An almost instant sign of the fact that you’re watching a deeply memorable scene is one that features Amber Run’s “I Found.” The second those familiar notes spring through the speakers, you know you’ve got something special to add to a list of limitless favorites. However, in Maxton Hall’s “Exposed,” the entire episode holds as much weight because it’s the episode that signals that the relationship budding between Ruby Bell and James Beaufort is worth investing in. In other words, we have a clear winner where the hurt/comfort trope is effectively utilized.
What starts as an episode that gives James and Ruby time to enjoy each other’s company ends with the type of confession that showcases trust, understanding, and more vulnerability than any of the characters were prepared for. This is not only the first time viewers learn the truth about Ruby’s dad, but it’s apparent that it’s something she hasn’t shared with many people.
The entirety of Maxton Hall’s “Exposed” essentially indicates why Ruby and James are good together, and it does so by revealing that James has more heart than he shows. He’s softer than his peers. He’s much more kind and attentive, and he’s not someone who can stand it when people hurt others. So, it’s one thing for him to jump in after Ruby, but it’s another to hold her through the burdens.
Further, we see much of his tenderness in the apprehension he reveals when he isn’t sure what to do or how to react. It’s the way he slowly reaches for her hand, waiting to see if it’s okay while he tries to comfort her through the cold at first. Later, it’s how he holds her after the confession that says plenty, even while there’s very little dialogue in that scene. The performances and organic reactions openly show viewers how deeply James cares, even when he knows this is all new to him. He doesn’t know how to be there for someone whose pain is as tremendous as Ruby’s. He doesn’t know how to do right by her, and in a sense, admitting that aloud reveals the depth of his compassion because if he didn’t have any, then his own reaction wouldn’t matter.
We also get a massive performance from Damian Hardung when Ruby falls asleep on his lap because everything we need to know about the character’s heart is exposed in the actor’s eyes. They’re both incredible throughout, and Harriet Herbig-Matten crushes it from the moment she starts to speak because Ruby suddenly feels so small—so broken, lost, and confused. It’s in this scene where everything with her family locks into place—the guilt she carries and the extra mile she goes through become fully visible to us.
There’s also something to be said about how Ruby trusts and feels safe with him because his actions promise something his words aren’t yet able to. The show has a lot of drama (and it’ll likely have more in Season 2), but their actions from this moment onward indicate that they’re looking out for each other. She knows she’s safe with him. She understands the gravity of his act and can see his strength even when he can’t. He might not know what to do, but what he doesn’t realize is that simply holding her tight is more than enough. It’s everything she could need to know that she’s safe in someone’s arms while she crumbles with her most haunting demon.
Now streaming on Prime Video: What are your thoughts on Maxton Hall’s “Exposed?” Let us know in the comments below.
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