Yes! It’d be in some ways equally hard to make as the terror as there is so little information that survives today in archives despite most of the men surviving the 1829 Ross expedition. But I think it’d be interesting to see an ‘interpretation’ like the terror of the Ross expedition.
"You need to understand it wasn't sickness or hunger that mattered most to our chances. It's what went on up here. Notions... a darkness... with no firm hand to stem it."
Great scene. It shows the depth of both characters. Blanky is an enlisted low status man who has achieved his position through sheer will, competence and experience. Fitzjames through nepotism but the scene is most redeeming for Fitzjames... He has the presence of mind and care to actually listen to people like Blanky, despite his luck he is pragmatic and capable. Most of all, in the end, he rejects the social constructs of his time. All that matters to him is what's inside and getting things done. Fitzjames is such a fascinating character as is Blanky.
Agreed. Fitzjames started out as an aloof dandy but grew as the show advanced and their situation grew more desperate. He became a fine leader towards the end.
Historically, yes and no. He did get the 2nd in command position because he managed to bail out the son of John Barrow. His son was caught up in a scandal. But in general, fitzjames rose through the ranks through determination and bravery. He was born out of an affair. He wanted to hide that fact so badly.
"What kind of thoughts...?" "Like splitting open Sir John Ross's head with a boat axe." "Would you have done it?" "..........Leads opened up in the August, we got picked up by the Isabella." Absolutely brilliant acting, showing that facial expressions and what isn't said is often more powerful than what is. My favorite scene of the entire series, foreshadowing what is to come.
Without saying it, yes Blanky would have split open Sir John's head with a boat axe. At the beginning Ross warns Franklin that "those closest to you" will turn if things go badly.
Indeed! Both actors are really giving their A-game with conveying subtext with body language. The way Menzies looks away when he asks "Would you have done it?" coveys so much that the very idea is so appalling to Fitzjames, but then the way he looks directing at Blanky shows that he needs to know the truth. And the thing that sells it to me is Ian Hart as Blanky just meeting Fitzjames gaze unblinking, not saying anything for a moment, and then continuing but still not blinking or looking away does so much to convey that Blanky's like "There's your answer. But I'm not going to say it out loud just in case we do survive. But yes, men can and will do what you fear the most if they're angry and desperate." And all that is conveyed in just seven seconds of facial acting. THAT to me is good acting!
@@tomservo5347 I like to think it’s almost an admission of, whether or not he actually did it, in his head to himself, he did do it. He holds the guilt of the man who had those urges and acted on them whether or not he acted on them. It’s so nice when writing really gives you something to chew on 🤣 🤙
Thousands of years of human narratives, tales, media, on every subject and every flight of fantasy imaginable, and in the end, the most captivating thing in a series of this incredible quality is still just a man telling a story...
I love the very tiny details on Blanky's face when Fitzjames asks if he would have killed Ross, a very slight grin, and then at the end, when Blanky is saying how Ross "never knew how close he came", he gives upper lip quivers just once.
One of my favorite scenes from this brilliant series. The foreboding mood as Blanky tells the story of Fury Beach, which so clearly foreshadows what’s to come for the Franklin crew. And that eerie unsettling music underlying the scene, with that tremulous melody pierced by high plaintive notes-like the death rattle of a starving man, screaming in desperation into the arctic wind...
I also love this scene in part because it's a dose of reality. During the beginning of the series, there's this romanticism about exploration and the artic that characters like Fiitzjames and Franklin have (Franklin leading them into distastor and getting killed for it) with Ross admired in that light as a seasoned expert explorer. But through this story delievered by Mr. Blanky who's always been portrayed as practical, we learn not only did Ross have major flaws as a leader but only survived because of sheer luck. So we not only get a glimpse of what will happen to the crew, but also the reenforcement of the idea that there is no romantic conquering of the wilderness, but instead desperate men at nature's mercy. This series is brilliant!
Rewatching this for the first time in months I'm struck by how much it reminds me of scene in Jaws where Quint give his monologue about the USS Indianapolis. In particular the way that Shaw and Hart deliver their lines. The matter-of-factness and the look in their eyes. These are two men who have touched Hell and come back, and they've been carrying it with them ever since.
Well said.. The way he is fidgeting with his knife shows that he’s uncomfortable talking about it. He wants to tell the true story of fury beach but he feels he can’t/shouldn’t
Imo, while the Jaws/Shaw scene is more graphic & bloody in the dialogue; this scene from The Terror, with the music included -is more eerie and dark in mood & atmosphere.
@@cjquirk5735 part of that is the fact that the characters know they are both about to be in the same situation. They know too that they have 3 times as far to go compared to Sir John Ross
Rewatch Ross’s monologue in episode 2. He knew. Though the show is unfair to him and sir John in one aspect. The two were friends, and discussed rescue plans together, and Ross even promised to look for them personally. And he did, in his mid 70s
@@johnlavery3433 that and by that time, Ross was British counsel in Stockholm, Sweden and wouldn’t return until 1846, a year after Franklin left. Even then he had a major falling out with the Admiralty over his failure to find the passage in 1818 so I don’t think he would be hanging around with them
Of a series consisting nearly entirely of hightlights in acting, writing and cinema, this is very likely the ultimate highlight. This is the scene in which Fitzjames begins to turn things around both for his own mindset as well as his approach toward those around him, and it wouldn't be possible without the blood-curdling sincerity of Ian Hart's performance here. He has the uncanny capability to transplant me into a catastrophic naval expedition from the early 1800s. Art is fucking nuts, man....
Thousands of years of human narratives, media, on every subject and every flight of fantasy imaginable, and in the end, the most captivating thing in a series of this incredible quality is still just a man telling a story...
See how Blanky's position doesn't change at all throughout the conversation, but as the harrowing story progresses and the darkness swirls thicker between them, Fitzjames gradually abandons that initial lounge-like pose in his chair, as well as his usual officer-charm composure, and leans right forward with his hands together and head bowed; almost as if he's praying. By the end of the interaction, he's not trying to conserve any particular abstractions of authority or pretence of control by indirectly asking Blanky for 'advice' or to simply 'keep an eye out' either, just solemnly asks him "'How?" - How do we save us?
