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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Spells &amp; Karma" data-source="post: 203745" data-attributes="member: 23">Episodes 269-272<img src="https://i.vgy.me/tBDwZo.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" />Donald finally confiding in Pippa works for this series on every level. Pippa has a winning combination of empathy and toughness. She won’t let Donald get away with his initial denial, nor does she let him walk away. She physically follows him outside, continuing to press her point, laying it all out until he can deny it no longer.<img src="https://i.vgy.me/2qdaT4.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" />The relief Donald feels once he has Pippa’s confidence is palpable. He is everything we would expect: vulnerable, regretful, warm and avuncular.There are many notes hit in their initial discussion that are gratifying. Some of it is new information, but even the information we knew already feels tantalisingly fresh when seen through the eyes of someone receiving it for the first time. We’re also taken into thought processes and feelings both historical and more recent which are insightful.A great example that covers a number of these bases is Donald mentioning that he is sure he’s Bobby’s father because Richard Bellingham is physically unable to have children and because Morag - for all her faults - was never promiscuous. We get some new information and we see a different side to a story that by now is familiar. Even more gratifying, Donald goes on to say that he mainly believes Bobby is his because his instincts tell him so. A sentiment to which Pippa, of course, can attach herself. Donald also mentions how similar Alan and Bobby were, and how confronting he found her in the classroom. This reinforces observations that others have made, such as the Ailsa line I re-quoted very recently indeed.The revelation, of course, also means that Donald has a new confidante. One who is far more objective and less bitter than Morag. The new shared knowledge is an exercise in intense bonding between two characters and it’s good to see it being used so well. Morag may have snarled off a bitter quip when Donald said he had no intention of telling Bobby. Pippa merely smiles understandingly and allows Donald to simply think out loud to her and us.Naturally, their conversation is interrupted by Bobby who wants a dress altered. There’s a sweet exchange between Bobby and Donald of the “bet you don’t miss having me causing trouble at school and at home” variety. Given Donald’s comment about finding her confronting, the timing seems most appropriate and the exchange more heartwarming. Pippa takes the opportunity to present Bobby with the Sophie Strahan dress she says is from she and Tom. One can feel Donald's relief and gratitude. And we watch him quietly basking in Bobby’s happiness on opening it.<img src="https://i.vgy.me/9vdJNc.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /><img src="https://i.vgy.me/0Fi0Gk.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" />This being soap, Tom arrives home from work early and Bobby thanks him for the present in front of Pippa, before the latter has been able to brief him. This means Tom has to act gracious and benevolent while all the while fuming that Pippa has made such an extravagant gesture:<img src="https://i.vgy.me/t5GI4k.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /><img src="https://i.vgy.me/CrMQSe.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" />Tom is shocked enough to be given a commercial break. Indeed, he’s not seen again until the next episode by which time he’s able to comment on the situation:Word is rippling out, and it now feels like only a matter of time before the can of worms is well and truly open.continued...</blockquote>

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