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The second episode of Beacon Hill begins with Sara arriving at her grandfather Senator Preston’s home. Her brother Eric (John-Paul Lavoisier) is there to greet her with an awkward hug. With the Senator Preston’s trophy wife Evelyn busy sunning herself in the Caribbean, Eric has moved in to become primary caregiver. Their mother Claire (Crystal Chappell) is there also but is too busy battling alcoholism to be of much assistance.
Eric informs Sara that the stroke has left Senator Preston partially paralyzed on his left side. This has done nothing to soften his stern temperament how ever. “Our family is nuts. He may be the biggest reason why but he’s still family,” Eric reminds Sara.
Eric tells Sara that Katherine is being eyed as next in line for the Senator’s seat. He states that it was their grandfather’s idea. “Of course it was,” Sara responds. It’s intriguing that Senator Preston would want his replacement to be his granddaughter’s ex-girlfriend especially when it seems that particular relationship may have ended badly.
The next episode takes a peak into Katherine’s world. Her father Republican Senator Tom Wesley (Scott Bryce) pays a visit as she is on her way to get a cup of coffee. He is there to discourage her from going to Washington. “It would be a hug mistake Kate. You’re not ready,” he tells her.
Senator Wesley warns her that if she replaces Senator Preston that his party would go after her. There is an implication that maybe there is something that could be used against Katherine.
Later at the local coffeehouse, owners Emily (Louise Sorel) and Louise (Tina Sloan) are gossiping over the news of Senator Preston’s stroke. While Louise says that he has done a lot of good for the community, Emily seems have a low opinion of the man. “I mean a man his age taking up with a girl who could be his granddaughter. Probably can’t even get it up anymore. I bet he’s on Viagra.”
As Katherine orders her coffee she is approached by a reporter. He asks for a comment regarding Senator Preston and whether she will be his replacement. Katherine answers with well thought out yet vague responses but when he asks about Sara, she leaves without answering. Did Sara and Katherine’s relationship cause a bit of a scandal?
Some of my favorite things:
Eric
I enjoyed seeing Lavoisier in a very different role than the one he played on One Life to Live. Eric is reserved and even tempered, a contrast from the rest of his family. Lavoisier projects these characteristics with a strong subtle performance.
I get the feeling that Eric may have at one time been very close to his sister but there now seems to be a distance between them. I have a feeling this distance is the result of Sara separating herself from the family and leaving Boston. It doesn’t seem that anything may have happen specifically between the siblings to cause any estrangement.
The Coffeehouse Ladies
Emily and Louise add a bit of comic relief. Both women have their own opinions but seem comfortable having friendly debates.
The way Emily and Louise interacted with each other reminded me of the glimpse we got of Sara and Katherine’s past in the premiere episode. I suspect the besides bringing some lightness to the series, they may also be a peak at what could have been between Sara and Katherine.
Where You Can Watch
Beacon Hill can be watched on their website www.beaconhilltheseries.com. The series is available by subscribing only at the reasonable price of $9.99. That’s less that it costs for a pizza. Watch the first episode and hit the comments to share your thoughts!
Way too short of an episode. Episode 3 was less than 5 and 1/2 minutes. Waste