Reviews...Hetty Feather

2x01 - Foundling Day

INTRO: Series Two of Hetty Feather kicks off with Hetty in a morally challenging position, destiend to define the fate of a newborn forever.

SUMMARY: Hetty is shocked at the brisk way in which baby Hazel Didcott is received from her mother at the orphanage, the more so when she learns Hazel's name will be changed, although she is told why it is necessary. She plans to send Hazel to Peg and Jem, who know more about her birth mother, and when bad boys Vince and Judd are caught stealing to trade for a football, she takes advantage of their situation to further this plan.

REVIEW: New Babies are brought into the home albeit by emotional and cruel reasons. One mother is very emotional and Hetty as a result takes pity on the child, vowing to keep her name known to her unlike many of the other children. She decides to formulate a scheme to get her to her former foster family who were previously very loving during her time away from the home. As a result, she switches the name tags in the hope that she will have a better life. She also ponders over her own birth mother at the same time a mysterious lady arrives at the home looking for answers herself. I enjoyed this episode and was a good opener to Series 2. Hetty now has developed a sort of coda, morals that enable her to do the right thing in a tough unjust world. I also notice slowly the children are all growing up slowly but surely.

RATING: 83% - A-





Connor Macgregor Reviews...Hetty Feather

2x02 - The Haunting

INTRO: A frightful filled episode as a ghost lurks the hall.

SUMMARY: During a stormy night, Hetty entertains her friends with stories of Joseph Twig, whose ghost allegedly haunts the orphanage tower. Next day, wealthy Mr. and Mrs. McCartney arrive and are desperate to adopt Polly, who is the image of their late daughter. Matron is reluctant, claiming that adoption is against the rules, lest the birth parents return but is swayed by the couple's generous donation. Hetty has her misgivings about her friend going to strangers but gives in to Polly's own wishes when matron agrees to give her Polly's new address, a promise she does not keep. At the same time, some of Hetty's friends plan a prank to scare Judd and Vince by pretending to be the ghost of Joseph Twig.

REVIEW: A fundraising night takes an interesting turn as a rich couple identify Polly and wish to adopt her, and yet Hetty and Polly are not so eager for this to happen and try and dissuade the couple by faking an illness, but they are not so eagerly dissuaded. Yet midway through the story, Polly ultimately has a change of heart and agrees to live with the couple, with the strong promise of a great life to come. In a way, the Matron comes out on top here in this episode, having separated Hetty from her best friend. A sub plot focuses on ghost stories being spread around, and following an altercation, Mathias is placed with a dunce hat. Him and the other boys on the hand begin to set up a plan to gt back at Vince and Judd, setting up a clever prank in the process, which in itself is quite spooky. I thought this episode was good, solid all around, and a nice good ending for Polly.

RATING: 71% - B+





Connor Macgregor Reviews...Hetty Feather

2x03 - Words From Home

INTRO: Jem returns to pass on a message to Hetty. But it leads to a hell of bribes and scams.

SUMMARY: Nurse Winterson smuggles a letter from Hetty to Jem, but when he arrives unexpectedly at the orphanage he has no news regarding Hetty's true mother. Vince and Judd steal the token left with Hetty at the orphanage as a baby in the hopes of obtaining money to buy their football, but kitchen maid Ida steps in to make them retrieve it. Matron is keen to be teacher Cranborne's friend when she learns that he is an heir to the Earl of Ellerslie, unless his missing cousin Jasper reappears.

REVIEW: Jem is back, and is eager to talk to Hetty urgently, which results in him making a lot of deals and bribes to get to her. Eventually, Hetty & Jem reach each other and chat, in which Jem confides in Hetty’s search in her mother and not having any news about her to share. The other story revolves around Eliza, turning into a very bratty and unpleasant girl within the hospital, including interfering in Hetty’s business and bullying another girl. This eventually involves an incident where Hetty’s personal items go missing, causing an intense scene between Hetty and Eliza. The other story is Vince & Judd doing everything they can to obtain a football. It involves bribing Jem to help, but ultimately it comes to no avail. I thought this episode was really good. We learn more about Ida whose been a background character thus far, who in a way becomes a new ally for Hetty throughout this series. This is also sadly the last appearance of Jem which is sad for Hetty, but it will be crucial in her journey through the rest of the story.

RATING: 81% - A-





Connor Macgregor Reviews...Hetty Feather

2x04 - Changes

INTRO: Mysteries and secret pasts emerge in this episode.

