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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Just watched the most recent episode, centered on the "helpers."  Really powerful writing and cinematography.  This is turning out to be one of the best series I've watched in a long time. [/quote]

+1, I have not loved the season prior to this but knew this episode was coming based on reviews and am glad I hung on. It was beautifully shot and I loved the performances. Even though I could anticipate what was going to happen with both Puri and Essie at the end of the episode, [b]I still felt such anger on their behalf. Especially Puri, as Hilary is such a manipulative user. 
[/b]
Margaret's total obliviousness to Essie's actual situation is also enraging but it's harder to get angry with her because she's understandably not thinking clearly because of Gus. Still, it was hard to think Essie might actually take her up on this plan to immigrate to the US out of concern for the family and especially the kids she's helped raise. It really highlights the difficulty of a job like this where you are an employee but everyone acts like you are "part of the family" (a very low status part of the family who must always be working, but an essential part of the family nonetheless).

I've heard so many people describe their nannies as "like family," I'm curious how people are responding to the Essie storyline. Do you ever wonder if you are creating unhealthy boundaries in the same way? I would wonder about this.[/quote]

DP.  Can you elaborate on the bolded?  I thought Hilary was very kind to Puri - even if she was also drunk.  How was she cruel to her?[/quote]

Even before the end, her behavior is cruel. She forces Puri to stay and watch her fight with David, and then brings up Puri in the fight, as evidence of David just wanting to be taken care of by someone who demands nothing in return. Hilary is also ridiculous in that fight, claiming she does everything at home but obviously Puri does (which is why Puri us there, of course, but it's still ridiculous for Hilary to claim this when Puri is right there).

But then even after this awkwardness and bringing Puri into the fight, she has Puri come and drink with her because she doesn't want to drink alone. And she doesn't ask-- she hands Puri a glass of wine and demands it. The deal with the helpers is they have somewhat amorphous jobs. They aren't maids, nannies, or assistants. Their job is simply to help. So in that moment, Puri can't say "actually Hilary, while I'm happy to make you some food or do laundry, I don't feel comfortable drinking/socializing with you." She has to do it.

And then even when they are hanging out, it's not comfortable because Hilary knows Puri is not her equal. Puri didn't suggest any of the things they did -- Hilary insisted, and Puri's job is to be grateful. Hilary looked like she was having a manic episode. It wasn't kindness, it was very self-focused.[/quote]

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