Anne with an E (2017)

In the first episode, we are introduced to Anne Shirley, an imaginative and spirited orphan girl living in an asylum. She longs for a family and a place to belong. One day, she is unexpectedly sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, siblings who had intended to adopt a boy to help with their farm in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island. Upon her arrival, Anne's exuberance and chatter overwhelm the reserved Matthew, but he is charmed by her. Marilla, however, is initially displeased and considers sending Anne back due to her talkative nature and the fact that she is not the boy they wanted.

As Anne settles into Green Gables, she struggles to fit in. She accidentally breaks Marilla's prized vase while trying to impress her with her imagination. Marilla is furious, but Anne's heartfelt apology and her vivid storytelling begin to soften Marilla's heart. Meanwhile, Matthew becomes increasingly fond of Anne, taking her on outings and encouraging her dreams. Anne's first day at school is tumultuous; she faces bullying from Gilbert Blythe, who teases her about her red hair. In retaliation, Anne vows to get back at him, leading to a rivalry that will develop throughout the series.

In the following episodes, Anne's relationship with Marilla deepens as they navigate the challenges of life together. Anne's imaginative spirit leads her to create a "bosom friend" in Diana Barry, and the two girls form a close bond. However, their friendship is tested when Anne accidentally gets Diana drunk by giving her raspberry cordial instead of the intended non-alcoholic drink. This incident strains their relationship, but they eventually reconcile, solidifying their friendship.

As the story progresses, Anne faces various challenges, including her struggles with self-acceptance and the societal expectations placed upon her. She becomes determined to excel in her studies, aiming for a scholarship to Queen's Academy. Her academic ambitions are met with both support and skepticism from those around her, including Gilbert, who becomes a rival in their pursuit of academic success. Their rivalry is marked by moments of tension and competition, but also hints of mutual respect and admiration.

Marilla's health begins to decline, and Anne takes on more responsibilities at Green Gables. This shift in dynamics forces Anne to confront her fears of abandonment and her desire for a stable family life. Meanwhile, Matthew's health also deteriorates, leading to a poignant moment where he expresses his love and pride in Anne, solidifying her place in the Cuthbert family.

The series also explores themes of identity and belonging through Anne's interactions with the community. She faces prejudice and discrimination, particularly from characters like Josie Pye, who embodies the societal norms of the time. Anne's resilience shines through as she stands up for herself and others, advocating for kindness and understanding.

As the seasons change, Anne's journey continues to evolve. She experiences the joys and pains of growing up, including her first crush on Gilbert and the complexities of friendship. The narrative delves into the lives of supporting characters, such as Diana's struggles with her own family expectations and the challenges faced by other residents of Avonlea.

In the final episodes, Anne's dreams of attending Queen's Academy come to fruition, but not without obstacles. She faces the harsh realities of competition and the pressure to succeed. The culmination of her journey is marked by a series of emotional confrontations, including a heartfelt reconciliation with Gilbert, who has grown from a rival to a supportive friend.

The series concludes with Anne fully embracing her identity and her place in the world. She finds a balance between her imaginative spirit and the responsibilities of adulthood, ultimately solidifying her bond with Marilla and Matthew. The final scenes reflect a sense of hope and belonging, as Anne looks toward the future with optimism, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

At the end of "Anne with an E," Anne Shirley-Cuthbert prepares to leave Avonlea for college, while her friends and family reflect on their growth and the bonds they have formed. The series concludes with Anne embracing her future, filled with hope and determination.

As the final episode unfolds, we find ourselves in the familiar setting of Green Gables, where the Cuthberts are preparing for Anne's departure. The atmosphere is a mix of excitement and melancholy. Marilla Cuthbert, who has grown to love Anne deeply, is both proud and anxious about her leaving. She reminisces about the journey they have shared, from the initial struggles of acceptance to the deep bond they now share. Marilla's internal conflict is palpable; she wants Anne to pursue her dreams but fears the emptiness her absence will bring.

Scene transitions to Avonlea, where Anne's friends, including Diana Barry and Gilbert Blythe, gather to bid her farewell. The camaraderie among the group is evident as they share laughter and tears, reflecting on their adventures and the challenges they have faced together. Diana, who has been Anne's steadfast friend, expresses her sadness at the thought of Anne leaving, but also her pride in Anne's accomplishments. Gilbert, who has harbored feelings for Anne throughout the series, shares a poignant moment with her, acknowledging their friendship and the unspoken bond that has developed between them.