SUMMARY: Matron receives a mysterious letter, then suddenly disappears, leaving Donald Cranbourne in charge. He is soon visited by his stern vicar father, who demands he leave the orphanage and return home. Gideon auditions for choristers school but fails, as his voice has broken, though he is invited to reapply in a year. He lies about his rejection, but when he is found out, he persuades little Eliza, who fights other girls in order to be Hetty's best friend and now wants to run away, that they should face up to everybody together.

REVIEW: All of a sudden, Matron is mysteriously called away from the hospital and Cranbourne is put in temporary charge. Because the hospital is short staffed, this creates an advantage for the rest of the children in the hospital whilst the matron is away. We continue with Eliza, still being mean, and clingy with Hetty. She’s isolated by her peers as a result, creating quite a tension through the hospital. Following on from a previous episode, Gideon is given an audition for a performing arts school, but is rejected due to his voice aging. Vince decides to play this to his advantage which involves Gideon misleading his peers and creating a false narrative somewhat. Nurse Macclesfield ultimately struggles to hold the hospital together which is quite funny to watch. All of this and Cranbourne’s father makes an appearance, coming with the intention of bringing Cranbourne back into the family fold following a missing heir to the family. It becomes awkward for Cranbourne as he enjoys the work he does at the hospital. There are also tough scenes between Gideon and Eliza who both must face up to their lies by the episode’s end. It makes for overall a good episode and the dilemma attached to both Gideon and Eliza makes for a strong intriguing plot.

RATING: 81% - A-





Connor Macgregor Reviews...Hetty Feather

2x05 - Blanche

INTRO: A new girl enters the hospital, one with her own intentions which creates conflict with everyone in the hospital.

SUMMARY: The orphans are intrigued when Matron returns and clearly has a secret in the cellar. It turns out to be a wild girl called Blanche, who claims that Matron sold her to a factory and then had her committed to a mental asylum after an accident. However, when Hetty introduces her to governor Brigwell, Blanche claims that Matron has saved her, in a ploy to gain power over Matron.

REVIEW: It is clear in this episode that The Matron has a secret, and Hetty is eager to uncover it. She teams up with the boys to seek out this secret. It is during this that we get the first hint of Mathias and Harriet crushing on one another. It is revealed that it is a girl named Blanche that the Matron has kept hidden and is plotting a scheme to keep her in the hospital away from others. Blanche instantly becomes unpopular with the girls and has clear intentions of her own which goes against the Matron. It’s another good episode, with some fun scenes involving Major Brigwell’s stories in Africa and Nurse Macclesfield straining at her wits end with the children. I enjoy the community attached within this episode’s story, as well as the interesting arcs developing in this episode.

RATING: 84% - A-





Connor Macgregor Reviews...Hetty Feather

2x06 - Remember Me

INTRO: A tragic episode where one of the children meets an unfortunate fate.

SUMMARY: The bullying Blanche Newbold continues to be deliberately rude and threatening to everybody, and even Gertrude Bottomly seems too scared to punish her. One night, Monica Clackett finds Blanche crying and reminds her that they were once good friends. The next day, Blanche denies knowing her and Monica is later found dead, having fallen down a flight of stairs. Whilst it is an obvious accident, Matron claims Monica tripped over brushes left by young decorator Stan Pollard, though Hetty Feather and her sleuthing friends exonerate Stan when they force a surprising confession from Matron.

REVIEW: Blanche continues to be a difficult presence within the hospital, leading to isolate Monica from the rest of her clique. However, this ultimately results in her tragic death. This genuinely disturbs the Matron, with emotions running high throughout the episode. Hetty & Sheila ultimately team up to investigate and discover the truth that Nurse Macclesfield was at fault for the death. Yet she feels genuine remorse for the death. The truth is ultimately kept secret, which in a way feels very manipulative towards the youngest in this situation. Yet, there is a lovely tribute at the end to Monica. I thought this was another good episode, though with the subject matter, I felt that it could’ve been a much better execution.

RATING: 88% - A-





Connor Macgregor Reviews...Hetty Feather

2x07 - Dreams

INTRO: Careers are abuzz in the hospital as special guests come with bold personalities and enthusiasm that leaves an impression on the children.

