Ep 3 steadies the ship but doesn't quite ignite. It builds on the strong foundation of the first two episodes, giving supporting characters more depth and letting different plot threads begin to overlap. That said, the momentum still isn't fully there, and one subplot in particular slows the pace.
Louisa Harland continues to carry the series with real energy. Her Nell is witty, scrappy, and easy to root for. Around her, the supporting cast finally get more to do: the constable is written with more complexity, Nell's closest ally earns some genuine heart, and the antagonist steps out of caricature into more believable territory.
Production values remain a consistent strength. The costumes and sets keep the period setting convincing, with enough grit and colour to make it feel lived-in rather than theatrical. Action scenes are competently staged, though here they take a back seat to dialogue and positioning for future episodes.
As a family watch, this episode still worked well for us... enjoyable, if not gripping. It doesn't reach the energy of the premiere, but it keeps us invested in Nell's journey.
A decent middle chapter: for us, a 7/10.
