‘The Haunting of Bly Manor’ Recap: ‘The Two Faces, Part One’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘The Haunting of Bly Manor’.
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Thus far, our journey through The Haunting of Bly Manor has been quite unique, to say the least. For the outright jump scares and eerie moments, that most of us were expecting from the get-go, have instead been replaced with a foreboding sense of dread and a supremely different type of ghost story. One grounded in the ghosts that we carry in our hearts and our memories and that’s allowed for some wonderful character studies to take place as we try and piece together not only what is happening at Bly Manor, but whether or not Dani and the kids are truly coping with the horrifying trauma and loss that they’ve all recently faced. 

But one cannot reside there forever, because the mysteries of this house have to eventually reveal themselves. And it just so happens that the appearance of a ‘spirit’ at the end of the last tale, served as the perfect segue into exploring some of the rich history of this house. For ‘The Two Faces, Part One’ picked up a short time after we saw that face in the glass alongside Dani and Miles, and this episode wasted no time in informing us that the mysterious mug that has been popping up around Bly Manor belongs to one Peter Quint and well… what’s fascinating about this reveal, is the sheer fact that we are now unsure as to whether or not Peter is actually a ghost at this point. For we also came to learn that he basically lifted 200,000 pounds from Henry’s bank account and took off without a care in the world, and not knowing his exact fate, raises all kinds of questions about what we’ve seen so far.

However, those questions had to be quickly shelved in this tale. Because the possibility that Quint might be back, prompted the house staff to rally around the children and reflect upon his time at Bly Manor and as it turns out… Quint played a huge part in the events leading up to Dani’s arrival. Because he was instrumental in hiring Rebecca Jessel, the former au pair, in part because something about Ms. Jessel called to Peter and vice versa. Of course, he and Miss Jessel, did their best to keep their feelings at bay and stay professional. But the more time they spent together, the more their feelings grew for one another, and once the moment was right; they began a grand love affair. The kind that left their spirits soaring and resembled the kind of storybook romance that leads to a fast marriage and the happily ever after that all of us dream of. 

But this is in fact, a horror story, and once Peter was forced to compete with Miles and Flora for Rebecca’s attention, he revealed a whole different side of himself. One that was downright terrifying for certain. Because he was quick to try and manipulate Rebecca into keeping away from the children so he could have her all to himself, something that was irresponsible and reckless. But was merely the tip of the iceberg, in regard to the darkness that resides within him. For Peter also revealed that he is quite the possessive and manipulative man, one that will insult and tear down the woman he loves in an effort to get what he wants when he wants, and this unsettling behavior had to have a lasting and negative impact on Rebecca. Since no good can come from constantly toying with a person’s emotional state in that kind of twisted manner.

However, those answers and the truth as to whether or not Peter Quint is a spiritual resident of Bly Manor will have to wait for another time. Because there were more pressing matters at the end of this tale. Such as a reminder that the kids aren’t alright, and that Owen has some healing to do in regard to his mother and that Dani’s internal ghosts are only getting stronger. But what’s truly amazing about this particular episode, is that you aren’t upset in the slightest when it comes to an end. Which is shocking. Because normally not getting answers and excessively world-building infuriates a viewer. But something about this episode gently informs us that we will get the answers we seek, in good time. Which means it is best we just enjoy these more tender and fascinating moments while we can. Because eventually the dark truth about Bly Manor is going to come to light and that grand reveal is going to transform this story into something that is genuinely horrifying. Until next time.

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