Case Histories is a strangely compelling British TV series starring Jason Isaacs, and you can find the plot, review and pictures here on my Case Histories review.
This post is just about two scenes in the 6th (and last) episode of season 1. It’ll be a minor spoiler as the scenes are about the romantic life of the lead character Jackson Brodie. I’m saying minor, because Case Histories focuses a lot more on Jackson’s cases, his past traumas and his relationship with his daughter.
And a note to non-watchers, you can still enjoy the scene, but you should check out the review to learn about Brodie, and the woman in question. And of course any line is better if you hear it from Jason Isaacs.
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In the beginning of episode 6, Jackson Brodie (Jason Isaacs) is in the hospital being taken to the emergency room after his attempts to save an old lady almost killed him.
When his old time cop friend Louise (Amanda Abbington) hears about the accident, she rushes to see him. Jackson is only half aware of things, and he blurts out:
“Bloody hell, you’re beautiful (she attributes this to the head blow, but he adds:) I love you”.
Of course it is not even clear if Jackson is aware that he is saying this to Louise, and it is hard to tell whether Louise is more scared of it being true or being false. So she rushes out of the hospital before Jackson can get completely conscious.
All through the series, Louise is trying to balance Jackson’s constant help requests (always valid- his efforts either save someone, solve a case or both) and her ungrateful teenage son, and this time has to digest Jason’s outburst and whether to take it seriously.
When Louise is alone and a little drunk, she calls Jackson’s cell, but he is nowhere to be found so she yells at him for not being around after saying something like that- but she doesn’t tell him what is. Jackson can’t figure out what the hell she means, so the minute he wraps up his case, he goes to Louise’s house.
It’s Christmas morning, and she answers the door while her son is in the living room.
(And yes, we have been suspecting that Louise had a massive crush on Brodie, if not more – but Jackson was always too busy drowning in his or other people’s sorrows, and his only relationships, or attempts at relationships, have been initiated by women who threw themselves at him. And since he never really called Louise apart from asking for help, and didn’t take her up on the offer of getting drunk together (in his defense, he was depressed about his daughter moving to New Zealand for a year.), I suspected Jackson didn’t see Louise like that. I was glad to be wrong : ) )
Louise: What did you want?
Jackson: I was just wondering.
Louise: About?
Jackson: The hospital. What I said to you.
Louise: It was nothing. Nothing important anyway.
Jackson: If it’s not important, what was it?
Louise: You were rambling. You told me you loved me.
Jackson takes that in, but it only takes a second.
Jackson: Good. That’s about right then.
Louise is part shocked, part happy, part numb.
Louise: OK.
Jackson: Is it?
Louise smiles and so does Jackson.
Jackson: OK.
Louise: Do you want to come in?
Jackson: We’ve got time. I don’t want to interrupt anything.
Louise: You are always interrupting something, Jackson.
He half-smiles and leaves as Louise says Merry Christmas.
After this scene, we see Jackson running again but this time he is not running to get away from things like he used to- and when he stops to take in the scene, there is a smile on his face.
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So no I love you toos, sloppy/awkward/passionate first kisses, or sex scenes. Very British, very cute and just honest.
What’s your favorite TV I love you scene? My pick for funniest or most romantic moment might be different, but I love this one for being so cute, honest and understated.
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Also on Jason Isaacs
