Oh, so she went to visit her lover by train—which would have been fun, considering trains had only been around New York for a couple of decades. And, look, our protagonist—the woman, who does not have a name, as I’m sure you’ve gathered—still isn’t sure if this relationship is right for her. Sound familiar?
Episode five
“The woman threw open her windows to let the city in. She could hear the horses coming and going with their carriages, each one bringing an exciting possibility. The unexpected cool breeze on this hot afternoon reminded her that each day need not be an echo of the one before. There are endless adventures to be taken, if she simply dared to decide to take them. Putting one foot in front of the other, she stepped off the expected path and vowed to go wherever a day might take her.”
I think we can all agree, at this point, that the woman is clearly a version of Carrie, but about 160 years ago. With that said, “the woman” seems to be more aware than Carrie is that her relationship is essentially holding her back emotionally. Carrie, listen to the woman! Run free in your Terry de Havillands!
Episode six
“Lilies of the valley in the garden bowed their delicate white bonnets in the pounding rain as the woman inside braved the unknown.”
Am I getting delirious, or does this sound vaguely horny? For context, Episode 6 is when Duncan invites Carrie over for that weird stew… just saying!
“Despite the shatter, the woman knew the break wasn’t fatal. With time and care, it would soon be repaired. Because the ties that bound them were stronger than any spun glass.”
When Aidan smashes Carrie’s window, she says, “These windows survived the Mexican War, the Civil War, the draft riots of ’63, as in 1863…” So, basically, Carrie is being haunted by “the woman” in her day-to-day life. She is the woman. They are one and the same. Which explains why she starts wearing all those old maiden-type dresses, and why the window is smashed in the book, too.
Episode seven
“The woman held on to what she knew to be true.”
Don’t we all? And will the woman ever get a name?!
Episode eight
“After what seemed like forever, the woman felt happiness had arrived at her doorstep, remarkably and quite unexpected, like a magnificent red bird that suddenly appears in the garden. You hold your breath and remain very still, not wanting it to fly away again.”