As scary as Mr. Blanky's story is, I still feel like I've just got an in depth lecture on how to be a good boss, specifically; you can only push your subordinates so far.
Especially in harsh conditions but really in any work setting bosses should lead by example. If you’re getting paid more for doing less than you’re employees they’re going to catch on and get rightfully upset, but if you participate and help out with their tasks they’ll appreciate and respect you. I’ve had jobs where the managers just hang back and watch bad jobs where they actively and frequently help us, I’m sure you can guess who was more popular
@@Danolyzed I've heard that commonly in war too. I'm an Aussie and we're taught, esp in WWI, our ANZACs were treated as shock troops, sending our boys into horrible battles, more often lead by toffee-headed old English fools, who'd never been down the pointy end of machine gun fire and didn't believe (or care) how bad it was, because in their aristocratic circles retreat was cowardice. The officers giving the orders never knew how close they came. Some dead ones with shots through their backs still don't. It's not frowned upon down here like it is in other places, we have less respect for authority.
@@Danolyzed In episode 3, Sir John Ross tells Sir John Franklin, "134 starved men will turn devil against you. Starting with the ones you hold closest." Pretty sure he knew how close he came to dying. Then again, that might make him an even worse boss and a greater fool.
Not even a smile, you can see his cheeks wrinkle up slightly just underneath his eyes. He was keeping that smile from happening, because it would’ve been a dead giveaway answer.
Out of the entire season, this scene caught me off the most. Weird how its not the giant manbearpig or the last surviving sailor with jewelry stuck to his face
@@sugandhakohli Its originally from south park, where al gore went looking for a literal man-bear-pig hybrid. But yes historybuffs also makes reference to it
"Sir John Ross, he never knew how close he came" Interesting to juxtapose that with the scene between Ross and Franklin in England before the voyage. It seems Ross may have been keenly aware of just how close he came
If you look it up, there really was such an expedition that encountered such challenges. Ironically enough, the ship that rescued Sir John Ross' men was one that he himself had commanded on a previous expedition in 1819. It was only in the area whaling because of Ross' discoveries in that previous expedition.
It’s that sort of friendly arrogant personality that masks his insecurities and loneliness. One of the best parts of the show for me was seeing Fitzjames become a hero instead of pretending to be one.
"Were it not for that cache of stores left there from the wreck of the Fury, we'd still be on that beach...bleaching in the wind..." What a phenomenal line
I love this scene. Notice how both Blanky and Fitzjames barely blink while they are talking, at least when they are staring directly at each other. I love Tobias Menzies' subtle acting at 2:26. I don't know what he does with his face; it appears to be unreadable, but somehow you can tell he's picturing the terrible fate that's awaiting the men. The foreshadowing in this show never ceases to interest me. Like in episode two when Crozier says to Hickey 'You're a Limerick man. But that's not what comes out of your mouth', which hints at Hickey being an imposter. It's not a coincidence that as Fitzjames conjures up the idea of the carnival at 4:21, he is staring directly into a fire, the very thing which will destroy it. Or when Little and Fitzjames are discussing their plan to walk out as the carnival is being built, fiery torches constantly pass in front of the camera, and the sound they produce is clearly heard. I absolutely love the subtlety in this show; it always draws me back in. Every time I watch it I notice something I hadn't before.
Oh wow! I need to rewatch this now! This show is full of these subtle and significant details and unlike some other shows it doesn't linger on them as if to say "oooh aren't we clever! Did you see what we did there? Did ya?" It shows the details exactly as long as it needs to to leave an impact and doesn't draw them out. Leaving your mind to fill in the gaps or wanting more. It shows great respect for its audience's intelligence in the process.
You're right. I love this series and watch it again and again for this reason. When it cuts to Fitzjames staring into the fire, he's also fidgeting with his left hand - taking on a similar gesture to Blanky when following the train of thought Blanky suggests.
There's also Crozier's eulogy for Franklin (with the Jacob's Ladder story) -- if you look at who's in focus when he says each line by God is it ever foreshadowing what's going to happen to them. Especially Jopson ("for I will not leave thee") and Blanky ("And in Jacob's dream he saw the invisible world...").
Interesting note: Ross's memoir didn't mention anything about the men turning against him but based on an earlier scene in the season, he actually knew what Blanky and the others really thought of him and what they planned to do. "134 starved men will turn devil against you, starting with the ones you hold closest." He's speaking from personal experience.
Re-watching this and bearing in mind the flashback to Ross confronting Franklin prior to departure regarding any rescue plans ....did Ross eventually come to realise how close HE was to complete disaster ?
I suppose, he did. He told Franklin: "people will begin to turn on you". I cannot say when, but he must have eventually understood, that there is a point, beyond which there is nothing between his skull and a boat axe.
As Ben says, the conversation with Franklin in the flashback hints that he did. In real history...we don't know anything about mutinous sentiment, but Ross was painfully aware of how close they came to *dying*. It was a last desperate throw of the dice to take the boats out into Prince Regent Inlet; dumb luck that the Isabella happened to be there, looking for whales.
He was more than aware that he came very close to a mutiny. When he said to Franklin “134 men will turn devil against you, starting with the ones closest to you.” Referring to the enlisted, and possibly some junior commissioned officers. However I don’t think the disdain Blanky had towards Ross was that intense in real life. Ross actually made concessions to the men and it was solved peaceably, Ross also wrote Blanky a letter of recommendation for the commission for Blanky to have his own private merchant ship during the decade between the expeditions.
It really set Crozier and Fitzjames apart as good captains, when they eventually abandoned ship to walk they did their fair share, pulled the boats with their men, with Crozier refusing to leave the sick behind.
