Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell season 1 episode 4 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

Strange confronts Norrell about his conservative magical practices, while Lady Pole suffers from the horrors inflicted by Norrell's resurrection magic. A chaotic incident occurs when Lady Pole attempts to shoot Norrell, leading to a cover-up plan. Strange and Norrell debate the nature of magic, with Strange sensing a powerful, unknown magic at play. Their partnership strains as Strange yearns to explore deeper into the mysteries of magic, diverging from Norrell's teachings. The human cost of their magical endeavors is highlighted through Lady Pole's worsening condition.

Full Episode S01E04 Recap

### Scene 1: Confrontation with Strange - **Strange** confronts **Norrell**, challenging his magical practices. - **Artillery** and **Lady Pole** are present. - **Lady Pole** is observed to be in a state of distress, struggling with horrors inflicted by magic. ### Scene 2: Lady Pole's Desperation - **Lady Pole** pleads for help, expressing her dire situation. - **Norrell** is urged to stop his attempts at persuading **Strange** or others to understand **Lady Pole**'s predicament. - A heated argument ensues, highlighting **Lady Pole**'s transformation from death to madness due to magic. ### Scene 3: The Shooting Incident - A chaotic scene unfolds with **Lady Pole** attempting to shoot **Norrell**. - **Norrell** is infuriated, his reputation and safety threatened. - Plans are made to cover up the incident, suggesting a French spy as the shooter, and considering asylum for **Lady Pole**. ### Scene 4: Discovering the Source of Magic - **Strange** and **Norrell** discuss the nature of the magic used on **Lady Pole**. - **Norrell** reveals the magic was his, used to resurrect her from death. - **Strange** senses a different type of magic at play, hinting at a greater mystery. ### Scene 5: The Consequences of Magic - **Strange** reflects on the powerful and unfamiliar magic he encountered. - **Norrell** denies any knowledge of such magic, insisting the issue is closed. - **Childermass** shares his suspicions about the magic's true nature and source. ### Scene 6: Mr. Strange's Magical Journey - **Strange** discusses his magical experiences, including his exploration of **Belasis's Scopus**. - He expresses frustration at being constantly betrayed and his desire to investigate further. - **Norrell** is apprehensive, warning against delving into unknown magic. ### Scene 7: The King's Illness and Encounter with Magic - **Strange** and **Norrell** attempt to use magic to cure the King's madness. - The King experiences a magical encounter, speaking of realms and kingdoms unknown. - The scene highlights the limitations and mysteries of their current magical understanding. ### Scene 8: Disagreements and Diverging Paths - **Strange** and **Norrell** argue about the direction and nature of English magic. - **Strange** is disillusioned with **Norrell**'s conservative approach and seeks to explore deeper into magic. - The partnership strains as **Strange** desires to pursue the untapped potential of magic beyond **Norrell**'s teachings. ### Scene 9: Lady Pole's Plight - **Lady Pole**'s condition worsens, with discussions about her future and potential confinement. - She remains tormented by the consequences of the magic used on her. - The scene underscores the ethical dilemmas and human cost of their magical practices.