‘The Haunting of Bly Manor’ Recap: ‘The Jolly Corner’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Episode Six of ‘The Haunting of Bly Manor’.
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The last time we settled in to discuss the wondrous Netflix series, The Haunting of Bly Manor, we talked at length about how ‘The Altar of the Dead​’ threw fans for a loop. Because we simply weren’t expecting the show to offer up a grand exploration on the afterlife, combined with plot related surprises. But that’s exactly what we were privy to and it left everyone wondering exactly what kind of stories we could expect from the series going forward. And rather than reinvent the wheel once again and throw us for another unexpected loop, the next episode of this sorrowful and ghostly saga, took the time to offer up something that was somewhat similar to the overall design of episode five.

For ‘The Jolly Corner’ is another hybrid tale, one that offers an examination of a particular topic, alongside some plot related surprises. But rather than postulate upon more philosophical supernatural matters, this particular tale was eager to explore elements of the human condition once again. Specifically, how some people shut down when trauma surrounds them and how difficult it is for them to escape the prison, they create for themselves. Something that was handled by having the audience spend a little time with Henry Wingrave, and our time with him, revealed some stunning facts. Such as how he and Charlotte Wingrave had quite the love affair behind Dominic’s back. To the point where Henry was able to father a child with Charlotte, since we also come to learn that he is Flora’s biological father. 

But it is that affair that led to Henry’s current and broken state. For once Dominic learned the truth about his brother, he cut him off from family contact, and their subsequent deaths sent Henry into a tailspin. To the point where he only wishes to reside within the safety of his office and even then, he finds ways to punish himself for his actions, by way of an imaginary alter ego, a twisted and evil one that finds glee in watching Henry-prime suffer. And really, what makes this segment so powerful, is that it not only harkens back to Dani’s journey and how she punishes herself for the loss of her fiancé, it also serves as the anthesis to that exploration. For this is what happens when we let the guilt consume our minds and our souls; we become prisoners of our pain and we relish in sorrow and guilt, and that makes Henry’s journey a sorrowful one indeed. One that he might be finally breaking free from if he is indeed serious about returning to Bly Manor to help his daughter and nephew.

For we came to discover that they are in some serious trouble, thanks to some other unsettling moments that this episode focused upon. Because something strange is happening within Bly Manor’s walls, in that, the ghosts that haunt this place are becoming far bolder in their actions and for proof, then look no further than poor Flora’s journey in this tale. For the specter of Rebecca continually made a point to follow or lead Flora into odd places and odd situations and the instant it seemed as though Flora was about to spill the beans about what was happening, she was quickly put into a dream like state, one where she re-lived an important memory from her past. Why this is happening exactly, isn’t quite apparent just yet. But what matters more, is that the spirits are so active right now that they’re starting to make themselves visible, and that’s definitely something new, and it looks like it is going to lead to serious trouble, since this discovery led to a head injury for Dani in the closing moments of this tale. 

Which is a far cry from the hopeful ending that episode five provided us with and really, in the end, this was simply a fascinating chapter in this story when all is said and done. For we finally understand what makes Henry tick, and why he’s so eager to drown his sorrows on a consistent basis, and it was quite shocking to learn that he is Flora’s father and loved Charlotte more than Dominic ever did. And hopefully he is committed to helping his kin since that would signal some growth for him. But the other reason this episode captures us so well, is because once again, it does a fine job of building a mystery. Because we are dying to know why Flora is a target of Rebecca’s spirit and why the ghosts are suddenly eager to appear to the inhabitants of this house. Plus, we’re also quite curious to see the love affair between Jamie and Dani grow since at long last they’re being open with one another and well, these elements outright compel us to continue the journey… to see how it is all going to come together in the end. Until next time.

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