As the day of Anne's departure arrives, the community comes together to celebrate her achievements. The scene is filled with warmth and love, showcasing the impact Anne has had on the people of Avonlea. The townsfolk express their admiration for her spirit and determination, highlighting the theme of belonging and the importance of community.

In a final, emotional farewell, Anne stands at the train station, surrounded by her loved ones. She takes a moment to reflect on her journey, from the orphan girl who arrived at Green Gables to the confident young woman ready to embrace her future. With a heart full of dreams, she boards the train, looking back at Marilla, Diana, and Gilbert, who wave goodbye with tears in their eyes.

The series concludes with a sense of hope and possibility. Anne's journey is just beginning, and while the characters face the uncertainty of the future, they are united by the love and memories they have created together. Each character, from Marilla to Diana to Gilbert, has grown and evolved, embodying the themes of friendship, love, and the courage to pursue one's dreams. The final scene captures Anne's determination as she gazes out the train window, ready to embrace the adventures that lie ahead.

"Anne with an E" does not have a post-credit scene. The series concludes with its final episode, which wraps up the storylines of the main characters without any additional scenes after the credits. The last episode focuses on Anne's growth, her relationships with Marilla, Diana, and Gilbert, and the themes of belonging and identity, providing a satisfying conclusion to the narrative without the need for a post-credit moment.

When Anne first arrives at Green Gables, she faces a series of challenges that highlight her struggles for acceptance and belonging. Initially, she is met with confusion and disappointment from Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, who had intended to adopt a boy to help with farm work. Anne's imaginative nature and her tendency to speak her mind create tension, particularly with Marilla, who is strict and practical. Anne's vivid storytelling and emotional outbursts often lead to misunderstandings, and she grapples with feelings of loneliness and rejection as she tries to find her place in this new environment.

Anne's relationship with Diana Barry begins as a deep and immediate friendship, marked by their shared dreams and imaginative play. They bond over their love for nature and storytelling, creating a sisterly bond that is both supportive and transformative. However, their friendship faces trials, such as the incident with the 'raspberry cordial' where Anne mistakenly gives Diana currant wine, leading to a rift between them. Despite these challenges, their friendship ultimately strengthens as they navigate the complexities of growing up, supporting each other through personal struggles, and reaffirming their loyalty and love for one another.

Gilbert Blythe plays a pivotal role in Anne's life, serving as both a rival and a romantic interest. Initially, their relationship is marked by conflict, as Gilbert teases Anne about her red hair, prompting her to react with anger and disdain. However, as the series progresses, Gilbert's character evolves, revealing his intelligence, kindness, and determination. He becomes a source of inspiration for Anne, pushing her to excel academically and pursue her dreams. Their relationship is characterized by a slow-burning tension, filled with moments of rivalry, mutual respect, and ultimately, a deep emotional connection that highlights themes of growth and understanding.

Marilla Cuthbert's character undergoes significant evolution throughout the series, transitioning from a stern, practical guardian to a more nurturing and emotionally open figure. Initially, Marilla is strict and resistant to change, struggling to adapt to Anne's imaginative and free-spirited nature. However, as she witnesses Anne's resilience and creativity, Marilla begins to soften, allowing herself to express affection and vulnerability. Key moments, such as her decision to support Anne's education and her emotional response to Anne's challenges, reveal Marilla's deepening love for Anne and her own journey toward embracing the joys of motherhood.

The setting of Avonlea is integral to shaping the characters' experiences and the overall narrative of 'Anne with an E.' The picturesque yet sometimes harsh landscape of Prince Edward Island serves as a backdrop for Anne's adventures and misadventures. The close-knit community of Avonlea presents both opportunities and challenges for the characters, as they navigate social expectations, gossip, and personal relationships. The natural beauty of the surroundings often reflects Anne's emotional states, with vibrant descriptions of the changing seasons paralleling her growth and struggles. Avonlea becomes a character in its own right, influencing the dynamics between Anne, the Cuthberts, and the other residents, ultimately shaping their identities and relationships.