@@thegoodstuff6130 Well, to be fair to Ross, Crozier, Fitzjames and everyone else, we hardly do know anything about their jorneys to properly examine their competences as captains these voyages.
I really like this scene. Especially when blanky is telling James about the officers living better than the regular sailers and it cuts to James's face.
Brilliant scene by two fantastically played characters It’s when the hopelessness of their situation was writ large - foreshadowing the darkness to follow Mr Blanky went out hard-ass too These moments of dread gave this series a dignity and despair ... excellent acting with a great script
I really like this scene and how key it is to Fitzjames' redemption arc. It shows that the vanity and arrogance isn't truly who he is, and that when push comes to shove he will be there for his people, not himself.
It’s understated, but like how Mr. Blanky fiddles with his tobacco pipe in his free, uninjured hand while reminiscing to Fitzjames. It’s clearly an uncomfortable, traumatic memory for him.
I love these dialogue scenes, they often give so much more than the "action" sequences. Blanky was one of those terrific supporting characters and Fitzjames' character arc was well done !
I'm going to confess that up until _The Terror,_ my exposure to Tobias Menzie consisted of _Game of Thrones_ and _Rome_ where in both series the characters he plays are both kind of putzes. I know he's mostly likely played other great roles in other series, but this was my first exposure to seeing Tobias Menzie really play a character who starts off as kind of a putz and comes in to being a really compelling character. And this scene serves to me really shows that despite how shafted he got as Edmure Tully in GoT, Tobias Menzie really does have some incredible acting chops when you give him a well written character to work with
I'm a little disappointed with how they slightly changed Edmure Tully's character to make him more vain. In the books he makes military blunders as he does in the show, but they're primarily aimed at protecting the smallfolk (family, DUTY, HONOUR = don't let your subject get murdered by the Mountain), not because "there's enough glory to go around."
Kind of a bad luck name, "Fury" Beach. Terror. "Erebus", that's the primeval god of darkness in Ancient Greek myth. May as well have named it the "HMS We're All Fucked". No small wonder they began to go mad. The isolation, the hunger, sickness... man's sanity can only go so far before you begin to warp and become weird.
The shift in the music ratchets up the tension to 11 one could easily picture the scene with Ross and the others on Fury Beach. The silent anger and resentment at Ross as he says that he'd rather leave the sick to die than leave the boats...
“…Bleaching in the wind…” a phrase that would also make a good title to the haunting soundtrack for this scene by the late, talented Marcus Fjellstrom.
@@richardtaylor1652 There's also a tiny, ever so tiny twitch in Blankys face, the faintest echo of a smile, his way of saying "you know exactly what I'd have done" to Fitzjames
The other part (good lord I know this is a necro) is Fitz' reaction. That long eye blink and sigh. Total recognition and just imagine in his head "fuuuuuuuucccck"
I love the minutiae of the performances. Menzies has excellent control of his face, and can say so much with his eye movement, brow furrowing and lip twitches. Ian Hart's pipe fidgeting, and slow, stony delivery of his account helps make this an uncomfortable scene to look at, let alone listen to.
If you look it up, there really was such an expedition that encountered such challenges. Ironically enough, the ship that rescued Sir John Ross' men was one that he himself had commanded on a previous expedition in 1819. It was only in the area whaling because of Ross' discoveries in that previous expedition.
Thanks for uploading this scene. Most people don’t upload the dialogue scenes. But scenes like this make me wish they made more seasons to this story. They could’ve made 3-5 good seasons
_Someone is going to have to think of a new kind of memoir, if truth is what you’re after._ This is clever line of dialogue. I’m reading a book about the Franklin Expedition - specifically related to the Inuit oral history of the region, and the book mentions the Inuit coming into contact with John Ross and his crew, and a specific instance where a gift of a knife, given by Ross (or a crewmate) to one of their hunters, was taken as insulting, as they perceived it as a gift “more suitable to woman than a hunter.” But Ross’ memoirs don’t include mention of this.
oh shit, i was looking at another tab and when the sound changed to the perspective of the guy behind the door, i thought some people were outside the door to my apartment and got scared.
I like how Bridgens subtly supplanted the idea of having to walk out to Peglar via allegory from one of his books. I can’t imagine Bridgens kept it to himself and word of mouth would of easily spread through the crew.
This is a great scene, well played by Ian Hart - though there is one notable inaccuracy (unusually, given how hard the writers clearly tried to get thse things right). @1:30 "I finally begged Ross to drop the boats altogether." But as it turned out, the boats turned out to be Sir John Ross's salvation, since they needed them to flag down the Isabella that coming summer (1833). Without that, Ross and his crew would have died.
@@131alexa At least you *could* read it that way. But it's clear that the audience is meant to agree agree with Blanky, and to perceive John Ross as a cold bastard who doesn't value the lives of his men. But Ross, for all his flaws, kept all the boats precisely because he understood they would likely be the best means to save the lives of all of his men. Only 3 men died on the entire expedition. The real Tom Blanky undoubtedly appreciated that, I have to think.
@@richardmalcolm1457 At 2:06 Blanky says they "tried to row out to the whaling channels" so they had kept at least one boat. I agree it's a great scene, terrific acting, and it makes one sympathise with Blanky and the other exhausted men doing the hauling while Ross is "riding atop one of the sledges". It was a nice touch that Crozier was shown hauling later on. Shame that Fitzjames' carnival plan in response to Blanky's words here turned out so terribly! :( But there are definitely a few historical inaccuracies in the script, e.g. when Crozier is explaining his plan to the men at the carnival, he says their route will take them over "King William Island" (not "Land") - no-one knew it was an island yet, even if that was Crozier's conjecture. Also not sure why Fitzjames is greeted on Terror as "Captain Fitzjames" in the first ep, if captain of Erebus at that point was Franklin: is this a mistake, or protocol?
