User Reviews

I just loved the circus sequence, I loved how it started and how it ended, in the last shot, Hailee Steinfeld radiates a deep and dry pain that illuminates the misfortune in Emily Dickinson's life.

I'm not sure if the circus sequence was a little bit to Fellini, but it just felt like a Fellini movie, I liked the true colors element, like the dad masquerade on Austin's face, the multiple shapes of nature in Emily's skin, or the kiss between the two men, surreal but admirable.

I hope the next couple of episodes will continue like this one, when the series displays more of this fateful moments.

In this episode, it is election day, and things are tense in the Dickison household. While Mr. Dickinson is stressed about the election, Emily and Lavinia learn about the circus. However, their father forbids them to go. At the same time, there is a lot of talk about politics even though none of the women can vote. There is also a subplot where Austin is worried that he won't be able to be buried next to Sue because a baby is already buried in Sue's spot. In exchange for her help, Austin agrees to enter one of Emily's poems under his name into the paper's poetry contest. This is one of Dickison's sadder episodes, as it highlights the inequality of the time. I won't spoil anything, but it definitely made me want to cry, so be prepared. On the flip side, this is one of the most stunning visual episodes of the show. The makeup they did with Emily in the circus sequence is amazing, and the fact that it was done with practical effects makes it so much better. Hailee looks simply amazing, covered in tattoos. And you can see the pain in her performance and the complexity of her feelings. As I said, it's a good episode. Just be prepared to go on an emotional roller coaster as you watch it.

3 out of 5 stars.

The episode is a little run down with humor and story. The cast is great. Emily has her brother publish a poem. Her father is stressing over the election. Episode is a little bit fun. Humor is okay. Not the best.