SUMMARY: Explorer Dr Kate Webster comes to the orphanage to give a talk to the boys, whilst Lady Asquith's butler Mr Collins gives the girls a test, the winner to go to work with her. Anxious to see the lecture, Hetty Feather hides away, causing a diversion which allows the doctor's pet python to escape. It terrifies Vince Rickard who, having stolen a statue from the doctor, blames Mathias Grigg, though she identifies the real culprit. Sheila Ormsby is disqualified for cheating in Mr Collins' service exam. Gertrude Bottomly, meanwhile, loses her interest in Donald Cranbourne on discovering that he is not the heir to an earldom after all.

REVIEW: Both the boys and girls are given career options which come across as very sexist and unfair. The boys are given Dr. Webster, a female explorer with lots of fun stories, props and just presents a very fun exterior to the boys. Vince gets cheeky and attempts to steal things from her, but when caught, attempts to frame Mathias in the process. Things esculate when a snake goes missing and an expedition is set up to find it. As for the girls, they receive a butler, with Sheila scheming to win the contest set out by him, but it ultimately backfires with Harriet ultimately getting the testimonial and honesty winning out at the end of the day. Subplots also involve the Matron's flattery of Cranbourne coming to an end when Jasper is found, and Mathias & Harriet's romance continuing to blossom. Whilst not a bad episode by any means, it felt a bit dry overall, and not as storng nor engaging as previous episodes.

RATING: 67% - B





Connor Macgregor Reviews...Hetty Feather

2x08 - The Letters

INTRO: Love letters are exchanged through the hospital, leaving the matron in a very embarrassing situation.

SUMMARY: Hetty writes an anonymous love letter from Mathias to Harriet, requesting she wears a feather on her dress to acknowledge it. Matron accidentally picks it up and assumes it is to her from Colonel Brigwell and complies with the request. Hetty decides to go one step further, with another letter containing a sham marriage proposal, but she is ultimately betrayed by Blanche and punished. However, she comes to realize the power of words and continues to write her journal.

REVIEW: You still have Mathias & Harriet crushing on each other, which results in a secret letter being sent out confessing one’s feelings. However, it goes wrong. Instead, it ends up in the hands of Matron who makes a silly assumption that it is from the Colonel. Hetty finds it funny to play along with the prank, however, it all ends up going overboard, with the Matron embarrassing herself to the Colonel in the process. The Matron in a vengeance goes on a scan across the hospital and concludes that Hetty & Harriet are responsible and are punished, with Hetty going into the tench as a result. It’s a grim end but a good episode nonetheless, with a fun story idea turning slightly sinister at the end. I notice that Blanche is becoming a bit more of a real rogue in this story, though I’ve noticed Sheila’s perspective too within the side story.

RATING: 87% - A-





Connor Macgregor Reviews...Hetty Feather

2x09 - Secrets & Plans

INTRO: Hetty & Harriet face their punishment following the last episode, but will Hetty get a small fortune as a result of her mental endurance?

SUMMARY: Matron holds a fund-raising art exhibition for the patrons, having locked Hetty in a dark outhouse as a punishment. Hetty is comforted by Ida, who gives her some surprising news. Blanche gets Sheila and Elizabeth into trouble. Mathias sneaks off to visit Harriet, who is now working for Lady Asquith. Meanwhile, Matron is horrified when the governors decide that Mr. Cranbourne should be appointed in joint control of the orphanage with her. His first act is to release Hetty.

REVIEW: An Art Fair takes place at the hospital, which leaves Mathias with the opportunity to seek out Harriet and tell her how he feels. And while that doesn’t happen as such, it does lead Harriet to return to the hospital once again. For Hetty, she still remains in the tench, but motivation from Ida encourages her to last it out and return back to the hospital strong. But Hetty is rewarded also with the knowledge that Ida is her mother, and at long last they are properly reunited. A subplot sees Blanche continue to cause trouble, especially for Sheila and Elizabeth. Cranbourne is suddenly promoted in the hospital, with the Matron beginning to realise that her grip is slowly being lost. Another good episode here, and I very much enjoyed the pacing of this one, as Hetty faced a very psychological and mental challenge throughout this episode.

RATING: 88% - A-





Connor Macgregor Reviews...Hetty Feather

2x10 - The Reunion

INTRO: Hetty reunites with her mother, albeit temporarily.