@@131alexa It really *is* a great scene, one of the best in the series. As for King William Island: That's an interesting question that requires some unpacking. You are right, of course, that in 1845, it was called "King William Land," and (as Crozier is made to reference in Episode 1) thought to be a peninsula of the mainland, though it was not a settled question yet. And you would be right to say that, within show continuity, the Franklin men do not seem to have proven otherwise, so...I am inclined to think this was a goof by the writers. That said, in terms of the actual history, there's been a lot of speculation, going back to McClintock n 1859, that Franklin had charted much of the island in the 1847 sledge parties, and likely established by that point that it was an *island.* Of course, for now we simply don't know.
Ian Hart is such an underrated, terrific actor who deserves to be more known than he is. His Beethoven in the BBC "Eroica' was far, far better than Gary Oldman or Ed Harris doing their over-the-top versions of the great composer - I thought Hart depicted Beethoven as well as anyone possibly could
I was so excited to watch The Terror but unfortunately I was not impressed with the monster polar bear, bit too sci fi for me. 😂 The scenery and acting is brilliant though, those I can't complain about. 😁❤
"Leads opened up in the August, we got picked up by The Isabella." Love how he doesn't directly answer Fitzjames's question. But then, we all know the answer.
If you look it up, there really was such an expedition that encountered such challenges. Ironically enough, the ship that rescued Sir John Ross' men was one that he himself had commanded on a previous expedition in 1819. It was only in the area whaling because of Ross' discoveries in that previous expedition.
Is there any evidence that Ross actually behaved this way during that expedition? An account from real Blanky or someone else? So f'd up if he was riding atop a wooden sledge while his men suffered horrifically, and horded all the salmon for him and the officers.
It sounds like utter BS. John Ross gave exemplary leadership during the Fury Beach expedition. He insisted on obtaining plenty of fresh meat (by fishing, seal-hunting or trading with the Inuit) which kept scurvy at bay, a high level of organisation and high morale for almost all the time. They might possibly be conflating Sir John with his nephew (Captain James Clark Ross) who was a more unpleasant character.
Actually, Blanky's description better fits with Franklin's 1819 expedition. He lost 11 out of 20 men, mainly through starvation. They ate boots and lichen, and possibly each other. But, it wouldn't make any sense in this show for Blanky to talk about Franklin, so it looks like they changed it to Ross instead.
@@mikem9001 then again if there's no official documentation..and we weren't there..who can really tell? It wouldn't exactly be the first time a British captain lied to save their reputation
The period accurate dialogue makes this show. Makes everything colder and harsher, not to mention interesting to listen to.
AMC should make a spin-off series centred on Blanky during this 1829 Ross Expedition called Somerset House.
From your mouth to God’s ears 🙏
1829**
Yes! It’d be in some ways equally hard to make as the terror as there is so little information that survives today in archives despite most of the men surviving the 1829 Ross expedition. But I think it’d be interesting to see an ‘interpretation’ like the terror of the Ross expedition.
Or called Fury Beach. Yep, I'd watch that :)
That or I have another proposal. The 1924 Mallory/Irvine Everest expedition. Bit of that crew including Mallory went missing.
The scariest scene in that whole season. No monsters, no death. Just two men talking about the existential dread and horror of survival. *chefs kiss*
Like the Indianapolis speech in "Jaws", except more focused on the struggle to survive and the primal nature of man.
"You need to understand it wasn't sickness or hunger that mattered most to our chances. It's what went on up here. Notions... a darkness... with no firm hand to stem it."
do you see this darkness here?.... I don't nee to see it know its here
Best quote of all time
One of my favourite lines in the whole show
Great scene. It shows the depth of both characters. Blanky is an enlisted low status man who has achieved his position through sheer will, competence and experience. Fitzjames through nepotism but the scene is most redeeming for Fitzjames... He has the presence of mind and care to actually listen to people like Blanky, despite his luck he is pragmatic and capable. Most of all, in the end, he rejects the social constructs of his time. All that matters to him is what's inside and getting things done. Fitzjames is such a fascinating character as is Blanky.
of course the series adds layers by pointing out that FitzJames is in fact not what he claims to be.
also Blanky was not "an enlisted man" but a civilian warrant officer.
Agreed. Fitzjames started out as an aloof dandy but grew as the show advanced and their situation grew more desperate. He became a fine leader towards the end.
Not to be pedantic but Blanky was the ice master. Hardly a lower tier sailor. And certainly not an enlisted man.
Historically, yes and no. He did get the 2nd in command position because he managed to bail out the son of John Barrow. His son was caught up in a scandal. But in general, fitzjames rose through the ranks through determination and bravery. He was born out of an affair. He wanted to hide that fact so badly.
"What kind of thoughts...?"
"Like splitting open Sir John Ross's head with a boat axe."
"Would you have done it?"
"..........Leads opened up in the August, we got picked up by the Isabella."
Absolutely brilliant acting, showing that facial expressions and what isn't said is often more powerful than what is. My favorite scene of the entire series, foreshadowing what is to come.
Yep. This was a truly phenomenal show. Brilliant acting in the service of superb writing.
Without saying it, yes Blanky would have split open Sir John's head with a boat axe. At the beginning Ross warns Franklin that "those closest to you" will turn if things go badly.
Indeed! Both actors are really giving their A-game with conveying subtext with body language. The way Menzies looks away when he asks "Would you have done it?" coveys so much that the very idea is so appalling to Fitzjames, but then the way he looks directing at Blanky shows that he needs to know the truth.
And the thing that sells it to me is Ian Hart as Blanky just meeting Fitzjames gaze unblinking, not saying anything for a moment, and then continuing but still not blinking or looking away does so much to convey that Blanky's like "There's your answer. But I'm not going to say it out loud just in case we do survive. But yes, men can and will do what you fear the most if they're angry and desperate."
And all that is conveyed in just seven seconds of facial acting. THAT to me is good acting!
@@hfar_in_the_sky For me this was one of the last series made with stellar acting.
