‘The Essex Serpent’ is a historical mystery series centered on Cora Seaborne, a widow from London who relocates to an Essex town in pursuit of a mythical serpent. The series is based on Sarah Perry’s novel of the same name, which Anna Symon adapted for television. ‘The Blackwater,’ the first episode of the series, introduces viewers to Cora (Claire Danes) when she arrives in Aldwinter with her nanny, Martha, and son, Francis. Meanwhile, Father Will Ransome (Tom Hiddleston) is dealing with a young girl’s disappearance.

The second episode, ‘Matter of the Heart,’ follows Cora as she explores her new surroundings and attempts to learn more about the alleged serpent sightings. Finally, Cora and the townspeople are confronted with a frightening revelation. If you watched the show, you’re probably curious about how it ended. In that case, here’s all you need to know about episodes 1 and 2 of ‘The Essex Serpent’! WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!

Recap of The Essex Serpent Episodes 1 and 2

The first episode, titled ‘The Blackwater,’ begins with Naomi witnessing the disappearance of her sister Gracie in the marshes outside the settlement of Aldwinter. Cora Seaborne’s husband dies of throat cancer in London. Cora resolves to pursue a new purpose in life after leaving her violent husband. Dr. Luke Garrett, a surgeon, meets her and they rapidly become friends. Luke shares his goal to successfully do heart surgery. Cora’s babysitter, Martha, informs her about media accounts of a giant dragon-like serpent sighting near a village in Essex. Cora chooses to travel to Essex to learn more about the legendary beast.

Cora meets Will Ransome, the vicar of Aldwinter, an Essex village, on her first day in the county. Will finds out about Gracie’s absence from her father, Henry. Luke loses a patient while performing cardiac surgery in London. Dr. George Spencer, Luke’s friend and colleague, advises taking a trip to cheer him up. Luke makes the decision to pay a visit to Cora in Essex.

Cora’s friend arranges a supper with Will in Aldwinter after briefly reuniting with Luke and George. Cora makes friends with Will and his family. While Martha returns to London with Luke and George, she decides to stay in the village to discover more about the serpent. Finally, the villagers uncover Gracie’s body and are terrified that the mythological serpent — an avatar of the devil — is on their trail.

In the second episode, titled ‘Matter of the Heart,’ the villagers ponder the significance of Gracie’s tragic death. Some villagers assume the serpent killed her, whereas Will believes it was an accident and Gracie drowned. Naomi attempts to persuade Will that she saw the serpent. Will, on the other hand, refuses to believe her. Meanwhile, in London, Martha assists Luke and George with an Indian immigrant’s heart surgery. Cora volunteers to teach the youngsters of the hamlet about science so that they would not fall victim to serpent superstitions. However, the class is ruined when Naomi goes into a bizarre trance.

What Happens to Naomi in The Essex Serpent Episode 2? Is She Possessive?

Naomi awakens in the middle of the night in the final act of the episode after a seagull appears in her basement. She interprets the apparition of the seagull as a sign that the serpent will attack her. Naomi, on the other hand, is persuaded not to be concerned by her friend Jo. Cora’s students at school later, where Cora lectures them about ancient creatures. Matthew, on the other hand, is dissatisfied with Cora’s handling of the serpent situation.

The children become interested and ask Cora if the serpent is genuine. She is unable to respond honestly to the children’s questions. During the debate, Naomi chants that the serpent is coming for them. The children make havoc in the school, resulting in an ink bottle bursting and spilling on the floor. Naomi is suspected of being possessed by the children, who believe she caused the bottle to crack. Naomi falls into a trance while the children accuse her. The episode concludes without fully addressing the bizarre scenario in the classroom.

Naomi witnessed her sister Gracie’s death, which may have influenced her mental state. After all, the young girl not only saw her sister’s disappearance, but also discovered Gracie’s lifeless body. Furthermore, she grew up hearing stories about the serpent and its link to the devil. As a result, the stress and grief from Gracie’s death are most certainly expressing in Naomi through these seemingly unexplainable actions. Furthermore, the children’s terror and anxiety at the serpent’s alleged existence contribute to the chaotic scenario, and they assume Naomi is possessed. Finally, the incident highlights Naomi’s delicate mental state while maintaining the serpent’s existence a closely guarded secret.