SUMMARY: Hetty is now sure that Ida is her mother but needs to keep it a secret from Matron as, having deposited Hetty at the orphanage, Ida cannot legally reclaim her before her majority. Meanwhile, Lady Asquith returns Harriet to the orphanage following allegations that Mathias sneaked out to see her, and Matron tries to bribe Matron to secure proof. However, Hetty persuades Blanche that Matron is merely using her and inspires Blanche to concoct a lie to save Mathias and make Matron look foolish. Hetty and Ida are less fortunate when they are betrayed by Sheila to Matron and a happy reconciliation seems in doubt. Hetty is still eternally optimistic for her future.

REVIEW: Following the last episode, Hetty and her mother Ida have reunited, and the scenes of their reunion are heartfelt and lovely, with Ida sharing her story with Hetty over why and how she ended up in the hospital. Hetty is now on cloud nine and is throughout the episode. A subplot sees Blanche tasked to rumble Harriet & Mathias by the Matron following Harriet’s return to the hospital, however Blanche swerves and ends up switching side leaving the Matron humiliated. However, in a sad last twist for the series, Ida is rumbled by none other than Sheila, who proceeds to go to the Matron in a dick move to oust her. Ida is then kicked out of the hospital in a heart-breaking final scene that made me both sad and angry to those who were out to get Hetty. Never the less, Hetty emerges a much stronger character as a result, going forward with a much confident demeanour. For a finale, this was really great. A terrific episode and makes me eager to continue to explore where Hetty’s story is going next.

RATING: 93% - A

SERIES RATING - 82% - A-





Connor Macgregor Reviews...Hetty Feather

3x01 - News From Nowhere

INTRO: A new series of Hetty Feather throws her into a wild world outside of the hospital.

SUMMARY: On the day that Miss Sarah Smith arrives as the orphanage's new governor, Ida briefly returns to drop off a letter informing Hetty that she is living at the Ludgate workhouse. Harriet takes the letter to Hetty, who runs away to search for her, but Sheila tells on her to Matron Bottomly. Lost on the streets of London, Hetty is rescued from Mr. Grace's gang of teenage thieves by flower seller Sissy. She is a resourceful orphan who takes Hetty to stay with her and her sickly younger sister Lil. Meanwhile, Matron engages the services of shady Mr. Bromsden to find Hetty.

REVIEW: Following the madness of last season, Hetty holds her head up high, though is subtly gathering more information about her mother. This eventually leads her to make a run out of the hospital when a chance emerges to find her. As a result, Hetty enters the streets of London which are wild and hostile to a young girl like her. Yet Hetty is smart enough to play along, posing as a beggar and making a friend in the form of Sissy. Meanwhile, the Matron employs illegal tactics to remove Hetty once and for all. However, her plans are thrown aside slightly when the police get involved to try and find Hetty safely. A lot of people have their own agenda here regarding Hetty which makes for a very entertaining opening episode. This episode takes us into new territory, with Hetty branching out into London, and with her being out in the open makes for a fun watch.

RATING - 94% - A





Connor Macgregor Reviews...Hetty Feather

3x02 - The Unexpected Friend

INTRO: Hetty continues to roam the dangerous streets of London. How will this end for her?

SUMMARY: Due to Sheila's treachery, Matron discovers Ida's letter. Hetty and Cissy arrive at the workhouse to find Ida has left for a job in Highgate. Selling flowers to finance the tram ride there, they are saved from Grace's gang by a prospective customer, Miss Smith, who suggests Cissy takes Lil to a nearby refuge. She also returns Hetty to the orphanage, explaining that Ida would be sacked if it was known she had a child. She is actually a kindly woman who invents an elaborate lie to prevent Hetty and Harriet being punished. Hetty feels that she can trust her. Meanwhile, Nurse Winterson attracts the romantic attention of young Constable Clarke.

REVIEW: Hetty remains on the streets, but now street gangs are aware of her and are on the hunt across London. It is in this episode that Hetty discovers that her mum Ida has taken work up north and desperate to follow, Hetty tries raising enough money to follow her. In this moment, she meets Miss Smith, a new trustee on the board of governors. Miss Smith is a kind and trusting lady for Hetty, and manages to take her back to the foundling hospital before any further harm came to her. Subplots include Sheila bragging about a new job she’s obtained, but goes awful sour when Harriet starts interfering in her work. But yet, its another good episode, as you really are reminded of what sense of safety the foundling hospital offers during a very difficult and brutal era of history this show is set in. I also really enjoyed Hetty’s arc in this episode, and am very eager to see it continue on further.

RATING: 89% - A-