@@tomservo5347 I like to think it’s almost an admission of, whether or not he actually did it, in his head to himself, he did do it. He holds the guilt of the man who had those urges and acted on them whether or not he acted on them. It’s so nice when writing really gives you something to chew on 🤣 🤙
"Later, when things get hard" must've been unsettling to hear
Thousands of years of human narratives, tales, media, on every subject and every flight of fantasy imaginable, and in the end, the most captivating thing in a series of this incredible quality is still just a man telling a story...
Well, that and supporting music by a master orchestra.
Blanky is freaking awesome
When Blanky goes nuts and fights back ❤️( if I remember I was yelling at my screen, like "Come on Blanky!!"
Spot on Brother
My favorite character by far
I love the very tiny details on Blanky's face when Fitzjames asks if he would have killed Ross, a very slight grin, and then at the end, when Blanky is saying how Ross "never knew how close he came", he gives upper lip quivers just once.
One of my favorite scenes from this brilliant series.
The foreboding mood as Blanky tells the story of Fury Beach, which so clearly foreshadows what’s to come for the Franklin crew.
And that eerie unsettling music underlying the scene, with that tremulous melody pierced by high plaintive notes-like the death rattle of a starving man, screaming in desperation into the arctic wind...
damn dude, do you write?
Yes, a wonderful scene indeed! Loved it, too. And this look in Blankys eyes, when he speaks of the boat axe.. Chilling..
I also love this scene in part because it's a dose of reality. During the beginning of the series, there's this romanticism about exploration and the artic that characters like Fiitzjames and Franklin have (Franklin leading them into distastor and getting killed for it) with Ross admired in that light as a seasoned expert explorer. But through this story delievered by Mr. Blanky who's always been portrayed as practical, we learn not only did Ross have major flaws as a leader but only survived because of sheer luck. So we not only get a glimpse of what will happen to the crew, but also the reenforcement of the idea that there is no romantic conquering of the wilderness, but instead desperate men at nature's mercy. This series is brilliant!
This ☝️.
Fax.
The series is brilliant and so is your observation, spot on, thank you! :) 🎉
Rewatching this for the first time in months I'm struck by how much it reminds me of scene in Jaws where Quint give his monologue about the USS Indianapolis. In particular the way that Shaw and Hart deliver their lines. The matter-of-factness and the look in their eyes. These are two men who have touched Hell and come back, and they've been carrying it with them ever since.
Literally just wrote that too. This scene is on some "hold my beer" type shit about the USS Indi story. lol
Well said.. The way he is fidgeting with his knife shows that he’s uncomfortable talking about it. He wants to tell the true story of fury beach but he feels he can’t/shouldn’t
Imo, while the Jaws/Shaw scene is more graphic & bloody in the dialogue; this scene from The Terror, with the music included -is more eerie and dark in mood & atmosphere.
@@cjquirk5735 part of that is the fact that the characters know they are both about to be in the same situation. They know too that they have 3 times as far to go compared to Sir John Ross
@William T. Sherman why in the world they didn't do the same thing ross did. And instead walked towards the adelaide peninsula is beyond me
"Sir John Ross, he never knew how close he came."
Ominous line, isn't it?
That line alone is really scary.
Rewatch Ross’s monologue in episode 2. He knew. Though the show is unfair to him and sir John in one aspect. The two were friends, and discussed rescue plans together, and Ross even promised to look for them personally. And he did, in his mid 70s
@@johnlavery3433 either he knew, or he didn’t know quite as well as he did.
@@johnlavery3433 that and by that time, Ross was British counsel in Stockholm, Sweden and wouldn’t return until 1846, a year after Franklin left. Even then he had a major falling out with the Admiralty over his failure to find the passage in 1818 so I don’t think he would be hanging around with them
Of a series consisting nearly entirely of hightlights in acting, writing and cinema, this is very likely the ultimate highlight. This is the scene in which Fitzjames begins to turn things around both for his own mindset as well as his approach toward those around him, and it wouldn't be possible without the blood-curdling sincerity of Ian Hart's performance here. He has the uncanny capability to transplant me into a catastrophic naval expedition from the early 1800s. Art is fucking nuts, man....
Thousands of years of human narratives, media, on every subject and every flight of fantasy imaginable, and in the end, the most captivating thing in a series of this incredible quality is still just a man telling a story...
You show much intelligence Why use the F word ..
See how Blanky's position doesn't change at all throughout the conversation, but as the harrowing story progresses and the darkness swirls thicker between them, Fitzjames gradually abandons that initial lounge-like pose in his chair, as well as his usual officer-charm composure, and leans right forward with his hands together and head bowed; almost as if he's praying. By the end of the interaction, he's not trying to conserve any particular abstractions of authority or pretence of control by indirectly asking Blanky for 'advice' or to simply 'keep an eye out' either, just solemnly asks him "'How?" - How do we save us?
As scary as Mr. Blanky's story is, I still feel like I've just got an in depth lecture on how to be a good boss, specifically; you can only push your subordinates so far.
"I know many were thinking what I was. Sir John Ross had never knew how close he came."
Especially in harsh conditions but really in any work setting bosses should lead by example. If you’re getting paid more for doing less than you’re employees they’re going to catch on and get rightfully upset, but if you participate and help out with their tasks they’ll appreciate and respect you. I’ve had jobs where the managers just hang back and watch bad jobs where they actively and frequently help us, I’m sure you can guess who was more popular
@@Danolyzed I've heard that commonly in war too. I'm an Aussie and we're taught, esp in WWI, our ANZACs were treated as shock troops, sending our boys into horrible battles, more often lead by toffee-headed old English fools, who'd never been down the pointy end of machine gun fire and didn't believe (or care) how bad it was, because in their aristocratic circles retreat was cowardice. The officers giving the orders never knew how close they came. Some dead ones with shots through their backs still don't. It's not frowned upon down here like it is in other places, we have less respect for authority.
@@skullsaintdead The ANZACs weren't lead by British Army officers.
