Queer Eye for the Classics Guy: Romantic Hero Edition
KARAMO (driving): Today we’re going to Thornfield Hall, in Derbyshire. Edward is a bit of a playboy who hopes to settle down at home and catch the eye of his governess.
BOBBY: Ooh, this sounds juicy.
ROLL CREDITS 🎶 things just keep getting better 🎶
Episode 1: Edward “THE MOOR THE MERRIER”
KARAMO: I understand that you want to show Jane that you’re not the womanizing, continent-hopping man you once were. I don’t think pretending to be engaged to another woman is a good way to communicate that.
ANTONI: I want to show you how to prepare bacon-wrapped oysters. This is something you can do with your daughter—
EDWARD: She’s not my daughter.
ANTONI: …and Jane will appreciate the effort. These are also called Angels on Horseback, and you told us that you were on horseback the first time you and Jane met.
TAN: I’m worried about your clothes. They’re old-fashioned and don’t communicate your personality. This wide-legged pant and waistcoat look isn’t you. But what I really want to ask is why is there a “gypsy woman” costume in the back of your closet?
KARAMO: You seem like a pretty worldly guy. Let’s talk about cultural appropriation. When you dress as a fortune teller, you’re appropriating Romani culture and stereotyping a people.
JONATHAN (interrupting): Don’t EVER use the word gypsy, okay? That’s a slur.
BOBBY: All the fabric hanging from these beds is a fire hazard. We’re going to have to redecorate the bedrooms.
JONATHAN: Let’s see what’s in the attic!
SMASH CUT TO
The fab five sitting outside, visibly shaken.
JONATHAN: I am NOT going back in there.
BOBBY (driving): Today we’re going to Netherfield Park, where Fitzwilliam is staying with his friend Charles, who is leasing Netherfield. Fitzwilliam owns an estate in Derbyshire where he is the guardian for his little sister.
TAN: He sounds like a pretty good guy, but why is he staying with Charles instead of being near his sister?
ROLL CREDITS 🎶 things just keep getting better 🎶
Episode 2: Fitzwilliam “PUTTIN’ ON THE FITZ”
BOBBY: So Charles is your “roommate,” you said? Mm.
JONATHAN: Roommate means boyfriend, right?
BOBBY: I grew up in an environment where it wasn’t safe to be out, so we aren’t going to press.
JONATHAN: Speak for yourself, girlfriend!
TAN: You have a ball coming up in a few days, and we’re going to help you get ready for it. Your clothes are…actually fine? Some of your white shirts have staining on them like you’ve been swimming in algae, so we’ll get those laundered.
KARAMO: You seem to think very poorly of the locals here. Let’s talk about that. Prejudice isn’t a good look.
ANTONI: I’ve been talking to the neighbors, the Bennetts?
FITZWILLIAM: UGH THOSE BENNETTS. ESPECIALLY MISS ELIZABETH. UGH.
ANTONI: Can you make a cup of tea? Let’s make a cup of tea together in case any of the Bennett girls happens to catch cold walking here.
FITZWILLIAM: Make…tea…? I have people for that.
JONATHAN: Okay, let me look at your face. Mmm. Come closer. Let me just look a little more. HELLO.
BOBBY: I’ve redone this room where Jane Bennett will be staying.
FITZWILLIAM: WHUT.
KARAMO (driving): Today we’re meeting Heathcliff at Thrushcross Grange in Yorkshire. He’s a landlord with a dead girlfriend.
ANTONI: Aw, so sad.
ROLL CREDITS 🎶 things just keep getting better 🎶
Episode 3: Heathcliff “Bad Dreams In The Night”
BOBBY: Ooh, these windows are filthy. Let’s clean them and let in some light.
HEATHCLIFF: NOOOOOOO THAT’S CATHY’S WINDOW AND SHE’S SO COLD.
JONATHAN: Cathy is…?
HEATHCLIFF: My dead girlfriend who was never actually my girlfriend.
JONATHAN, TAN, BOBBY, and ANTONI: OH FUCK THIS.
KARAMO: My friend, there is nothing we can do for you.
The Fab Five leave.
Want more classics-bashing? Try Romantic Heroes I Wouldn’t Date.
Or you might prefer some of our other coverage of Jane Eyre, or Pride and Prejudice, or Wuthering Heights.
