Episode 17 of the recent “Anne Shirley” series, titled “The Thing That Transforms Everything Else – That’s Love,” sees Anne return to Green Gables after her initial time at Redmond College, facing familiar comforts and burgeoning romantic complexities. This episode delves into Anne’s evolving relationships, particularly with Gilbert Blythe, while also touching upon her growing independence and the differing paths of her friends.
A Return to Green Gables and Familiar Faces
Anne’s return to Green Gables is met with a warm welcome, as she reunites with her loved ones and the playful antics of little Davy. This homecoming provides a stark contrast to her burgeoning life at Redmond College, highlighting the enduring comfort and stability of her roots. The episode captures the essence of Anne’s connection to Avonlea, even as she embarks on new academic pursuits.
The Unfolding Romance with Gilbert Blythe
A central focus of Episode 17 is the progression of Anne’s relationship with Gilbert Blythe. Gilbert, who has clearly fallen for Anne, attempts to make his affections known, hoping for reciprocation. In a previous episode (Episode 16), Gilbert had tried to hold Anne’s hand, but she pulled back, fearing it might ruin their friendship. Despite Anne initially turning him down and later regretting her behavior, Gilbert remains persistent. A significant moment in the episode involves Gilbert taking Anne to see a hidden apple tree in the forest, where they share apples and speak, both seemingly hiding their true feelings. This continues the narrative of Anne’s obliviousness or denial regarding her feelings for Gilbert, a common theme in adaptations of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s books. Viewers observe Gilbert’s consistent attention towards Anne, with some noting his lack of interest in others, such as Phil.
Anne’s Independence and Shifting Priorities
While the episode explores romantic entanglements, it also emphasizes Anne’s journey toward adulthood and independence. The show subtly portrays Anne’s realization that her romantic ideals, though cherished, may not always align with reality. The episode shows Anne still searching for her “ideal guy” and daydreaming about him, even after a rather unconventional proposal attempt from Jane on behalf of her brother, Billy. This incident, where Jane’s desperation and mention of Nettie Blewett waiting in the wings, speaks more to Jane’s desires for Billy than his own. Anne’s rejection of this proposal, while firm, is portrayed as a natural consequence of her romantic aspirations.
Furthermore, the episode touches upon Anne’s growing awareness of her friends’ evolving lives. Ruby is rumored to be engaged, and Anne realizes her friends are moving towards marriage, making her feel as though she is “standing still.” This juxtaposition underscores Anne’s personal growth and her desire to embrace life’s sorrows for further development, rather than shying away from them.
Streaming and Production Details
The series “Anne Shirley” is available for streaming on Crunchyroll in certain regions, while Medialink has licensed it for streaming in Southeast Asia on Ani-One Asia’s YouTube channel. This recent adaptation adds to the long history of productions based on Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic “Anne of Green Gables” novels. The 1979 animated series by Nippon Animation, a “World Masterpiece Theater” production, also featured an episode 17, titled “Anne Returns to School,” where Anne and Diana share a tearful farewell, and Anne decides to return to school despite their separation. In this earlier animated version, Gilbert continues to seek Anne’s forgiveness. Another animated adaptation, “Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series,” also had an Episode 17 titled “A Walk in His Shoes,” focusing on Anne’s impatience with Marilla’s work style.
It’s important to note that “Anne with an E,” a Netflix series also based on the novels, concluded with its third season, which contained a total of 10 episodes and premiered on January 3, 2020. The season 3 finale, “The Better Feeling of My Heart,” saw Anne and Gilbert finally getting together. However, the episode numbering and plot details for the “Anne Shirley” series discussed here appear to correspond to a more recent or ongoing production.