@@Danolyzed In episode 3, Sir John Ross tells Sir John Franklin, "134 starved men will turn devil against you. Starting with the ones you hold closest." Pretty sure he knew how close he came to dying. Then again, that might make him an even worse boss and a greater fool.
I like how Blanky just smiles at Fitzjames' "Would you have done it?". The answer is affirmative with just that chilling smile.
Not even a smile, you can see his cheeks wrinkle up slightly just underneath his eyes. He was keeping that smile from happening, because it would’ve been a dead giveaway answer.
Out of the entire season, this scene caught me off the most. Weird how its not the giant manbearpig or the last surviving sailor with jewelry stuck to his face
LOL Manbearpig from HistoryBuffs, right?
@@sugandhakohli Not sure. Most of the people familiar with the show seem to use the term, so I'm not sure if he's the one to come up with it
@@sugandhakohli Its originally from south park, where al gore went looking for a literal man-bear-pig hybrid. But yes historybuffs also makes reference to it
@@KL-jr2kj And he's super cereal about it!
Half Man, Half Bear, Half Pig. truly natures greatest mystery.
Ian Hart. Hard to remember he's acting a part. Holy cow, what an actor.
"Sir John Ross, he never knew how close he came" Interesting to juxtapose that with the scene between Ross and Franklin in England before the voyage. It seems Ross may have been keenly aware of just how close he came
Excellent comparison!
If you look it up, there really was such an expedition that encountered such challenges. Ironically enough, the ship that rescued Sir John Ross' men was one that he himself had commanded on a previous expedition in 1819. It was only in the area whaling because of Ross' discoveries in that previous expedition.
I love how Blanky didn't answer Fitzjames question about splitting Sir Ross's head.
He didn't have to. That little smile said enough.
Gotta love how Fitzjames starts this talk relatively arrogantly in appearances, only to shed it and jump straight into, heh, terror.
It’s that sort of friendly arrogant personality that masks his insecurities and loneliness. One of the best parts of the show for me was seeing Fitzjames become a hero instead of pretending to be one.
"Were it not for that cache of stores left there from the wreck of the Fury, we'd still be on that beach...bleaching in the wind..."
What a phenomenal line
I love this scene. Notice how both Blanky and Fitzjames barely blink while they are talking, at least when they are staring directly at each other. I love Tobias Menzies' subtle acting at 2:26. I don't know what he does with his face; it appears to be unreadable, but somehow you can tell he's picturing the terrible fate that's awaiting the men.
The foreshadowing in this show never ceases to interest me. Like in episode two when Crozier says to Hickey 'You're a Limerick man. But that's not what comes out of your mouth', which hints at Hickey being an imposter. It's not a coincidence that as Fitzjames conjures up the idea of the carnival at 4:21, he is staring directly into a fire, the very thing which will destroy it. Or when Little and Fitzjames are discussing their plan to walk out as the carnival is being built, fiery torches constantly pass in front of the camera, and the sound they produce is clearly heard. I absolutely love the subtlety in this show; it always draws me back in. Every time I watch it I notice something I hadn't before.
Oh wow! I need to rewatch this now! This show is full of these subtle and significant details and unlike some other shows it doesn't linger on them as if to say "oooh aren't we clever! Did you see what we did there? Did ya?" It shows the details exactly as long as it needs to to leave an impact and doesn't draw them out. Leaving your mind to fill in the gaps or wanting more. It shows great respect for its audience's intelligence in the process.
You're right. I love this series and watch it again and again for this reason. When it cuts to Fitzjames staring into the fire, he's also fidgeting with his left hand - taking on a similar gesture to Blanky when following the train of thought Blanky suggests.
There's also Crozier's eulogy for Franklin (with the Jacob's Ladder story) -- if you look at who's in focus when he says each line by God is it ever foreshadowing what's going to happen to them. Especially Jopson ("for I will not leave thee") and Blanky ("And in Jacob's dream he saw the invisible world...").
Interesting note: Ross's memoir didn't mention anything about the men turning against him but based on an earlier scene in the season, he actually knew what Blanky and the others really thought of him and what they planned to do. "134 starved men will turn devil against you, starting with the ones you hold closest." He's speaking from personal experience.
This is staring Quint's "USS Indianapolis Story" square in the fucking face and not blinking.
Not one eyelid.
@3:05
THAT'S IT.
That's the point of this whole show.
Brilliant.
Re-watching this and bearing in mind the flashback to Ross confronting Franklin prior to departure regarding any rescue plans ....did Ross eventually come to realise how close HE was to complete disaster ?
I suppose, he did. He told Franklin: "people will begin to turn on you". I cannot say when, but he must have eventually understood, that there is a point, beyond which there is nothing between his skull and a boat axe.
As Ben says, the conversation with Franklin in the flashback hints that he did. In real history...we don't know anything about mutinous sentiment, but Ross was painfully aware of how close they came to *dying*. It was a last desperate throw of the dice to take the boats out into Prince Regent Inlet; dumb luck that the Isabella happened to be there, looking for whales.
He was more than aware that he came very close to a mutiny. When he said to Franklin “134 men will turn devil against you, starting with the ones closest to you.” Referring to the enlisted, and possibly some junior commissioned officers. However I don’t think the disdain Blanky had towards Ross was that intense in real life. Ross actually made concessions to the men and it was solved peaceably, Ross also wrote Blanky a letter of recommendation for the commission for Blanky to have his own private merchant ship during the decade between the expeditions.
It really set Crozier and Fitzjames apart as good captains, when they eventually abandoned ship to walk they did their fair share, pulled the boats with their men, with Crozier refusing to leave the sick behind.
@@thegoodstuff6130 Well, to be fair to Ross, Crozier, Fitzjames and everyone else, we hardly do know anything about their jorneys to properly examine their competences as captains these voyages.
I really like this scene. Especially when blanky is telling James about the officers living better than the regular sailers and it cuts to James's face.
Brilliant scene by two fantastically played characters
It’s when the hopelessness of their situation was writ large - foreshadowing the darkness to follow
Mr Blanky went out hard-ass too
These moments of dread gave this series a dignity and despair ... excellent acting with a great script
Ian Hart is probably one of the most underrated actors there is
Michael Collins and Into The Whirlwind...brilliant performances
Everyone in this show is underrated. Even Harris, Menzies and Hinds who are the vetrans alongside Harts are considered underrated.
And who knew he had a wooden leg?
Absolutely agree with you
Often overlooked. And my favorite Dr. Watson.
I really like this scene and how key it is to Fitzjames' redemption arc. It shows that the vanity and arrogance isn't truly who he is, and that when push comes to shove he will be there for his people, not himself.
It’s understated, but like how Mr. Blanky fiddles with his tobacco pipe in his free, uninjured hand while reminiscing to Fitzjames. It’s clearly an uncomfortable, traumatic memory for him.
One of the best shows ever made
I love these dialogue scenes, they often give so much more than the "action" sequences. Blanky was one of those terrific supporting characters and Fitzjames' character arc was well done !
Shaddap.
fitzjames is just like “i know what we’ll do ... throw a fuckin party”
Then that didn't last very long before going to shit. lol
Of course it went to shit. This is The Terror, where all happiness goes to die.
And we love it.
Be a tally for it, come later
Fitzjames :"me and be boys in a cookout"
the party was LIT
I'm going to confess that up until _The Terror,_ my exposure to Tobias Menzie consisted of _Game of Thrones_ and _Rome_ where in both series the characters he plays are both kind of putzes. I know he's mostly likely played other great roles in other series, but this was my first exposure to seeing Tobias Menzie really play a character who starts off as kind of a putz and comes in to being a really compelling character. And this scene serves to me really shows that despite how shafted he got as Edmure Tully in GoT, Tobias Menzie really does have some incredible acting chops when you give him a well written character to work with
I'm a little disappointed with how they slightly changed Edmure Tully's character to make him more vain. In the books he makes military blunders as he does in the show, but they're primarily aimed at protecting the smallfolk (family, DUTY, HONOUR = don't let your subject get murdered by the Mountain), not because "there's enough glory to go around."
You should see him in King Lear starring Anthony Hopkins. His performance is truly phenomenal
Kind of a bad luck name, "Fury" Beach. Terror. "Erebus", that's the primeval god of darkness in Ancient Greek myth.
May as well have named it the "HMS We're All Fucked".
No small wonder they began to go mad. The isolation, the hunger, sickness... man's sanity can only go so far before you begin to warp and become weird.
The shift in the music ratchets up the tension to 11 one could easily picture the scene with Ross and the others on Fury Beach. The silent anger and resentment at Ross as he says that he'd rather leave the sick to die than leave the boats...
Superb acting, by both of them. This scene was on my mind for some time...
“…Bleaching in the wind…” a phrase that would also make a good title to the haunting soundtrack for this scene by the late, talented Marcus Fjellstrom.
3:03 that f*cking pause
Deafening silence, screaming out with that deadly stare says it all and more.
@@richardtaylor1652 There's also a tiny, ever so tiny twitch in Blankys face, the faintest echo of a smile, his way of saying "you know exactly what I'd have done" to Fitzjames
The other part (good lord I know this is a necro) is Fitz' reaction. That long eye blink and sigh. Total recognition and just imagine in his head "fuuuuuuuucccck"
This eerily parallels Quints story of USS Indianapolis. Very good horror elements
I love the minutiae of the performances. Menzies has excellent control of his face, and can say so much with his eye movement, brow furrowing and lip twitches. Ian Hart's pipe fidgeting, and slow, stony delivery of his account helps make this an uncomfortable scene to look at, let alone listen to.
The most haunting, terrifying narrative. 😳 This show is something of real nightmares.
If you look it up, there really was such an expedition that encountered such challenges. Ironically enough, the ship that rescued Sir John Ross' men was one that he himself had commanded on a previous expedition in 1819. It was only in the area whaling because of Ross' discoveries in that previous expedition.
Ian Hart is incredible. Man did they have a true A list
Professor Quirell gives lord Edmure Tully a lecture on survival in the lands beyond the Wall.
Thanks for uploading this scene. Most people don’t upload the dialogue scenes. But scenes like this make me wish they made more seasons to this story. They could’ve made 3-5 good seasons
Such a powerful scene.
_Someone is going to have to think of a new kind of memoir, if truth is what you’re after._
This is clever line of dialogue. I’m reading a book about the Franklin Expedition - specifically related to the Inuit oral history of the region, and the book mentions the Inuit coming into contact with John Ross and his crew, and a specific instance where a gift of a knife, given by Ross (or a crewmate) to one of their hunters, was taken as insulting, as they perceived it as a gift “more suitable to woman than a hunter.” But Ross’ memoirs don’t include mention of this.
Mr. Blankys pause suggests that the thought had indeed crossed his mind and had considered it.
The most badass person in the show
This was an amazing series
"I don't need to see it to know it's here"
The delivery there is just amazing, speaking with a clear tone of trauma beneath the confidence
Great series. One of my favorites.
my two favourite characters in series - wonderful
Love this scene. It gives me the chills!
oh shit, i was looking at another tab and when the sound changed to the perspective of the guy behind the door, i thought some people were outside the door to my apartment and got scared.
I like how Bridgens subtly supplanted the idea of having to walk out to Peglar via allegory from one of his books. I can’t imagine Bridgens kept it to himself and word of mouth would of easily spread through the crew.
What’s the name of the soundtrack?
This is a great scene, well played by Ian Hart - though there is one notable inaccuracy (unusually, given how hard the writers clearly tried to get thse things right). @1:30 "I finally begged Ross to drop the boats altogether." But as it turned out, the boats turned out to be Sir John Ross's salvation, since they needed them to flag down the Isabella that coming summer (1833). Without that, Ross and his crew would have died.
There are a couple of others but it’s clearly dramatised so I can only imagine this was known.
Blanky said that he'd begged Ross to leave the boats - not that Ross agreed.
@@131alexa At least you *could* read it that way. But it's clear that the audience is meant to agree agree with Blanky, and to perceive John Ross as a cold bastard who doesn't value the lives of his men. But Ross, for all his flaws, kept all the boats precisely because he understood they would likely be the best means to save the lives of all of his men. Only 3 men died on the entire expedition. The real Tom Blanky undoubtedly appreciated that, I have to think.
@@richardmalcolm1457 At 2:06 Blanky says they "tried to row out to the whaling channels" so they had kept at least one boat. I agree it's a great scene, terrific acting, and it makes one sympathise with Blanky and the other exhausted men doing the hauling while Ross is "riding atop one of the sledges". It was a nice touch that Crozier was shown hauling later on. Shame that Fitzjames' carnival plan in response to Blanky's words here turned out so terribly! :(
But there are definitely a few historical inaccuracies in the script, e.g. when Crozier is explaining his plan to the men at the carnival, he says their route will take them over "King William Island" (not "Land") - no-one knew it was an island yet, even if that was Crozier's conjecture. Also not sure why Fitzjames is greeted on Terror as "Captain Fitzjames" in the first ep, if captain of Erebus at that point was Franklin: is this a mistake, or protocol?
@@131alexa It really *is* a great scene, one of the best in the series. As for King William Island: That's an interesting question that requires some unpacking. You are right, of course, that in 1845, it was called "King William Land," and (as Crozier is made to reference in Episode 1) thought to be a peninsula of the mainland, though it was not a settled question yet. And you would be right to say that, within show continuity, the Franklin men do not seem to have proven otherwise, so...I am inclined to think this was a goof by the writers. That said, in terms of the actual history, there's been a lot of speculation, going back to McClintock n 1859, that Franklin had charted much of the island in the 1847 sledge parties, and likely established by that point that it was an *island.* Of course, for now we simply don't know.
Gives me chills every time
maybe the best scene of the entire series.
Great scene. Haunting really.
The auto subtitles is unable to catch the subtility of blanky accent
Great show 👏👏👏
best acting of any show
great show
Ian Hart is such an underrated, terrific actor who deserves to be more known than he is. His Beethoven in the BBC "Eroica' was far, far better than Gary Oldman or Ed Harris doing their over-the-top versions of the great composer - I thought Hart depicted Beethoven as well as anyone possibly could
What about a prequel to the The Terror. Fury Beach !!
Anyway… we delivered the bomb.
Anyone know the music used in the background?
does anyone know the track being played underneath the scene?
And to think, this man played professor Quirrell in Harry Potter
This fantastic series didn't need the supernatural element bolted on.
The anglo saxons are so industrous and brave. They seek at those times no one else matter.
I wonder how many people notice him fiddling with a blade as he confesses. Sure that if he's to be condemned he'll split open at least one officer.
Wasn't a blade. It was a tobacco pipe.
Sad to hear fitzjames was apparently one of the first to die when the men left the ship
This guy had all that happen to him and still came back …. No way would I do that .
Anyone knows the music playing in the background?
God I love this scene of blanky
How the hell did I just figure out Blanky is played by the same dude who play professor Quirrell in Harry Potter
Whatever you do DON'T go to 4:06
Finally the amazing track for this scene is out
“Last heat, last exertions xxi”
I was so excited to watch The Terror but unfortunately I was not impressed with the monster polar bear, bit too sci fi for me. 😂 The scenery and acting is brilliant though, those I can't complain about. 😁❤
Well for the monster, you could make the fair assumption that it was caused by hallucinations caused by the lead poisoning the crew suffered
Ian Hart is Amazing.
I seriously thought he said Bow-tax for the longest time and didn't realize he said bolt axe haha
* Boat Axe
@@Danolyzed AH! Makes even more sense. I know what a bolt axe is, but boat axe makes more sense. Thanks!
Do not fuck with Blanky.
Aw, crap- “Black Jack” Randall is talking about darkness again…
PSA this is professor quirrel
"would you have done it?"
..........
:)
This scene reminds me of Quint's recount of the USS Indianapolis in Jaws; eeire
"Leads opened up in the August, we got picked up by The Isabella."
Love how he doesn't directly answer Fitzjames's question. But then, we all know the answer.
If you look it up, there really was such an expedition that encountered such challenges. Ironically enough, the ship that rescued Sir John Ross' men was one that he himself had commanded on a previous expedition in 1819. It was only in the area whaling because of Ross' discoveries in that previous expedition.
Sometimes what isn't said can be far more poignant than what is said. That still, emotionless expression as an answer to the question was so chilling!
Mr Blankey, I always giggle when they refer to him by name, even in the grimmest of moments 😆
Very similar to the speech in jaws for me. The pacing
Is there any evidence that Ross actually behaved this way during that expedition? An account from real Blanky or someone else?
So f'd up if he was riding atop a wooden sledge while his men suffered horrifically, and horded all the salmon for him and the officers.
It sounds like utter BS. John Ross gave exemplary leadership during the Fury Beach expedition. He insisted on obtaining plenty of fresh meat (by fishing, seal-hunting or trading with the Inuit) which kept scurvy at bay, a high level of organisation and high morale for almost all the time. They might possibly be conflating Sir John with his nephew (Captain James Clark Ross) who was a more unpleasant character.
Actually, Blanky's description better fits with Franklin's 1819 expedition. He lost 11 out of 20 men, mainly through starvation. They ate boots and lichen, and possibly each other. But, it wouldn't make any sense in this show for Blanky to talk about Franklin, so it looks like they changed it to Ross instead.
@@mikem9001 Yeah, but it's still a damn cool scene
@@mikem9001 then again if there's no official documentation..and we weren't there..who can really tell? It wouldn't exactly be the first time a British captain lied to save their reputation
@@theoveranalyzingcinephile983 True!
Love Ian Hart.
God, the soundtrack for this show is a fucking masterpiece.